Spokane7
67°
November 2, 2011 in News, City
Thompson convicted on both counts
Spokane police officer Karl Thompson exits the William O. Douglas Federal Courthouse in Yakima, Wash., Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 1, 2011, after the first day of jury deliberation in his excessive force trial.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
YAKIMA - A jury today convicted Spokane Police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. of needlessly beating Otto Zehm and then lying about it to cover up his actions.
The verdict comes five years and seven months since Zehm’s life ended and growing questions of police accountability began.
Prosecutors are expected to seek a prison term of six to eight years, arguing that Thompson was in a position of trust and that Zehm, who was schizophrenic, was particularly vulnerable.
“We are greatly relieved, the jury performed its duty,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Durkin, who oversaw preparations for the federal case. “It’s not something we take any joy in. But it’s a very important case and we still have a lot of work to do.”
Despite the criminal conviction, U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle allowed Thompson, 64, to remain free despite a request by federal prosecutors to immediately detain him, which is mandatory for violent crimes.
Late today, Durkin filed a motion seeking to hold an 11 a.m. hearing in Yakima that would be video-linked to Spokane. The motion seeks to have Thompson detained until his sentencing, which Van Sickle did not immediately set.
In court, defense attorney Carl Oreskovich argued against Thompson’s arrest, saying the case “involved the use of force, but I do not believe it is an act of violence” that would trigger mandatory detention. In 2009, Thompson posted a $50,000 signature bond following his indictment. Today, he declined several requests for comment following the verdict.
Oreskovich said appeal options will be considered after a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
“I am surprised and stunned by the outcome of this case,” Oreskovich said. “We believe Officer Thompson is an innocent man. We are going to keep fighting for him. This is a devastating day for him and us.”
Jurors declined comment as they left the federal courthouse. One said they had decided as a group to decline post-verdict interviews.
In Spokane, Mayor Mary Verner said today she’s hoping the verdict will enable the community to begin healing after years of divisive debate over the fatal Zehm encounter.
“This tragedy has torn us apart,” Verner said. “As we reach closure I hope that we’ll think first and foremost of the people whose lives were changed on that day in 2006 and that we will rally together as a community.”
Paperwork terminating Thompson’s employment with the Spokane police force is being prepared, said Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. Although internal investigations into the conduct of other officers on the force are possible, the chief said she won’t initiate any until federal authorities advise that their investigations into the department are complete.
Kirkpatrick said she would attend all police rollcalls over the next 24 hours.
“We’re going to heal,” Kikrpatrick said. “Much of my role is like a parent. I am here to serve them, care for them and direct them. We’re going to reset our button. We’re going to move forward, and we’ll let the healing process take its natural course.”
A federal grand jury reportedly is considering criminal charges against at least one other Spokane police officer in connection with the Zehm case, and in court this week U.S. prosecutors openly described what they consider an attempted coverup involving various officers.
Back in 2006, police rebuffed any questions about the fatal confrontation, insisting for months that Zehm was the aggressor and that Thompson was forced to defend himself and others from an out-of-control robbery suspect. The city and Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker also fought attempts by news organizations to obtain copies of the convenience store security video, relenting only after The Spokesman-Review advised it was preparing to sue under government accountability laws.
Spokane Police Acting Chief Jim Nicks insisted Thompson had followed proper police training and procedure, statements he later reversed when questioned by federal investigators.
Community reaction to the case intensified in July 2006 when police officials finally showed the surveillance video which showed Thompson advancing on a retreating Zehm.
The video did not show any lunge or any of the aggressive behavior described by Thompson in his tape-recorded interview on March 22, 2006 with Detective Terry Ferguson.
The FBI started its own probe about the same time Ferguson wrote a report saying that she found no evidence of excessive force.
As a result, details began leaking out of how Ferguson and fellow detective Mark Burbridge either omitted or inaccurately documented witness statements that Thompson had hit Zehm in the head, which would constitute unjustified lethal force.
Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker used the FBI investigation as justification for withholding a charging decision in state court. Tucker said at the time that he wanted to see the evidence gathered by federal agents.
As the federal criminal investigation continued - which ultimately led to Thompson’s indictment for using unreasonable force and lying to investigators - attorneys for Zehm’s estate and his mother filed a federal civil rights lawsuit.
That case was put on hold by U.S. District Court Judge Lonny Suko until the conclusion of the criminal case after concerns of conflict of interest were raised by federal prosecutors who claimed in court documents that Assistant City Attorney Rocky Treppiedi and others were using information in the civil case to assist Oreskovich in the criminal case.
Breean Beggs and Jeffry Finer, who represent Zehm’s mother and estate, previously said that they had tried to negotiate a settlement that would include monetary damages, an apology and a plan for changes for the way police interact with mentally ill people.
But Treppiedi and Oreskovich authored a 56-page response in 2009 that said Zehm was at fault for his own death.
“Any injury or damage suffered by Mr. Zehm was caused solely by reason of his conduct and willful resistance,” they wrote.
(Watch for continuing online updates and for complete coverage in Thursday’s edition of The Spokesman-Review.)
Recent stories by Thomas Clouse
Recent stories in News
Gay marriage foes: ballot measure has enough signatures May 30, 2012 6- 1992 murder trial begins against sex offender May 30, 2012 1
- Supermajority for taxes unconstitutional, judge rules May 30, 2012 17
- Man dies following early Saturday car crash May 30, 2012 14
- Sex trafficking suspects released as probe continues May 29, 2012 7
JBlim on November 02 at 2:48 p.m.
Way to go, officer Thompson.
Ed Byrnes on November 02 at 2:48 p.m.
Apparently when comparing the video tape to the offender’s testimony the jury arrived at a conclusion informed by evidence.
This is a good day for justice and the people of Spokane.
Once this offender is sentenced we will know the true measure of justice in our community.
Ed Byrnes
PlanB on November 02 at 2:51 p.m.
Yes!
Charlie on November 02 at 2:54 p.m.
Can we get a big Amen?
misjustice on November 02 at 2:57 p.m.
AMEN!
Justice for Otto!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 2:59 p.m.
Please understand it’s not over. It just makes it a little easier. There is one hell of a lot of work to do.
de3 on November 02 at 2:59 p.m.
The police officers who all changed their Facebook photos to Thompson’s badge # have embarrassed the community. Corruption and cover ups are bad. But then rolling around in the dung makes it only smell worse.
When will the rest of the corruption in the PD and City Hall be investigated?
wcougars on November 02 at 2:59 p.m.
That lying sack Moses needs to be next. They should nail him for willfully lying at this trial. He needs to take his disgusting loser self and be gone.
zelda on November 02 at 3:02 p.m.
Wow. I have gotten so cynical I never expected this outcome. Makes me wonder if a Spokane jury would have come up with the same verdict.
So now I guess the case goes to appeal and maybe if we’re lucky the 9th Circuit will refuse to hear it.
So, in earthquake terms, this is the P wave. What will the S wave be within the SPD and city hall?
Meanwhile, SPD can put away their preventative riot gear and call off the dogs.
Ed Byrnes on November 02 at 3:02 p.m.
I stand with Brian that there is still much work to be done.
Among other things we need to follow the cover up to wherever it ends and hold law enforcement and civilian municipal leaders accountable for this debacle.
We also need to push the issue of credible, transparent, independent and accountable police oversight that directly includes civilians, lest more cases like this continue to occur.
Celebrate this victory for justice, just not to the point of complacency about the larger issues involved.
Ed Byrnes
indiethinker on November 02 at 3:05 p.m.
A boost of faith in our justice system and rule of law. Please support candidates that advocate for a strong policy ombudsman so that this type of whitewash may not occur in the future.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 3:06 p.m.
Hal-Eh-Lu-Ya!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:06 p.m.
Ed,
Now just maybe, I won’t be on my own!!!!!!!!!!!!
valleyman on November 02 at 3:07 p.m.
The jury has spoken and justice is served. My hope would be that the community can begin to heal and that if further indictments related to this are forthcoming they are sent down quickly so this shameful chapter can be closed.
Glad to admit I was WRONG regarding a hung/not guilty verdict.
Shadedmuse on November 02 at 3:07 p.m.
this is a travesty of justice and joke, their is only ONE just verdict in this sjham of a case its NOT GUILTY. may the jury burn in hell with Ottoa the crazed maniacfor ruining a man life and career.
Sunshinegurl on November 02 at 3:08 p.m.
Hugs to the Zehm family I hope the remainder of their fight ends as well as this has.
horse_feathers on November 02 at 3:09 p.m.
More JUSTICE is coming
beware SPD, Mayor & City Attorneys
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:10 p.m.
@valleyman
I would expect your help. Long way to go. Need some perjury indictments.
Itsgodswill on November 02 at 3:10 p.m.
YES! I also had become to pessimistic our justice system that I figured he would get away with it completely or at least with minimal repercussions. Regardless of what work is left to do, this is a huge victory that is well worth celebrating. I don’t care who you are or how you feel about the case, no innocent person deserves to die, especially at the hands of a person who is employed to “serve and protect” the community. Some people starve for power and when they have it, they abuse it. Karl Thompson did just that, abused his power as an officer. Now I can only hope that he rots in prison.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 3:11 p.m.
