Acting Chief Hughes Finally Admits Culture of Corruption in FPD. Set to Resign.
In a stunning reversal of previous statements, Fullerton’s acting police chief, Dan Hughes, today admitted to FullertonStories that something is terribly wrong in the department. Here are some of the highlights:
“When it was just a couple of things that got out we knew we could get by just avoiding the questions and denying everything, or even going with the old ‘a couple of bad apples’ dodge. Goodrich and Lou Ponsi were working like a well-oiled machine. But when new incidents kept coming to light, and coming, and coming, it became progressively harder to cover that all stuff up,” he said with a slight groan.
“I smiled, I stood in front of the flag, I acted indignant, and believe me, I appreciate all you did to help,” he added with a wistful smile. “You guys were great.”
“Finally, covering up just became a full-time job and I knew it was time to admit the obvious: there is a inbred Culture of Corruption in my department, and frankly, I don’t have either the desire or the ability to clean it up,” he said.
“I’ve been with the force for almost thirty years, including running the operations of the patrol function. If anybody is responsible for the sad state of this department it’s me. Rincon, Ramos, Cicinelli, Mater, Mejia…” he said in a whisper that trailed off into a series of quiet sobs. Regathering himself he concluded “therefore, I will resign as soon as another Acting Chief can be uncovered.”
This post just took me completely off guard. I had to read it three times just to make sure I was understanding it correctly….
Is this for real?
I really hope this isn’t a twisted April Fool’s joke.
Wow, just wow.
Hughes stated this? to the press? Where are the trolls? That’s like a Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein exposing Watergate.
One thing bugs me, Hughes admits he was with the force for almost 30 years and that there were others involved in the corrupt state, why’d it take him so long to say something? I would think if he spoke up Women wouldn’t have been molested, Ipads wouldn’t have been stolen, false arrests and beatings wouldn’t be occuring regularly and Kelly would still be alive
oh yeah, you got me april fool
never mind that would be great- God you’re good.
carry on
MJ, I wonder if whatever his name was Esq. is going to come around again with his cease and desist BS.
“…as soon as another Acting Chief can be uncovered.”
JFD – a win for the ages…
I just woke up. Just saw this new post.
No. It’s gotta be an April fools joke.
Where is the FullertonStories article?
I don’t believe ANY active LEO could say anything like that, admitting wrong-doings and cover-ups…
Only after they’ve resigned, retired, been fired or simply no longer an LEO do they ever speak against their police force.
I’m calling BS for now.
That is not totaly true WG. Some do speak out before they leave, then get shown the door, then they REALLY speak out, become a PITA worse than before. LOL!!!!
Actually you survive longer if you speak out, when you show them pictures, their own internal documents someone stole showing corruption or misdeeds.
The catcher is when you can tell them where all their girlfriends live.
L M A O.
“tell them where all their girlfriends live”.
That could cause a complete disaster!
Ha! April Fools…
Thank you for joke. Of course I knew as soon as I didn’t see a link to the story.
I wish!
“Thank you for the joke.”
Yes, it’s true. We are all implicated in the disastrous course followed by the the police department Don Bankhead, Pat McKinley and I have overseen during the last two decades. I can only hope you will accept our profound apologies and immediate resignations, allowing the three of us to perhaps regain just a shred of the dignity we surely do not deserve…
…Hah! AP’RHEEL FOOHLS!! Ah’ gotch y’all theyah’ didn’ Ah? We’all a’ gonna ride this train until it flies raught’ offa’ them tracks, an’ we’ah takin’ alla’ ya’ rubes with us! Yah’ll kin’ pry mah’ parkin’ space outa’ mah’ hammy ole’ hands, cuz we ain’t’a goin’ no place ‘ceptin’ you make us!
You’uns bettah show up with them pitchferks at the reddy, ‘cuz ah’m a-tellin’ y’all ah werked had fer that there parkin’ slot ‘n ah aint a-givin’ it up fer nobiddy.
I got the April Fools part on the headline. The sad thing is that the joke contains more simple common sense then the reality.
Great punchline in the last word of the post!
Its such a sad state of affairs I cannot laugh.
Happy April 1st!
so sad that the only time the truth comes from the fullerton PD is when it is inserted into their mouths as an April fool’s joke.
Soon (or next April 1st spoof) we should be hearing an explaination from Hughes as to why he allowed his six (6) poorly trained police officers who murdered Kelly Thomas to continue working for the next month as opposed to arresting them.
After all, he reviewed the polecam tape “400 times”.
I’m certain HE found ‘No Wrong-doing’ on the part of his officers.
Again he might have very well wanted to take immediate action after reviewing the tape 400 times.
I would hope he saw the problem after watching it twice, but I’ll give him 5 times just to be fair.
IF Hughes was of the mindset of taking immediate action, he was over ruled by Sellers and others.
As most police administrators do, they play the game with the Chief or Sheriff, and keep their mouths shut, even though they know things are going to get ugly.
This alone will forever cast a cloud over Hughes and others head. Will he ever come forth and explain what REALLY happened behind the scenes? DOUBTFUL.
If he did he actually becomes an accessory after the fact in the true meaning of the law, and no I don’t mean the technical aspect of it either.
He admits to giving out orders 15 minutes after getting the call at home, BUT stops short on any further explanation. That in itself only creates more questions.
Any investigator would say, “ok, then what did you do”? Lou Ponsi wasn’t smart enough to ask that question, or decided he better not go there.
It would be nice to know if the DA’s office ever even went down this path and interviewed ANY command staff as to what they did or did not do, or why they didn’t do certain things.
