November 7, 2011 in News, City

Judge releases Thompson from jail

Thomas Clouse The Spokesman-Review

A federal judge ruled late this afternoon that convicted Spokane Police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. should be released from jail pending his sentencing, which he set for Jan. 27.

U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle reversed a Friday order by U.S. Magistrate James Hutton detaining Thompson after a jury convicted him last week of using excessive force and lying to cover up his actions against Otto Zehm.

Van Sickle cited Thompson’s lifelong service in law enforcement, his “exemplary” military service in the Vietnam War and complying with all conditions of his release prior to his four-week trial in Yakima.

However, the decision goes against a similar ruling by a judge who ruled that the officers convicted in the Rodney King beatings were not above the law that requires mandatory detention for persons convicted of violent federal crimes.

Jeffry Finer, who represents Zehm’s family in a companion civil suit, said he spoke with federal prosecutors who have not yet decided whether they will appeal Van Sickle’s release of Thompson to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Unlike other matters, detention appeals are usually decided within about 10 days, Finer said.

Thompson appeared Monday in a yellow Bonner County Jail jumpsuit. He had not shaved recently and he looked as if he had not slept well during his stay in jail.

Defense attorney Carl Oreskovich declined comment but said that Thompson must be transported back to Sandpoint where he will be released to go back to his home in Hayden, Idaho.

(This article has been re-written and updated with new developments since it was first posted today. Some of the comments below may reference earlier material that has been deleted or recast.)

89 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

DHF on November 07 at 12:10 p.m.
Just keep changing their stories. Now it is the Paralegal who observed the jurors watching the TV. Maybe Oreskovich is afraid there could be problems with the first report that he observed this and did not inform the judge until the guilty verdict was announced. I think he is a damm liar.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 12:26 p.m.
Grasping at straws.
The paralegal “witness” working for Carl O. couldn’t be more interested in the outcome, and therefore not credible.
I’m sure it is SOP for every juror to swear or affirm that he/she did NOT see or hear any information about the case except that which was presented in court.
monkeyman on November 07 at 12:27 p.m.
Not in Spokane County jail - for his own safety?
Birdog on November 07 at 12:37 p.m.
Oreskovich is grasping at straws…he lost the case big time, and he is pissed.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 12:55 p.m.
The reason why U.S Marshalls dont Want Thompson in Spokane, because as they dropped him off at the front of the Jail, Spokane Police would sneak him out the back door to an Undisclosed location.
I thought maybe he was down in Whitman County since the U.S marshalls will keep people their.
but on the show in plain sight they marshalles stick everybody in ABQ New mexico.
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 1:30 p.m.
It will be interesting to see how Van Sickle decides on the juror interview, though I anticipate him keeping the offender in jail pending the outcome of the juror interview, or if no interview is granted, pending sentencing.
My guess is that Van Sickle will allow the juror interview within stipulations, since he has allowed the defense every avenue of redress so far, which is a good way to negate an appeal request.
Ed
Hunterman on November 07 at 2:26 p.m.
DHF- I agree that the fact Oreskovich didn’t report a ‘problem’ with a juror until after he lost convinces me he is lying. But then, what do you expect from a person like that?
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 2:31 p.m.
Good point, Ed.
Does anybody if the hearing will be open to the public?
jddavis on November 07 at 2:50 p.m.
Green—
When I was on a jury, we were instructed to notify the judge if we had seen any news coverage of the trial whether inadvertantly or otherwise. Also, if anyone in the media, prosecution, or defense communicated with us…including something as simple as saying “good morning.”
In that regard, I am sure you are correct on their instructions.
herewegoagain on November 07 at 2:58 p.m.
What are the odds that Thompson enters the Court room in handcuffs and leg shackles?
herewegoagain on November 07 at 3:06 p.m.
Talk about double standards: The report from the Jackson trial.
This guy was cuffed immediately and his reckless conduct didn’t set him free. Gotta be a cop I suppose for the special treatment
Murray sat stone-faced during the verdict and was handcuffed and taken into custody without bail until sentencing on Nov. 29. He appeared calm as officials led him out of the courtroom.
