Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board Post Makes Sense

Known for writing nonsense and gibberish; the AJED (Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board) regurgitated public information and posted it in the Albuquerque Journal’s (read it here) Editorial Section. The AJED usually writes a barrage of “tree hugging and extreme liberal opinions.” The AJED summarized the actions of our City Government. For the most part, the statements all agree that the City will cooperate with the DOJ (Department of Justice) probe. AJED is clearly non-committal of the article; the AJED simply put information together for the public.

The DOJ had already initiated a probe into the deadly force actions of the Albuquerque Police Department. Darrell (Mayor Berry) and his other brother Darrell (Robbie Perry) and his other brother Darrell (Ray Schultz) tried desperately to cover up the entire issue by having some friends of Schultz do a review with recommendations. The article states that Perry sent a letter to DOJ along with the PERF report. We wonder if Perry made the same statement to DOJ that he made to the City Council. When the DOJ stops laughing, there may be a list of ideas as to what they will do with the PERF report; kindling for a fire, paper to use under the bird cage, etc…The report (PERF) was returned with the recommendations and a huge bill. The Eye is sure that the City of Albuquerque is paying for someone’s beach-front property.

The City Council made the correct decision calling for the investigation. Public trust is paramount and must be gained and retained at all costs. The biggest question remains; why has the “Darrell Brothers” (Blue-Berry, Straw-Perry and Shortcake-Schultz) tried avidly to prevent this investigation? Here is a reminder from the Eye; the Darrell Brothers do not have a choice in the matter. The DOJ is a federal agency and does not need your approval to conduct any type of investigation. DOJ is the real thing, if they need to come in and rescue APD from corruption; they have legitimate legal authority to do so.

On the brighter side of things, DOJ may not find anything with the current probe and may not conduct a full blown investigation. Chances are strong that some type of an investigation will ensue because of the “culture of corruption” that exists in APD and the failure of the City’s current mayor to respond to the problems. White was pressured out; Schultz should never have been retained and should leave like White. The Democrats are throwing parties behind the scenes in jubilation of Berry’s failures. The new mayor will be tasked with cleaning up all the Berry stains left behind.

This whole mess is going to turn “Berry ugly” in a hurry due to a few “Berry bad mistakes,” such as White, Schultz, Baragiola, etc…The Democrats will be saying, Thank you “Berry much” mister Mayor.

Do You Know Where YOUR Money Is Going?

The last couple of APOA presidents have brought on much disgrace to the Association. For example, one Past President is accused of embezzling money not only directly from the Association, but from fundraisers as well. Another Past President (and current APOA Manager), has been accused of using the APOA money to help his "buddies". For example, there are allegations that he used APOA money to fly fellow officers to Arkansas to help with their criminal charges. Also, he is accused of using APOA money to pay for Calibers Memberships for his friends (civilian and not police officers).

The latest allegation against current APOA President, Joey (Filberto) Sigala, is mind boggling. As many of you know, the APOA was kicked out of the APD Main Police Station. BCSO offered FREE space to Joey in order to give the APOA a meeting area. Joey and his best friend, aka Vice-President, began looking at property to buy. They were unable to locate a building to purchase, so they jumped into a rental building. These two signed a year long lease at $2000 a month WITHOUT the approval of board members, let alone the general membership. What is even more alarming is that Joey and Flip signed a lease and never showed it to the union attorney prior to signing the lease. Even though a Judge ruled that they could conduct Union business on city time, the APOA is paying Joey an additional $36,000 a year and Flip (Felipe) an extra $24,000 a year. That is IN ADDITION to their APD City pay. Ron Olivas (Past President) has been hired at a rate of approximately $40,000 a year (again without full permission from board OR membership). Joey and Flip CHOSE to be in their positions. At a recent executive meeting, Joey made all of the representatives attend a full day meeting on a Saturday. No one was compensated to attend (except Joey and Flip).