R.I.P., Otto Zehm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56061317346&v=wall&viewas=0
READER27 on November 02 at 3:11 p.m.
One for the good guys
zelda on November 02 at 3:12 p.m.
Calling it a whitewash is too kind. It was a corrupt cover-up and people at many levels conspired to try to make the circumstances of Otto’s death go away.
Thanks go out to the concerned citizens, the news media and honest public servants who would not let this case fade away. It was a long journey to justice.
valleyman on November 02 at 3:13 p.m.
@brian: How is it that I can help?
Ron_the_Cop on November 02 at 3:14 p.m.
Justice finally comes to spokane. Yep id be watching for jumpers from the top floor of City He’ll oops City Hall:-)
READER27 on November 02 at 3:17 p.m.
@ Shadedmuse
explain how exactly he was a “crazed maniac”? If he was retreating, how is that classified as a ‘crazed maniac”?
My prayers to Otto Zehm and his Family. Aswell as prayers for Karl Thompson family who have been suffering through this as well.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 3:18 p.m.
Officers Steve Braun Jr., Jason Uberuaga, Erin Raleigh, Dan Torok, Zach Dahle, and David Voeller reportedly arrived to help with the hog-tying.
I wonder if they’ll get any time off.
jddavis on November 02 at 3:22 p.m.
Nice!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:23 p.m.
@Zelda
I followed this real close, and had an understanding of what Judge Van Sickle was doing. I think its bullet proof. The defense got nearly everything they asked for.
tomnsahl on November 02 at 3:25 p.m.
Everyone …
B R E A T H E !!! The verdict vindicates the truth only, NOT those who have opined (usually incorrectly) here, without knowing all the facts that the jury considered.
Thanks to the jurors for a very hard job well done.
Still & always “With Liberty and Justice for all”
READER27 on November 02 at 3:26 p.m.
@Shadedmuse
Apparently, you have no idea what praying is for.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
However, Officer Thompson WAS found GUILTY in a fair trial among his peers.I think you sense in how our justice system works is just as skewed as your ideas of what a Christian is.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:27 p.m.
@Blonde
I believe Erin Raleigh told the truth as knew it.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 3:27 p.m.
Now you can have all the Snickers you want, Otto.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:29 p.m.
Oh for crying out loud “shademuse is a 27 year old kid with a whole bunch of problems ignore it.
dataxman on November 02 at 3:31 p.m.
Would have lost that bet. I do wish he had been taken into custody immediately so he could spend a few days in jail before the appeals court cuts him lose…
The flip side is - we better dust off the checkbook as this one will be expensive. I only wish there was a way to take away retirements benefits from convicted felons.
Oh, and shadedmuse - I realize you are just a troll and take whatever side will get a reaction - but in this case try and have a modicum of decency. I know it is probably hard, but give it a shot - plenty of other stories to go fishing on…
inflames17 on November 02 at 3:31 p.m.
It would be great to think that people like “Shadedmuse” (look above) didn’t exist, but unfortuneately they do. How you could not see the brutality in what happened to Otto is beyond me. If you don’t see a problem, then you are part of the problem. At least those dirty cops didn’t get a chance to cheer in court like the did when Jay Olsen got his free pass for shooting Shonto Pete.
READER27 on November 02 at 3:32 p.m.
@brianrbreen
Haha! Sorry, I have to laugh as I am a 28 yr old woman. (with not so many problems) I guess women really do mature faster!
zelda on November 02 at 3:32 p.m.
Does anyone know where/when sentencing will occur?
@brianrbreen — Thompson can still be free pending appeal, right? Or is he remanded into custody immediately after sentencing? I tend to think that an appeal is almost automatic, even in an air-tight case. It doesn’t mean he’ll win the appeal.
I wonder if he’d be considered a flight risk prior to sentencing.
mattsuth on November 02 at 3:33 p.m.
@ Shadedmuse
This guy has no idea….one man on an island can yell but we don’t hear him. He is obviously ignorant and uneducated on law, which means he’s probably a member of the SPD. The only hell bound is someone with a mind like yours shadedmuse!
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 3:36 p.m.
Thanks, brian. I was reading the charging document today when I saw those names. I don’t live in Spokane and I did not hear about this death until just a few months ago.
I have two siblings who are severely mentally and physically handicapped. My family would be devastated if anyone ever brought harm to them. Shame on your police department, Spokane.
gmgoody on November 02 at 3:37 p.m.
JUSTICE - finally!! Now the firing should begin from the top down… Prayers for Otto’s family. :)
richie on November 02 at 3:39 p.m.
I was also wrong about what the outcome would be, but the feeling I had watching the video is probably the same one the jury had. I don’t know what kind of cop Thompson was before this incident, but I could plainly see what kind of cop he was at that moment, and beyond. The judge stacked the deck the best he could against Otto.The vid said it all. R.I.P. Otto and THANK YOU JURY…. LOVE, SPOKANE.
ericdx on November 02 at 3:39 p.m.
Too bad that this is justice delayed, and will be delayed further, as the defense is going to appeal. I just hope that by giving the defense pretty much everything they asked for, that the Appelate Courts look at this and go “You were given the rope, you hung yourself” to the defense.
For the Zehm family, this cannot even begin to atone for the pain you have felt, but at least now you know that there is a true possibility of Justice for you and Otto.
To Shadedmuse, why dont you take your blindly cop worshiping self away. You must be a friend of Klubber Karl to feel the way you do.
I wonder how much more of SPD and the DA’s office the feds are going to crawl into. They found one bad apple, now it is time to examine each apple in the bushel that is SPD and the DA’s office, and find the rest (starting with Rocky, Tucker, Wanna be Queen Verner, and the upper chain of command at SPD.)
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 3:39 p.m.
QUIT ACTING LIKE A TROLL, SHADEDMUSE.
My sincerest regards to the loved ones of Otto.
An important battle has been won. There is much more to be done.
Tucker is no doubt puckering right now. He’d better get off the stick and charge Klubber and the others that murdered Otto. And be damn quick about it, golf season is OVER, you twit.
Kudos to the Federal Attorneys who handled this quite well in the face of difficult situations.
I WANT THE NAME OF EACH AND EVERY LEO THAT CHANGED THEIR FB TO 505 IN SUPPORT OF KLUBBER.
nslopeofw on November 02 at 3:41 p.m.
One down (the main one), now its time to burn the lady cop who lied, Moses, and all the cover up gang including the mayor. Oh, and fire the city’s lawyer. He needs to be disbarred, as well.
Next up………….justice for the Dodd family. Perhaps the feds will review all of the “justifiable” killings by cop in Spokane for the last ten years or so. Be some squirming, there, eh?
Now its time to have a review board of Spokane citizens, who are non-law enforcement, elected by the citizens (every 2 years) and not appointed by the corrupt local government. They can have oversight for the Spokane city police/Sheriff dept., with recommendations that actually are implemented. After all, we do pay their salary, and if they are against citizen oversight, then they can work elsewhere.
Lewis on November 02 at 3:43 p.m.
alright thank god, there is justice for Otto!!
Thank you Juries for seeing the truth.
Thompson I hope you like prison, yahoo lets all go celebrate!
GDodd on November 02 at 3:43 p.m.
whats next?
Thayne on November 02 at 3:43 p.m.
Yes! This is a great first step. Now the rest of the posse that was there that night sitting on Otto and everything else they did that led to his death need to be brought up on charges. It’s sad that there wasn’t one officer at the scene with a backbone to say something that could possibly have saved Otto. Officer Tomnsahl what makes you the expert to say that others commenting on earlier blogs about this trial were incorrect? Everyone (even Ozzie Valley Man) have a right to their opinion. Fortunately the jury was able to see past the load of BS that Oreskovich and all of his “expert” testifiers were slinging around.
LAMom on November 02 at 3:45 p.m.
505 - is the number of months that killer karl thompson will spend in jail!!! Justice has spoken.
valleyman on November 02 at 3:46 p.m.
@nslopeofw: What’s the call for “justice” for the Dodd family? Was there a video that proved the deputy was lying? Was there witnesses that the deputy was lying? Is there ANYTHING at all other than the family members hooting and hollering for “justice?”
The feds took this one because the EVIDENCE didn’t add up to what the locals authorities did. The Dodd family website isn’t evidence and should not be looked at in that manner. As such, with none of this in existence, the Feds won’t be looking into Dodd, I can almost guarantee that.
Focus on the Zehm issue… There’s plenty of think there to satisfy those of you who see police conspiracy with all branches of law enforcement…
GDodd on November 02 at 3:46 p.m.
I think i’ll have a beer.RUSTIN OLSEN get ready your next.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 3:51 p.m.
I wonder what Steve “The Cops Never Lie Or Make Mistakes” Tucket is thinking right now? Assuming of course the Globe Tavern has its television on.
GDodd on November 02 at 3:53 p.m.
@valleyman you still think that Karl not guilty.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 3:53 p.m.