“Dr. Murray’s reckless conduct in this case poses a demonstrable risk to the safety of the public” if he remains free on bond, Judge Michael E. Pastor said.
The_Seer on November 07 at 3:13 p.m.
Isn’t Sandpoint a favorite destination for many former police officers from Southern California?
Sounds like serendipity to me.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 3:40 p.m.
The reason why Cameras are not aloud in Federal court, is because Congress in the mid 40’s saw this new fange thing called TV and thought TV will Tri and Convict people in the media., they must of had a crystal ball to predict what nanxy grace and Spokane Media would. Its about time Congress shuts down both Nancy grace and Spokane media so they can longer try and convict people in the media.
SPOKANE MEDIA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!
rshroll on November 07 at 3:47 p.m.
I believe Standpoint is a former LAPD haven. Very few minorities and a common mindset. It would be very interesting for a good investigative reporter to look into his treatment at this facility.
JayNW on November 07 at 3:53 p.m.
The difference between Thompsons conviction and that of Dr Murry- is that Thompson was not convicted (let alone charged) with a homicide.
JayNW on November 07 at 3:57 p.m.
I should add that just last week a young lady who plead guilty to, and was sentenced for a vehicular homicide- was allowed to report to jail 4 days after her guilty plea/sentencing. Plus she and her co-def have been walking the streets this entire time. It happens a lot, depending on the crime, the persons history and risk of flight. Has nothing to do with special treatment for cops.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 4:08 p.m.
Ed.
If you really want to know what will happen. The feds will send “The Bull” in to interview the jurors. Once the jurors have been intimidated to the point that they are afraid to tell the truth there won’t be a retrial. The witness to the alleged jury misconduct will have to be put through the stress of providing a sworn statement which, after the federal intimidation, will differ somewhat between what has been portrayed so far and the actual statement.
Hey, been there done that, know the game.
Diana on November 07 at 5:18 p.m.
Shadedmuse, didn’t you say you had your private plane waiting at the airport in Yakima ready to whisk Karl away to freedom?
Guess that didn’t work out too well.
zelda on November 07 at 5:29 p.m.
The last major defendant facing federal charges in Spokane — Kevin Harpham — where was he held? If I knew, I’ve forgotten.
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 5:36 p.m.
@JayNW:
I am not an expert, but it seems to me that the case you cited is not relevant because it was in state court and Thompson was convicted in federal court. Obviously, federal law applies to federal court. And Durkin has cited federal cases regarding the immediate incarciration of any convicted of a “violent” crime under federal law. I don’t know the exact definition of what constitutes a “violent” crime, but I am assuming striking someone in the head with a baton in violation of that person’s civil rights consitutes a “violent” crime.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 5:38 p.m.
Hi Diana
The Plan was for SPD to wisk Thompson out the back of the jail in a van to the airport, but the Marshals took him to Boners Ferry instrad.
Zelda As For Harpham he is still in Spokane jail. why he has not been sent to Admax in Florence Colorado is beyond me.
smittysturn on November 07 at 5:45 p.m.
My daily entertainment is to sit down and read the ramblings of the handfull of baffoons who post here. It evokes far more laughter than any sitcom or reality show, to read the poorly spelled uneducated slobber that pours from this board. I just wanted to poke my voice in here for a second and say, “Keep it up, folks.” Every time I read the posts here I feel smarter.
danramsey on November 07 at 5:47 p.m.
It’s sad that a police officer is found guilty of a crime. It’s additionally sad that a police group offers no remorse for the guilt of that crime.
Traveler on November 07 at 5:55 p.m.
smitty, you’re right about all the spelling errors; are you teaching by example?
“handfull” should be “handful” and “baffoon” should be “buffoon.”
Many times when I read the posts here I feel sadder.
misjustice on November 07 at 6:00 p.m.
“Thompson is wearing a Bonner County Jail jumpsuit. His location has been kept secret until today. #zehm”
http://www.kxly.com/news/29468760/detail.html
From reading the tweets it seems as if the judge is going to let Karl the Klubber go free…
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 6:01 p.m.
I wonder if Thompson has already googled those countries that refuse to extradict fleeing felons back to the United States?
misjustice on November 07 at 6:02 p.m.