Joey recently purchased a high dollar desktop MAC computer for the secretary. There was no need to purchase such a high dollar item, in fact the old computer is set up at the APOA office. Joey also purchased BRAND NEW iPHONES for himself and Flip. There was nothing wrong with their cellular phones, Joey just felt the need to spend YOUR money yet again. Another computer was purchased to allow for the construction of the APOA newsletter. A newsletter that is no longer around, however the newsletter creator has been able to keep the computer for his own personal use.
Joey and Flip have gone on numerous trips throughout the year. We want to know why they seem it is so necessary to go on trips together. Why does a Union President and Vice President have to be gone at the same time and why do they need to go on so many costly training trips? Lastly, and perhaps the most questionable is the purchase of a pool table. Joey purchased the pool table and yet again asked no permission. The pool table is conveniently housed at his residence. The pool table was purchased with YOUR money. We believe that a full audit needs to be conducted and Joey and Flip need to be removed. Bottom line, are you getting your moneys worth?

Time to Say Goodbye to One of APD’s True Hero’s

The time has come to say goodbye to Master Sergeant, Paul Heh. Sergeant Heh has been with APD for approximately twenty-five years, of that time; Sergeant Heh has been a sergeant for approximately nineteen years. Sgt. Heh has posted several times here on the Eye and has always put his name on what he’s posted. Sergeant Heh is retiring at the end of this month.

The officers who spoke to the Eye, with the understanding we would keep their identity anonymous, (due to head hunting of their current Chief of Police, Raymond Daniel Schultz). The Eye understands the officers’ plight, Schultz is known for his pattern of harassment, intimidation and retaliation if an officer ever opposed him. The officers we spoke with gave a very strong praise for Sergeant Heh. Everyone told us he was an honest, stand up type of man. This is a rare quality to find in APD’s management staff.

This type of employee is rare and has become a dying breed. We salute you Sergeant Heh for having dignity, respect and honestly. The officers told us that you have always stood up for what is right, even when it placed you in peril. Your statements at the Albuquerque City Council were profound and respected.

This is just a thought, if you ever want a job; the Eye On Albuquerque would be proud to have you on our staff. Thank you for your service to our community and the citizens’ of Albuquerque!!!

Schultz should be Amongst the Primary Targets in IG Probe

DOJ (Department of Justice) has already started an investigation reviewing claims against APD to determine if they will conduct a full blown investigation. Channel 7 News told Chief Schultz DOJ may come into investigate. Chief Schultz stated, “If they come in, we’ll respect ‘that’ and anything that they ask us to do.” Schultz talked as if he has a big choice in the matter. This is the Federal Department of Justice; Chief, you have no choice. The Eye knows you like to ignore Federal stuff like civil rights violations. Channel 7 News asked Schultz, do you welcome an investigation? Schultz replied, “well, obviously we already have the PERF investigation that’s already been done…” Schultz “hymn hawed around,” it was like watching an episode of “Hee Haw!” Schultz rambled about implementing sixty different things, Blah, Blah, Blah… The bottom line is; if Schultz has nothing to hide, he and APD should welcome and embrace any legitimate investigation.

The Honorable City Councilmen, Ken Sanchez, hit it perfect when he stated to Channel 7 News, “there is a crisis in leadership; in the City of Albuquerque.” Mayor Berry was asked, do you have any concerns with all the controversy going on in Albuquerque? Berry replied, “Uh…Blah, Blah, Blah…” Berry should have just said up front, I don’t want to answer that question and I am going to avoid it. Berry followed the rules for lying or covering-up; deny, deny, deny and make counter allegations. Berry talked about the great job that the men and women of the City do risking their lives for the citizens. He also talked about his fifty million dollar package he wants from Albuquerque. Berry played the game and basically avoided the question.

