Unfortunately (except perhaps for Levi Chavez), there has been little movement on the law enforcement front. That's more than likely due to the arrival of several APD officers at the scene shortly after Ms. Chavez' death - even before the Los Lunas Police showed up. Of course, the officers didn't have any business entering a potential crime scene in another jurisdiction but that didn't stop them from mucking up the criminal case from the get go.
As usual in these suspicious death cases, a civil suit is filed and often runs parallel to the criminal case. Sometimes due to screw-ups or incompetence, the civil case is the only way for families to seek justice (think O.J.).
The Tera Chavez Estate filed suite back in Augusts of 2008 (read it here). The suit names Levi Chavez II, Chief Ray Schultz, Lt. Shawn O'Connell, Sgt. Ron Olivas, Sgt. James Silver, and "APD Officers John Does 4-6." (Read the original filing here.)
In a wrongful death suit, the plaintiff's attorney hires their own investigator to dig up evidence to support their case. It looks as if their investigation is starting to bear fruit for attorney Brad Hall and his clients.
According to our Eyes, a forensic analysis of Officer Chavez' city issued and owned computer - the one used in his vehicle - revealed that Chavez had been doing a little research on how to commit murder and make it look like a suicide. In addition, Chavez seemed to be stocking up on cold medicine by purchasing 6 bottles right before Tera's death. Toxicology found that Tera Chavez had three times the recommended amount of cold medicine in her bloodstream.
Is it possible that Tera Chavez had a thirst for cold medicine and that Levi just happened to be doing research about making a murder look like suicide? Sure. But anyone can see that it doesn't look real good to be running around with other women, taking out insurance policies, keeping marijuana on the premises, buying copious amounts of cough medicine, and researching how to make a murder look like suicide.
Remember under our system of law unless you've received a scam-era citation, you're innocent until proven guilty. But in civil cases, the burden of proof is "preponderance of the evidence" not "reasonable doubt" - a considerably lower standard.
What has really gotten us annoyed at this point is that our best information is that Levi Chavez is still on paid administrative leave. We are all paying for Chavez to do, well... nothing. And he's been doing nothing since November 19th, 2007.
The standards for termination at APD are even more difficult to defend than the standard in a civil trial.
The allegations against Chavez don't just include well... murder - they include financial difficulties and insurance fraud. At the time of his wife's untimely demise, Chavez was a probationary officer which means he can be terminated for just about anything. We've said it before, but wouldn't the circumstance of Tera Chavez' death qualify as a reason to send Chavez packing?How long are the taxpayers of Albuquerque going to have to continue to pay an officer not to be on the force when there seems to be plenty of reason to take him off the payroll regardless of his guilt or innocence in his wife's death?
82 comments:
Like it or not the computer hits and the cold medication is nothing more than circumstantial evidence. And how can you "send Chavez packing" when he hasn't been convicted of anything? And FYI it doesn't take much to piss of taxpayers, except Marty's misdeeds of course, that they'll swallow!!
My question is why are all those women related to APD is some fashion suddenly killing themselves?????????
I dont think I have ever heard of so many females officers taking their own lives before? There seems to be a distinctive pattern within APD and dead Officer Wives.
I wonder if the newspaper will look into this!!!!!!
APD has had 3 dead female employees allegedly commit suicide and a fourth try to hang herself over an affair with a Deputy Chief. One could even see the ligature marks on her neck when she came to briefing. (Field Investigator Briefing)!
What's going on within that department. Further, what is stimulus leading to all these young wives deaths?????
Who does this Levi Chavez know. When Sgt Gallegos was accused of running over that drunk lady who laid under his rear tire, Chief Schultz put him on Leave Without Pay. Levi is still being paid, but Sgt Gallegos was not being paid while he was on administrative leave. Chief Schultz also tried with everything he had to get Gallegos thrown in jail, even after the advise of the investigator's who told the chief there wasn't any case against Sgt Gallegos. Chief Schultz is still trying. However, he does not seem interested in going after Levi Chavez the way he went after Gallegos and is still paying him while is is off, looking at possible murder charges. It just does not make any sense.....
Chavez and new wife Heather Hendi-Chavez will representing APD on Memorial Day in our nations capital.