@tomshahl
Well said, but leave it alone, that ‘s the way it is and always will be. Until people understand. People can call you whatever they want. They can spit at you. They can call you names. They can threaten you, or suggest snipers. Question your man or women hood. Throw sh#t at you. Do pretty much whatever they want to belittle you. The real sign of a good cop is you take it and live with it. You don’t try and kick the sh#t out of them, you understand that you are better then that.
Nor do you ever put yourself or what you honestly perceive to be your safety above the law or what is right, no matter what the consequences.
Lewis on November 02 at 3:57 p.m.
Valley man stop being the teacher paddling hands lets see some justice for Dodd!!!
I want to see Dan Torok go to jail after he helped kill Otto he went out a month later and murder a homeless man.
de3 on November 02 at 3:58 p.m.
When does the SPD take Thompson off of paid leave or whatever he’s on? Or does the SPD keep convicted felons on staff forever?
Shadedmuse on November 02 at 4:01 p.m.
Dont worry Karl Thompson will be back on the job Patroling the city and keeping us all save from people like Otto.
DHF on November 02 at 4:04 p.m.
Thank God Justice finally prevails for Otto.
93bird on November 02 at 4:08 p.m.
The feds take up one case and win. How many more could have been convicted had our prosecutor been competent?
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 4:08 p.m.
Verner is no doubt planning for a 5 pm news conference announcing the firing of Klubber. She better have something to say about the rest of the culture of corruption starting with Rocco and what she or somebody else like the Feds is going to do about it.
This is about the only thing that will save her job and the ballots are already coming in. I expect this today or tomorrow at the latest.
Truthhurts on November 02 at 4:14 p.m.
As everyone noted, this is a great day for justice, but the cover-up is the greater crime, and this investigation needs to climb the ladder of cover-up through the police department and into City Hall.
Maybe it ends with Treppiedi in jail (and/or other City Attorneys), maybe Verner and Hession go to jail, too, though I imagine they wanted to be ignorant, and were kept ignorant by choice.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 4:16 p.m.
I hope the Justice Department offers to reduce Thompson’s sentence in exchange for his testimony against his co-conspirators. I would rather see Thompson do only 18 months in exchange for the others doing hard time.
Lewis on November 02 at 4:20 p.m.
de3 or who ever asked for the list of folks who changed their facebook to 505
Trevor Nollmeyer
Arthur D Washington Jr
Erin Blessing
Stephanie Dahle
Kevin Kilgore
Jon Strickland
Ryan Snider
Britt Taylor
Jen Van Tassel
Gordon Ennis
Kyle Steinmetz
Maile Pule Snider
Todd Belitz
Alexander R Layton
Monique Grant
Lewis on November 02 at 4:26 p.m.
Slightlyworried no deal throw Karl in prison and throw away the key.
I think with this verdict we will see the Fed go after the other low life’s in this story.
I wonder what I will do with all these soda bottles i bought for the riot? I will go down and give the to the occupy folks.
Go leave a message on Karls FB page many of us all ready have:)
I am so happy, been waiting so long was losing faith.
wdodd on November 02 at 4:27 p.m.
@ GDodd
I think I will too. Now its time to go after the other LEO’s who lie during their reporting to save their own butts. Rustin Olsen filed for divorce shortly after shooting Quentin Dodd. This must be the norm procedure for the SPD and SCSO.
Hey Ozzie while your at it! Can you show us those mock demonstrations again?? ( Pop bottle, so call knife being charged at by one person)? Ozzie you really missed the boat on that one. You need to demonstrate one person charging at two officers! Lets get this right . We want to see you make a fool out of yourself again…Do it for laughs if anything.
v1grwil on November 02 at 4:33 p.m.
YA HOO Otto. That coward scum bag Thompson got his due. Now we (citizens) aren’t finished yet. There are still ‘coward-killer’ types on the SPD. Be vigilent. Know your rights. There are those SPD copper’s that will pull rebound actions against the citizens, i.e. excessive rudeness, push people around, etc.
Watch for it.
ATTENTION Ozzie. We need to come after you and yours for what you did to Scott Creach. Being bad tempered doesn’t mean you have to DIE people. Wake up. Great job Yakima!
Lewis on November 02 at 4:35 p.m.
From Krem2,. why the scum is still walking free.
During today’s proceeding attorneys did ask the judge to immediately incarcerate Thompson until sentencing.
Ormsby says this is common policy. “We did that because he was convicted of a violent crime. Under federal law we can seek immediate incarceration of somebody that is convicted of a violent crime.”
Judge Van Sickle deferred that request to the magistrate judge for consideration.
DickAdams on November 02 at 4:35 p.m.
The guilty verdict made my day. Jury done good!! The cover-up characters at city hall need to found guilty as well. Mayor Verner and her ilk, have shamed the city (big time) and should resign immediately. How dare these people lie to the citizens trying to cover-up this tragedy. Why in the heck did Verner, keep Roco Treppiedi employed without firing him knowing he is a liar? That`s is a $64 question?
All the best to the Zehm family. Otto, RIP.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 4:37 p.m.
@Zelda
The defense can ask for that but I doubt they will get it. They will do a PSI look into his background etc. prior to sentencing ( They will even talk to Kirkpatrick). He will have to do some interviews with federal parole (If Banta was still there he would do it himself), and ultimately Judge Van Sickle will be provided with a packet from them. The Feds and CO will argue sentencing. The Feds will want the Max, CO will argue for leniency based on his history and ask for sentencing below the range. As far as I know this is Van Sickle’s first cop so I don’t know where he will go with sentencing, but I noticed he did a good job, despite what some people might think of keeping the trial fair.
After all that crap is done he will be ordered to report, not sure where but likely Calif. and will be semi evaluated there. Then probably sent to a camp cookie on the east coast where people won’t know him. He will be with Doctors, Lawyers, and Wall Street guys. He won’t do hard time at Leavenworth like some people would like to see.
If it was me, and I was the USAG, I’d give five off if he agreed to take a polygraph and testify to the truth in subsequent perjury trials regarding other SPD Officers.
LostInWyoming on November 02 at 4:41 p.m.
Great news! Justice for Otto! Now lets go after all those involved in the cover up! Clean house.
The_Seer on November 02 at 4:41 p.m.
Wow. The next few months should be interesting, indeed.
Voters in Spokane could have elected a man to clean up this mess on the state charges last November. Hey, Shannon Sullivan, where are you when we REALLY need you?
A prison interview with Thompson will provide a very nice denouement for my film… from Club Fed, to be sure.
I believe us taxpayers can kick Orescovich loose as soon as the sentencing. Any appeals will be handled by federal public defenders I believe, because as we know, Karl is broke.
I hope the Guild invested heavily in soap on a rope stocks.
lowtechmaster on November 02 at 4:43 p.m.
Free at last! Free at last! Otto Zehm’s soul and reputation arefree at last!! May his family find some solace in that.
I have always had great respect for and trust in our jury system. I have served on four juries (in another state):one involved alleged drunken driving; another was concerned with three felony charges each against two defendants accused of kidnapping and attempting to rape a young woman; a third involved the death of a child in a robbery-gone-bad; and the fourth, a federal one, regarded prisoners allegedly assaulting federal marshals. In all four cases, the jury worked hard and did its job very well. Each was concerned with the facts, not the rhetoric, and each considered seriously “reasonable doubt.” In each case, the verdict was unanimous.
I do agree with Ed, Brian, and others that the investigations must go on. Anyone involved in the alleged cover-up should be brought to justice, whoever they are, put on trial, and face juries of their peers.
Does anyone know if the citizens of Spokane can put a measure on the ballot to have a Civilian Review Board with full investigative powers?? If we can, let’s get the petitions circulating!!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 4:46 p.m.
@Zelda
I forgot, Yes they will grab his passport, and federal parole will keep track of him. He will have to call in two or three times a week.
norpass on November 02 at 4:47 p.m.
Wow, justice. Peace and closure for Otto’s family. A word to the wise in City Hall, we’re watching everything you do.
Don’t forget to vote. Spokane’s mojo Mayor Mary needs a wake up call.
The_Seer on November 02 at 4:48 p.m.
Here is a quote from Spokane police officer Arthur D. Washington Jr. on the “support Karl Thompson” Facebook page:
Arthur D Washington Jr
“GUILTY!!! Really? Guilty of what?!?! protecting us from a giant retarded man who was ready to kill Karl with a HPGW? (Highly Pressurized Gas Weapon) for you idiots out there……. THIS NEEDS TO BE APPEALED!!! I’m so sick of Liberals RUINING EvERYTHING!”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Support-Karl-Thompson/130290690659
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 4:51 p.m.
whocaresinspokane on November 02 at 4:20 p.m.
de3 or who ever asked for the list of folks who changed their facebook to 505
Trevor Nollmeyer
Arthur D Washington Jr
Erin Blessing
Stephanie Dahle
Kevin Kilgore
Jon Strickland
Ryan Snider
Britt Taylor
Jen Van Tassel
Gordon Ennis
Kyle Steinmetz
Maile Pule Snider
Todd Belitz
Alexander R Layton
Monique Grant
Thank you.