Schultz should have been a target in the IRO investigation since he lied and stated that there was no probable cause for a DWI investigation. But since “Ray” is a friend of IRO Deaton, he got a free “get out of jail pass.” This was a sloppy investigation at best. Schultz in all probability ordered Beth Piaz to have Walck change the report. Our eyes tell us, Paiz was on the phone and Schultz could be heard asking Paiz, “Did Walck change that report?!?” Paiz reportedly replied, “No Chief, he has not.” Chief Ray Schultz stated, “Have him change that F-(BLIP)ing report!” Paiz allegedly told the Chief, “yes” and ordered Sgt. Wolley to instruct Walck to change the report. Schultz and Paiz should be primary targets of the IG’s investigation, not only for administrative violations but for criminal violations.

If this is true, why would Schultz ask such a question and give such an order? Who ordered him to cover up? Was Chief Schultz ordered to cover up or did he act on his own? All these questions must be answered.

Schultz shared a personal vendetta with Deaton against Walck. Deaton and Chief Schultz attended a meeting at the New Mexico LEA Board in an attempt to have Walck decertified. Their efforts were fruitless; the Board unanimously ruled in favor of Walck. Deaton slammed Walck for not conducting a DWI investigation claiming there was plenty of cause. The problem is Chief Schultz publically stated that there was not any probable cause to conduct a DWI investigation. Deaton still gave his friend “Ray” another “get out of jail free card.” Let’s hang Walck and let Schultz “skate” on this one. This is wrong, very wrong.

Schultz was found guilty of Civil Rights violations against another police officer but was never decertified or disciplined or terminated although a United States Federal District Court found him guilty. Does anyone else besides the Eye wonder why Schultz’ “skated” on this one too but he hounds a 38 year senior veteran?

Deaton should have refused and recused himself from conducting this investigation, however, just like Walck; Deaton was intimidated by his boss. Otherwise, a retired federal judge knows better than to take part in a “political shenanigan.” Maybe that is why it is such a lousy investigation.

Here is one last item of interest. According to the Journal (read it here) RJ Perry, not RJ Berry made a statement to the City Council on Monday, “urged councilors to consider the scope of what they would be asking for. It’s not necessarily a ‘friendly’ investigation to help out local police.” It appears that Schultz may need to give his “friend card” to DOJ. Let us know how this works out for you Chief. The Eye does not believe that the DOJ will honor your card like Deaton did for you.

A DOJ probe should not be “friendly,” it should be legitimate with lawful authority and factual. It is time for Berry to “chop the head off the snake.” The City’s top leadership including APD and AFD need a clean sweep and new executives from outside the current ranks that are tainted.

IRO William Deaton Gets a Vote of No Trust from City Council

The Albuquerque City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to have the IG (Inspector General) Office investigate the incident and circumstances involving former Public Safety Director, Darren White. White stands accused of several administrative violations and a long list of crimes ranging from impersonating a police officer to conspiracy to cover up his wife’s alleged DUI crash. The City Council voiced concerns that Deaton did not have the authority to conduct an investigation on non-sworn officer. Deaton’s findings were released on Friday, July 29, 2011.

The City Council’s vote to have the IG’s Office investigate is clearly a vote of “no trust” for Deaton. Immediately after releasing the report Deaton fled the country. Deaton knew before hand several facts; first, he did not have any subpoena powers, two, he knew that he had a personal and on-going friendship with White, and third, he knew the IG’s Office does have the investigative abilities with legitimate subpoena powers. The Eye sees Darren White bouncing and heading to Suffern, New York to “visit” family “again” now that he is in hot water again. The jester’s court of Berry’s fools has all the makings of a movie. Why would Deaton take off, to avoid being questioned about his poor shoddy investigation?

