Fullerton Police Officer Says Chief Hughes is Corrupt
We just received a copy of a message to city manager Joe Felz from a Fullerton police officer making specific allegations of corruption, brutality, racism, cronyism and cover-ups under the leadership of police captain and current acting chief Danny Hughes. I also hear that officer Lira has been discussing these issues on KFI AM 640 this afternoon.
From: Ben Lira
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 12:42 PM
To: jfelz@ci.fullerton.ca.us; City Manager
Subject: message/information from Benjamin LiraMr. Felz
My name is Benjamin Lira, and although we’ve never met, I’ve been a nearly 17 year dedicated employee of the Fullerton Police Department. Recent events have left the city, the Police department and it’s employees in turmoil. I’m saddened to think I’ve had anything to do with that.
I apologize for reaching out to you via email but myself and my colleagues have stood quiet long enough. I ask that you PLEASE take the time to read this email and reflect on it’s contents.
If my name doesn’t ring a bell, then let me introduce myself and tell you I am the person who drafted the email to solicit bail funds for Manuel Ramos. I’m not writing you to debate the KT events; they speak for themselves. I’ve said all along that I didn’t condone the actions of the Officers, but Manuel Ramos is my friend and I did it to help a friend. Not only did I try to help a friend I checked with then Acting Chief Hamilton who told me, “I can do whatever I want as long as I do it on my own time.” Employees at the PD were confused because having not seen the video where told by Captain Crum, “that’s what happens when you fight with the Police.” On my own time I drafted an email and distributed via PORAC. I didn’t have any intentions other then to solicit donations through union members. Unfortunately, someone from LAPD put the email on his facebook page, Big City Cops. I do not have any affiliation with BCP nor do I agree with their views.
Since drafting this email I’ve been demoted. After my demotion I was placed on paid leave for a text message I did not send and was distributed by members of the FPD. It’s unfortunate that I and on my own time am held to higher standards then some on of the members of the FPD while on duty. Many in the public refer to the “culture of corruption” in the FPD and I’m here to tell you it exist. I’ve resisted long and hard the “culture of corruption” and I can no longer sit back and allow this to ruin the reputation I spent long and hard building with the community, my co workers and my colleagues in the LE profession. Which was once a childhood dream to become a Police Officer has now become a nightmare.
Up until now I’ve decided to remain silent, mostly at the advice of my attorney’s. I can no longer remain silent and my passion to clean up the Police department and re store it’s reputation remains stronger then ever. I feel it’s ironic the person now in charge of the Police department, Dan Hughes, has led the way in the culture of corruption and now makes the decisions for the Department. I implore you to please continue reading and know that against my attorney’s wishes I’m reaching out to you to give you information you may find useful.
When I first began my career in 1995 I was eager to make a difference and that difference started in my assignment at the FPD jail. While working in the jail I watched then Senior Officer Dan Hughes slap an inmate 6-8 times in the face. I thought to myself this person doesn’t need to be a Police Officer and never did I ever imagine this person would one day be in charge. The assault was investigated and as a probationary employee and only 19years old I feel as though I was told what to say and not asked what I saw.
During my career I worked up the ranks from Cadet, Sr Cadet, Jailer, Reserve Officer, Police Officer and Corporal. I attended CSUF and obtained my Bachelors degree in hopes of one day promoting. Sadly I was wrong because I soon realized there was a culture at FPD where a group of White Officers would promote and then promote their friends leaving the rest of us on the outside looking in. If you look at the make up of the PD it’s made up of Supervisors, their family members and friends. I know it’s hard to believe but as you continue to read on I hope you see the evidence I show to support my claim.
In my nearly 17 years as an employee of the Fullerton Police Department I have received one citizen complaint and it was at the beginning of my career. I personally think this is impressive because all of my career but 2 years has been spent in patrol because I’ve never been given a chance to prove myself in details, assignment, training, etc. This frustration grew in to depression and in 2005 I took a leave of absence. Embarrassed as to how I was feeling I didn’t tell anyone. I did what I had always told people and that’s if your not feeling well then seek counseling, and that’s exactly what I did. Unfortunately, this didn’t meet the mold of the culture at FPD because when I returned to work I had 46 metal hangers intertwined on my locker preventing me from opening it. I reported this, but of course nothing ever happened.
Throughout my career I watched as this Culture of Corruption grew and they became increasingly racist. Mexicans would be referred to as “wetbacks” and African Americans would be referred to as the “N” word. I voiced my displeasure but to no avail. On July 22, 2008 a departmental photo was scheduled and during individual photos a group of Mexican Officers were called, “wetbacks,” “where’s your oranges,””Where’s your Chiclets.” For the first time in my career, while in uniform and not on the scene of a tragic crime, I wanted to cry. I filed a complaint and my frustration grew when the FPD brass deemed my complaint “spirited bantering.” I was mortified and couldn’t understand why this could be. From then on I suffered even more ridicule by colleagues teasing me for making a complaint.
Since this time I’ve continued to suffer discrimination. I’ve reported this and ultimately then Chief Sellers scheduled an independent investigation. RCS investigating and consulting ultimately met with me and the results of this investigation have never been given to me. During this investigation I reported how supervisors would leave early and go drinking downtown. I reported how the supervisors would then have Officers take them home in Police/City vehicles. Ironically these same officers who would give them rides home would begin to get promoted and preferred details in the Department. I reported how then Captain Petropolous would teach at FJC and allow FPD members enroll in his class and never show up and get A’s in the class. Doesn’t sound like much until you consider Officers would use these credits which led to certificates and increase pay.
This investigation went on and I reported a laundry list of incidents which largely alleged supervisors were derelict in their duty. I reported how supervisors would go and teach at FJC academy when they should be working at the PD. I didn’t feel it was fair to the citizens that the watch commander was getting paid to teach at FJC instead of being at the PD, but this was the norm and til this day hasn’t changed.
10 days after this interview I was called in on a Sunday to the Watch Commanders office. I was met by an angry Dan Hughes. Hughes told me I was ordered not to talk about the above mentioned investigation and that someone had filed a complaint against me. I was never given a copy of the complaint, I was never told what the complaint was and a follow up investigation took place. I later learned from the Association that it was Dan Hughes attempt to cover up the interview which in turn led to his promotion to Captain.
The more I look around I can’t help but feel Dan Hughes is the common theme amongst corruption that has occurred. For instance, the city is being sued by Clarke, a citizen who said he was assaulted on St Patrick’s day 2010. All those involved know it was Dan Hughes who initiated this contact and took Clarke down to the ground causing him injuries yet no record of this ever exist. In fact, this arrest was followed by Officer Cary Tong purposely slamming on the brakes and while recorded on DAR you can hear Officer Tong allowing the inmates face to slam on the “cage” three times in the Police car. I think it’s sad and ironic how now the city is being sued but up until now Hughes’ involvement is not known. To me this shows what kind of person he really is. In addition to that during this investigation he had Sgt Chocek secretly/privately go up to each officer involved and promise them lenient discipline in return for not reporting Dan Hughes’ involvement.
These are just my stories and quiet frankly I have several more and so do other members of this department. Theres employees that are afraid to come forward in fear of risking their career like I have. There’s a lot of good employees at the FPD, one being Captain Lorraine Jones. Sir, whether you agree with me or not I ask that you please consider the common goal we have and that’s to clean up the Police Department. It breaks my heart to have to listen to the advice of my attorney’s and prepare for lawsuits because that’s not what I’m about. If you question my intentions please ask my friend, Captain Lorraine Jones. She speaks highly of you and it’s for that reason I’ve chosen to reach out to you.
On May 17 I met with the FBI and reported what I’ve said along with other things. The FBI, like yourself, have the opportunity to make a difference for this city, it’s citizens and it’s employees and I urge you to please consider that. I think at the very minimum I’ve given you some evidence of the misdeeds perpetrated by Dan Hughes and I’m hoping it’s enough to launch an investigation and place him on administrative leave. I hope that if at any point you want to meet with me and or use me to help, that you know I’m committed to you and this city and it’s citizens.
I’m sorry for any inconvenience any of my actions have caused.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Lira
Listen to KFI for interview (Bill Carroll) that Lira gave on the air.
I would like to see the FPD go down but by using the truth and through honorable means.
I do not know too much about Hughes but from what I read he seems to be trying very hard to change the culture of corruption that is the FPD. But such is based only on what I read which could be nothing but propaganda, I simply do not know.