“Judge: Noting Thompson’s compliance with the law during trial, he’s not persuaded that he’s going to flee #zehm”
http://www.kxly.com/news/29468760/detail.html
misjustice on November 07 at 6:03 p.m.
“BREAKING: Judge rules to release Thompson from jail until sentencing’
http://www.kxly.com/news/29468760/detail.html
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 6:04 p.m.
No fist-pumping, high-fives, or hand salutes, so apparently the officers in court got the memo on how to behave in public.
I wonder if there will be any noise complaints tonight as the SPD gathers at Thompson’s house to down a couple kegs of beer?
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 6:06 p.m.
January 27, 2012, will come soon enough. Enjoy your extra 81 days of freedom.
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 6:08 p.m.
@smittyturn:
Keep reading. Pretty soon you’ll be a rocket surgeon.
misjustice on November 07 at 6:14 p.m.
At least he was in jail for a time, was forced to do the perp walk into court, had to wear a jumpsuit to court, and had to feel the cold steel on his wrists; just a small taste of what is to come…
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 6:16 p.m.
Brakin Newz KArl thompson is FREE!!!
YES!!!!!!!!! Its time to High five a SPD Costable., Karl Thompson is FREE!!!!!! my hunger strike is over and I can now take a shower and change clothes. YES KARL THOMPSON IS FREE!!!!!!!!! because he is NOT GUILTY!!!!!!
PlanB on November 07 at 6:37 p.m.
Hey, I heard Charles Manson was a real sweet kid and once got a special award in grade school for exemplary performance.
He should be released immediately until the real killers can be found.
PlanB on November 07 at 6:39 p.m.
This makes Thompsons’ conviction, a violent felony conviction, even more amazing.
Van Sickle has been suckling on the teet of the defense the entire time.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 6:47 p.m.
Van Sickle is the man and a hero to me.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 6:58 p.m.
@misjustice
He really isn’t a flight risk, or a danger to the community. Which is primarily the standard. But there were a lot of interesting things Judge Van Sickle said.
One of the things of interest, which I wonder if it will be reported on by all the media is Judge Van Sickles, admonishment to the courtroom that he would not tolerate any kind of demonstration, and at the very least anyone doing so would be asked to leave, and at the worst be found in contempt. Just kind of an interesting comment by the Judge, I thought.
What do you think “smittyturn”, interesting, or just another one of those federal people trying to intimidate folks?
DHF on November 07 at 7:01 p.m.
It shows whats wrong with this country . Justice is not allways equal and you have a good result of it here. He is no different than the cops who beat Rodney King. But thanks to a simple minded judge he will sleep in his own bed until sentence. Shame on this corrupt system.
misjustice on November 07 at 7:07 p.m.
Thank you Judge Van Sickle. Boo to the SR for telling where they released Thompson too. What is the Review trying to do? Are they trying to get him killed before he is sentenced? if the courts won’t tell where he is being released to, then why would the paper decide to do so? Oh, that’s right……they have chosen the side they believe is correct, instead of telling the story, & to h*ll with anyone’s safety. Shame on Clark & the SR. Shademuse…..I so agree with you. Thompson is innocent!
*******
To all you cop haters…… Here’s another one that didn’t get the chance to ask the offender any questions. Maybe he should have tried to talk him into giving him the gun or say “let’s go for a bottle of pop” before he did anything to stop the offense. Yes, maybe he should have not stepped in front of the woman. Yes, maybe Thompson should have just let Zehm do whatever he wanted to do & just let him walk away. Not……….
*************
Detective Michael Morgan, 31, was gunned down saving the life of an innocent. Out celebrating a birthday, Officer Mike was with fellow Officers at a club when, at 0310, while walking a female employee to her vehicle after closing time. A gunman approached, demanding money while grabbing at the woman’s purse. Detective Morgan did not even have a chance to pull his own weapon as he stepped between the innocent and the gunman before the gunman fired a shot.
A round hit the officer in his torso. The shooter fled. Detective Morgan was transported to the hospital a block away by Paterson Police Officers who were in the immediate vicinity searching for a robbery suspect on another call that had gone out moments before. The gunshot wound proved to be fatal and Detective Michael Morgan Jr. was pronounced dead on his 31st birthday.