I have said this before and I’ll say it again, Ramos and Cincinelli are NOT the only ones who should be standing trial.
And I am not just talking about the other 4 cops who showed up to assist Ramos and Cincinelli.
There is a much BIGGER political picture here to look at.
Ramos and Cincinelli might very well be part of the culture of corruption within FPD, but neither of them created it by themselves.
We will only know for sure if the attorney for the Thomas family goes ALL the WAY to trial and puts Hughes and others on the stand.
Hughes explanations so far, will not stand in Federal Court. TRUST me.
I dare him to say, Yes I watched the video 400 times and didn’t see anything criminal in my officers actions.
We know that would not be true, because if it was, Hughes himself would/should be calling DA Rack a political whore for prosecuting his officers on baseless allegations.
We haven’t see that have we?
Hughes tried to give Ponsi an explanation about what happened in the first few minutes, as if to demonstrate there was no cover-up.
Unfortunately the cover up started when he went home that night.
And continued on for at least 30 more days.
Exactly FPD didnt have the balls to call the DA and say. You are full of shit Mr. DA. Instead they keep their mouths shut and didnt stand behind their guys. Just like the Anaheim Chief. He came right out and said his officers were in the right. Big difference.
Dang John did you take a few bong hits before you fired up the puter??
Generally not a good idea to front of the DA if you could be charged with accessory to a felony.
I should have suggested a Mexican standoff is underway and neither side will point any fingers.
But I must say the DA probably has more ACES in the hole.
The ACE of Spades would be the FBI!!!!
If you see a tape and see no wrong doing, why do the right thing. Come on it happens alot. The DA is not alway right.
“not do the right “
Only a blind person, a guilty cop, or cops standing in the thick blue line of solidarity would “…see no wrong doing.”
The reason I read everyday. I love how he adds “you guys were great”
APRIL FOOLS DAY! LMAO
Nothing new here. FFFF where every day is April fools day.
Yo, Paulie, wazzamattah? Ain’t yo got no senze a ‘umor?
This on the down low, but I saw Hutchens leaving City hall with McKinley and Hughes. They walked around looking at the FPD station building. They went into the PD parking lot (in the back) and were counting parking spots. Odd….
Perhaps they are trying to figure out how to spend more taxpayer money, painting the building, re-paving and re-striping the parking lot, etc., before the end of the fiscal year.
YEAH RIGHT….APRIL FOOLS SUCKERS!!
Wow, AMAZING! John Doe can read!
Not only that, he had no mispells in his comment.
Amazing John, there may be hope for you after all.
That was great! BRAVO!
Great writing Dog, there are so many great lines I can’t decide which is my favorite. this one is up there…
“he said in a whisper that trailed off into a series of quiet sobs.”
Found this gem to be quite amusing as well:
“Goodrich and Lou Ponsi were working like a well-oiled machine.”
“Goodrich and Lou Ponsi were working like a well-oiled machine.”
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
ewww
🙂
Randall Mohagen is a police officer who resides in our wonderful city who’s PD has been under scrutiny because of their corruption on many levels.
Randy has a diagnosis of “Social Anxiety/Paranoia” which had triggered a divorce of his wife coupled with false allegations of his wife committing unthinkable crimes such a ‘striking a police officer’ ‘violation of restraining order’ and possibly a couple of other false charges. Rember, Randy’s a cop.
He has had great success in the divorce simply due to his income as an LEO which gave him the luxery of paying over $100,000.00 for his divorce attorney.
This very expensive attorney was able to change judges, a corrupt judge who enabled them to request his own ‘privately selected’ 730 Forensic Psychiatric Evaluator (glorified term for Psychologist) who has falsly diagnosed Randy’s wife with a bogus mental illness.
As you can imagine, all this has prevented his wife and mother of two daughters from any custody and limited visitation with the kids.
When I first learned of all this, I completely resented this immoral scumbag of not only a police officer, but father, who’s only motive was to take down his wife, regardless of her mother status. Now that I realize his condition, I feel a bit sorry for him; not as much as I do for her.
I know fully well that his wife has NO mental illness issues whatsoever, but Randall Mohagen does. As mentioned earlier it’s called “Social Anxiety/Paranoia”. He had been taking prescription meds for this condition. Don’t think he still is though.
My reasoning for posting this info on this blog is because I learned (from a source related to Randy’s attorney) that Randy and his attorney spends time reading this blog and questioned Randy’s wife about commentary on here during her deposition.
Well Randy’s attorney (and I will be kind enough not to reveal your name here) if you’d like you can try to obtain my IP address and find out who I am and attempt to arrest me, but good luck on that one.
I do hope I could meet up with you, Randy, your dumb-ass judge, your incompetent 730 Forensic Psychiatrist and teach you a little bit about mental illness AND straighten out your moral compASSES.
Come and get me!
Holy Sh*%!!!
I believe many of us hear know who you are referring to.
Could you be Randy’s wife’s attorney?
Don’t know him, but I can draw my own conclusions watching that babbling fool week after week at the city council meetings. Nope nothing wrong with her but what kind of fool would marry that?
Sooo irrational and crazy, she would make a good TB puppet one day and carry the Fullerton Ricky Recardo vote. A
Your version of the ‘disgruntled cop’ is any former cop that speaks out against wrong-doing of any police department or officer. And ACU does NOT fit that catagory.
Active officers or former officers/politicians like yourself, cannot accept any naysaying of policing, hence you call them disgruntled haters.
Why don’t you give us your version of the ‘full truth’ since you are so insightful.