Story’s been updated.
Still don’t see the part about the Feds twice offering a misdemeanor plea deal. Carl O. must really like stiffing the tax payers.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 4:55 p.m.
The_Seer on November 02 at 4:48 p.m.
Here is a quote from Spokane police officer Arthur D. Washington Jr. on the “support Karl Thompson” Facebook page:
Arthur D Washington Jr
“GUILTY!!! Really? Guilty of what?!?! protecting us from a giant retarded man who was ready to kill Karl with a HPGW? (Highly Pressurized Gas Weapon) for you idiots out there……. THIS NEEDS TO BE APPEALED!!! I’m so sick of Liberals RUINING EvERYTHING!”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Support-Karl-Thompson/130290690659
To your knowledge, SEER, is this guy being sincere?
herewegoagain on November 02 at 4:55 p.m.
Okay that’s one lying, murdering piece of crap gone, now move onto the next one involved till they all get what’s coming to them
MrBloggy on November 02 at 5:01 p.m.
always take the misdemeanor deal if DOJ. Karl will b in Costa Rica before the weekend.
mdriftmeyer on November 02 at 5:05 p.m.
All this mob mentality to go up the chain to the Mayor is pathetic. Dennis Hession was Mayor during this brutal beating which took the life of Otto Zehm.
Where is the outrage for him being held liable for not doing his job?
Stop using this case to “clean house” as if you have any context to understand the depth and breath of all involved and all who deliberately worked in conjunction to obstruct justice.
Grow up.
The Mayor has nothing to do with the Courts and the District Attorney’s duties.
Focus on where the Due Process of Law resides—at the District Court House.
de3 on November 02 at 5:06 p.m.
The civil case that follows will be a blood bath for the taxpayers.
They might have settled this before but now the sky’s the limit. The pot holes will only get a lot deeper after this.
Shadedmuse on November 02 at 5:08 p.m.
If Karl Thompson is booked into Jail, the Jailers will leave his cell door unlocked so he can walk out and leave. RUN KARL RUN Run for freedom because you are Innocent Karl Thompson.
FREE KARL THOMPSON!! He did NOTHING WRONG!!!!!!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 5:17 p.m.
@Zelda
My biggest fear is that CO finds out that FBI agent Lisa Jangaard snuck into the jury room and threatened to kick the crap out of them if they didn’t come back with a guilty verdict.
SAC Harrill was trying to find a way to intimidate the jury to get a guilty verdict. He knew he and the other male agents didn’t have it in them, so he called DC. They told him, “Send in the Bull”. So he did and Betz was the back up.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 5:17 p.m.
A just verdict, highly unlikely to be subject to successful appeal. It will be truly unconscionable if the City persists in playing games regarding the civil suit….the criminal trial finding has already met a much more stringent test of proof. I guess we’ll see……
The_Seer on November 02 at 5:17 p.m.
I call B.S. on allowing Thompson to remain free. He’s showed zero contrition and has undertaken steps to relieve himself of assets. He’s demonstrated a willful lack of respect for the rule of law and has lied repeatedly to attempt to cover his actions. Any ordinary citizen would have been led from the courtroom in handcuffs. This is a double standard that must not stand.
Shadedmuse on November 02 at 5:23 p.m.
Run KARL RUN. I have a plane and A pilots license and I can fly you and your family to where ever you want to go.
The_Seer on November 02 at 5:24 p.m.
greenlib: To answer your question: I don’t know. Is Washington a member of the SPD?
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 5:25 p.m.
Seer….he’s not considered a flight risk….and plenty of ‘ordinary citizens’ without previous criminal records would remain free until sentencing. If he took a walk right now, and was (inevitably) apprehended….he’d be looking at more than the current maximum sentence. He’s no Whitey Bulger.
I suspect they’re expecting him to roll on other potential PD conspirators, in the hope for a more lenient sentence.
jdodgion on November 02 at 5:30 p.m.
Officer Thompson was clearly guily of violating Otto’s civil rights, good ridance to a bad cop.!!!!!!!!
brianrbreen on November 02 at 5:35 p.m.
@Zelda
@valleyman
You could help by understanding that yep, it’s a tougher then crap job and if you have done it long enough you know beyond all the court cases, all the justification a cop has to do things, there are times when there are some cops that will take every advantage they can of the law to try and justify how they have treated people.
A real cop (even retired ones), when that happens no matter what he/she might be subjected to or what threats might be made. Stands up and just says “That ain’t right”.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 5:38 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Still not a big deal?
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 5:38 p.m.
Shadedmuse…..you undoubtedly lack a driver’s license, or a functional automobile, let alone a plane and a pilot’s license. But you are, most certainly, a sadly and seriously disturbed little troll.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 5:40 p.m.
I was glad to hear Durkin say on his way out of the courthouse, “obviously there is more work to be done.” I wonder if those officers who came to court and lied for Thompson still think committing perjury was such a good idea?
@BrianBreen: Now that Thompson has been convicted, can those other cops (i.e. his co-conspirators) be prosecuted for murder since somebody died during the commission of a felony?
Or does it not work that way? Or has the statute of limitation run? It would sure be nice if this conviction was the first in a string of convictions.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 5:44 p.m.
I’d give a thousand dollars to know what’s going through Rockie’s and Tucker’s minds right now. Do they understand they look like boobs? What will Verner do? Is this a wake-up call for these people? I hope Durkin has more up his sleeve if it’s status quo down at City Hall.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 5:51 p.m.
Brian….I still hear citizens complaining far more about the water rate increase than Otto Zehm. Few people have spent much time actually thinking about this issue (that may be hard to believe for those, like you, who’ve immersed themselves in the Zehm case…and that’s not meant as derogatory…this is supported by the relatively few people who have actually commented after each story….it is the same small group….and that’s not meant to be derogatory either).
The utility bill arrives every month, while the Zehm case is an abstraction for most. The average citizens is of the ‘low information’ variety…just trying to get through the day.
Do I think thugs with badges need to be prosecuted? Certainly, and with gusto. It reduces that chance that the ‘average citizen’ will ever have to deal with such a thug while waiting to buy a snickers candy bar, at the end of their honest work day.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 5:51 p.m.
Despite the criminal conviction, Thompson, 64, was allowed to remain free pending a follow up hearing before a magistrate in Spokane to argue continued release conditions. He posted a $50,000 signature bond following the criminal indictment in 2009.
I don’t like it but I understand it.
Wouldn’t it be something if Klubber turned which results in murder convictions for those other cops on top of Otto, and results in Trepeddi convicted of obstruction of justice.
zelda on November 02 at 5:52 p.m.
@brianbreen — I never said and I hope I didn’t imply that LE jobs aren’t difficult (excuse the double negative). I know there are good LE officers out there and I am confident that there are plenty of current and retired officers who continue to do and have done much for the public.
But I never bought the defense argument that Thompson was a “rogue” cop. There are others plus elected officials and appointees who were complicit.
A good spray of ethical Lysol would do some good w/in city government, not to mention at the prosecutor’s office.
The_Seer on November 02 at 5:54 p.m.
slightly: Murder has to be a state charge so that’s up to Tucker’s office or the Washington State Attorney General (and GOP Gubernatorial candidate) Rob McKenna.
jerrysw on November 02 at 5:55 p.m.
Ahhhh, the power of the jury!!
cwiseazcougfan on November 02 at 5:56 p.m.
@brian, have appreciated reading your comments on here.
definitely thinking that shadedmuse may be a WBC wackjob or something similar.
RIP, Otto…it’s about damn time that you got some justice.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 5:57 p.m.
@Slightlyworried
Moses got a pass, but only from the standpoint of his testimony in the GJ and the criminal trial. He’d be subject to an IA investigation today if I was the boss. The “friend” doesn’t have a pass, or any of the others who may have perjured themselves.
There are a whole bunch of cops that weren’t called, that should be looked at carefully, including their GJ testimony and subsequent affidavits.
All the smugness, all the leering, all the slaps on the back, all the threats, are gone today. The question is where does it go from here, and who is willing to do something.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 5:59 p.m.
@Slightlyworried
Been here done this, on both sides. It’s a long messy process to do it right.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 5:59 p.m.
Verner is finished.
She could rightly have jumped on this, ordering Klubber’s firing and announcing SOMETHING about cleaning up the house.
I think she’s in the cross-hairs of several players and can’t lead.
detroitdude on November 02 at 6:02 p.m.
Very pleased, the jury made the right decision. I hope it has a ripple effect on the corruption in this city.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:04 p.m.
@Zelda
Sorry that wasn’t meant for you. Trying to multi-task, getting too damn old.
Albert on November 02 at 6:08 p.m.
“I remain committed to completing a thorough internal and external review of all aspects of the case. Our citizens rightfully require their elected officials to acknowledge mistakes and problems and make changes to avoid them in the future. That’s what we’re going to do.” The dishonorable Mary Verner as per KHQ today.
How does one say “Liar”?, or perhaps “Cover-up”?