******************
Yes, I think he should have tried to reason with the man. No clubs, no tasers, just talk him down. He tried to do that (he did step in front of the person)….& he was right in doing it. Yes, he was DEAD right. So, let’s give them all the benefit of the doubt & sing Kumbaya My Lord!
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 7:13 p.m.
Vansickle released Thompson to end my Hunger stike and Shower strike.
Thankyou Vansickle.
misjustice on November 07 at 7:16 p.m.
Brian, I agree. Not likely a flight risk. Although an ankle bracelet would have been nice, just in case????
Smittysturn a Fed???? Naw…Not likely. He commented on a sports page recently…which could be part of his vast “left-wing” cover but I doubt it. He was a spelling/grammar “cop” on that post too.
Oh great, GrammaAGAIN is back…at least with her boy in jail Olive Oil was silent. Now she comes on the threads to gloat…live it up Gramma while you can, he is STILL a CONVICTED FELON and will be sentenced on Jan 27th…
Lewis on November 07 at 7:18 p.m.
i wonder if we bloggers are safe with thompson and his buddies out looking to settle a score, opps i forgot no one cares about the citizens.
if we are lucky he will get hit by a bus.
just goes to show if your a cop and a felon you still get special rights no one else gets.
i wonder if he will be at work tomorrow like nothing happened, glad i didn’t go to council meeting big friggin waste of time.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 7:19 p.m.
@misjustice
No, no, Smitty isn’t a fed I was just asking Smitty’s opinion. I’m sorry I’m hard to understand quite often.
misjustice on November 07 at 7:20 p.m.
I highly doubt that he will EVER be back at work, even at the corrupt SPD…he is a CONVICTED FELON and as such can not have a gun/weapon…Even Annie can’t be that blind/stupid…
Just sayin’…
Truthhurts on November 07 at 7:21 p.m.
Oreskovich realized that telling such a whopper could cost him his Bar license, so he is setting up a paralegal.
Nothing wrong with zealous defense. Everything wrong with lying to the court as an attorney.
Van Sickle has me worried that his anti-prosecution rulings were, in fact, anti-prosecution rulings, and not an attempt to make the case appeal-proof.
We need to gather up our resources for major political action next year to make sure the digging into the cover-up will happen.
wdodd on November 07 at 7:22 p.m.
@ smittysturn
I see you classify yourself as a baffoon . I see your posting!! lol
misjustice on November 07 at 7:24 p.m.
Lol! Well, at least you admit it, Brian…oh shadowy one cloaked in mystery, and the boot of doom!
I re-read your Smittysturn reference, and with the correct pause I get it now! Maybe it’s just my readin’ comprehension, or lack thereof????
; )
Albert on November 07 at 7:25 p.m.
The point remains that justice has been served. Klubber has been duly convicted by a jury of his peers. There will be a sentence and he will go to prison at age 64. That is the absolute reality of this matter.
I hope that justice will continue with everyone connected to this murder, i.e. “excessive use of force”. It is time to see the proverbial house cleaned out from the top down.
Thank you! Spokesman Review and Doug Clark for NEVER giving up on Otto.
wdodd on November 07 at 7:27 p.m.
Yeah while in jail Karl The Klubber will not be elgible to recieve his social security check.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 7:34 p.m.
I was there for the whole lousy thing.
Will read comments up thread before commenting further.
Let’s just say it was not easy to remain calm, cool, and collected.
Liberalsblow on November 07 at 7:35 p.m.
what a bunch of hypocrites you all are.
first you feel that the 50 saluters disrespected the court and now when it doesn’t go the way you want you don’t respect the court.
Dont you flakes have some city council meeting to bloviate at?
The_Seer on November 07 at 7:38 p.m.
shaded: How will anyone be able to tell?
justgrammagain: What? Go with half a tab of Halcion next time.
No worries. He’s looking at 10 years come January, what’s a few months? Let Karl have one last holiday season at home.
Remember, Karl didn’t kill Otto. The officers who sat on him and put the mask on him did.
Lewis on November 07 at 7:41 p.m.
brian and ron is thompson a convicted felon will he go to jail sooner or later or can we see van sicky throw the juries vote out?
I cant believe the SOB is out free. he gets to have the holidays with his drunk cop friends an homely wife while Ottos family is having another holiday w/o Otto.