Where is Castro's discipline on having the affair with Debra. Debra likes married men, first larry poci and some others and now Castro. The fifth floor does nothing about infidelity among the department. Trish was having an affair with a married man (he proposed before he was divorced), then they got married. The current P.I.O was having affair after affairs with married men (Ed Sauer, Bill Henz, traffic unit guys. ). Bill Henz impregnanted a PSA and continued to rein as a Commander. Recruiter Crystal Cordova was having an affiar with a married man that influenced the workplace she was transferred for awhile and the man was told not to go to the academy. No one has ever been disciplined.When does it stop? Does Larry Barker need to do a story "Sleeping with the Married Enemy?"
That's bullshit that they send those two to represent APD! An Officer accused of murder and his suddenly new wife!
This blog does not post all comments. Why will you not post all comments that criticize your new boy Cadigan? Do not trust the posts until the publisher posts all comments that do not contain profanity.
Suppose the following situation occured (already wrote Patrick Loner with Saturday Night Live):
A person is driving through a red light camera and decides to write down the license plate number of the guy next to him driving who is also going through the red light.
The two go before the red light camera comittee falsey claiming
through "power through numbers routine" that because both were driving through that the camera was malfunctioning. The Committee member asks about how come the two got together and the accused states
that he just saw the "for sale" sign of the vehicle and had already written the number down because interested in purchasing vehicle. Who would you believe the likely person with the alleged "for sale" sign be:
a. Levi Chavez
b. Levi Chavez and his buddies that covered up the crime scene using "power in numbers."
c. A terrorist
d. the mafia
Hopefully, Saturday Night Live will use this sketch idea and revise a little.
Guilty or not why is he on paid admin leave? Either he goes back to work or doesn't get paid, duh.
This whole thing stinks. Why is he still around and representing APD? Maybe cause his last name is Chavez?
No wonder you cant find a cop when you need one. There all in bed with someone. What a much of loving guys.
Saturday Night Live, your a joke.
Try calling Dateline this could be another drew peterson case.
APD does not have a fraternization policy or an adultery policy. I have heard theat Trish Hoffman (or whatever her name is) has been given the responsibility to devise the policy to prevent PSA's and Officers from becoming unduly familiar along with P2C's and FTO's but nothing concerning SGTs and above with subordinates and civiliams.
Earlier post, all the suicides and attempted suicide were ALL related to an extra marital affair with in the APD
the chief wastes no time constructing SOP regarding tasers, belt tapes, stupid crap. How about seeing that suicides and attempted suicides are all BECAUSE of extra marital affairs. It is affecting everyone.
The Saturday Night Live post was just my way of saying that this subject matter deserves national attention. I had read that Tera was about to turn in her husband and his buddies for stealing a car and claiming insurance for it. Yes, I agree that this story deserves National attention and that Dateline would be more appropriate avenue for a lengthy examination of the facts.
other officers are terminated for allegations less than murder. get chavez out of there. get his new wife out of there while you're at it.
sue everyone!
Not that there is a lot of fraternization but I think this could make a fine academy T Shirt::
APD -- where everyone can donate a kidney to everyone!
I'd blame it on Barboa
If you have an affair and it's proved, you should be fired. Maybe then jobs will be taken seriously. It's law with Military, make it law with APD. Yes, you would lose half the force, but what's more important? People who have morales and values protecting the streets, or cheaters and liars?
I'd blame it on Barboa
May 11, 2009 8:04:00 PM MDT
YEAH, why's that? You must be one of the fowl ups hes fixing!
you forgot to mention all the dispatchers...screwing all the cops.
If you people have proof of something like insurance fraud and murder, then grow a sack and turn the proof in to whoever you have to to get media attention! When are you people going to actually care?
Still Barboa
funny, obviously you have nothing to say. if your going to comment then at least make it useful, too bad you are one of the screw ups everyone else gets a bad rap for! why don't you sign your name, you have balls to put barboa's name on here but not yours? coward!
Here is the reason that nothing will be "done" by APD in regards to extra marital affairs. YOU CANNOT POLICE MORALITY!!!!!!!!!!!! The problem at APD is the lack of effective leadership within the command staff.
Because the Chief is above the first amendment. If anyone voices their disgust, they get blackballed forever and disciplined.
I think you can manage morality. Other departments and the military make it a administrative sanction to commit adultery and to date your subordinates. APD could and should do the same. This is the only way change can come, if Schultz is bold enough to recognize the problem and take steps to fix it.
you are right, you can't police morality, but you can sure scare the crap out of it if it involves losing your paycheck and job and pension!