I’m certain you know who this Randall is and seen or heard commentary from others here about his wife’s grief caused by this guy and his BS nonsense.
Good day RI, 🙂
He’s an officer on the FPD who’s wife trusted SSSSSSSSSSSSharon SSSSSSSSSSSSilva to do the right thing, never knowing that the FPOA is one of SSSSSSSSharon SSSSSSSSSSSSilva’s biggest political supporters.
His wife gets up in front of the City Hall meeings pleading for justice, only to be dismissed and minimalized as an angry ex.
His wife had tried to seek help for domestic violence when they were still married, only to be told by the FPD that there was nothing that they could do for her.
This is due to FPD’s un-written policy of covering up for their officers whenever domestic violence is alleged, due to the chance that these charges may cause an officer t lose his right to use his firearm, which would therefore cost him his job.
To add to this Sharon, the current Fullerton Mayor sticks with the ugly paper written up by authorities that shows his wife has to have monitored visitations with her kids, has a criminal record and whatever other nonsense they came up with to make her look like the unfit parent.
Well, what Sharon fails to consider (probably for the reasons FL cited above) is that this cop husband, who works for another PD (not FPD) set her up with an arrest by using his sister maybe sister-in-law, a deputy from Norwalk to pepper spray her, slap her around and arrest her citing that she punched the deputy first. More false and trumped up charges from Norwalk’s finest for their brethren cop relatives. They did the same shit to me in ’98 becauese one Deputy Carl J. Anna had a physical ‘hard-on’ for my ex, who was also, you guessed it mentally ill with ‘paranoid schizophrenia’.
Wow, WG! I remember that you told us about that several months ago.
Wackos! I too have dealt with many LASD deputies. Some are little…you know…off kilter.
Domestic violence in LE is families is one of the most under reported crimes in the US.
That is a fact, which I can back up if need be.
They (FPD) have demonized this woman instead of trying to help her.
God help them when karma comes knocking.
Thanks Jane for reminding me that I posted some detail on this episode before. I will simmer down .
I only refer to this personal nightmare from time to time to demonstrate historical content of first hand police abuse.
I would like to add that before this Deputy Anna got involved, that I had contacted other deputies from La Mirada/Norwalk who were extremely helpful and understanding with me. In fact one deputy made a special trip to my house to tell me my wife was saying some bizarre things about me in front of our 4-year old who told her to ‘stop talking about my dad that way’. It is too bad family law courts do not accept any testamony from kids 14 and under because they are more honest than most adults; at least my son was and was telling the cops he wanted to live with his dad.
No one listened but I kept fighting and have been a proud busy single sole-custody dad for the last 13 years.
“Thanks Jane for reminding me that I posted some detail on this episode before. I will simmer down .”
No need to simmer down.
I understand. I have my stories too.
🙂
pardon the RI symbol. Just sayin’ thanks again.
Breaking news! ..Former Police Chief Michael
Sellers is planning to return as acting chief of Fullerton Police department following the resignation of acting Chief Dan Hughes.His doctor has cleared him to return to full-time unrestricted duty.He feels well rested and ready to take on the challenges of reforming the FPD.But Hughes has stated that he knows who it is who can truly bring reform to the department.
http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/lead/lyg45w-b78906930z.120120126231255000g3c152tmm.1.jpg
RI/Patrick- You need to come out of the Bell Tower and disgruntle this (or just grunt as usual)-
I heard with my own ears at a council meeting (the one where Gennaco read his report) some FPD loud whispering next to me to another FPD guy that they wanted to nab some woman (turns out that woman was Randy’s ex wife) at the flag salute. Evidently, ex-hubby the po-po, filed some sort of legal paper that stated she wasnt allowed to be in that council meeting as her daughter was there involved with the beginning ceremonies and mom wanted to see it.
Once again RI, you are wrong and you know it.
Court orders are one thing but when your ‘in the field’ cops can do what they want regardless of what the court order states.
Tell me how my court ordered visitation, signed, stamped and sealed by a judge which said visitation was to be at my mother’s residence meant nothing to sheriff’s deputies who insisted I have my visitation at a park nearby her home (in 95 degrees) so they could drive around the park, with my ex and stalk me during my visitation. In fact, when I declined to have my visitation at the park, got into my car to leave, a deputy (my exes lover)threatened to shoot me if I went anywhere.
And in this case at the council meeting, this cops mother had a ‘falsified’ restraining order against her little cop son’s wife and insisted on showing up to the council meeting herself. This was obviously a vindictive move only to prevent the mother, who has been at the council meetings regularly to see her kids once again.
This PD can ignore restraining orders if they want to. NO repercussions against them.
You failed again you Perry Mason wannabe. 🙂
Yes WG I know you had some bad experiences with LASO. That’s well documented. I used to work for LASO. I don’t believe in the Sheriffs system for many reasons, the main one being the brain rot from the initial stints in the jail.
No you can’t sell me on the discretion on a court order. There are no exceptions. If you prove that a court order violation occurred and a cop refused to document or arrest, walk into that judges courtroom with that. I’ve seen several cops locked up temporarily for the same thing. Judges do not like it when anyone disobeys their orders.
I’ve always preached from my first day of being a supervisor that you work in a job with some discretion when it comes to misdemeanors and infractions. But one thing you have zero in is a judges order. That means small warrants also. No breaks. You can cite out on the warrant but you better do what that judge ordered and that’s arrest and cite out at least.
Crazy system.
The point is, why would this mental patient (one of your bros in blue), file this sort of thing in the first place, if he wasn’t trying to be a giant douchenozzle?