Someone explain to me how this is possible. becoming disillusioned again with our so called justice system, that only seems to work for pigs.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 7:42 p.m.
@misjustice
I don’t claim to be real bright. But at almost 64 and listening to what Judge Van Sickle said regarding winning an appeal (of course he would say that it was his case). I think I would have opted for not fighting the incarceration prior to sentencing, take all the credit for time served I could get (instead of just 2 days). Then maybe I’d be out for Christmas 2020. Of course I’d have to miss this Christmas, but who wants to Christmas shop in this economy anyway. It should be better in 2020. Hell, if I didn’t “spoil my good time” I might even make Christmas 2019.
No jokes from the ex-cons out there about spoiling my good time.
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 7:44 p.m.
@JustMeAgain:
So how is a gunman comparable to an unarmed civilian who was not facing toward the offender in the Zehm incident, who began clubbing him from behind?
Ed
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 7:47 p.m.
I’m going to put up a big sign in my yard that says THAKYOU merci VanSickle for Free an Innocent Karl Thompson,.who is Not guilty, this trial was a sham. If anyone is Guilty its the Spokane Media that tried and Convicted KarlThompson and its jackalls in the Spokane media is why Cameras arent alloud in Court.
SPOKANE MEDIA SUCKS!!!! What KLEW CBS 3.
sean96 on November 07 at 7:49 p.m.
mr muse,
SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT SUCKS!!!!
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 7:50 p.m.
One other Note Fred Vansickle is a former Douglas county Prosescuter and Appointed to Federal Bench by some Guy named George Bush, so before you tea-baggers start painting the judge as a Liberal, think again, he is NOT a Liberal but a Conservative. Douglas County could end up in the 5th district so I say we run him Against Cathy Mcmo-Mo.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 7:51 p.m.
@Lewis
I think it’s pretty unlikely he will get a new trial. But, what do I know I’m just on of those “baffons”, what ever that is.
@Liberalsblow
If it makes you feel any better. I’m good with it. But I still think I would have opted to get it over with.
brianrbreen on November 07 at 7:55 p.m.
@Liberalsblow
I should clarify. I’d want to get it over with because I’m a big coward.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 7:56 p.m.
IMO Van Sickle’s a tottering old fool. He constantly stammered and coughed (which could be sickness) but seemed like more of a tic or just plain
He sounded sorry to say Karl would never work as a police officer again, and that the City should be firing him soon.
Dolt.
Carl O made an argument that Klubber could be at great risk from the general population. No f’ng shiiet. He will be in PC whenever he’s behind bars or transported and WELL protected by jailers who will think he’s a hero that got a bad rap.
I sat right behind the Zehm family. Klubber definitely looked at the audience from time to time, stared him down once myself.
Part of the Judge’s ruling was based on his agreement that Karl was in an unusual situation and was “PROVOKED”! BOVINE EXCREMENT and the jury already said otherwise.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 7:59 p.m.
The gov’t should definitely appeal to the Ninth, they’ll get a 3 judge panel decision pretty quick.
mrd on November 07 at 8:04 p.m.
I wish the judge hadn’t of given release time. If I was in his situation I’d be out of here at the first chance. Let’s see what he does. A commendable past means nothing when looking at a dismal future.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 8:08 p.m.
Karl won’t be fleeing until maybe when there’s no further opportunity for Carl O to keep billing the taxpayers.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 8:09 p.m.
9th court of apeal is Liberal so that means they will rule in favour of Karl Thompson because he is Not guilty of no crimes.
Some guy named george Bush appointed Van sickle to the Federal bench back in 1991 so he has 20 years on Bench.
1sgdavo on November 07 at 8:11 p.m.
I believe that justice has been done. Being one from a law enforcement background for the last 25years, it is sad to see that someone so close to the end of their career let his ego and anger get the better of him. I am glad that justice is served. I hope that some of the other injustices perpetrated in the last couple of years in the name of self defence and justice. I believe that a look from the ground up like Seattle is getting is fully justified, I think a new mayor and a new chief is fully justified as well.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 8:24 p.m.
Oh yeah, and I encountered not one but but two janitors with Developmental Disabilities in the courthouse.