I think you can manage morality. Other departments and the military make it a administrative sanction to commit adultery and to date your subordinates. APD could and should do the same. This is the only way change can come, if Schultz is bold enough to recognize the problem and take steps to fix it.
May 12, 2009 9:02:00 PM MDT
WOW, you are SO RIGHT! Finally some sense on these posts. Maybe you need to be in charge! You at least have the mentality of what is right and wrong.
It cannot be fixed! As long as there are "badge bunnies" there will be cops who cheat. Cheaters are also regular men and women that don't wear the badge like dentists & bus drivers you name it so don't go mouthing off about how bad cops are!
As for the badge bunnies, who else but them would actually be happy to get pulled over?
so is this baby debra is carrying castros? enquiring minds want to know...
OK I would like you to post one SOP from any police department regarding adultry. Yes the military does it but it is because it is the military and you sign away basically all your right when you become a military member. Not that it doesnt happen there all the time and very few people are disciplined for it. It will never happen so get on with it.
What ever happened to that dipshit LT who went up to Los Lunas with his officers and screwed up that entire crime scene! Talk about one stupid leader. Rule number one is to never go into a scene, no matter what!!!!!! What a bonehead. The city will pay for that stupid mistake. To think, that guy could some day be promoted on up. What a liability he would be! He should have been given days off, but people were saying he is like that Officer Maes guy and is the chief's friend, so nothing will happen to him.
I tell you, this APD is like a little Peyton Place, if anyone remembers that show.
leave Barboa alone! hes still untouchable,,let it go
well im sure levi is having a great time in washington. levi should back pay the city for paying him when hes not working it must be nice to be a stay at home mom
That would be Lt O'Connell who mucked up that scene in LL. That chubby POS was our Lt a year or so ago. Let me tell you, he was a problem back then. The guy thinks he knows everything, but is really an ignorant fat old man. He should just retire and leave. He is Chief Schultz good friend and that is why nothing was ever done with him mucking up that LL case. However, I think he will get done during the civil suit. He really did trash that crime scene. Watch how fast the city settles on that one.
You are right, nothing will ever be done because nobody has balls enough to do something about it and make poliices and rules that should be followed. But remember, everything comes back around and much much worse. So all you cheaters in APD and outside of APD who THINK you are untouchable and THINK you will always get away with it, your time will come, and when it does, remember your high horse you were on about "they can't make it policy" or "get on with it" attitudes. It's amazing to see how many cheaters there actually are on these blogs. You make yourself so obvious. It's really sad what you are doing to your families.
THIS IS UBSURD!!!! HE IS A KILLER!!!Why are we paying for his #$@!%$# salary? And to think that he is going to Washington to repersent N.M.? Who's !@#$!@# idea was that? What a slap in the face. I say..., an eye for an eye!
Rumor in the se is that Barboa's stabbed his team in the back and they dont like him karma is a Bitch.
I JUST WENT TO THE SE AT THE BID BARBOA MAKES HIS TEAM 61 TOGETHER EVERYDAY. HOW DOES THE COMMANDER ALLOW HIM TO DO THAT AND ISNT 61 OUR TIME
Does anyone think about the children involved with these individuals? It's painful to teach our children that it is ok to cheat. They learn from us, they see daddy with someone who is not mommy or mommy with someone who is not daddy. When these kids grow up don't we want them to be happy.
These kids involved, see Levi cheating, Heather cheating, Steve cheating, and unfortunately these 3 will continue to cheat. Sad, becasue these 3 individuals have kids and what example are they setting for their kids. I feel bad for the kids because they are the true victims in all of this.
If you've seen the COPS episode in Albuquerque at UNM with a certain officer doing nothing but running around screaming "crossfire", you know we're not talking about the city's finest.
Watch out with Lt Shawn, he has stabbed several other lt's in the back already trying to get promoted to commander. It's nauseating to see him around Chief Schultz as he kisses his A**
He is one big kiss ass that will take anyone out that's in his way.
hamby was screwing who? lets see, sauer,badway,armendariz,asbury,not henz,and the black and gold (state police) how do you think armendariz got sick? P.I.HOE!!!!!
I always thought Lt. Shawn did a lot of good work while he was a Swat sergeant.