That said, I am sorry to say this but this Benjamin Lira guy sounds like a nut and his letter sounds like sour grapes to me. I could easily be wrong, and frankly I would LOVE TO BE WRONG, and Lira becomes the brave hero that marks the beginning of the end of the culture of corruption that is the FPD. That said, I am not confident Lira is credible.
Dan Hughes saw the pole cam video of the Kelly Thomas murder 300 times by his own admission and he stated that it would change our minds once we saw it. He either felt it would never get out into the hands of the public or he seems to think what happened on that fateful evening was justified. I cant get my arms around either. In my opinion he has no business running that department. Whether Lira is credible or not we will probably never know. What can be anecdotally inferred is another question. If Lira means business he needs to show up at the mic on Tuesday and let it ride.
I understand and I could easily be wrong about Hughes and he may be behind some of the corruption that is the FPD.
It is just a gut feeling and I believe Hughes is honorable but perhaps he has done some not so honorable things to protect friends.
In any event, if the FPD must remain, then new outisde management is needed. When you have a cancer like the FPD sometimes good tissue has to be cut away with the bad just to make sure.
The way he smiles and nods in affirmation whenever I talk to him makes me feel that he’s honorable TOO!
AND we cannot disband the FPD because stuff and other things and stuff like that, you know?
well it is a totally this n that why not to disband
I was a reserve officer at FPD during the 1980’s. I went through Police Academy at the age of 50 while I owned Arlo Truck Parts in Anaheim. I worked as a reserve police officer in evenings and weekends while running Arlo. There were some officers during my time.
My most vivid memory of Danny Hughes was as a first year rookie. He was riding with an older officer, with a questionable who later was promoted to Lieutenant. The Lt/ made a car stop and while the Lt. was talking to the driver Danny had the passenger in a “hand lock. The one Danny was holding said, that hurts. Danny then started really cranking on his hand and said, “how’s this” while the guy was screaming from pain!
That is my memory of Danny and I can believe he became a real ass hole!
Feel free to print my name! I am now 89 years of age.
You should go tell this story at his church in Yorba Linda.
Hughes is not honorable. He is wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is an actor, stooge and liar. He was part of the department for years while it got worse and worse. HUGHES NEEDS TO GO! And God Bless this cop who has the courage to not only follow his dream and serve his community but the courage to come forward and write this email.
Hughes will NEVER be Chief!!!!
Coffman is lying on KFI right now
Lira, Your next call should be to an attorney. Coffman gave out so much shit he isnt allowed to.
Absolutely. So much for the FPOA backing him up. Lira has the courage to speak up and this is how the culture of corruption and the union responds. Makes me sick.
Where is Chillin Cops Balls in His Mouth now? Why aren’t you posting some bullshit response as the moral compass of police officer shitbags everywhere asshole?!?! Or maybe liberal bleeding heart Greg Diamond will run to your defense when you are just another asshole cop with a badge and a gun just like the dirtybags in the FPD.
This email just buried Lira for good. He will have charges filed on him for failure to report in all different instances. His sour grapes, get paid off attitude just ruined him forever. Like I said before, there are bad cops. They just need to be found. He just found one for us all. Bury him in the dirt.
The above comment is brought to you by the Culture of Corruption.
Yep.
Yes. Probably Detective Ron Bair or “Professional Standards” Sergeant Jason Schoen.
Lira may be damaged goods — but FBI may be very interested in his stories.
He told the FBI in May. FBI is long gone. Even Ron said that.
I believe Ron to be wrong.
The FBI is never gone.
I don’t believe for a second they are gone. They investigate these cases thoroughly and they don’t want to conflict with local prosecutions. There will be justice.
Wow! Very revealing letter!
I believe that It is never too late to do the right thing and the truth always stands on its own. May the light of day shine on all the horrible injustices that have taken place in the department that the citizens of Fullerton spend an inordinate sum of money on every year to maintain. The public trust in not a toy.
On the bright side, the patrol division has not murdered anyone since Danny Hughes handed over the reins to someone else.
To appoint Chief or not, that is the question.
Enough horsing around. Make corrupt Hughes our chief!
No way Jose.
Wow! The first big crack! Sounds like Mr. Lira has been through the wringer. Another 2 or 3 officers coming out and the DOJ will be all over FPD. Hopefully, Lira will be enough to get things moving quicker with DOJ.
lets see, Goodrich promoted, Chlebowski promoted, Crum promoted, Jones promoted, Hughes promoted, Lira demoted, maybe Lira’s right about the misgivings of FPD
hey kiger, how come you censor some of the posts that are sent to your “political” blog????? We wouldn’t want to allow both sides to be expressed. That wouldn’t be fair.
Play nice Johnny.
Even though I question what kind of person would raise money to get a friend they know beat someone to death out of jail, I am glad he is legitimizing the corruption at the FPD. This will make it easier for other officers to come forward and get all of the “trash” taken out over there. BTW: Where are the comments from the FPD and their family/friends? It looks like it’s not just a bunch of “crazy FFFF’ers” saying your department is ripe with corruption anymore fellas. The truth also triumphs in the end.
Don’t worry, Danny Boy’s Brigade of Apologists and Ass Kissers weren’t and will never be interested in the truth.
Just remember: Flory is proud to have the support of the Culture of Corruption. And that says all you need to know about her.
Bring in the Sheriff!
This is huge!!! I believe the last time I saw Officer Benjamin Lira’s name here was due to his FPOA plea for help bailing out Ramos.
So glad he came forward in this fashion. What to you think Joe Felz will do? My guess, is his plan was to ignore this e-mail and all it’s content, but now that FFFF has it, WATCH OUT!
Thank you Officer Lira for YOUR transparency and your willingness to risk your career…
Thank you also for confirming that Michael Gennaco IS full of shit!
What will Felz do?
The email is over four months old, so I think we have an answer: nothing.
4 month-old email from a CURRENT employee… Has Felz shared it with the Council? Doubt it.
Felz will tell Lira to take a walk in the park because joe Felz’s meteoric rise to city manager was due to his experince as director of fullerton’s parks and recreation. Uh huh, we, the good people of fullerton, are guided and managed by the best
The path to Joe F began back when Jim Armstrong was City Manager. He plucked Chris Meyer out of Maintenance where he was asst to the dept head. Armstrong made Chris his ‘Asst’, Asst turned into asst city manager, ergo when Armstrong left Chris was positioned to succeed Armstrong. Fetz became Chris’ ‘fair haired boy’ so he got annointed by Chris to the Council. The City Manager position seems to have become a kind royal family with the outgoing Manager telling the Council who the successor should be.
What happened to a truly open recruitment process? Big abdication of duty by the Council.
Oh, this is all just standard. Believe me, i see it in departments everywhere. It’s not corruption or even incomptence. It’s just a little complacency.
LOL!
all just below standard
Thank you Officer Lira for your courage in coming forward to let the truth be known.
Fullerton residents? We need to support Officer Lira and demand answers from the PD.
I know. Let’s ask Jan Flory for help!
Let’s read the letter to them at City Council.
BINGO THAT!
It would also be interesting to see how many and who will get up to speak against that e-mail.
I would guess not too many since all the trolls such as Cold Chillin’ No Balls, John Doe, REality Is, etc. are not chiming in here.
All mentioned above are no longer here because Booshala blocks their comments.
Poor excuse, nice try…
Don’t forget TimeWillTell he’s also gotten the Kabash from the powers that be.
And EyeNeverSayNo.
I am proud that Officer Lira came forward, thank you!
However, I am not sure you should trust Ms. Jones, she was in the audience protecting Danny Hughes and berrating the city council for not making him Chief and that Kiger, Whitaker and Sebourn were causing poor morale in the FPD by wanting to get a quote from the Sherriffs dept.
I am not sure you should trust Mr. Felz either, I see this letter to him was written back in July and yet he seemingly has not acted upon your complaint?
And to the people who sat in the council chambers in blue T shirts cheering Dan Hughes on as our next Chief, I say shame on you.
I thought that it was obvious that they had something to hide, they were protecting Danny boy. Throughout several city council meetings, the anger and nasty vibes from the cops and their families was terrifying and for what? Their boss? I think for themselves and to cover up their sins.
Shame on these white cops for being bigots too, it shows who the true bullies are and we do not need your services in Fullerton any longer!
What Officer Lira says about the culture of corruption being amongst the ‘white boys’ is standard everywhere at any police department or sheriff department.
Look at all the high-ranks and notice the major majority are white. They put on their public friendly smiles when needed and beat up the Mexicans when no one’s looking. They are also some of the biggest and best ‘bullshiters’ too.