This isn’t a digruntled half truth. That’s the point-not whether or not someone needs to obey it-Got that concept or should I break it down Sesame Street wise for you?
No smiley face found for someone bucking their teeth out like a horse, so pretend I put that in.
I explained that. Same reason it happens with people that aren’t in blue. Go to family court one day and sit through the hearings for a day. It’s amazing. All lies and BS from one side and the opposite from the other. Grasping at straws to get the advantage in the divorce or child custody.
By the way, I believe you is what I’m saying. I barely ever see the truths from both sides no matter who they are in divorce cases and DV cases. From nobodys, to stars, to cops. You see it on the news everyday. Attorneys trying to dramatize the cases to gain the advantage.
I do not want to know your reasoning or or anything shooting from your piehole-Im trying to get across to you, and stay with me,
THE ONLY HALF TRUTH IS FROM THAT DISGRUNTLED WACKADOODLE EX-HUB, AS HE’S THE ONE WHO FILED THIS STUPID COURT ORDER IN THE FIRST PLACE TO KEEP MOM AWAY FROM OR GETTING NEAR WHOEVER-POLICE, THE KID, THE MAYOR, BANKHEAD OR …Insert whoever you want, here.
MOM IS NOT THE ONE WHO FILED THIS -SHE’S NOT THE DISGRUNTLED PARTY.
Thank you Merijoe.
He’s gotta get that one. 🙂
You saw her right? I mean she really is nuts. He prolly felt in fear of what she would do just like the Thomas family did against Kelly. Close relationships have passion to them and that’s what restraining orders are for. Judges review the request, issue a temporary one, then listens to both sides in court to decide if it is permanent.
Wrong Guy, the set up you mention may very well be the one involving his mother.
We would have to be blind, naive or just plain callous not to know who the sick cop is. Can we throw in the cop’s mother and add “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”?
I just see no value to this comment or the relevance to the post. It’s just a bunch of gossip which frankly, serves to do nothing but contribute the chaos endured by this family in a private matter.
That’s fine Chris, but considering this post was simply an April Fools joke and nothing more, why not discuss some other on-going corruption concerning this department, supported by the majority of Fullerton council members including the female mayor?
Chris, I agree it’s off topic and of no relevance to the original entry. However, it is not gossip and to be honest, I think it could help the woman’s spirit to see public support. Actually, this is somewhat relevant to the crimes and corruption of the FPD. Several officers have been accomplices in illegal and wrongful acts involving the ex-wife of a fellow cop even though he’s with another PD.
True Chris. Once you get into the he said she said in family calls or incidents, believe the same amount. Nothing more than 50%. They get so heated and so full of lies so this case I’m sure is no different. Half of what she says is lies and half of what he says is lies. It’s amazing what people will do to get a leg up on the divorce or the child custody. It’s very sad to see everyday. Some of their children act more mature than the parents.
Wrong AGAIN RI!!!
It has been documented at FPD that there have been 51 complaints filed by either this Randy or his wife. This was verified by a Sergeant who has been asssigned this on-going dispute.
Guess how many of these 51 complaints were from the wife? 12
That means the other 39 complaints were made by her cop-husband due to his delusional paranoia disorder or deliberatly to ‘take his wife down’.
FPD should be harrassing/arresting him for waisting all of their time with false reports.
But you know they can’t do that to their own, don’t you?
I said a second ago I’m sure there were lies and BS by both sides in this case. For sure. 39 and 12 proves nothing. Just proves what I said. You are saying that for sure his 39 complaints or reports were all made up?
NO. I simply stated he made more complaints than she did.
I would even guess that some of her 12 complaints may have been in retaliation for all his complaints, thereby being frivilous or exagerrated.
39 complaints by a male cop about his petite wife and 12 by her proves nothing? You are shallow!
And u realize each time someone claims a violation of a court order the cop takes a report? It’s up to the judge on the case to make decisions based on those reports?
Yes. And I also realize that judges can be suckers and are often influenced by the police and DA.
I must also add that this Sergeant stated, as well as Captain Hughes, that FPD will do nothing at this point concerning any of their complaints because there is nothing they could do in terms of arrests for any violations.
However, 10 minutes later this Sergeant states that her husband “turned in some video that proves what he said about you” that they’re still investigating.
How’s that for official ‘flip-flopping’. First they decide to take ‘NO ACTION” and ten minutes later this same LEO says they are still investigating a video that the husband/COP buddy has.
Well, they didn’t arrest her on the spot so I’m sure they have nothing on her but what’s important here is the inconsistancy with the cops (including Hughes) statement about taking ‘no action’.
“Some of their children act more mature than the parents.”
So right on RI. Why can’t you be consistant?
sorry reality u feel that way ,I can proof every single false allegation my husband said to fpd to make me look bad.is NOT as u say belive same amount 50 % or half of what she says is lies .i will never do that cause i have morals to teach to my girls .im not like you fpd ,always love to put it in that way oh just 2 battering wife and husband.making lies cause they hate eachother .typical frase from fpd. i have paper that proof the true agains all my husband false allegation anytime u want to see it we can meet together and see who is the lier.just let me know ,i can get the transcripts from court and prove that too ,who is the lier.so if u don’t know all the facts u shouldn’t call me lier .or maybe u are one of those cop from fpd who cover all the ilegal thing my husband did like had me under survillage during a R.O , and place without my knowledge or consent ,cameras and microphones through the formal resident as a mean of EAVESDROPPING on me. place recording devices on the telephones.fpd and randy should be aware that the actions taken byrandall mohagen are considered criminal acts under california pc.630 ET ,as he is employed as a law enforcement officer.and fpd cover up all his actions.and as i say u want to meet with me i have the proofs.REALITY u are far away from the real reality.