Otto is only one of many such “inconveniences” that the storm troopers have undertaken recently. I do sincerely hope that the Feds continue in their investigation into this gang of thugs that we know as the SPD and SO.
“Rest Otto”, justice is done and more will follow.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 6:09 p.m.
Greenlibertarian….at this point Thompson is a convicted felon. He can no longer be a police officer, and I believe civil service rules state he’s relieved of duty and off payroll. Pretty much anything the mayor does at this point will simply look like damage control anyway.
The best thing she can do right now is issue instructions that the civil suit is to be settled pronto….and she’s already issued a statement indicating that an internal investigation supervised by eminent (and independent) GU law school personnel will ensue.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:19 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
You are kidding me right?
misjustice on November 02 at 6:23 p.m.
Karl is now a convicted felon and as such will be stripped of his civil rights to own a gun and to vote; as a citizen of Ideeho, he can have his voting rights restored provided he complies with all mandates such as paying his fines and applying to have his rights reinstated.
However, my understanding is that the gun ban can NEVER be repealed…
CONVICTED FELON!
I like the sound of that…
jddavis on November 02 at 6:24 p.m.
The stated purpose of the SPD support page on Facebook:
“This page, administered by a co-worker of Karl’s, is to show our support for Officer Karl Thompson, who has become a media scapegoat, wrongly accused, and wrongly charged. We are behind you 100%, Karl!”
Couldn’t find one of his co-workers admonishing his actions…all support!
No wonder why the citizens of this community have NO faith in local law enforcement. You couldn’t make this stuff up…
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 6:25 p.m.
Kidding you about what, Brian? Be specific, and think outside the euphoria of your current quest.
misjustice on November 02 at 6:25 p.m.
@ Zelda, where does one purchase “ethical” Lysol in a can?
; )
SLEO on November 02 at 6:26 p.m.
Justice, if that is what it is, long overdue for Otto Zehm.
We will continue to wait for justice in the killing of Pastor Scott Creach . . .
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 6:27 p.m.
I wonder if it would be possible for Otto’s family to receive Thompson’s cherished “ironwood baton” after the appeal is over. I think their destruction of that evil piece of wood would hurt Thompson more than anything. I was sick to my stomach to learn that he petitioned to be able to use his wood baton from Los Angeles because the metal batons approved by the City of Spokane could bend where “ironwood” batons would never break.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:27 p.m.
@Green
I will tell you this, and I do know far more then Spokane_Citizen in this area of the law. ANY effort at this point to start any kind of internal investigation with the exception of Moses is only perpetuating a cover-up.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 6:29 p.m.
@brianbreen: how so?
Byrdie714 on November 02 at 6:29 p.m.
Finally! Justice for the underpriviledged in this society.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 6:32 p.m.
Brian, you must certainly understand that any attempt by Verner (or any other mayor) to start circumventing the civil service process will only end up worse off (long term) than the current debacle. No mayor has the power to simply unilaterally flail away without due process. I’m wondering about your understanding of the reality of this situation.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 6:33 p.m.
BTW, I wonder if the riot police that were put on alert today went home sad they didn’t get a chance to beat down some citizens?
I’m still driving around with a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi on my front seat as a jester in support of Otto. I want to be “armed and dangerous” if I get pulled over for having a taillight out.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:33 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
There are criminal issues at hand, both Federal and State. An internal investigation at this point could provide those suspected of criminal conduct immunity with respect to any statements they made under Garrity at the State level. You know that or at least you should.
Shadedmuse on November 02 at 6:33 p.m.
I will be writing to the President to pardon the Inocent good man karl Thompson who is Not guilty and did nothing wrong but go to work and protect spokane from crims.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:34 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
I’ll tell you something else, every member of the city attorneys office knows exactly that!
johnclarke on November 02 at 6:42 p.m.
@ jddavis;
I meant to post a comment in line with yours. I am simply stunned that the thin blue line closed ranks around this GUILTY police officer, even in the face of the video evidence. I am not exactly comforted that a large number of officers are patrolling our streets with unwavering support for a criminal that happens to do the same job. This speaks to what is most important to these individuals. Not protecting the innocent or upholding the law. They are interested in protecting themselves first. Simply stunning. Now any time I have dealings with a cop, I am going to be thinking - what kind of person am I dealing with? A person that backed a thug that beat down an innocent disabled man ?
I think it is time for a little house cleaning for the Spokane Police Department. The fish stinks from the head down.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:43 p.m.
ANY effort at this point to initiate any kind of internal investigation of anyone involved in this case with one exception is a fraud and an effort to mitigate the criminal liability of those who may be subject to criminal charges later. Don’t buy it.
misjustice on November 02 at 6:44 p.m.
“Back here in Spokane, members of Zehm’s family watched the verdict being read from the federal courthouse downtown, and several of them cried as the jury’s verdict was handed up.”
http://www.kxly.com/news/29668404/detail.html
I highly doubt that the City will now allow the civil suit to go to court; settle this wrongful death suit, and settle it NOW!
keithj on November 02 at 6:50 p.m.
This is great news.
No verdict can bring back Otto, or end the grief of his family. Still, this is great news. Justice is wonderful. The scarcity of justice makes it that much more special when it happens—like the Cougars winning a football game.
Thank you to Tim Durkin and everyone who worked so hard for justice.
detroitdude on November 02 at 6:50 p.m.
Everyone should bring their empty pop bottles and drop them off at the SPD. Get those dangerous weapons off the street.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 6:53 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Let me explain something to you, and I could care less about your chickens. I have forgotten more about investigations involving public officials then you will ever have an opportunity to learn.
I could give a crap less who is elected Mayor, the issue is how do you handle what appears to be criminal conduct on the part of some public officials. You don’t do it with a Commission, or GU Law Profs. You do it with real Cops, folks that can actually arrest someone if there is evidence they violated the law.
another_perspective on November 02 at 7:07 p.m.
Indigent means you can whip out a $50,000 signature bond and go free after you killed someone and then lied about it.
@Valleyman, back to your troll corner. Dont come out till fed.
Kudos to Thomas Clouse, Doug Clark, Ron the Cop, Ed and Brian and everyone else for their persistance and thoughful and intuitive commentary.
Read Bugbees statements about Moses not lying.. Meghan did a good job on that piece.
Tomorrow at Noon. I will be in front of the Zip Trip on division with the same signs I have had out there for the last 5 years, for 37 minutes. One for each of Otto’s years.
sean96 on November 02 at 7:12 p.m.
Go to we support Karl Thompson facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Support-Karl-Thompson/130290690659
and let the cops know that the community supports the verdict. It is sickening how blind the cops are to this mans wrong doing.
mattsuth on November 02 at 7:12 p.m.
Arthur D Washington Jr–—if u go to his Facebook page youll find an out of touch, anti-justice biggot, who would call a mentally ill deceased man a retard. Jr is no different than that old piece of crap co-accomplice to murder. Criminals have like minds. Let’s just hope that old corrupt cop Thompson never makes it out of jail to see his family ever again….hope he comes out on a stretcher to his grave! Hope Thompson’s family gets to feel as the Zehms did to have the last time u seen him being cold and stiff.
Truthhurts on November 02 at 7:27 p.m.
I do not know how Arthur D. Washington can think that truth is “liberal.”
Are we to believe that police homicide is a “conservative value,” and that cover-up is an even stronger “conservative value?”
Did Arthur D. Washington also root for the priests to get away with child-sodomy and the hierarchy to get away with that cover-up?
I am a conservative, Mr. Washington, but I do not believe in brainless kissing of the whip of oppressors.
The cover-ups, priest-rape or cop-brutality, are rooted in the same evil — those entrusted with power believing they can silence any victim.
Liberalsblow on November 02 at 7:28 p.m.
before verdict:
your house is getting burglarized and a cop is in the area when radio call comes out. However his nearest backup is clear across town. Still he shows up at your house.
after verdict:
same situation as above. But cop waits for other cop to drive across town. What happens to you in those extra 15 minutes? and don’t forget that cop driving across town to go to your house is driving the speed limit because he doesn’t want to be liable for an accident.
Spokane gets what it deserves
sean96 on November 02 at 7:34 p.m.
Do not know if you heard but the spokane cops do not come to property crimes. To busy killing the mentally ill and lying about it I guess.
mattsuth on November 02 at 7:35 p.m.
We’be had that kind of police service for years anyhow…..what did we do back then to deserve police misconduct and police involved homicides?
sean96 on November 02 at 7:37 p.m.
Read the book Breaking Blue we have had a police force with questionable ethics for a very long time.
oink on November 02 at 7:38 p.m.
@ LB
Spokane cops do not do property crimes anymore
BTW do you hang with shad and art and the rest of the cop lubers?
Hope you are one the the other SPD8 DUM DUM DUM DUM wait for it ……….dumb
Sunshinegurl on November 02 at 7:39 p.m.
Before the verdict:
It always took 20 minutes for officers to respond and they were always in pairs (I live in northeast Spokane).
After the verdict:
I’m not sure how I feel about calling the police, I have stopped carrying ID in silent protest and conciously think about my rights and whether or not I will cooperate with police should the occasion ever arise.