The crysal clearly evident culture of corruption within the Fullerton Police Department needed police officer Lira’s lance jab into that pus-filled boil in order to reveal the obvious complicity of those who GO ALONG with FPD corruption (and Redevelopment Agency corruption, etc.) in order to “earn” their hundreds of thousands of dollars of government employee Union political campaign contributions which purchased their local and state office election “victories.”
This policeman’s courage might finally break through the many phony “official investigations” and delays, from within our FPD and over at the District Attorney’s office.
We should see very soon if our newly elected city council member, Jennifer Fitzgerald, sides with the retread source of these FPD problems, AKA Jan Flory, or if this new council member has the kind of courage and intelligence displayed so frequently by her predecessor, Travis Kiger, when he served on our city council.
🙂
take a breath. There are a lot of accusasations in this e-mail. And they seem to have validity, based on the clusterfuck of fucking bullshit that has surrounded this meathead of a fucking department openly for the past year and a half and who know for how long in the past. But, pretend you are a lawyer? Where are the facts? Where’s the evidence. Where’s the paper trail. Without any of that, this will become just much fodder. Those that loathe these fucking pigs will loathe them more. Those who defend them. Will defend them more. Without some real empirical evidence, or at least corrobation for others than officer Lira, this is sound and fury signifying nothing. And the first person to insult me for that take can suck my dirty rancid cock.
Exhale the vapor. Then look up the Andrew Trevor Clarke lawsuit. The full complaint is somewhere here on this site. Among other things, Lira is corroborating the description of that event. So we already have corroboration. There will be more to come.
The main point is anyway, Chaffee and Quirk-Silva were BEGGING the council to hire Hughes. Did they know about this? Did Felz share this email with the council? If not, why not? This stinks worse than your old lady, Methhead. (I’m trying to keep it clean for any young Kellers that may be lurking here – maybe you can too).
Lol. Young Kellers. They all have the intelligence of a 12 year old.
I hope it goes to trial and the jury hears everything.
That won’t happen now. No trials. Big payouts to avoid public airing of the facts.
FPOA on meth? Thanks for your bullshit post methhead.
That’s right. And you are their connection.
Gross! Totally gotta to have a few few more cops spillin’ the beans on the higher ups. How many people does it take to clean up a PD? About 4 cops and a motivated US Attorney.
thanks to Benjamin for speaking up on this.
ps. a note from
Ron Thomas on facebook
“This is just a reminder that tomorrow, Nov. 30th, 9:00am in room C 40, Santa Ana, Ramos, Cicinelli, and Wolfe for the first time will be in front of the judge at the same time. This is the motion hearing where the judge will give his decision on as to throw out the case based on lack of evidence as requested by the defense, or set a trial date. After consulting with the DA’s team, I will be exercising my rights under Marcy’s Law and speak to the judge requesting that there be no more delays and that this needs to move forward.”
FBI Oh FBI… where art thou FBI?
At this point I’m pretty confident that Lira isn’t the only cop who has spoken out.
US Department of Justice? HELLO?????
BIG DEAL
THE PUNISHMENT IS EARLY RETIREMENT WITH AN EXPLOITIVE DISABILITY PENSION. ALSO, THE LAST LAUGH PARTYING ON OUR DIME.
WHAT A JOKE.
The truth sets you free.
The truth kills.
Is this a threat?
Dismissals denied! Should be quick and painful for the 3.
You just talk out of your ass R.D. Keep it up, you are an excellent representation of the low life, no life fools that make up Kelly’s Rabble.
Kelly’s Army died long ago. Right when Ron left town in the armored car with all the cash. He didn’t even say thanks.
Ron doesn’t have a pot to piss in. Garo kicks him down because he’s counting on a big pay day that will never come.
Ron has dirty laundry up the wazoo!
Without proof he has nothing. Sounds like he said a lot, but got nothing documented. Small claims won’t even take your case without paper.
I think the bigger question is: why is this letter just NOW coming to light: the day before the trail dates will be set? If the light starts shining on Hughes, the light no longer shines on the KT murder trial. This will add fog and mirrors and more confusion to what is already , and will continue to be, a very dirty trial.
This is the exact kind of diversion strategy that is used all the time to make a mockery out of what strong (or not so strong) evidence exists and to weaken the task at hand. For the time being: NOW – the most important task at hand is the KT murder trail – NOT the entire FPD and its staff, et al. By suddenly unveiling what is supposed to be a “smoking gun” letter at the 11th hour – is nothing short of some form of sabotage in the making against a very, very important murder trial. A trial, that if it succeeds in a conviction will set a precedence for the entire country.
This letter and those similar to its ilk need to wait for a later date in the sun.
It doesn’t work that way. A good judge is educated and trained to keep each legal question separate and not let one legal question confuse the other.
However, Friends For Jay has been saying for months that these issues would come out and be raised in court concerning the way the accused were expected to perform and the way their actions were viewed by the leadership in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
In fact, Friends For Jay asked me to ask a couple of questions of Dan Hughes, which I did, and reported back to Friends For Jay. Dan’s responses to me at the time were therefore logged and time stamped to be compared with other evidence.
The way things really work in cultures of corruption is that an inevitable incident arises from the corruption that exposes the entire system. A step in the process is that those accused feel that they are being made scapegoats so that the entire system can continue. It is those who bring the whole truth to light from an inside perspective.
Judging from the report of emails to KFI’s Steve Gregory today after Lira’s first airing, FPD may be equally factionalized between Hughes and Lira and may be ready to face each other down with the media, the courts, and the FBI watching; and most likely the City management ignoring.
How about a big billboard on Harbor or Commonwealth:
FPD RANK AND FILE:
You didn’t become a cop to be corrupt!
CALL US Attorney André Birotte Jr
(213) 894-2400
Some of the younger guys still have a concious and might come clean.
Plus the public pressure and push back might start a Greg “occupy oc” Diamond type uprising.
OK that last part was joke. Only big banks are allowed to be ridiculed, not public unions!
Greg Diamond is an opportunist. If you actually read his posts here and look at the people he supports like the fullerton pd and the culture of corruption, you’ll learn that he has nothing in common with the occupy movement except for just being there.
http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/616/carroll12112912P_1354223154_24467.mp3 (Interview begins at 10:00)
http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/616/carroll1211292P_1354230276_28154.mp3 (Interview begins at 23:00)
Gotta love how Barry tries to extort Ben Lira towards the end of the interview.
Barry is a real piece of work.
Coffman’s response was weak and lame…
He cites that since Gennaco did his evaluation and found ‘no culture of corruption’, how could you believe Ben Lira?
Scary thought knowing these guys have guns…
Mr. Lira,
Before you makeup nonsense and paint yourself to be something you are not, you might want to try to remember the things people know about you and what you are capable of behind closed doors. Anyone can makeup claims of corruption, but a multitude of arrests are more than claims; it is substantial evidence and proves character, which I’m hoping to shoot down any claims of moral or good character with this. The people and the critics, I hope you enjoy:
http://www.whosarrested.com/nevada/clark-county/las-vegas/ccdc/1904809-benjamin-lira
This was the second time he beat his wife and was arrested for it. We all know because be bragged about it. Try to be the super hero now you POS.
Hi Barry Coffman!
Instead of hiding behind a moniker, come out and use your real name like Ben has.
So let me get this straight. If Officer Lira had a domestic violence arrest on his record, then he can’t possibly ever tell the truth about a serious matter such as the one he has been presenting? I dare say that if getting into a jam personally is the sole disqualifying factor for ever being truthful about anything, then we indeed are in a world hurt as a nation. And let the old adage go forward that goes something like “people who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. I think it went something like that but I believe you get the idea.
I don’t deny the problems in my personal life. I vehemently deny the claims(2). The first being my wife drunk and trying to take the keys out of a moving car I was driving. I used my right hand to stop her from taking the keys out of the ignition, I parked the car and walked away. The second incident was in Las Vegas where I had multiple visible injuries and an officer in his infinite wisdom said I grabbed her purse to prevent her from driving drunk and therefore i was at fault… I love my wife with all my heart but my personal problems didn’t cause the corruption in the FPD management. Everyone is asking for proof and I’d love to print copies of ALL my evidence all over this website and any that will publish it but that’s not feasable. I’ve shown Tony and Steven Gregory my proof and for now I’m going to defer to the courts to determine what happens next. For now the community needs to come together and heal. For my co workers reading this I love all of you and I’m your voice… If you care to support me anonymously post anonymously but put 24 at the end, our station number…
God bless
With are with you brother…24
Sorry bud..WE ARE WITH YOU…24
Mr. Lira, I believe you at least 99%…
I’ve been victimized by a group of ‘white boy’ sheriff’s, not far from Fullerton. Trumped up and absolutely false charges about me stalking my wife, who at the time I filed for a divorce. She was ‘banging’ one of these lovely deputies. I didn’t care so much about the banging, but when the upper brass refused to take my complaint on their deputy stalking a harassing me, I became their ‘public enemy #1’. If I were Mexican, they would have beat me to a pulp I’m certain, just because I called them on their BS.