Totally disagree with you on this one Chris. I think the woman presents a very valid point when she alleges that law enforcement have been covering each others asses for a very long time over domestic violence issues, and that pervasive attitude needs to end so that the children involved no longer have to silently witness their Mothers or other siblings being abused by Dad, for fear of retribution.
You’ve got a family and kids involved here. You have ZERO evidence of what is happening one way or the other and the utterly unsubstantiated story is being casually strewn about on this very popular blog. The likelihood that those children’s lives are improved by this un-vetted gossip is small and the possibility that this could add additional grief and pain to their lives is not hard to imagine. This story is not about government. It’s about a family. Do and write what you will, but it’s my opinion. Innocent children come first.
What is in the best interests of children is that he be good and safe, How many credible PD evacuations are of Public Record in the last decade or two.
This is why it’s important, IMO, that this incident is revealed.
Hopefully, as THIS blog and KELLY’s ARMY influenced the authorities to do the right thing, as in the DA prosecuting two cops, it can bring
more exposure to the truth so THESE INNOCENT CHILDREN will have a better chance of being in their mother’s custody, as opposed to being ‘mind poisoned’ by their father.
No.
I simply cannot get over the irony that the one here who is mentally ill is a cop, has a lot of money and his wife is the one accused of a mental illness, therefore denying her rights to her daughters and possibly a home.
I think JFA, Lifesavor, and ACU would tell you that all cops have a little bit of mental illness. I think a majority have some level of PTSD. Not many cops would admit it but it’s true.
What has been described above would appear to be MUCH more than “…a little bit…”
“Not many cops would admit it but it’s true.”
That’s quite a statement coming from you. I give you kudos for that.
It truly would not bother me knowing that there are cops with MI, as long as they accept their diagnosis, do what needs to be done to keep it under control and perform their job morally and properly.
Hell, John Nash had a BAD case of schizophrenia but when finally under control resumed his to his productive genious mathematician skills and still does.
I knew knew a bipolar cop personally. The med thing was the most difficult part because it often takes a while to get the right mix, or finding one that works and doesn’t have a million side effects.
He’s now disabled.
Better for the public, I assure you.
To the extent that the point of this April Fool’s joke is to sarcastically portray what the author deems to be a desirable mea culpa by Dan Hughes, I do not concur with the basic notion that Hughes has been maliciously and knowingly contributing to a culture of corruption. I have spent probably a dozen hours discussing both recent and historical events within the Fullerton PD with Dan Hughes and have concluded three things.
1. Dan is both aware of and desirous of changing a variety of policy and cultural issues/problems which have historically existed within the department and desperately needs to be changed. I will not share private conversation, but suffice it to say, I have a better understanding of some past shortcomings from a management perspective.
2. Dan exhibits a personal brand of transparency and honesty (to a fault in fact) which bodes well for our city if we are to succeed in making significant changes in the management of our police department.
3. Dan is very good man. None of us is perfect, but I would characterize his personal integrity as extraordinarily high. I believe that Dan has a better understanding of the facts surrounding all real and asserted bad behaviors by his Department than does anyone outside of his department. However, it is my belief that the degree to which these real behaviors can be ultimately attributed to union and badge protectionism is very high and I would say that Dan’s belief on that point is fairly low. However, we agree on the behaviors themselves and also substantively agree on the difficulties of managing a police department created by laws which were ultimately lobbied for by unions.
It is my current, personal position that it would be a mistake for a new council majority to operate on the premise that since Dan has been in that department for 28 years that he is the wrong guy to make change. I am not 100% certain that we could not find somebody better suited to make change, however, I believe that it is very likely that a good relationship between a new council majority and this very experienced, intelligent and honest man will lead to a Fullerton Police Department that better serves everyone. I think it would be very difficult to find somebody better suited, all things considered. Assuming that Dan Hughes is interested in staying in this role, it is my hope that a new council majority dedicates a significant amount of time and energy working with Dan before making a decision to go another direction.
As an aside, my comments here are separate and unrelated from my interest in simply investigating the possibility that there may be very effective and economical alternatives to our current police department.
I wonder if they’re about to make Hughes permanent. A look at Tuesday’s closed session agenda has this little nugget without any explanation.
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Per Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Titles:
Police Chief, Director of Parks & Recreation
Bingo Vernon. With the Captains being done this move was clear. Congrats to Danny Boy and also your buddy Goodroll.
“It is my current, personal position that it would be a mistake for a new council majority to operate on the premise that since Dan has been in that department for 28 years that he is the wrong guy to make change.”
Hughes is in big-time denial. Apparently you are too. Union problems? Hell, yes. How many years was Hughes a member of the FPOA.
Thompson you really astound me.
You must remember, Chris is a school board member.
School districts operate like Fullerton PD. In other words, if you experience a legitimate problem with a teacher, staff member, VP, or any district employee and thus make a complaint, they DO NOTHING aside from praying it ‘just goes away’.
I Will cite first hand experience with Fullerton district if anyone asks.
Chris knows this considering how long he has been with the school district himself, however when you’re involved so long with that “our people do no wrong” mentallity, it’s difficult to shake.
Perhaps that’s why Mr. Thompson is so ‘cool’ with Acting Chief Dan Hughes.
He could related to this ‘Don’t pay attention to that man behind the curtain’ game.