One when I was going up to the 7th floor with some TV reporter (I don’t watch TV). We got on the ground floor, and this gentleman got on the third. We both started walking out thinking we were at our floor. The gentleman looked at the floor buttons that were punched, and then in non-verbal grunting and very-much good hearted laughing pointed up to the floor indicator above the elevator door. Yeah, we’re the “dummies”. ;)
He had chosen the 6th floor, and while this reporter and I made small talk about being distracted etc., the door opens on the 6th floor and we almost got out there when he laughed and grunted again, and pointed out the floor indicator one more time.
I remarked to the reporter that isn’t is ironic as I am on my way to a hearing about the Zehm case. She smiled and nodded, 7th floor was reached and we went our separate ways.
Then after the hearing on the way out, I hear talk and there’s confusion as to whether we had to go all the way to the basement to get out of the building. So I stop and enquirer of this OTHER janitor to ask him and he’s also definitely (high functioning) DD and he says “Basement to get out”.
The elevator is loading up with Carl O. and a bunch of the Thompson folks so I just wait for the next one.
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 8:32 p.m.
they say those that go to the Basement Never leave. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 8:38 p.m.
There were some Thompson supporters in there, especially when it wasn’t looking so good for Karl, well if looks could kill…
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 8:48 p.m.
I wanted to go but I could not find the time of when it all would go down. I thought the hearing would be around 10am, I showed up at 10am ad nothing was happening so i said if anyone ask, tell them Shadedmuse was here to see the hearing.
Slightlyworried on November 07 at 9:15 p.m.
Here is a list of countries that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo (Kinshasa), Congo (Brazzaville), Croatia, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé & Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Many on the list are actually dependent on us for forgien aid or protection, so they would probably cough Thompson up. But there are many on the list who would welcome him with open arms. Now all he needs is a plan to get out of the country undetected. If only there was an unsecured border that he could walked across with little or no threat of being detected . . .
misjustice on November 07 at 9:18 p.m.
Just a lil’ update on the crowing goin’ on at the WE Heart Thompson FaceBook Page:
Officer Blessing, of course…
Erin Blessing
I went to court today to support Ofc Thompson, SPD gets a lot of negative press about everything they do. I would like to say I am proud that LE did not respond to Spokesman reporter Thomas Clouse when he said out loud while the judge was talking before recess, “he’s going to cry,” referring to Ofc Thompson and then laughed. I am sure he was looking for a response from supporters, but no one took it. Talk about a lack of prefessionalism as a reporter and to make light of a horrible event for eveyone involved.
Like · Comment · 58 minutes ago ·
Here’s the link, if you don’t already have it…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Support-Karl-Thompson/130290690659
crossfire on November 07 at 9:19 p.m.
Not 3 days past and Karl comes home to patrolman Johnny living in his house, driving his car. Dang honey, they let you out so soon?
Well, they are divorced :)
Shadedmuse on November 07 at 9:26 p.m.
Afganistan doesnt have extradition with the U.S? Doesnt the U.S OWN Afganistan? hiding in Afganistan would be like hiding in the Virgin Islands, Peuto rico guam Northern mariana Islands Hawaii and Alaska.
Thomas Clouse is a perfect example on why SPOKANE MEDIA SUCKS!!!!!!! its time to shut down the Spokane Media.
What KLEW CBS 3 for news and Entertainment.
schleufer on November 07 at 9:34 p.m.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC9ZHXnY6GA&feature=youtube_gdata
misjustice on November 07 at 9:46 p.m.
schleufer, the yodeling in that clip freaked out my cats!
nslopeofw on November 07 at 10:21 p.m.
Who cares if he’s out for a couple of months. And, you coppers that thought it was in poor taste for SR to show where this convicted felon was staying, dont you think his neighbors had the right to know a convicted felon was living in their area? Especially one who has proven to snap and beat people?
I’m sure all of his buddies and worshipers will be guarding his home from vigilante’s, so rest easy. Karl will be safe until he gets to a place where his worshipers can no longer protect him 24/7. Then its either PC, or Karl will have to use all of his para-military training to keep safe.
nslopeofw on November 07 at 10:23 p.m.
