OK Mr. Deputy, bring it on.
Posted on 10/24/2003 10:19:00 AM PDT by BBell
Sheriff investigating golf-course hijinks
By DONNIE JOHNSTON
Date published: 10/23/2003
A Fauquier County sheriff's deputy has resigned and two others have been "severely" disciplined after they allegedly shot up a golf cart during a tournament at a Culpeper County golf course last week.
Culpeper County Sheriff Lee Hart confirmed yesterday that his office is conducting a criminal investigation of the incident and will let Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Close decide whether to prosecute.
The alleged shooting occurred on Monday, Oct. 13, during a birthday celebration for the wife of one of the officers at South Wales Golf Course near Jeffersonton, Fauquier Sheriff Joe Higgs said yesterday.
"On Tuesday morning, I was made aware of some improper conduct that was probably alcohol-related," Higgs said, adding that those involved were immediately suspended.
"An administrative internal investigation was conducted and, as a result, one deputy has resigned and two others have been severely reprimanded in a manner that will cause them tremendous financial loss," Higgs continued.
He said a fourth employee, a command staff deputy, also was reprimanded.
He did not identify the deputies involved.
Higgs said he conducted what is called a Garrity interrogation of the deputies, which means they must either answer his questions or face job termination. Any evidence gained through this process, however, cannot be used in a criminal prosecution because those accused did not have the right to counsel when interrogated.
Although the incident is still under investigation, Hart confirmed that "there was some shooting involved" during the golf tournament and said his office intended to pursue the matter.
"I look at this as [I would] any other case," he said.
Higgs said he understood.
"Sheriff Hart and I think along the same lines," he said.
"I want to apologize to my county for their actions," Higgs, who is in the middle of a political campaign, continued, adding, "I am being open about this because I do not want politics to play a role in this matter."
Higgs said that no injuries occurred as a result of the incident, and that restitution would be made for all damages.
Close said late yesterday that his office will study the evidence before possibly filing charges.
"I am awaiting a report from the Sheriff's Office before making a prosecutorial decision," he said.
To reach DONNIE JOHNSTON: DJohn40330@aol.com
Date published: 10/23/2003
"If you ever walk into a bar and see a bunch of cops drinking, turn around and walk right back out."
Higgs said he conducted what is called a Garrity interrogation of the deputies, which means they must either answer his questions or face job termination. Any evidence gained through this process, however, cannot be used in a criminal prosecution because those accused did not have the right to counsel when interrogated.
A very nice method of making any testimony against the officers inadmissable in criminal proceedings.
"Gerrity" must be the name of the union lawyer who invented the technique.
FMCDH
Apparently the deputies took the term "shotgun start" a little too literally.
OK Mr. Deputy, bring it on.
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