You Mr. Lira have gained the utmost respect from many citizens in and around Fullerton.
Best wishes to the outcome of this and your future.
We need more reasonable and dedicated ‘peace officers’ like you.
Salute
Ben, they should call you SERPICO! You are a truth seeker and a justice fighter!
***400 times, he watched it 400 times.
Officer Wren..promoted. even tho he was affilated with the Rincon mess.
Wren kidnapped and held some kid hostage. He got anger management and kept his job.
Wren was also convicted of a crime and placed on probation by the courts and then he was promoted by his friend Crum!
If your reading this Mr. Lira, I know of a city not too far away with a straight up, reasonable Chief of Police who would probably hire you. Ask admin to give me your e-mail address.
Look Bar- no one says a fucking thing whilst you roll your fat ass to your car and drive a block to eat, no one gives a shit you take a little blue pill to get a boner, all of these things do not concern me, what does concern me, is on company time you figured you would call a radio station to defend your bully’s with badges brothers, who sit around and do nothing. I have seen this, those fat incompetent asshole get promoted, and you with your stupid burger wagon, WTF was that? My gawd, everyone know you fat asses are going to die in the line of duty, eating a fucking burger or by a heart attack. What in the hell is wrong with you? Grow the fuck up, do your fucking job, get off the internet and seriously do some PR. Jesus Barry.
Well then I suppose we should let sex offenders be kindergarten teachers if history of character and morals doesn’t mean anything. Bank robbers should be tellers, thieves should be accountants and you should probably stick to what you read, because what you read on the Internet is always the truth. Good luck with that.
bacon is good. Dan Hughes may not be. But I’m not sure how this one e-mail proves anything. I really don’t. I like this guyz take:
Without proof he has nothing. Sounds like he said a lot, but got nothing documented. Small claims won’t even take your case without paper.
I think the bigger question is: why is this letter just NOW coming to light: the day before the trail dates will be set? If the light starts shining on Hughes, the light no longer shines on the KT murder trial. This will add fog and mirrors and more confusion to what is already , and will continue to be, a very dirty trial.
This is the exact kind of diversion strategy that is used all the time to make a mockery out of what strong (or not so strong) evidence exists and to weaken the task at hand. For the time being: NOW – the most important task at hand is the KT murder trail – NOT the entire FPD and its staff, et al. By suddenly unveiling what is supposed to be a “smoking gun” letter at the 11th hour – is nothing short of some form of sabotage in the making against a very, very important murder trial. A trial, that if it succeeds in a conviction will set a precedence for the entire country.
You of all people should know that a police officer’s testimony is taken as gospel 😀
Maybe in coffman-land but in the real world the latest fiasco brings this case back into the spotlight. The defense kept delaying this case hoping public interest would subside which it did until today.
…Sure.
Yeah lets all focus on the guys under the bus, not the guys who put them there. Great idea!
Elaborate please.
I and basically everyone else knew it would be just a matter of time before the rats turned on each other.I suspect there will be a lot of attorneys being hired in the near future.If Ben has already spilled his guts to the FBI then there will be other rats telling on each-other to save their own asses if they already haven’t and you know they have. If I were a cop in that dept I would be sweating it big time because you know and I know this is far from over. Nothing like a fire burning in your gut at night when you go to bed knowing it’s just a matter of time before you get a knock on the door and it’s the Feds. Sleep well corrupt cops,you have once again gained the attention of the nation….and the Feds.
You hit it on the head!
I, as well, was wondering when the Rats would start to jump off the ship. I don’t know if Officer Lira has the goods or not, but I will bet he won’t be the last officer to tell a good story or two.
And I also concur with the opinion that the Feds are going to show up to put their mark on this whole situation.
In my opinion, this is far from over here in Fullerton……..
Thank you Benjamin Lira, I believe you and I am sure there are more officers that will step forward with the truth now that you have opened the doors. You have my support and respect for being honest. I also want to say I am sorry you had to work in such a negative environment for so many years.
Please be safe..
The small guy is always fighting. The FPD management is bad. DANNY GIVE IT UP, GO SOMEWHERE, BUT YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF FULLERTON PD. This Fullerton resident does not want you here.
Flory, Chaffee get it right, we don’t want Danny as our Chief……
“Betrayal is the only truth that sticks.”
― Arthur Miller
This is hilarious. I knew that when a few cop heads started rolling over the Kelly Thomas matter that the fingers would eventually start pointing. The wall of silence has been cracked. 😀
Keep in mind that these are all grown adults. Now watch them act like little children fighting over a rubber ducky. Instead of running to mama they run to Daddy Felz to plead their case. Funny stuff.
Blood brothers one day, arch enemies the next. Kelly would be proud.
I hope this escalates. The comedy is absolutely classic and second to none! 😀
What is it so damn funny about it fool. Lira is just saying that Hughes is corrupt. What does it have to do with Kelly. Kelly is dead…that’s what I said.
I wonder how many crimes have gone unreported because people have lost confidence in the cops.
Good point. Before I left I printed copies of calls for service and from one year to the next there was a 1,000 drop in radio calls in one month!!. This is Huge considering a PD this size. I’m addition to that officer initiated activity declined by an equal amount which I think equates to low moral. If Hughes cared he would of had meetings with the community such as meeting with citizens at churches, townhall meetings etc. He didn’t do that but what he did do is pay the FPOA officers overtime to cite people honking which in my opinion was wrong and embarrassing. Then he took credit for overturning the tickets
Mr. Lira,
Can you provide some insight on Officer Kenton Hampton in general and his involvement in wrongly arresting and having jailed and filing false police reports in the Viet Nam caes?
Also, are you friends with Hampton?
Do you believe Hampton should be fired?
Thank you in advance for your time.
Hi Danny Hughes!
Why are you picking on just Hampton and not Mater or Wolfe?
Seems to me you have a thing for throwing your minority officers under the bus.
wow ,wow little sniky corrupt danny .I said it before is manny corruption there inside fpd ,i did tell u dear danny but u said :is not true !! ur husband is lie is no cover of corruption ,lets get the transcrips from my court were one police officer admited ur department cover him ,there are proof dear danny boy ,and still i have more i will disclosure at the right time .about manny of ur officers ,like dectetive hamilton ,rincon rios, and miller !!oh of course u dear danny the primary AUTHOR of all this cover up ,any words? or now u are speach less .ur own cops exposing the true !!! 🙂
Hughes having a nut case like this chick on his ass is hilarious on so many levels. It’s the universe paying Hughes back with a sense of humor.
Thanks Lira. True story fpd beat me up untill I had to be taken to the hospital, beat me while handcuffed to the gurny, and then attempted to put me in a cell that had drugs iinside, I screamed there is druggs in here, and would not ket them close the door, a cadet came in and took the drugs out, NO CHARGES FILED , I hobbled out of the station with a broken knee and bruised body.
Culture of coruption YES.
the genaco report , cover up, YES
Dan hughs part of it YES
th re genaco report
Ftp
And danny boy fooled allot of people pretending and playing good buddy cop friend. Hes a piece of shit
Barry’d, the reason for the postponement by the defense is because of T-Rack. T-Rack’s office bragged that they did not have to give evidence to the defense team until shortly before the trial, even though they had it. I think it came from the mouth of T-Rack’s side-kick, Kang-Schroeder.
Evidence given two/three weeks before a court date, with a holiday in the middle, is not enough time to prepare, especially when it reportedly was well over two-hundred pages.
Dear Officer Ben Lira,
I know your heart is in the right place which is why you’ve made this commitment to God, your community and yourself and I cannot thank you enough for doing this.
First and foremost, know your legal rights, keep a camera or voice recorder at the ready 24/7 and document every threatening letter, phone calls, posts, etc.
Keep a written diary or even video diary of this whole ordeal and If you have damaging information, release it immediately to multiple sources. Don’t hold on to it as leverage.
This is literally a battle between good and evil, over the next days, weeks and even months it will be lonely, rough and uphill battle. They will come after you with everything they have whether its through the media, on social media sites or even here but remember 2 things:
1. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect and no one is without sin. Jesus said “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone” so remember this whenever they dig up something and smear you. Whether it be true of false doesn’t change the fact that truth and justice is on your side.