BARBOA AINT AS UNTOUCHABLE AS YOU THINK.
Are you drunk? Sgt O'Connel was a waste in SWAT. Maybe he may or may not be a good LT, but he sucked in tactical.
Besides, anyone who is dumb enough to go into a crime scene and clean it up does not seem all that smart. No excuses, don't go in!
TO: "get over it"
GO AWAY, ALREADY!
What is the insurance fraud about?
leave hamby alone. if she were a guy, she'd be "the man". but since she's female, she has to be a hoe. knock it off! trish was no better and you know it. it's more of a blondes vs. brunettes.
lead by example. if your dc can do it, all is game for the rest of the dept. stop it at the top first.
infedelity causes divorce. it shouldn't cause murder. there is no excuse for levi and heather. get on with the discipline. no one is going to forget.
Oh no, you must be a Swat Officer that totally disagreed with Lt. O'Connel, FYI everytime there is someone new in command there are changes. I know officers for one don't like changes it's the old saying. If it's not broke don't change it, but come on, we all have to change it's 2009 can't stay with the old all the time, Smile you can do it.
I think the LLPD determined it was a suicide and the OMI determined it was a homicide. So if LLPD told them it was ok to clean up because they did the investigation that is probably what you would of done. I do believe LLPD needs more training because Lt. Purdy probably did not have may homicide investigations or suicide investigations under his belt. LLPD should of called State Police if they thought it was a suspecious situation. You really should of been there, would a could a should a.
Oops think it was VCSO not LLPD, my bad, same goes for them not enough training.
To the poster who said "leave hamby alone" well lets see its either renee or someone from teh fifth floor that posted that. Where is her discipline for everything she has done? no where because it is easier for her to get on her knees then to actually work. Give me a break she couldnt even lift a bike, let alone start it. It is sickening the way renee follows her like a lost puppy dog.
Untouchable my a**!!! I agree with a lot of things including all the infidelity that goes on in APD and there are no repercussions, but not all cops have that sleezy reuputation. Barboa is one of those a** kissers, who's karma has been served to him on a platter. His wacko wife screwed him over twice. You see, he plays da'da to the lover's bebe!!! The guy has no morals, no self-respect, and or integrity. If you have worked with him, you know this. No need to keep on blabbing this over and over. What they need to do is put his most recent episode all over the news?
just call dr baden from NY and he will change whatever cause of death you disagree with. Thats what darren white did for lt. parkins. tera chavezs death can be changed and so can monica werleys, it just depends on what dr. baden says. he is the man!
also you have to remember LL det. aaron jones who conducted the investigation in LL has himself been investigated for domestic violence in several police departments he has been in. in fact in one of those investigations he actually pointed his gun at his ex wife. so there you go. furtheremore it was aaron jones who told the apd dicks to go ahead and clean the scene. he then turned around and accused them of forcing their way into his crime scene and quickly destroying evidence. he cant even lie well, in the real world, if there is a crime scene what kind of detective will allow anyone into his crime scene to even so as much as look around. of course you have to remember aaron jones is not the brightest person. but becareful he has a habbit of sueing everyone and every police department who disiplines him.
Well, it's all over the dept!
I understand congatulations are in order for DC Castro.
Wow, now this is no suprize.
So since you know so much about barboa, what's the most recent incident? and what's wrong with someone taking care of their wife and child? that says a lot about that person, what about all the cheaters in apd? their just cool? you are all twisted!
APD a bunch of cheaters, yeah. At hand, who's to say that Heather got tired of Steve cheating and left him for someone else. Steve screwed her best friend for information, rumor has it he's still cheating on his new live-in girlfriend with a dispatcher. Heather had to do what she had to do.
no one else has been disciplined. why would you want to start with hamby? she's not the first and sure as hell isn't the last.
Nadine Hamby is as worthless as they come. Lt Torrez kisses her ass big time and is always trying to work himself a deal like Barraza has. She should have never made it to motors, as she could not and still can't pass the motorcycle driving test. All the motormen know this to be true. Don't think it's true, take her out and have officers with intergrity conduct a true driving test. Not one that involves her bedroom skills. She will flunk. for starters, she can't even pick up the motorcycle. Well, lets see her test. Again, not Lt Torrez who is dying to test her other skill. The Lt will fudge her results, no intergrity there with him. Look at how much he has screwed up lately.
what happend with Castro?
why dont you punks just leave the fifth flood alone if not for the leadership of us (levi anaya, ed sauer, mike calloway) you cry babies would be flipping ham burgers grow up or go away.