Deaton knew he did not have authority and should have refused to handle the case. Perhaps former Judge Deaton could have directed the City in the correct direction? According to the redacted report by Deaton, White was never interviewed, why? If White was interviewed, why was he not asked about the criminal allegations? If Deaton did interview White and failed to ask the important and relevant questions, doesn’t that make Deaton and his office guilty of conspiracy and a minimum of misfeasance, but more than likely malfeasance of duty? White was the cause of the investigation, he was at the center of the investigation and he was the primary target of the investigation. Now, how is it possible to clear everyone including White of wrong doing without interviewing the target? And if he was interviewed, how come none of the relevant questions asked, show any facts? On the other hand, how is it that Deaton dumped everything on Senior Officer Walck and then fled the country?

Deaton had a personal vendetta against Walck as did Chief Schultz. Both Deaton and Schultz appeared in Santa-Fe at the Law Enforcement Board several weeks ago in an attempt to have Walck decertified as a police officer on an un-related situation. The Law Enforcement Board in Santa-Fe refused to decertify Walck and unanimously voted in favor of Walck. This left both Deaton and Schultz angry and looking for anything to go after Walck in retaliation. They found their opportunity with Darren White’s blunders. Here again, when Deaton knew this case involved an officer that he held a personal vendetta against, Deaton should have refused to handle the case and recuse himself. Schultz knowing the situation should have voiced an objection if he had any integrity.

The Eye sees another huge settlement coming out of this case. The Eye is sure that Senior Officer Walck will welcome the big money but for the rest of us citizens paying out on incompetence, it is disheartening.

Deaton’s case is riddled with problems. For example; Schultz claimed there was no probable cause for a DUI investigation yet the IRO slams Walck for not conducting a DUI investigation. Does that mean that Deaton is calling Ray Schultz a liar? Deaton’s credibility has been ruined by his own actions and by the vote of no trust. The City should release Deaton from the City’s service. The person, who is chosen to replace Deaton, should be a credible person of good moral fabric.

Bravo to the City Council, especially the Honorable Ken Sanchez for stepping up to the plate and handling business!

Per Our Eyes Request; Regarding the Brad Arensfield Text Messages

Please read below through the links provided. The two links will take you to two of the stories that we ran here on the Eye.

Read it here and here.

Brad Arensfield Speaks out at City Council Meeting

Former APD Officer Brad Arensfield addressed the Albuquerque City Council and spelled out what he has been through with APD and the retaliation he has suffered. Arensfield told the Council that he could not understand how Chief Ray Schultz, who was convicted in a United States Federal District Court of civil rights violations, is still allowed to serve on the New Mexico Law Enforcement Board. Arensfield stated that Schultz is a liar and runs APD with the use of retaliation. Arensfield offered proof from the records provided to him by the FBI.

Arensfield read the record out loud. It stated then, Deputy Chief, Mike Castro, was ordered to do an investigation on Arensfield as retaliation for testifying at a homicide trial involving another APD officer. As a result of the testimony given by Arensfield, the officer who was off duty when the death occurred was cleared. Schultz wanted the other officer fired as a result of the (justified) murder. After being cleared, this opened the way for the other officer to be reinstated with APD. This infuriated Schultz.

Arensfield is set to be sentenced shortly for obstruction of justice in an FBI investigation. Arensfield was convicted of notifying a friend about what he believed was an APD investigation. Arensfield’s son worked at the business that was being targeted. Arensfield removed his son and told the owner about the investigation. The owner stated that he already knew about the investigation because Darren White’s wife had been texting the owner’s wife about the investigation with all the details. White told the owner and his wife that he would take care of all of it and clear Arensfield. According to the owner, White claimed that it was all a political set up. The owner claims White lied at the FBI trial and failed to follow through on his promise to correct the record.

Schultz has lied several times and proof does exist. The question then becomes, why does Berry keep him? "The writing is on the wall." It is time for Berry to clean house.

Arensfield acknowledges his poor judgment but this case does not warrant prison. Knowing how corrupt White and Schultz are, this is a good time to show your support for Arensfield.

Please send either a letter of support for Arensfield or an email. The information is as follows:

Jason Bowles Attorney at Law
201 3rd St. N.W.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102

Or

Email jason@bowlesandcrow.com