2. They’re coming after you because they fear you. If they were as powerful as they tried to make themselves out to be, they would simply ignore you. If you fear them, they win but when they fear you, you’ve already won.
Your voice is what they fear, it is your weapon so please keep talking. I listened to your interview on KFI and I must say that you are a well spoken person.
There are so many brothers and sisters out there who want to speak out but are living in fear of the unknowns. They fear having their family broken up, their secrets exposed, losing their livelihoods but even though they are silent now doesn’t mean they are not with you.
Be their voice, the stronger you become and the more you speak out, they will step out of the shadows and stand proudly with you.
These people (I’m talking about the racists, rapists and thugs) do not represent law enforcement and in so many ways they do not represent the ideals of this country. They seek to subvert the rules and to terrorize the community. What is happening within law enforcement is shameful and someone has to speak out.
They may go after your family, they may send the IRS after you, they may scrutinize every arrest you’ve made or every person you’ve contacted, they may try to take your pension, they may put you under 24 hour surveillance, they may kick in your door, they may arrest you, they may try to put you on a 5150 hold and in the end they may even try to “settle” with you with a large sum of money but remember if you stand up for what is right, no matter what, the truth will prevail.
I know how hard it must be right now being ostracized by some who called you their brother over the past 17 years but the people who refuse to stand with you and turned a blind eye to abuses and racism never were your brothers to begin with.
There are billions of other people in the world who are much more mature and actually stand for right so trust me, the few who have turned their backs on you today won’t be missed.
Control freaks, opportunists and predators thrive on silence and group thinkers. Many times they use the threat of ostracizing others from a group as a means of control but once you see through that, you will begin to see how desperate, powerless and cowardly they truly are.
Whatever you do from this point forward, DO NOT let them silence you. Be proud of your uniform, be proud of your badge and continue to stand up for what is right and stand your ground.
WE are with you.
I know Officer Lira. No one is perfect professionally and personally. He has been a great officer here at FPD. He is absolutely right about the corruption and rascism
with Capt Hughes and Capt Crum. The department will make up Investigations to hurt officers here so that is shuts them down and also does not make them attractive to other departments if they are thinking of leaving. They have the same mentality Compton pd had I the 90’s. the department needs to be disbanded and OC Sheriffs take over completely without any absorption of any of the officers. This dept if it remains in place will NEVER change. We will have to work in fear of retaliation.
It’s ironic that so many of the people on here who supposedly want justice for Kelly Thomas are singing the praises of a man who helped Manny Ramos escape it, at least temporarily. If I saw my dad, son, brother, or whoever on videotape, beating someone who was handcuffed to a bloody pulp after intimidating, harassing, and threatening to “fuck them up,” I would not lift a finger to raise bail money. I think anyone with a real desire to expose/end corruption in their department, and not just retaliate against those who harmed them, would start by condemning the actions of those committing the most egregious misdeeds within the department.
They are all dirty pigshit. But that soes not mean that they are lying when they turn on their department. Their motivations may well be self-serving, but thats OK as long as the truth comes out. Thats just how it works with filthy, lying pigs.
Stop making shit up. Kelly was never handcuffed. They couldn’t handcuff that madman.
Snitch! Officer Lira is a snitch.
Wait a minute. Snitch is a word used by criminals when they are in jail or prison.
Lira is a hero because he broke ranks with his professional members to expose harm done to the public by Fullerton PD.
Liro is brave to confront the “code of silence” that protected for so long Fullerton PD’s “culture of corruption” .
Frank Serpico was a hero. These are the kind of cops we want and need.
Time to hire a retired Superior Court Judge to INVESTIGATE FPD and create something similar to the Federal Consent Decree that was placed on LAPD.
coffman cant handle himself, he is a walrus.
I wonder how many didnt vote bcause your in on the race, a guy who lets his brother get the shit kicked out of him, but your what? paying attention. to the news. fuck off chaffee your part of the problem, leave now!
THANK YOU, thank you , thank you..MR LIRA, thank you…thank you, and thank you again. My family members are officers, and they are sickened by the FPD. THANK YOU…good cops are what we need…this means the FPD needs to go.
When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Those of you who pray, please join me and pray for Fullerton city council to agree to have new leadership at the PD.
The letter was sent to felz in July. Four months ago. I’d like to know if felz shared this with anybody on the Council as they contempated a permanent and expensive promotion for Hughes.
Did Felz initiate any sort of investigation? What did he do? C’mon Joe, come clean. You did absolutely nothing, right? You were working too hard trying to sabotage Bruce and Travis.
December 4th. Flory swearing in. The Culture of Corruption shot its wad to put her there.
I’d like to know why this brave officer’s accounts of misdeeds and corruption within the upper ranks of FPD have been swirling for seven months was withheld from the residents of Fullerton until AFTER the election for City Council?
I think that that bears looking into also.
It would’ve been a HUGE game changer, and given the closeness of the race, I believe that withholding this officer’s account kept Travis Kiger from being re-elected.
p.s. I don’t give a rat’s ass about wheher any one believes that this is any more than my honest opinion, so you’ll never get a disclaimer from me saying otherwise.
p.s.s. Benjamin Lira has my respect and sincere admiration for taking a stand. I implore you all to not let him stand alone.
Exactly.
WAS THIS LETTER FORWARDED TO CITY COUNCIL???
The info was withheld by Joe Felz who was licking his wounds when he was no longer allowed to appoint the chief of police! Joe is an integral part of the Pat McPension culture of corruption since he has been a huge do nothing as city manager. Why the council keeps him on is simply execrable! Get in a new city manager who cleans house and you will see some mighty big changes in Fullerton.
Agreed Tuco.
I also noticed that when the three dastardly dinosaurs handed the keys to the city over to Joe Felz last year without interviewing any outside candidates, that they also gave him a $200K severance package to discourage/dissuade future City Councilman from looking for a replacement.
p.s. The Good, Bad, and the Ugly is amongst my favorite Clint Eastwood movies, however I still think that the Outlaw and Josey Wales was better.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda, it is what is. Now that Lira has had the courage of his convictions to break this wide open, ALL true and moral FPD officers need to serve up Hughes on a silver platter. The apple in his mouth is optional.
Let’s start a count-down of how long it takes FFFF to post about Travis Kiger losing re-election.
The last time FFFF acknowledged there was an election was county employee Fullerton Harpoon’s Nov. 16 post — 14 days ago and counting!
I like hearing all about how the Kuture of Korruption bought a candidate in order to hush up the inevitable settlements claims about its numerous krimes.
One of the earliest actions of the then City Council was to gjve Felz a raise and benefits package GET IT NOW.
Now that Felz is no longer in control of FPD and their evil misdeeds they put the whole ball of wax on chaffee and flory and whoever else they want to control.
Benjamin is a victim, the list is very very long.
I prefer the term Criminal Enterpise, vs C of Corrupt.
I see a lot more Sheriffs, CHP and other armed County and State Uniformed Officer in and Patroling the City than FPD
🙂
TRack should get a lot of this heat.
Tony Rackauckas and Larry Agran’s Cash-Corruption Connection
[Moxley Confidential] The Orange County DA owed the Irvine mayor’s political machine $25,000, said no crime in the city
Comments (4) By R. SCOTT MOXLEY Thursday, Nov 29 2012
“Thirteen years ago, Tony Rackauckas began his first term as Orange County District Attorney with a series of breathtaking ethical lapses. Rackauckas ordered the agency’s organized-crime detectives to not investigate Newport Beach businessman Patrick N. DiCarlo, his fishing buddy and campaign chairman who had suspicious contacts with East Coast mafia associates.”
-Moxley OCWeekly
http://www.ocweekly.com/2012-11-29/news/moxley-confidential-tony-rackauckas-larry-agran-arnold-forde/
FPOA went too cheap on TRack. 🙁
http://www.ocregister.com/news/thomas-379238-fullerton-defense.html
Orange County Superior Court Judge William Froeberg delayed the hearing until Jan. 18 after defense attorneys John Barnett and Michael Schwartz filed a request for a continuance to prepare additional legal briefs.
It takes many many years 🙁
Spokane Police Brutality Case Is Eerily Similar To Fullerton Cop Killing Of Kelly Thomas
By R. Scott Moxley Fri., Nov. 16 2012 at 10:09 AM 7 Comments
Categories: Court, Crime-iny, Kelly Thomas Killing
“Kelly Thomas In a case with eery similarities to the 2011 police beating death of Kelly Thomas in Fullerton, a veteran Spokane, Washington cop yesterday received a 51-month prison sentence in the excessive force death of a mentally disable man.
