CLINTON —
A case against a Clinton man was dismissed due to questions about the credibility of a Clinton police officer’s testimony.
In a Dec. 3 ruling on a motion to suppress, District Associate Judge Phillip J. Tabor ruled the testimony of Clinton Police Officer Pat Cullen was not credible, leading him to grant a motion to suppress and the dismissal of a charge of possession of marijuana against Nicholas R. Parker, 19, 619 23rd Ave. North.
Parker was arrested on July 19, 2012, for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to obey a stop sign, no insurance and no valid registration.
According to the ruling, Cullen testified that he was on a routine patrol on Second Avenue South and was eastbound when a vehicle approached from 11th Street to a T intersection where 11th Street traffic had to stop. He testified that the vehicle turned toward his direction without stopping. Cullen stopped Parker’s vehicle on 13th Street for failure to stop, according to court documents.
When asked for license, registration and insurance, Cullen testified that Parker could not produce an insurance card and his registration was expired. According to the ruling, Cullen observed the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Parker and his passengers were told to exit the vehicle and were patted down. Paraphernalia was found on Parker and a burnt marijuana cigarette and marijuana seeds were found in the cabin of the vehicle, according to court documents. A water bong was also allegedly found in the trunk of the vehicle.
Parker testified that no one was smoking in the vehicle, according to the ruling. He continued to state that he did stop at the sign at 11th and 12th streets, that he had insurance but could not locate his card and that his registration was expired.
Defense Attorney Robert McGee filed the motion to suppress, claiming a violation of Parker’s Fourth and 14th amendment rights.
According to the ruling, the court also heard discussion of Giglio information concerning Cullen. This refers to an issue of a law enforcement officer’s credibility in court. Tabor wrote that the court is aware that Cullen “had an issue with falsifying information in a case before this court.”
“The Court finds that the stop in this matter is based on the officer’s alleged observation of a stop sign violation. The court also heard testimony that the defendant did stop at the stop sign. Based on the Giglio information made known in this matter, the court finds that the officer’s testimony is not credible and the defendant’s motion should be granted,” Tabor wrote. When contacted for comment, Police Chief Brian Guy would not comment on the issue except to say that it stems out of a personnel issue that was dealt with last year.
Local News
December 11, 2012
Judge dismisses case, cites officer’s credibility
- Local News
-
-
Energized savings
CLINTON -- It didn't happen in one day, with one switch or with one person, but through a concerted effort, the Clinton School District has saved more than $2 million by utilizing energy-efficient practices. The Clinton Community School District was
-
Fitness club is expanding
CLINTON — Less than two years after opening, the Iron Horse Fitness Club is more than tripling their space by moving to the former Rodeo Saloon and Feedhouse. Owners Ashley and Brad Gendreau, 31, of Thomson, Ill., will move by August from the locatio
- Clinton avoids heavy storm CLINTON -- Jim Blaess, official weather observer for the National Weather Service, said Clinton County was lucky during Sunday's storms. "We dodged a bullet," said Blaess, adding that the county did not see any tornados. The county did not receive a
- YWCA pushes forward with shelter CLINTON — The Clinton YWCA will no longer receive government funding for its domestic violence and sexual assault resource center, but Executive Director Lori Freudenberg said her organization was prepared and will continue to offer services for vict
-
Planning for the future
CLINTON -- No Kohl's. No casino. No development in the Lyons Tech Park. Less tax revenue. More blight. That's what Clinton officials say the city would have if they hadn't used tax increment financing to attract development. Tax increment fina
-
Clinton law enforcement honored
CLINTON — Members of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office commemorated National Police Week with an awards ceremony and a memorial ceremony to honor those who protect the community.
-
2 finalists named for city administrator
CLINTON — Two finalists have been selected in the search for Clinton's next city administrator: Clinton Finance Director and interim City Administrator Jessica Kinser and Joliet, Ill., Assistant City Manager Benjamin Benson.
-
Jail escapee pleads guilty
CLINTON -- A man who escaped from the Clinton County jail on April 6 will spend as much as 10 years in prison. Kendrell Keith, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to the escape and the second-degree theft charge that put him in jail.
-
Council targets late bills
CLINTON - Business owners won't be able to dodge sewer bills while staying in operation under an ordinance amendment that was approved by City Council members Tuesday.
-
Trying to find a family member
CLINTON — Jean King's heart aches for a daughter she never knew. Christmas time especially brings sorrow and speculation about the daughter she gave up for adoption 36 years ago. "I wonder what she's doing. I wonder if she's successful. I wonder how
- More Local News Headlines
-