APD has a culture of infidelity at all levels. Not every cop is having an affair, but there are cops at every level who have. Schultz can take a stand and expose this and make it a sanctionable offense to have an affair. Or he can continue to to allow this cancer to erode APD. Having seen Schultz for the last decade (as a deputy chief) and now as chief, I do not think he has the courage to act. He will continue to allow married supervisors to commit adultery with married subordinates and he will say nothing. He will continue to allow married officers to have affairs with other people, including married officers, and again he will say nothing.
I am proud to be a part of APD, but this activity makes me ashamed of my fellow officers. Since it has been shown that Schultz (and I don't mean to slam him to hard here, no chief has had the balls to take this on) does not have the courage to address this issue, I believe it is up to each individual officer to rise to a higher level. Do not approve another officer who is committing adultery. If we put the pressure on our peers it will become distasteful for them to act this way.
Remember, how can you trust someone with your back, when they can't keep their word to their family and to someone they have professed love for.
thank you chaplin
Pay attention to the untouchable's last incident. It has been ignored.
http://eyeonalbuquerque.blogspot.com/2009/02/caught-in-tarp.html
FROM WHAT I HEAR THE UNTOUCHABLE NEEDS TO BE FIXING HIS OWN TEAM
To the comment 'from the 5th floor', "You don't lead by hitting people over the head; that's assault, not leadership." - Dwight Eisenhower. There are such examples at APD (including the admin) but they are rare and getting rarer.
Well well, when your own chief is screwing everything that moves it has a trickle down effect-and I am talking about Fired Chief Gil Gallegos!! Ed Sauer, Paul Chavez, and Flowler Johnson-they set the example and it continues with this next group! This has been going on forever but now its so out in the open its really bad. WHY DON'T YOU TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR OATH OF OFFICE! its clear that as a sworn officer you promise to keep your private life unsullied-that means all of you, including the Chief!!! As far a Hamby-always was and always will be a nasty scank! She has no class and is a terrible representation for all APD female officers! Trish has class, Beth has class and Nadine has ass!!
to the comment above shut up
A few posts up nailed it dead nuts on! The rank and file are just following the 5th floor's lead. Such a piss poor example. I hope the mayor fires all you worthless leaders to include your PI- Ho!
You guys had (and have) a great group of leaders... unfortunately they rarely rise above the last level that can be tested for //i.e. Lt.
Not to say they all are great, but darn near 50% of the supervisors on the dept. show real potential. Nothing will change until the organization changes the promotional process for commanders and completely removes everyone across the street from the process will it ever work out to where you have a chance of having a "normal cop" mentality rise to Capt or D.C.
Our dept. has been rife with great (and well educated) supervisors who leave after 22 or 23 years after being passed over by someone who's claim to fame was a family connection or work on a campaign.
the person above you sound like an a** kissing wannabe supervisor. i bet levi anaya or his butt buddy mike calloway had you gulp a lot to send that message
Leadership on APD follows the rule of thirds: 1/3 are good supervisors, 1/3 are average, and 1/3 aren't worth 2 turds in a bucket! Thanks to those that suffer through for their troops!
Not to mention, back in 2003 Crystal Cordova was minimally disciplined for leaving her department issued firearm unattended when her 5 year old son got a hold of it and shot her 3 year old in the cheek. Just a little slap on the hand. She was obviously sleeping with someone
All this talk about infidelity in the upper ranks is very disturbing. However, a commander allegedly impregnating his PSA takes the cake. How the hell can the fifth floor ignore that situation. Does the fifth floor have a secret fund to pay when one of them knocks up somebody. I'm sure the PSA is going to want child support from somebody.
I'm disturbed by the infidelity in the upper ranks, but a commander impregnating a PSA takes the cake. Is the commander going to pay child support or does the fifth floor have the bill covered. Did he get a promotion to Deputy Chief for his actions. Incredible.
I heard Nadine and Asbury were married?!
Is it possible that Tera Chavez had a thirst for cold medicine and that Levi just happened to be doing research about making a murder look like suicide? Sure. But anyone can see that it doesn't look real good to be running around with other womenCheap LOL Coaching
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