Officer Karl Thompson, 65, lead the charge against 36-year-old Otto Zehm, a school janitor who was falsely accused of a petty crime in 2006 and then hog-tied, severely beaten in the head with a baton and tasered until he died.
In the Orange County case, a group of Fullerton Police Department cops falsely accused the unarmed, Schizophrenic Thomas, 37, of a petty crime and then beat him to death–including crushing bones in his face with the butt of a steel Taser gun while he was being held down, punched and kicked.”
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2012/11/kelly_thomas_police_brutality.php
Almost seven years to a conviction and sentencing.
What are the Feds doing,? or not.
The similiar case in OC Weekly was prosecuted by
Feds.
Is Orange County left out of the of Federal Oversight or have they all retired.
The only way Dan Hughes does not become our next police chief is if the Fullerton community requires him to answer all the allegations made by Officer B. Lira.
If he is forced to do this, his future will then be solely based on the validity of his answers. It is up to you Dan.
But in my opinion, there is no new day of honesty and openness at the FPD without him answering those alleged charges as well as his giving a full detailed account of what he did and told those officers the night of the Kelly Thomas killing and in the days and weeks afterward.
Did you Dan Hughes make the decision to allow those officers to continue to serve as police officers after the brutal death of Kelly Thomas? They were all your men, Dan. We need you to answer that question and many more. If the new council appoints him permanent chief without a complete and detailed accounting from Dan Hughes then in my opinion we will have proof that the corruption in Fullerton goes way beyond just our police department.
The sickness is too deep, FBI BAU needs to come here. (Behavior Analysis Unit)
“The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is a component of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) that uses behavioral sciences to assist in criminal investigations.[2] The mission of the NCAVC and the BAUs is to provide behavioral based investigative and/or operational support by applying case experience, research, and training to complex and time-sensitive crimes, typically involving acts or threats of violence.” -Wikipedia
Barry, remember before they were Hughes’ officers, Hughes and his officers all were Fullerton Police Chief McKinley’s men.
Is this why Ron Thomas named Pat McKinley, along with McKinley’s intellectual heir, Sellers, in his lawsuit?
Mr. Lira,
Can you provide some insight on Officer Kenton Hampton in general and his involvement in wrongly arresting and having jailed and filing false police reports in the Viet Nam caes?
Also, are you friends with Hampton?
Do you believe Hampton should be fired?
Thank you in advance for you time.
Hi Danny Hughes!
Why are you picking on just Hampton and not Mater or Wolfe?
Seems to me you have a thing for throwing your minority officers under the bus.
Becasue Hampton is the one I see on the video abusing Viet Nam. Wolfe’s butt is already under a microscope. Don’t know much about Mater but I all for eliminating the eniter FPD including the white guys and outsourcing.
But when I hear people, especially, minorities whine about racisim and employment discrimination I stop believing in that person’s credibility and they then have a high bar to jump over to get their credibility back.
Almost all the racism I see comes from minorities and all most all employment discrimnation I see is againts white males, not in their favor. So best not to play the race card with me if you want me to be on your side.
Just like you saw Wolfe helping beat a guy to death “400 times”.
Just can’t bring yourself to say it can ya Danny?
The only side I want you and your thugs on is inside a jail cell.
Mr. Lira,
Please get help in addressing the issues you raise against the FPD and Hughes. For if you are telling the truth we need you to win this one.
I say this because the way you present your side of the story above makes me not inclined to believe you and you are preaching to the choir with me. Don’t get me wrong, always tell the truth but there are many ways of phrasing the truth and some just do not get the job done.
You are not just fighting for justice in Fullerton but for people everywhere. Consider the similar story below.
http://www.sott.net/article/254044-Otto-Zehm-beating-Officer-Karl-F-Thompson-Jr-sentenced-in-death-of-man-with-mental-disabilities
. . . On March 18, 2006, police received a report that a man matching Zehm’s description might have stolen money from people at an ATM. Surveillance video showed that Thompson found Zehm inside a convenience store and immediately struck him repeatedly with a baton and shocked him with a stun gun.
Other officers arrived and hogtied Zehm, put a rubber mask over his mouth, and sat on him. It was later determined that he had not committed any crime.
His last words were: “All I wanted was a Snickers bar,” according to trial testimony.
Anger boiled in the community over the death, but the Spokane County prosecutor’s office declined to bring charges against any officers. Amid demands for justice, federal prosecutors eventually charged Thompson with violating Zehm’s civil rights through use of excessive force and then lying to investigators.
A few hits from Danny “Simmons” Hughes:
A few hits from Danny “Simmons” Hughes:
He didn’t waste any time smearing “Mr Lira”. He sent that one literally minutes after the letter was posted here.
(and)
…Perhaps “Mr.Simmons” knows something we don’t. Are you trying to send Ben a message, hmmmmmmm? Well?
I have been following this since it first appeared on this blog, a friend of mine lives in Fullerton and told me about it. Anyway I think that this goes much deeper then most people are thinking, back to the days of McKinnley, generations of coruption.
And they say that FFFF is a mafia.
We support you Lira!
“Rackauckas said after the brief hearing Friday that he does not anticipate that the motion to dismiss, the filings and hearings related to it will push a trial off schedule. He still anticipates going to trial, he said, in a year to 18 months.
Afterward, Ron Thomas said he was not frustrated with the motions.
“We’re still moving forward,” he said.
I would like the admins take on the Flory win and what we can expect going forward.
I think she should be heckled at every council meeting.
Those who don’t know anything know it the loudest.
We can expect cover up and collusion. Flory will vote for settlements that avoid trials and ugly facts coming out. Watch esp. the Veth Mam case. Mardirossian will pull away with a boatload of cash courtesy of you and me.
Heckling is lazy and prevents cogent thought. Keep investigating and posting.
O. C. Supervisor Shawn Nelson asked the FBI to investigate the Kelly Thomas murder. It is in the process of doing precisely that.
Officer Lira states that he was interviewed by the FBI on May 17th, over six months ago.
Perhaps the FBI has not responded because no major impropriety has been committed by Hughes, or perhaps there is no corroboration of testimonies against Hughes.
Either way, it might be best to reserve judgement until after the FBI report is released.
They dont have the resources to deal with every fucked up organization in America, they let things evolve and will step in when and after they see fit, like after a failed prosecution.
Almost every shooting or death now, the FBI is requested. They usually respectfully say no thanks but we will take a look at the DAs findings. They like big huge fish.
“Don’t stop believin’ hold on to that feeeling.” – Journey
The County is a boatload of work for the Feds, The Kelly Thomas video is a lot worse than Rodney King cases.
DONT FORGET the last OC Sheriff is in prison doing time!
If it wasnt for the King case Mc Satan would probably still be in LA.
Did they fire Danny yet? Or wait I mean demote him to Captain yet?
Why doesnt everyone look into why Ron Thomas doesnt name Hughes in his lawsuit against the city?
Fuck Fullerton PD!
# 154 ( who cares) RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excuse me, ”who cares”,…I meant # 158.
“TO SERVE MAN!”
“It’s a Cookbook!” Ahah… I get it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIufLRpJYnI
poor fellas
I agree Disgusted. I believe Lira is telling the truth about the allegations. But if his allegations are that there is racism, nepotism, lack of holding officers accountable (duh) in the department, well that sucks, but it’s small potatoes compared to the charges that have already been made public, videotaped, and witnessed. I guess I should just be happy that someone from within is exposing the corruption and get over that Lira is chummy buds with a murderer/murderers.
Okay, you’re right the buck stops with Ramos who acted on his own and his actions does not represent the fine men and little ladies within the department .
Fullerton PD is an upstanding agency that does things by the book, acting Chief Hughes is a good man who has always done things by the book and Lira is a piece of trash who is trying to cover for a bad apple, sour grapes, axe to grind and stuff like that.
The department is not corrupt and even if it was a little corrupt, racist or rapey, Kelly Thomas was beaten to death by Ramos which is way worse and stuff so yeah focus on that and that alone, not the other stuff.
Please tell me this is satire.
Go back and see the video and you give me the frame where Ramos beat smelly Kelly the death. Didnt happen, punk, punk, punk.
Chillax bro, we’re letting Ramos take the fall for this one.
So hey, when you go off duty you should join us at the slidebar tonight just bring your badge so if you get stopped and stuff, leaving, you know? they can be cool ’cause sometimes the graveyard shift guys at the checkpoint don’t know who you are.