The_Seer on November 02 at 7:40 p.m.
libsblow: Why would how you do “your” job change because a jury found one of your friends guilty? If your mindset is prevalent among out local LEO community, which judging from the sickening Facebook page supporting Thompson it is, then we need to do an entire housecleaning. Lock, stock and barrel.
sean96: The administrator of that Facebook page will just remove any comments not entirely supportive of Thompson. They’ve done so repeatedly.
sean96 on November 02 at 7:41 p.m.
So I have seen.
Is there anyplace we can buy Otto bumper stickers?
misjustice on November 02 at 7:48 p.m.
So, liberalsblow = dirty cop?
Threatening citizens with not doing your job? Oh, I’m hurt, so hurt. Don’t worry fella, me and Mr. Mossberg will do your heavy liftin’ for ya.
If anyone breaks into my house, they better pray that I call the do nothing coppers first…instead of dealing with them myself.
sean96 on November 02 at 7:50 p.m.
If Liberalsblow is a cop it is ironic that he supports his family sucking on the government teet, supporting his family with taxpayers money and government provided healthcare. Typical.
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 7:55 p.m.
When asked to comment about “today’s events,” Steve Tucker stated, “Well, I never thought I could stop slicing the ball off the tee, but after a couple of beers at the turn, I was able to keep it straight down the fairway. I ended up shooting a 79 which isn’t too bad for me.”
de3 on November 02 at 7:59 p.m.
@LiberalsBlow - SPD does not respond to property crimes anymore. Bad choice of scenario.
But your comments hint that SPD intends to seek revenge on the citizens for the SPD killing Otto Zehm, then lying about it and getting caught at it. You wrote “Spokane gets what it deserves”. Shame on the SPD for such thoughts.
oink on November 02 at 8:01 p.m.
NOT ironic but predictable……… with a very favorable point spread
How many dirty cops have been on paid leave and for how long?
misjustice on November 02 at 8:07 p.m.
de3, dirty cops like Karl’s buddies are just disappointed that we didn’t take to the streets so that they could parade around as robo cops with their tiny tank-like Tonka Toy and beat us down…but that post gives insight to their way of thinking…beware citizens, there is going to be a backlash against us all…because their leader Karl finally had to face a jury and face the consequences for his actions.
I hope that the DOJ and the FBI are reading these threads; they can easily get ISP addresses…
Lewis on November 02 at 8:07 p.m.
karl thompson support page on fb has been changed all comments have been removed all that remains are the piglet comments giving him support.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 8:09 p.m.
Well…the community’s emotional floodgates of craziness have temporarily been breached. It’s cathartic, I suppose, but when bad things happen, you’re still going to need the SPD. A proliferation of Mossbergs is hardly the solution.
Somehow, Brian, the baby can’t be thrown out with the bathwater. It’s a slippery slope, you very well know.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 8:09 p.m.
Liberalsblow on November 02 at 7:28 p.m.
before verdict:
your house is getting burglarized and a cop is in the area when radio call comes out. However his nearest backup is clear across town. Still he shows up at your house.
after verdict:
same situation as above. But cop waits for other cop to drive across town. What happens to you in those extra 15 minutes? and don’t forget that cop driving across town to go to your house is driving the speed limit because he doesn’t want to be liable for an accident.
Spokane gets what it deserves
Sounds like this guy:
Walt Pegram My advice to SPD is…… 1. Take the longest route to a priority 1 call and drive under the speed limit by at least 10 mph. 2. IF the suspect is still there when you arrive and you see him yell “police!”. then turn around and count to 60. 3. If he is still there when you turn back around, repeat step 2. 4. IF the perp is still there after step 3… hand him a form to fill out listing any concerns that the officer should note before continuning with any kind of police action. And finally…. contact the local media for any advice as to how to handle and proceed with any kind of police action….. WHAT A SAD DAY…..
Just now noticed that the above has been deleted by the moderator.
In 2009, Walt Pegram was a District Resources Manager for SPD. Am guessing he’s retired but I don’t know.
http://www.spokanepolice.org/Documents/SPD%20Newsletter/06-2009edition.pdf
IAC he’s despicable in my book.
misjustice on November 02 at 8:13 p.m.
” A proliferation of Mossbergs is hardly the solution.”
I agree, Glocks will help also.
Bluecollorman on November 02 at 8:14 p.m.
PIGS, all of them. Fire them all and start over from scratch.
Lewis on November 02 at 8:15 p.m.
detroitdude good idea i suggest we hammer home the lies by taking all our pop bottles to the public safety building and hand them into the desk sargent, in case they decide to drink it be sure to urinate in it first.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 8:17 p.m.
Misjustice….normally, I much admire your comments…but even you are currently demonstrating lapses of rationality. The citizenry of Spokane is not under siege by the SPD.
Lewis on November 02 at 8:17 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen sadly most bad things happen when the SPD is on site, I just as soon take my chances i have 54 years of aggression i would love to take out on someones skull.
Pigrobin on November 02 at 8:20 p.m.
I have renewed faith in a system that failed so miserably in its duty to protect the Otto Zehms of this country. I can only hope we have learned the true lesson here and once again protect and defend righteously.
remember_alamo on November 02 at 8:23 p.m.
When will the trial for negligent homicide begin?
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 8:24 p.m.
Whocares….you worry me far more than the SPD.
misjustice on November 02 at 8:28 p.m.
“The citizenry of Spokane is not under siege by the SPD.”
You could be correct, however, it doesn’t seem like it…especially with all the recent “suicides” by cop cases; we are under siege by the militarized dirty cops/sheriff deputies/city attorney Rocco/no chargeTucker, et al.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 8:40 p.m.
Misjustice….encouraging people with psychological problems to distrust ALL police officers will probably not contribute to the resolution of the problem. Ultimately, responsible adults must take charge of the situation. It’s rather obvious that many of commenters have extreme anger issues….that have nothing to do with the Zehm case. Lumping all SPD into the same boat with Thompson is not reasonable…..in fact, it incites some people to behave in a very undesirable manner. Do you think we need that right now?
Most of us believe in the rule of law….and today the rule of law was vindicated with the trial outcome. The future ‘end results’ must occur in court, not in the streets of Spokane.
MrBloggy on November 02 at 8:45 p.m.
Spokane needed this in a huge way and the irony is if a Spokane jury seated in Spokane deliberated this case, Karl might have walked. It did inspire faith in the jury system and in lady justice prevailing.
“I only wanted a snickers bar.” Otto Zehm’s last words following an execution by Karl and some fellow officers.
Otto was a canary in a coalmine and Otto was the break in the thin blue line where the cops crossed over and became thuggish killers.
Mayor Verner is done and she knows it. She’s taking the hard Treppiedi line for the city and is ending her political career.
I have worked in criminal justice and have been outraged and broken hearted beyond mere words over what happened to Zehm that night in a Zip Trip.
Those cops spit in the face of every honest cop, parole officer, counselor, social worker, prison guard, when they beat and abused the life out of Otto with a baton, knees, fists, tasers, masks, restraints, arms, legs, roid rage, hate.
Most importantly, what this outcome and hopefully more from the feds will show, and even more critically, the Spokane PD, who needs to step up and clean their own house, is that the law is a cold, unflinching standard for all. And that lying and covering up is performed at your own peril. The current Police Chief, Fitzgerald, needs to go. She’s been singularly unimpressive. They need a progressive reformer who will take the Guild on.
Bottom line: The police were in riot gear on standby in case the verdict went the other way. My guess is they secretly wanted to kick some Spokane citizen ass. Reality is, because of this verdict, we citizens may feel less need to gear up in riot equipment for own protection from them.
DOJ needs to send a couple more up the river to pound the message thru the troops: no more wild wild west. They are your neighbors and pay your salaries, they are not enemy combatants. Time to grow up, boys.
de3 on November 02 at 8:49 p.m.
Spokane citizen - I think the US Attorney’s original filing named 10 or 12 police officers involved in the cover up, all the way up to the then acting police chief. I do not want to believe that all of SPD is dirty and dishonest - but when that much dirt gets uncovered by the US Attorney in a single filing, it does not inspire confidence.
This department, this city, needs to take a serious hard look at what is necessary to restore confidence in City Hall. I’d suggest transparency, putting a stop to the lying, firing workers who lie and make it clear that lying will not be tolerated, and enforcing true accountability.Demonstrate that staff will be held to a high and expected standard of ethical behavior, quality, and performance - or fire them. Stop the B.S. of letting incompetent workers continue on their merry way. Stop the B.S. of lies and cover ups.
I once worked for a government agency and witnessed the B.S. and zero accountability first hand. We need real leadership not wishy-washy feel good nonsense and cover our butts behaviors. Without effective leadership, there will not be confidence and faith in local government.
I have yet to see effective leaders rise above this and address the real problems. Instead, they talk and say nothing meaningful - or they do nothing.
misjustice on November 02 at 8:51 p.m.
I never said ALL cops, I said dirty cops. Of which there seems to be more than enough, IMO.