Isn’t that right Chris?
April 2 Fool: perhaps you’re referring to a time before Chris was on the board. There have been several times he stands alone and doesn’t “go with the flow”. Would you care to cite instances where Chris has been part of this “sweep it under the rug” club? Please avoid assumptions and keep it factual.
I was merely suggesting that since Chris has been on the school board for so long, he may be used to that ‘lack of transparancy’ method that exists there, as it does with FPD.
My example is with Fullerton Joint Union High School District, which is not the same as Chris’ so not worth going there.
It appears you know Chris and I don’t so I will take your word on his ‘standupability’.
Just wanted to say that covering up is a known practice amongst school districts as they are with Sheriff’s and PDs.
That being said, you answered my question to Chris and it sounds like the answer would be a ‘No’.
I agree that the DO (district office) operates like the city, but IMO it is worse because they are SUPPOSED to serve innocent children. I know of two families that have been recently sued BY the district, one case was won, one case was lost. They operate on the “dollar on a dime” theory; waste $50,000 to try to save $10,000. The inefficiencies and cover ups at the DO would curl one’s hair. I Imagine even Chris doesn’t know what really happens at the DO, nor the rest of the school board.
I would love to know the real story on Hovey stepping down, I would bet money it isn’t what is being reported; there isn’t a superintendent on this planet that “wants” to go back into the classroom. Yet another cover-up, I suspect.
IMO, anyone who has been in the police dept. for 28 years gathering salaries, pensions and other assorted perks from taxpayers and has kept silent over the years of atrocities and criminal behavior within the police dept and other extensions of the police, so as to protect their friends and associates isn’t exihibiting good qualities toward the public.
A good and honest personal behavior of the person does not excuse or make it right to never speak about criminal activity or individuals, such as Albert Rincon or those involved in the Veth Mam case.
In fact, not saying anything about these two examples was harmful and put everyone at risk to be molested or beaten or falsly arrested by police and does not look transparent-there are also many copious examples and years of citizen complaints on police officers not being taken seriously, not followed up on or just plain being laughed at. Seems to me someone could have said something to someone in all that time.
Well Chris that was very interesting commentary about Hughes.
I was hoping you might be able to explain this high degree of integrity that you see in Dan, in light of ALL the scandals that have come forth?
ALL these scandals that have come forth can and will be attributed to LACK of proper supervision and leadership.
Hughes was a Captain during ALL of that. OK, lets say he was the good guy out of all the other Captains in the department. THE most honest for sake of argument. THE most ethical.
If that is the case, how many times did he butt heads with Sellers, would be my first question?
How many times did he butt heads with say McKinley and Bankhead, the City Manager say just regarding the Rincon debacle?
If he butted heads with Sellers to often and went against the grain, and Hughes was told to shut up and he didn’t, he’d be shown the door.
If Hughes can show me his personel evaluations where he is counseled on his lack of vision and loyalty to his bosses views, I’ll give him some credit.
YOU CANNOT be part of a system of scandal off and on for 28 years in a position of CAPTAIN and get a PASS at least under the basic commentary that you set forth here.
Up here where I live, we just had a Deputy Sheriff acquitted on misdemeanor charges of failing to report child abuse in regards to a fellow deputy having sex with a 17 year old explorer.
They fired the deputy and prosecuted him for his silence on ONE incident.
Even the judge was scratching his head asking the DA why they were prosecuting this crime, and of course it turns out it was a political prosecution. YES more to the story.
Yes other cops were caught in some serious misrepresentaion of the facts in that case.
My point, a cop was prosecuted for not reporting a crime they believe he was aware of.
Now Chief Hughes has 28 years with FPD and has been in a position to know about EACH and EVERYONE of these scandals and NO EXPLANATION why HE did not break ranks and call NO SENSE on all these other scandals.
We CANNOT set aside Hughes simple comment to Lou Ponsi that “he(Hughes) made decisions within the first 15 minutes of being notified of the Kelly Thomas incident” OKAY, what else?
Hughes has not in ANY way explained the 30 day time lapse before ANYONE was put on administrative leave.
But Hughes takes credit for the Mater incident, and it only took 2 weeks on that issue, Hmmm something just stinks on all that.
Sorry Chris, I don’t buy the Union stuff either, as being difficult to get around when it comes to dealing with dirty cops or problem children. I have forgot more about union matters than I think Hughes will ever know.
But if Hughes can show you multiple lawsuits where the union has sued FPD for whatever, I’ll reconsider my comments on that.
The union cannot stop a police administrator from doing what they need or want to do in dealing with misconduct. They can only defend those bad cops AFTER the fact.
When I see the union back the 3 Amigos with plenty of money, I DO NOT see a problem Hughes might have with the union in doing his job as a manager.
It’s clearly appears they are ALL in bed together.
I’ll close with this Chris. Do you believe that Sammy “the bull” Gravano, the Underboss for mafia don John Gotti might know about the crimes his boss committed?
We all know when the FBI caught Gotti talking badly about Sammy on a wire, and the feds played that taped conversation to Sammy, Sammy got pissed and turned rat and spilled the beans on Gotti.
No many do not know or understand the Hughes was simply covering for himself and worrying about HIS FUTURE and potential moving up to the position of Chief someday by all of his actions.
Self preservation is what it’s called.
Hughes would be a honest man if he just told everyone, “I had to keep my mouth shut” in order to keep my job. PERIOD.
Sorry Chris, your meeting with Hughes was a pleasant one obviously and that good, explains nothing sorry!!!!