I am at the Slidebar now. I am the one with a black leather jacket and glasses. Which one are you bad ass punk.
You don’t make sense dummy. I have my badge and gun with me at all times.
Oh great! Another Dummy out drinking in public with a badge and a gun. Accident waiting to happen, like that dumbass that shot himself while showing off to friends in a bar in O.C. last month.
There is a lot of is out here with guns and badges. Beware…
Oops to many beers..a lot of us.
Like I said, “Another Dummy!”
Fullerton Police Officer Accuses Acting Chief of Cover Up in Kelly Thomas Killing
By Brandon Ferguson Thu., Nov. 29 2012 at 2:30 PM 2 Comments
Categories: Kelly Thomas Killing
“Fullerton Police officer Ben Lira appeared on KFI this afternoon and accused Acting Chief Dan Hughes of a cover up in the immediate aftermath of the Kelly Thomas killing.
Lira, a 17-year veteran of the city’s embattled force, has been on paid leave since circulating an email critical of Capt. Hughes.
“I don’t anticipate being there much longer,” he told show host Bill Carroll.
Though he wasn’t at the scene the night the homeless Thomas was savagely beaten by four officers near the Slidebar Rock and Roll Kitchen, Lira said Hughes acted improperly when he told the officers they had done nothing wrong and ordered them to return to the station, view the video of the beating and write their reports. As the ranking officer in charge of patrol, Hughes should have notified the Orange County District Attorney’s office immediately, Lira said.
Lira also added that one of the officers involved, Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, who was preparing to take the Sergeant’s exam, requested an attorney. But Hughes told him he didn’t need one…” -OCWeekly
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2012/11/kelly_thomas_capt_dan_hughes_c.php
HE IS LEADING A DOUBLE LIFE NO WONDER WHY THE CITY AND PD ARE IN SUCH A MESS!
“Danny Hughes, senior vice president of Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America for Hilton Worldwide, said in a statement. “With stable and growing economies throughout the region, Latin America continues to offer great opportunities for both business and leisure travel, and we will continue playing an active role in welcoming visitors to this dynamic part of the world.”
Hilton Worldwide has more than 10,000 rooms throughout Latin America and has already added more than 1,000 rooms to the region over the last year. ”
http://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Hilton-plan-calls-for-eight-openings-in-Mexico/
…”So the brass tried to cover it up?” Carroll asked.
“Well, yeah,” Lira replied.
Lear also described Hughes as an ambitious climber whose career goals have trumped public safety.
“There’s a lot of good people who work there,” Lira said. “It’s unfortunate that the management there has made the poor decisions they have.”
A call to police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Stuart wasn’t immediately returned.” -OCWeekly 11-29-2012
“CARDBOARD PITCHFORKS!”
Ben why don’t you provide a copy of your termination letter so everyone knows what exactlyty you are alleged to have done? You won’t because your way too busy swapping stories
Barry Coffman sounds very nervous and shifty on KFI 640 AM Bill Carroll.
There a reason he sounds nervous and shifty. He is nervous and shifty. And his union is morally and financially broke.
At least he had the guts to expose Hughes. What have you done?
Hughes has gone on record (well okay, to the useless “reporters” at the Rag) saying he opposed letting the six watch the video.
He never explained who made that call since he was the ranking cop on the scene. Was it Sellers? Was it McPension?
I believe he said it was turned over to internal affairs and he had no right to intervene.
WOW is all I can say. I knew it was just a matter of time and the right circumstances before folks within FPD would start talking.
True to form FAT BOY Coffman right on cue would come out and defend the CORRUPT regime like the SOCK PUPPET he is. ANYTHING for a promotion right Coffman?
You have NO HONOR or Code Coffman.
GOOD on you Officer Lira.
Where is Reality Is and his band of clowns NOW?? YOUR scum RI and all the other names you assumed during the last couple years.
I knew Hughes and all those of equal status were just a responsible for Kelly’s death as those who stand charged with the crimes from DAY ONE.
Very simple, those charged would have been put on administrative leave almost immediately especially after watching the video IF the organization had an HONEST bone in their bodies which is obvious they don’t.
Hughes and his band of thugs took their chances and waited to see what would happen, if the public remained SILENT then this entire matter would have been covered up.
But true to form when the stuff hit the fan, Hughes and his cronies THREW the most culpable under the bus then JUMPED up trying to paint himself a hero when the heat got turned up.
Hughes didn’t mind seeing Kelly get beatin to death, Officer Lira told all of you how Hughes slapped prisoners around himself A LONG time ago.
I just don’t invision Dan Hughes as a BAD ASS in real life, meaning one on one and without an audience of badges ready to back him up.
The guy looks to have the command presence of Pee Wee Herman.
I am sure the likes of RI will continue to hide behind the keyboard and start talking smack about Lira now.
Disgruntled, can’t hack it blah,blah. FUCK YOU Reality IS.
Can’t wait to hear the rants from the thugs from within FPD who are NO doubt cowards in real life.
Hang tuff Lira, I think you will have more support than you really know.
And for those of you who think guys like Lira haven’t kept NOTES and documents ALL this time, think again.
For those who thought he might come in here and post up documentation to support what he says in the email, that will come into play in any wrongful termination or retaliation law suit.
A clue that Lira has info is when he said he TOOK a bunch of computer print outs before he left showing a decline in service levels.
Lira I hope you got a good attorney who will sling the mud and stick a microscope up Dan Hughes ASS??
Chris Thompson now you know why Hughes would never meet me, HE can’t and hasn’t answered the tuff questions.
Remember everyone it was only a couple of guys who ratted out Nixon after Watergate to bring him down.
It doesn’t take an army to bring down clowns like Hughes.
I knew FPD was corrupt right along with the union when I discovered the law firm was Silver,Hadden&Silver who has a notorious reputation for PROTECTING corrupt police managers.
Those of you who continue to think Hughes is the “man” I honestly doubt haven’t been around the block yourself more than once or twice in life.
I only say that because you can’t get past the issue that Hughes seems so COOL.
Hughes is a good “used car salesman”. And I bet some of you would buy the lemon he tried to sell you too.
God Bless you Lira.
I got your back!!!!!!
The latest bit of news had you dirt bags silent for over 24 hours. I guess you’ve worked on a strategy, regrouped and going on the defensive.
Of course the strategy is always a variation of lie, deny, disrupt and obfuscate.
What rattled O’mal…Skrawney’s cage was ACU. I remember some months back ACU used to kick his butt all over these boards.
As I said, the FBI is never gone, and apparently, nither is ACU. Welcome, friend.
Thanks guys!!!
Lira is protected as a whistle blower if any of the allegations are proven. My guess he has an attorney hired already and guess who pays? Yup, you the Fullerton Taxpayer and property owner whether you support the FPD or want to get rid of FPD! Always the taxpayer gets screwed. Voting for kiss the butt supporters of the public employee unions that never can do any wrong in the eyes of certain city council members is the root cause. Remember, the city council chooses the city manager. If the city manager does not manage, anything goes!
Well, what a difference a week makes. Brandon makes a good point, that Mr. Lira initially supported a murderer, look before you leap on this particular horse. But I know how difficult it is to have friends sometimes, torn between your loyalty to them and your values. For me the line in the sand has always been my family, whether it is a lawful or a moral dilema that confronts me, I would not do anything that would make my Mother or Father or child ashamed of me. Sometimes the ramifications of your actions are not always to your financial or professional benifit, but what price would you put on your dignity and being seen as a Man in your own family. Largely my “friends” are all gone, except for a pal I’ve had since childhood, we still ride together, whenever he comes to Cal. or I to Dallas, Tx. Mr. Lira, thank you for coming forward, and rectifying a mistake, hopefully others will find the courage to follow your example.
Oh yeah and he hopes the Acting Chief Dan is put on administrative leave. Well, that means the taxpayers have to pay him full salary while he sits at home and thinks up what lies he needs to say to get out of this mess! Better he works at FPD with an FBI agent with him 8 hours a day! Now that would clean up his messes quickly! Or maybe he will become sickly and take one of those tax free retirements due to stress! (another rip off of the taxpayers!)
Seriously folks has anyone asked themselves why Danny has been ACTING chief all these months?
Nice to see you back ACU and nice comment above; the lengthy one. It says a lot what has come and is coming to fruition within the FPD corruption.
“Oh Danny Boy, the pipes the pipes are calling
Get out of town, don’t come around no more”
(something like that)
Yes. He is aka “The Cleaner”
Look that up in your Mafia dictionary.