And I pointed to an entire system of corruption from the City Attorney to the non-Prosecutor to the Sheriff to the SPD…there’s plenty of blame to go around. Including, most of all, the Sheriff and the Chief.
Like Brian, I hope that the federal felony conviction of Thompson is only the beginning of the process of cleaning up this corruption.
I understand coppers being nervous; there is more of us than them. And we are armed, too.
See, that’s the problem when the good cops do not clean their own house and allow the dirty cops to reign terror down upon citizens. After a while, we start to believe that all cops are the same. Kinda like when they believe that all citizens are just criminals that haven’t be caught yet and treat us with mocking disdain.
Ya see, it works both ways…
SpokyDaBear on November 02 at 8:52 p.m.
The SPD is not dirty. They are just sloppy and bad apples get away with bad things.
The good apples turn a blind eye and let the bad apples be.
The entire tree needs a shakedown from top to bottom throwing out all the bad apples and even the good ones that refused to speak up.
DickAdams on November 02 at 8:54 p.m.
Sokane citizen says,….”I still hear citizens complaining far more about the water rate increase than Otto Zehm”. Adding,…”.it is the same small group”.
I beg to differ with you! My city utility bill a week or so ago, was over $300.00 for a single month. I can assure you, I`ve been complaining more about the Otto Zehm tragedy and the apparent
corruption at city hall to cover-up for the SPD storm trooper actions. I`ve been complaining to more than just Mayor Verner re city officials, including several emails sent to Verner asking why she is putting up with Roco Treppiedi. Former Dennis Hession received my written complaints regarding Roco Treppiedi as well, and reminding him about Treppiedi`s statement to the State Attorney General when he came to Spokane to speak about the public record requests. I attended as did Dennis Hession, and heard Treppiedi tell the AG he thought citizens were given too much information and requested that the AG ask the legislators to change the Public record law making it more difficult for the citizenry to get info as he thought the public was given too much information. This Otto Zehm case is far more important than water bills. The SR published the story re water rates and only a few posted comments. I posted but not even close to my missives about poor OTTO and the injustice and cover-up and of coarse Rocky Treppiedi. His letter in 2006 says it all. While Verner was a councilwoman at the time, she was given the letter as was the other members of the council. After being sworn in for gosh sake, had to know Otto Zehm was a hot button issue and did nothing for several years including her Chief of Police. A sad commentary.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 8:55 p.m.
Thanks Mr. Bloggy, old friend.
Well said.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 9:00 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
‘the baby can’t be thrown out with the bathwater, it’s a slippery slope”
Whatever that means. You can sure throw any incriminating statements out with the bathwater as far as any State charges are concerned if you compel statements in an administrative investigation. If that’s your point.
I noticed Chief Kirkpatrick in an emotional interview with KREM said she was sorry for Karl Thompson’s pain, she cares for him, and she hasn’t stopped believing in him. I wonder if she will show the same caring and belief, if the feds charge Sandra McIntyre, which is very likely, or if the caring and belief is reserved only for Karl Thompson.
One of the most interesting press statements I’ve ever heard a Chief of Police make after one of their officers was just convicted of a criminal civil rights violation and obstructing justice. Only in Spokane. It’s okay though the Mayor says we can all heal now.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:03 p.m.
Misjustice….do you think your comments about ‘there being more of us then them’ and ‘we are armed too’ will help the less stable members of our community when the police must respond to calls for assistance? You’re contributing to the potential for further tragedy. Encouraging citizens to brandish a weapon towards police officers is irresponsible, and will lead to an entirely predictable (and justified) sad outcome.
DickAdams on November 02 at 9:07 p.m.
If there are so many good cops, why is it they don`t ban together and show Mayor Verner et al, that the good officers have absolutely no use for the bad cops and strive to earn back the respect they deserve? They sure will see no improvement from the voters unless they at least do something.
riverlaw on November 02 at 9:09 p.m.
You ought to see what the cops are saying on their Support Karl facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Support-Karl-Thompson/130290690659. Anyone can view and post on this one.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:10 p.m.
Brian, it’s quite obvious what I mean….do you want to make the job of the vast majority of decent Spokane City police officers’ work lives more difficult and dangerous than it is already? I could care less who the feds prosecute up the line, but the cops in the street don’t deserve this broad-brush of denigration…..then again, maybe you think otherwise. And that, my little friend, would be ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’.
misjustice on November 02 at 9:12 p.m.
I did not encourage anything…you must have misread my comments
Merely stating a fact. Does that make you uncomfortable?
At any rate, now you may have an inkling to how we feel everytime a SPD patrol car or Sheriff car rolls up behind us in traffic…
Or how I feel when I hear sirens go off in the middle of the night, and I awake to that sound and think “omg, I hope ANOTHER citizen has not been shot dead by the cops.”
Sorry if that offends your sensitive nature.
It is what it is…sadly.
keithj on November 02 at 9:12 p.m.
I won’t vote for an incumbent while Rocco T is still employed. (I won’t vote for the Republican guy either.)
Justice is exhilarating, but nothing will change. The mayor and council, regardless of who is elected, will remain afraid of standing up to the police. Kirkpatrick will be replaced with someone as weak as she.
billysuckit on November 02 at 9:15 p.m.
Sorry Otto spokane is full of douche bags, sorry you became a vehicle for people that hate the people that protect them to talk weak minded individuals into feeling the same way. it would have been difficult to have had that call that night and Thompson made a mistake but our methhead encouraging,anti law loving dirtbags of spokane have just gained more ground in thier effort to make sure nobody cares. If I were a police officer in Spokane I would consider new Employment and F*** everyone who thinks you guys do this just for the awesome paycheck. Sorry eveyone gets grouped together as bad this quickly and somehow the media makes a profit on this negative reporting the police help hundreds of people each day. Thanks for all you do.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:15 p.m.
Misjustice….I’m not really all that ‘sensitive’, but I do work hard at being rational, a trait you have temporarily abandoned in the heat of the moment.
DickAdams on November 02 at 9:15 p.m.
More interested in water rates than the Otto Zehm case? Hmmm.
misjustice on November 02 at 9:19 p.m.
Yeah, river, I posted a few times but my posts have been taken down.
The rest of the posts are very illuminating, however. A lot of false bravado and certainty that this felony conviction will be over turned on appeal. Also a lot of harsh comments about us, the citizens and poor poor Otto.
A little window on how dirty cops think. It’s them against us…
Read it…
brianrbreen on November 02 at 9:19 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Well I guess it’s time for them to stand up and stay away from the Kool Aid. The good ones, which is the vast majority, have nothing to worry about.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:20 p.m.
Dick, with all due respect, the vast majority of your many years of comments (in front of council or to SR articles) have dealt with money, not justice. Just a fact, not an insult.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:25 p.m.
Brian, most of them…especially the younger ones who weren’t ever attracted to the ‘mentorship’ of cops like Thompson….never drank the koolaid in the first place. When the community abuses them, it has the potential effect of pushing them into ‘bad company’.
You know this is true, don’t you?
misjustice on November 02 at 9:25 p.m.
I’m being very rational…you just don’t like my opinon so you try to say that I am being irrational.
You post what you want and leave me to do the same…no one appointed you as the thread monitor, as the one to police everyone else’s comments…geez…I stopped needing a daddy when I joined the Army at seventeen years of age.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:26 p.m.
Misjustice….there’s plenty of false bravado in this forum as well…..neither is constructive.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:27 p.m.
Misjustice….I’m not not your daddy.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 9:28 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
This is real encouraging.
“Karl, you are a great man and us rookie cops should model ourselves after you. You did things the right way for over 40 years and we are all behind you on this. Words cannot express how saddened I am at this verdict. They are WRONG!!!! You did your job and had to make split second decisions, let those who are judging us have to make those decisions just once. They would refuse to do it. And what would they do??? Call us! We will always support you Karl!!!”
misjustice on November 02 at 9:35 p.m.
I “like” this one:
Erin Blessing
I am not sure who is running this page but i think those that are not being supportive and posting hateful things should be de-friended. No reason for them to access this page which is supposed to be in support of a fantasic person and officer.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 9:36 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen:
What is your problem? Can’t you accept the outcome of the trial? Get over yourself and your ego.
greenlibertarian on November 02 at 9:37 p.m.
Dan Johnson
A very sad day…..I am sickened by the ignorance….I am disgusted by the majority response….I will go to work and trust my training…..I will try to bite my tongue and I will make it home safely every day……(also my profile wall post)
Like · Comment · about an hour ago ·
*
*
Bill Beckham likes this.
As of April 2010, fully commissioned Police Officer Dan Johnson was working as a District Resource Office for District 81. Guessing he’s a regular Officer now somewhere.
http://www.spokaneschools.org/17331047111017637/lib/17331047111017637/StaffMatters-April_2010.pdf
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:38 p.m.
Brian, for every officer like that (if indeed those words were really from a fellow officer…a facebook account is particularly porous) there are a hundred others that only feel shame at the disgrace that his actions have heaped on the SPD. The exception does not prove the rule. Was that the police department you remember? And if so, why didn’t YOU do something about it at the time?
misjustice on November 02 at 9:38 p.m.