And let me be perfectly CLEAR, NO I am not suggesting Dan Hughes is a crook in anyway shape or form.
He is like many police managers, he simply goes with the flow, keeps his mouth shut as required to keep the heat off his butt.
It’s the way they play the game and move up the ladder.
Dan Hughes seems to be an excellent communicator.
Some of you won’t see the forrest for the trees either.
Such is life.
And I submit to some of you who might be under the influence of “Hughes is cool”.
EVERYONE is asking how the other 4 cops got away without being charged in Kelly’s death.
Ya know the saying, “they should have known” or “seen” Ramos and Cincinelli beating Kelly, should have stopped it, etc etc.
Why are you not hold Dan Hughes to the same standards not ONLY on this incident but ALL the other incidents??
THINK about it.
BRAVO, BRAVO, my next donations will be in your name, Thank You, for your always very insightfully beautiful response.
Ive had very very good experiences with SBSO, big big smile, they were very good to crazy stupid people, it was a tourist area, somewhere they probably dont send the really bad Officers, with the money involved and all.
Fullerton wasnt always a place with scary scary police, long a not so young kid told us that if they needed a ride home they could just call the FPD, they liked them a lot!! Sadly this is not the same Dept from what I see personally.
That’s a lot of words, a lot of guesses and a lot of assumptions. Get in touch with me by contacting the blog and giving me a number. Or ask them for mine. I’ll set up a private meeting between you, me and Hughes and I challenge you to ask these questions directly and then re-address your assertions. You say you’ve forgotten more about unions that Hughes has ever known. That’s quite a claim to make in the face of a high ranking, non-union Cop who has managed unionized cops for 3 decades. Maybe it’s true, but excuse me if I don’t accept that at face value. I hope you contact me. I’m not trying to face you down. I seriously hope to use this an opportunity to show that this guy is different.
Chris I was hoping you would say something like that, you will always have my respect for your outspokeness.
Message sent as requested.
Very meaningful progress in Fullerton Thank You All!!!
Could be we will see. I respect ANY police manager who has the courage to talk to anyone under circumstances like this.
I remember what Dan looked like when he was a young child, SHEEPISH. There was a lot of Bullies then. Dont forget he was a undercover Narc, whos partner was killed on duty.
Make the Coke and Pot so expensive, they gotta do Meth and Acid????
21 Jump Street, 2012
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/21-jump-street-2011/trailers/
As recently as 2011, Hughes headed up something called the Fullerton Police Management Association. If not a union, what is it?
Aha. Conrade Hughes. Workers of the world unite!
Don’t be to assuming RI, the good LORD gave me a better than average ability to see through the smoke if there is any to look through.
Again I did not survive a far more corrupt regime than being discussed here because I just got off the turnip truck.
Chris gets 2 snaps up from Patrick Omalley
Very nice McHughes 🙂
A source at the FPD shared some thoughts with me recently. 1) He believes Hughes is a much better chief than McKinley or Sellers. 2) That virtually all of the officers fired or under investigation are younger punks hired by McKinley in their twenties and thirties who don’t care about the department’s reputation. 3) The bad behavior is occurring at night when the top FPD brass is at home. 4) Several misbehaving officers are minorities hired for EEO reasons, not on the basis of merit or character. 5) When candidates aren’t chosen for EEO reasons, nepotism is a widespread problem. He used the example of former City Manager Chris Meyer, if I understood correctly, his step-son is a FPD officer.
Very true Vernon. Having to lower qualifications to fit people of other races, genders, and the disabled really opens everyone up to liability and issues later.
“moderated” lol
and now you all know why I’m not married to an fpd officer anymore! Physical abuse IS covered uo by the brass at fpd, and I would suspect ALL pds period.
Very well said once again Chris.
I do agree, Dan Hughes is not the wrong guy; that would be me. lol
Kidding aside, I’ve also heard others who have had lengthy discussions with Captain Hughes citing most of the same positive charactaristics of him that you mentioned.
The few short discussions I’ve had with Mr. Hughes tells me he is a ‘good man’, ‘good father’, ‘good listener’ (best trait for a high ranking LEO) and sincerely cares about his department.
Im pretty sure 999+% of Americans do not like to be BSed in the Media, “Or I may be mistaken or DISINFORMED”
Its damn obvious, this is a “UNETHICAL” “MISINFORMED” situation, Beside the pretty lady asked for “Help”
“SORRY SUNDAY,,, WIKIPEDIA”
When examining medieval literature, chivalry can be classified into three basic but overlapping areas:
Duties to countrymen and fellow Christians
Duties to God
Duties to women: this is probably the most familiar aspect of chivalry. This would contain what is often called courtly love, the idea that the knight is to serve a lady, and after her all other ladies. Most especially in this category is a general gentleness and graciousness to all women.
“EVIL WHICH WHICH”
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/
What is it you preach about false arrests and torturing citizens?
That it’s unacceptable when proven in a court of law. Have always said that. We aren’t the jury.
Otherwise, it’s okay as far as you’re concerned- so go falsely arrest and strip off their clothes while they stand naked for 8 hours in their cell-it maybe ok if the court says so,
Dont forget they are Sadists Merijoe.
WRONG as USUAL, if you looked at my Comments, its obvious,,, I see evil!!
I butter the shit out of my food, I gotta eat it. Its the only food I got. Imagine all the wonderful beautiful people that just wont move or even go to Fullerton anymore. Someones gotta swallow their BS!!
“APRIL FOOLS”…… to many it might have to be…
In this case, my attorney explained to the judge (or commissioner in family law) what happened and the only thing he said was that the visitations were to be at my mothers. Nothing More.