Is he staying with the wife he divorced? The one who was in court supporting him? Think the feds are that stupid? Naw, me either.
de3 on November 07 at 10:28 p.m.
No word yet on Thompson being fired from the SPD. How much longer will he get to collect his paycheck after conviction and doing no work?
DickAdams on November 07 at 10:40 p.m.
Kudos to John Olsen for testifying at tonight`s city council meeting`s public forum. John did an excellent job delivering his dissertation and demanded from the council members they act like leaders instead of doing nothing and do something regarding the appalling behavior of the SPD officers that saluted Thompson after he was sentenced after all 12 jurors found him guilty on both counts. The few times I`ve watched John testify at council meetings he always has a pleasant look on his face. NOT TONIGHT! In my opinion, he looked disgusted with the city council.
I wondered myself why somebody on the city council didn`t ask Mayor Mary Verner, why as the city`s CEO, she was covering up the crime. BTW, John Olsen did recognize Councilman Bob Apple as the only council person that had the courtesy to answer the email he sent to them. Mr. Apple has always responded to my opines. Even if we do not agree, which is seldom.
Again, many thanks, John Olsen. Well done!!
Ron_the_Cop on November 07 at 10:52 p.m.
Mr. Adams,
RTC was also there and addressed the Council too. I explained while I did understand their need to show emotional support for Ofc. Thompson this was way over the line and was a show of disrespect to the rule of the law, the sanctity of the court and to the family. I filed an IA complaint re this action with SPD Ombudsman Tim Burns. See my post here http://tinyurl.com/6nfysnx
I also rehashed my standing recommendation to the Mayor and City Council -
1. Request that the US Atty’s Office expand its current criminal investigation to include any who were complicit in the cover-up for obstruction justice.
2. Request that the US DOJ initiate a civil pattern and practice investigation of SPD.
3. Request that the Board of Commissioners require all OIS/OIDs to reviewed by an inquest panel as Brian Breen and others have discussed in this comment threads.
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 11:01 p.m.
“schleufer on November 07 at 9:34 p.m.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC9ZHXnY6GA&feature=youtube_gdata”
Watched that the other night. Hilarious and frightening.
“misjustice on November 07 at 9:46 p.m.
schleufer, the yodeling in that clip freaked out my cats!”
Cat lover, figgers. ;)
greenlibertarian on November 07 at 11:23 p.m.
Ron the Cop or as Rockets Brain as I knew you long ago and met you at Stickman’s place:
Thanks for your diligence.
Unwinding the RPS FIASCO, we don’t have a chance in hell, windmill tilter.
This corrupt PD leadership and City Attorney’s office, WE DO have a chance at reform. Gotta leverage the Feds on this, as you know, and advocate for.
After attending the Klubber get out of jail hearing, I just couldn’t imagine stomaching the City Council meeting. Only so much B.S I can take.
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 11:38 p.m.
@1sgdavo,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and demonstrating the kind of integrity that is present in your profession. I hope the younger ethical officers in the SPD take some inspiration from your words. I imagine it is hard being ethical in the current agency environment.
Ed Byrnes
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 11:39 p.m.
John and Ron,
Thank you for your participation at the council meeting tonight. I wish I could have been there with you.
Ed
wdodd on November 08 at 7:03 a.m.
@ Ron the Cop and Brian Breen
We the Dodd family also is seeking an inquest in the death of our brother. We would like to thank both of you guys for pursuing this matter. Maybe we can get justice.
Shadedmuse on November 08 at 9:06 a.m.
Karl thomspon should not be fired , because he is NOT GULITY!!!!!!! He needs to return to work.
nslopeofw on November 09 at 1:17 a.m.
Shade-
Cry all you like, but Karl IS now a CONVICTED FELON, and as such, cannot work as a police officer ever again. Not only that, but he also has a date with a jail cell which will keep him from being an on time worker. Of course, he can work in the slammer making license plates, so there is that.
He IS GUILTY. He was proven guilty by a jury of his peers, therefore by the laws of our land (which he chose to break) he is legally a convicted felon, and even after he serves his debt to society in a cage for 6-10 years, he will still be a convicted felon.
greenlibertarian on November 09 at 1:29 a.m.
nslope, didn’t you pay attention? Shaded muse acts as troll on this issue.