This is good, also…most folks on these pages know Ed…here’s a heapin’ helpin’ of how he was responded to:
Ed Byrnes
So the judge went to great pains to strictly follow the rules of evidence, both parties had ample opportunity to present their cases, the prosecution met their burden of proof, the defense tried very hard but failed to introduce credible reasonable doubt, and now the offender has been convicted and will be sentenced. Rather than hoping that the Ninth Federal Circuit would even agree to hear an ap…peal I respectfully recommend that you clean your own house, and thoroughly, and sooner rather than later.
Although many of us civilians are pleased with this verdict and the offender being convicted, we also know that there is much work to be done to create a transparent, accountable civilian oversight system and we will not give up or give in until this is accomplished.See More
Like · Comment · 28 minutes ago ·
Dan Johnson ”We support Karl Thompson” - Why did you “like” this page?
19 minutes ago.Ed Byrnes To present an alternative view to you all.
17 minutes ago.Joe Arguelles So instead of exercising his right to appeal you are saying he shouldn’t??? That’s just plain crazy…
12 minutes ago.Lee Bates Dan, people like Eddie there voice their opinions because they can’t keep their yaps shut and would be the 1st to tell You that they understand what we Cops really are. Ed, take Your PHD, BS and social work and go help the Occupy Spokane criminals, I’m sure You very much agree w/ those folks and they could use Your expertise. Thank You very much.
10 minutes ago.Lee Bates Ed, Mumia Abu-Jamal needs Your support, go for it.
8 minutes ago.Ed Byrnes I never said not to exercise his right to appeal, I suggested that the SPD clean their own house. Lee, I have been a statistical consultant to law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional systems and the USDOJ. I have seen criminal justice done well and hope you all try to do better than you have in the past.
6 minutes ago.
I definately would “unlike” the above responses to Ed Byrnes’ posts…
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:41 p.m.
Blondsquaker…apparently you have no interest in actually reading my posts; I am quite happy with the trial outcome. I’m just not interested in painting an entire police department with the same broad brush of disdain.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 9:41 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Yep, It’s all my fault I except full responsibility.
BlondeSquawker on November 02 at 9:42 p.m.
Aren’t you glad, citizen whoever, that the cops and medics didn’t have to taser and treat street protesters had the outcome of this trial been different? Didn’t you watch the mini-mart video? Do you have no concept of time? Otto had no time to do what the CONVICTED EX-COP said he did. The jury saw it and that’s all that matters. Now go have some milk and cookies and cry yourself to sleep. Boo Hoo.
brianrbreen on November 02 at 9:53 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Make that accept, or except whatever.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:55 p.m.
Blondsquawker, you don’t read, you just assume, and rant. READ my posts, you doofus. I’m GLAD Thompson was convicted. I have NEVER defended Thompson’s behavior in ANY of my posts. He should spend decades in prison. Doesn’t that spell it out sufficiently to your ‘Boneheadedness’? You really are a shallow spot in the gene pool of Spokane, aren’t you!
Truthhurts on November 02 at 9:57 p.m.
The good cops in Spokane need to revolt against the handful of thugs and those who cover for them, or they will all be JUSTIFIABLY tarred with the brush of illegal brutality.
It is their choice, now, to take this opportunity to rise up, otherwise they are RATIFYING the thuggery, and will deserve disdain for their inaction.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 9:59 p.m.
Well Brian, none of are entirely pure, are we?
Ed Byrnes on November 02 at 9:59 p.m.
So the judge went to great pains to strictly follow the rules of evidence, both parties had ample opportunity to present their cases, the prosecution met their burden of proof, the defense tried very hard but failed to introduce credible reasonable doubt, and now the offender has been convicted and will be sentenced.
Rather than hoping that the Ninth Federal Circuit would even agree to hear an appeal I respectfully recommend that the SPD clean their own house, and thoroughly, and sooner rather than later.
Brian, I hope the younger officers see the example you set as the way to be a law enforcement professional with a capital P!!!!! I appreciate your take on Van Sickle essentially preventing being overturned on appeal by allowing a strong defense now. I am with you about ignoring what doesn’t contribute to dialogue.
Valleyman, we seem to see eye-to-eye on this matter.
nslopeofw, I have always agreed with you about a civilian review board, having it be elected is a unique approach, I want to think about the pros and cons of that approach a bit before I comment in depth. Thank you for your contribution to this forum.
lowtechmaster, we can and should put civilian review on the ballot as an initiative, though I think we should make it deep and amend the city charter, and insist on civilian review rather than an ombudsman. We can use the ombudsman budget to fund investigators for the civilian review board.
Although many of us civilians are pleased with this verdict and the offender being convicted, we also know that there is much work to be done to create a transparent, accountable civilian oversight system and we will not give up or give in until this is accomplished.
Ed Byrnes
PS: I hopped into the We Support Karl Thompson FB page, what myopic vitriol…
D Statler on November 02 at 10:01 p.m.
RIP OTTO :^) Now on for some justice in the Dodd execution. Shot #3 was MURDER!
Truthhurts on November 02 at 10:02 p.m.
As to the mayoral election, I remain pretty sure that Condon began his Zehm-theme a month too late to turn the election, but he is definitely gaining ground.
I think the odds are still with Verner winning, but Condon’s promise to fire Treppiedi, bashing the cover-up, etc., is making real ground among the “folk” I see and talk to every day.
Condon now has a chance to win, all because Verner has been gutless on Zehm and has asked to be manipulated (and Rocky and the SPD have obliged).
misjustice on November 02 at 10:02 p.m.
Oh, name calling other people that post now?
Not enough to chide everyone else, now you have to name call also?
Talk about irrational, and a tad hysterical…
Truthhurts on November 02 at 10:06 p.m.
Van Sickle made this case so appeal-proof that I worried he had gone too far and kept the jury from hearing enough of the real story to convict.
Blessed be the jury.
misjustice on November 02 at 10:07 p.m.
Ed, I went there (the KT Face Book support page) to see what was being posted, and cut/pasted the thread that followed your FB post to this SR thread…hope that you don’t mind?
I wasn’t surprised with what was posted in response to your comments, disappointed, but not surprised.
*sigh*
Truthhurts on November 02 at 10:08 p.m.
I just have to say it one more time. (Pardon me.)
Verner is such a disappointment.
Cover-up was the “style” of Hession and his City Attorney, Cravens, and they were “as one” with Treppiedi.
But why Verner failed to do her duty on facts she has had for two years is beyond me.
Condon does not deserve to win the election, but Verner does deserve to lose it.
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 10:09 p.m.
Misjustice, when others attribute to me things I haven’t said, then I have no trouble calling them a ‘doofus’. As for hysteria, you’re displaying quite your share of mob hysteria yourself. You’re behaving like most SPD officers are Karl Thompson acolytes. It’s irrational, and unfounded. Stupid is, as stupid does.
misjustice on November 02 at 10:11 p.m.
I agree, truthhurts, Verner (relating to the Otto cover up) has been a disappointment. So has Kirkpatrick…
*sigh*
misjustice on November 02 at 10:12 p.m.
There you go again…
Spokane_Citizen on November 02 at 10:14 p.m.
Yes, Misjustice…the truth hurts, doesn’t it?
davidw on November 02 at 10:20 p.m.
Freezing the comment thread for the night.
Thanks for reading our online coverage. Look for a full package of stories in Thursday’s print edition of The Spokesman-Review, too.
David Wasson, deputy city editor
Slightlyworried on November 02 at 10:24 p.m.
I just took a trip down memory lane by re-reading many of the 252 stories in the Spokesman Review regarding Otto Zehm.
This one is especially hillarious given today’s events:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jun/23/officials-defend-police-response/
Here’s another knee slapper:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jun/20/zehm-to-blame-for-fight-with-officers-city-says/
I wonder if any of these people would like a “do over” on their statements?
nslopeofw on November 02 at 11:13 p.m.
What i like best is the “you can never understand us” comments. These people actually believe the hype they talk. Here is a bit of reality for you “my job is sooo dangerous, i might die at any time” folks. Your job doesnt even rate in the top ten most dangerous jobs in the US. You get to carry guns, clubs, tazers, you wear body armor, drive around in cars loaded with deadly force objects, mostly go to “dangerous” situations in groups, have a SWAT team for those “big” issues, and are allegedly highly trained.
WOW, and yet you choose this line of work. I dont see you all quitting this “super” dangerous job you have. Most of you work there until you retire. The best part is we (the taxpayers) pay you VERY WELL to do this job, and if its too much for you, we would rather you move on than become so cynical and hateful to those who pay your salary.
The rest of us walk into any number of dangerous situations without the guns and army you legally get to use every day on your job.
I know there are many good LEO’s out there. I also know they are probably quiet about what they see from the bravado club. You braggarts continue to make the rest of the honest LEO’s look bad with your very existence. After the rest of the coverup gang gets convicted, and the chest puffers have all been fired, Spokane can settle back down and have the relationship with the police that is respectful both ways.