Although what you stated above should have happened, didn’t.
Should I have consulted a criminal law attorney and brought this to a criminal court judge, or could I have brought it to a criminal court judge myself?
Like I said WG family courts hear so many lies everyday they barely listen anymore I think. They just let both sides speak and if any question it’s 50 50 or neutral location. It’s a lose lose for everyone. But with so many lies all the time it’s impossible to determine truths.
Wait a minute.
In your earlier comments, you insisted the judges will have none of that, in reference to cops aiding someone in violating a court order.
Now, where are you going with that comment?
Or is that your way of admitting you were Wrong?
No. I’m saying that in many cases it’s impossible to figure out who is lying and who is telling the truth. Many times in family court people both say each person did all kinda of bad things and violations. No way to prove it. He rules as he believes is best because no facts are proven. Right? Proving truths is a hard thing to do. Just like in Fullerton cases here. Some proven, others half truths and never proven.
And, as I stated earlier, I had/have the court order stating specifically WHERE and when the visitations were to take place, showed it to the officers at the park and they still insisted on having the visitation where my ex wanted it.
Then told the judge who did nothing.
This is not about couples lying in a divorce court; it’s about cops violating a court order. (Stay on topic).
Now, why do you think the judge didn’t bother disciplining the deputies?
And please don’t go with your off topic replies.
No clue. Very odd. Never heard of a judge doing that. He obviously thought you were lying? If all true, policy and law violations on the deputy and judge violations too.
BTW, this judge was Commissioner George Taylor from Rancho Cucamonga who was assassinated at his home, believe it or not on the same day of one of our divorce hearings.
Of course, SBDC detectives interviewed me as they did everyone else in court that day but still to this day haven’t caught the murderer(s). Some say it was a professional hit by the Mexican mafia. ??? Crazy times!
38th Birthday Celebration
To Honor Kelly Thomas
At the Fullerton Train Station.
Thursday April 5th 6PM to10PM
Banner
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=347319325318901&set=o.143625092385854&type=1&theater
Someone asked me, who is a bigger fool the fool or someone arguing with a fool, I still argue.
Dont forget he is a Gestapo propaganda Minister!
(sing to the tune of Ghostbusters)
Where are you gonna go when your cities finest are beating up and killing your neighbors… FullertonsFuture.org
According to retired FPD officer Phil T. O’Brien, a FPD captain’s wife called the FPD in the early 1960’s to report that her husband had tried to kil her. The police responded and brought her to the hosiptal. Police supervisors dismissed the responding officers and took control of the scene. They later called the crime investigator back in and directed the activity of the investigator. The incident was listed as a “home accident”.
The wife recovered, but was later found dead of suspicious circumstances, as was one of the captain’s two ex-wives.
Source, “Bullets, Badges, and Bullshit” by Phil T. O’Brien. Chapter three, “A Cover-up”.
HOLY SHITT!!!
Correction. It was the wife of the owner of a local ambulance company, who hung out with the police brass.
I was listening to Jack FM 93.1 today, I think a little before noon when “Jack” came on with one of his quips. He said, “Today is April Fools Day. Give it your best shot, all you from Fullerton.”
Makes you wonder who is writing those quips for Jack.
Either you are dillusional or the radio guy is 🙂
OH BOY!!!!! I remember that case big time. Still an unsolved homicide to this day.
Sergeant Bobby Dean worked that case like no other.
Another humerous side note to this was my ex, who was beyond gone (upstairs) told the detectives I, Wrong Guy, drove to Vegas that night it happened (truth). She followed up by saying Rancho Cucamonga is on the way to Vegas so ‘he’ probably did it. (Beyond laughable for even the detectives)
/29/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE #032912
Subject :
Fullerton Police announce promotions
Contact : Dan Hughes, Acting Chief, Fullerton Police Department (714) 738-6840
Fullerton Police Acting Chief Dan Hughes announced the several promotions today (March 29).
Chief Hughes said that Lieutenants George Crum will be promoted to the rank of captain effective this Saturday. Lieutenant Lorraine Jones will be promoted effective this Sunday.
The other promotions are: Sergeants Andrew Goodrich and Mike Chlebowski will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Corporals Tony Rios and Rob James will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. And Officers Thayer and Valdiserri will be promoted to the rank of Corporal
Jones has been with the city 26 years; Crum, 25; Chlebowski, 22; Goodrich, 21; James, 20; Rios, 16; Valdiserri, 6; and Thayer, 5.
http://www.cityoffullerton.com/civica/press/display.asp?layout=1&Entry=2628
Gee, Chris Thompson says Hughes is a greg guy. Looks to me like it’s business as usual.
This will sure piss off some FFFF peeps. Yikes.
You sure got your nose up Hughes’ ass, if your not Hughes himself. Goodrich?
I’m getting you figured out pretty well . 🙂
Reality Is = Reality Illogical
Incorrect. It is business as usual, perfectly predictable and indicative of serious institutional corruption.
Whoever said that crime doesn’t pay and that cheaters never prosper has never been to Fullerton.
OMG. I am speechless….for once. There is a name on this list that has me absolutely flabbergasted. This is proof nothing will change at Fullerton. we are screwed, blued and tattooed.
Breaking news! ..Former Police Chief Michael
Sellers is planning to return as acting chief of Fullerton Police department following the resignation of acting Chief Dan Hughes.His doctor has cleared him to return to full-time unrestricted duty.He feels well rested and ready to take on the challenges of reforming the FPD.