Have you asked yourselves why Hughes wasn’t named on Ron Thomas’ lawsuit against the city? If he were, he would not be able to be a candidate for FPD Chief. Why would RT give Hughes a pass?
A bunch of idiots at court this morning were wearing St. Nick badges. Protector of all police officers. I couldn’t help laugh my ass off when one of them told me what the badges meant.
RD..And we all laughed at your stupid ass when you tried to sit in the front row in the courtroom and the deputy asked you, “Wasnt that roped off?”, The two deputies looked at each and didnt believe what dumb ass you were. The Village Idiot strikes again….double dumbass!!
RD..That’s how stupid you are..It wan’t St. Nick. It was St. Michael..dumbass!
I was being sarcastic. Santa Claus or St. Michael won’t save your asses.
You don’t know Jack, RD. You are just a blind follower This gives your pathetic life meaning.
What’s funny is a bunch of assholes like you showed up to defend a pathetic bunch of killers!
At least you and your buddies had a place to dry out instead of being under the freeway off ramp.
Enjoy your ”lump of coal” you get for Christmas there Mickey.
No I will save that for you and RD. You guys will need that when you are under the freeway off ramp.
DICKEY HALLER: Is that the best you got? You want people to believe we’re homeless, when we’re not? I know where you can go for your mental illness.
If you are not, you sure look like you are. I see you at the council meetings and court. How about you buy yourself a nice shirt and pants instead of wasting your money on booze and who knows what.
RD stay just the way you are, a no life low life.
The FFFF motto. No life low life. Great motto.
If spending your money on cheap hookers makes RD happy who are we to judge? Maybe he can treat RT’s broke ass to one too.
@RD Of course you know where to get help for mental illness…..TAKE YOUR MEDS!!
SKD CAT!
What makes you think that anything you say carries weight? You are just a sad nobody and will continue to be a sad nobody.
Spoken by the Village Idiot himself.
#158..”Wheels on the bus”, were you borrn with half a brain????? ( or less????) OR, did you, at sometime suffer a severe brain injury???? The f.p.d. ”Goes By The BOOKS” all right… there OWN Corrupt Books!!! Upstanding???? Are you kidding,… or DRUNK????? There are, UNFORTUNATELY, VERY FEW, ( and God Bless those few) Fullerton Cops,… AND ALL of the higher ups, who are decent, honest christian people. Most ALL, are lying, cheating, corrupt ——–!!!!! Cops do WHATEVER they damn well please, like beat the life out of a homeless young ill man, who was doing NOTHING wrong, and NOTHING to hurt, much less bother…. anyone else!!!!! And why do you suppose SO MANY do horrific things, and do whatever they damn well please???? Ya think, maybe,… BECAUSE THEY CAN, and MOST ALWAYS, get away with it???? Their ”higher ups”, cover it up, try to ”hide it away”, and there is never any ”reprucussions”, and all just because THEY too, are just as corrupt, & ROTTEN!!!!! As for Ramos , acting on his own???? What the hell planet did YOU come from??????? Oh, he`s absolutely a rotten piece of inhuman CRAP, but so are 5 others, actually 6— others!!!! Remember, there was a ”WATCH COMMANDER” too, that did ABSOLUTELTY THAT,…. ”Watched”, and also did NOTHING TO STOP THAT HORRIFIC….. MURDER, of Kelly!!!!!!! Now, you say maybe a LITTLE corrupt??? Is that anything like being, a liitle bit pregnant??? Corrupt is corrupt, and Most of the F.P.D.,….. and MOST of ALL the higher ups in the entire city, are NOT MAYBE just ”a little corrupt”, they are ”full blown” corrupt, lying, cheating, rotten——–!!!!! Definitely MY opinion, but I am ABSOLUTELY, NOT ALONE!!!!! They ALL, need to pay oneday, somewhere, for being the rotten people that they are!!!!!! They don`t give a crap what poor Kelly went through, and the ONLY way that they WOULD CARE, is if it were… THEIR SON!!!! Unfortunately, that`s how TOO MANY people feel, and DEFINITELY, our rotten F.P.D., AND THEIR HIGHER UPS, ALL THE WAY UP!!!!!! ( Yea, your phoney ”Danny Boy” too, I`m sure!!! God Bless the FEW good ones, and may all the rest,…….. ROT!!!!!!!!!
NOTHING NEW HERE
I commented Coverup, and nobody wants to carry that torch.
HE DID DO A PRETTY GOOD JOB AS A USED CAR SALESMAN!
His eyes have told another story.
News people use very unflattering pictures of him.
YES he has.
Been a good used car salesman.
Poof! O’mal… gone like a fart in the wind.
Haha ACU.. the class idiot like always.
Dont hate. Come join us, maybe you will accidently fall and crack your head open. ooops
No, YOU come join me.
You know Lieutenant Petropolous? Well he was around at the P.D for the Kelly Thomas murder, jumped shipped from our P.D, gets over a 100k a year in retirement, and got hired on to the O.C Sheriff’s and makes another 80k a year. Corruption just moves from one department to another.
FPD..Kelly Thomas murder, nice back up asshole.
No.
If he wasn’t personally involved or even on duty then I don’t see your point.
And that fat slob Sellers got a nice little retirement but I get what you’re driving at and honestly I don’t give a damn.
I just want you and your thugs gone and since we can’t fire all of you f_ckers, the only option is disbanding.
You’re the only agency in southern california with so much drama, rapists, thieves, murderers, etc and your union is the only one in recent memory who smeared one of their own members on the radio while defending management …How inept can you get?
Keep in mind, Lira didnt say anything about the police union, his complaint was about management yet Barry the Bovine (union president) smears the guy live on the radio and he’s still president!
WE’RE PAYING FOR THIS YOU JACKASS!
Do you see this at the sheriff’s department?
HELL NO!
When was the last time someone accused Sandra Hutchens of slapping prisoners?
GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY TOWN ALREADY!
I’VE HAD IT UP TO HERE WITH YOU CLOWNS!
Do I see this happen at the Sheriff’s? Do names like Corona and Jaramillo ring a bell. Corruption is corruption asshole.
Have another beer Micky, and don’t let your mouth write checks that your body can’t cover, I’ll just be at the STARS facility in Whittier, for another hour finishing up my workout.
The gay bar?
C’mon minnie haller, if your going to threaten someone, Say when.
Hey MIckey, where do you like to hang out at?
I hang out with O”Malley at the Slidebar. We like to see FPD come and get rid of the homeless that hang around.
Lira said Danny has the department in LOCKDOWN.
Well, we haven’t heard from Ben Lira recently so I’m guessing he either sold out or they shut him up but whatever is the case, I pray that he’s okay.
It took a lot of guts to break free from the brotherhood cult and speak out and even though I disagree with some of the decisions he’s made, I understand his commitment as a friend.
I always thought the whole thing was a setup. Here’s my take on it: Someone at the Slidebar (*cough* Jeremy) knew someone at FPD who talked to Wolfe, who set up Manny who then set up Kelly Thomas.
I think Manny realized he was set up around the time charges were filed. Wolfe and company probably viewed Manny as nothing more than a “dumb mexican” who they could easily manipulate because he just wanted to fit in, just like Manny viewed Kelly Thomas as a “dirty bum”.
Ben Lira probably feels so strongly about this partly because of the blatant racism within that department and he probably feels like his friend was used and maybe others joked about it in the locker room.
Good detective story..You should publish it. Or call the Mexican Mafia and get them involved. You are so stupid. Like these cops really wanted to waste their time on this dirty, smelly, filthy bum. They waited 15 minutes for this guy to cooperate. And they got tired of waiting and listening to his bullshit so they raised their voices and the stupid bum got spooked and ran….bad move Kelly.
Why are you commenting on #223. Why would you even comment at all? Mickey your lips are flappin for nothing. Don’t you agree?
Your statements only put wood on the fire, or is that what you want? Just sayin…..
No I dont agree..Look at the video..again. They didnt jump out of their cars and started beating Mr. Smelly. They tried, and tried, and tried…until, fuck this I am done.
Would you have wanted your own son treated this way Mickey?
If I saw my son aguing and giving the cops shit, No I wouldnt like if they beat him. But if he is not listening. I would say, that is not the way I raised you. So chingate.
Would you beat to death a deaf man for not listening?
Individuals afflicted with echolalia and echolaxia are physically and mentally unable process the information to listen.
Now tell me again Mickey why you feel you would be justified in beating a disabled human being to death for not listening to you?
You are going way to left field with this already. Would I beat a blind man if cant see. No, if I knew he couldnt see. Would I beat a man afflicted with all that shit you mentioned, No. But in a cops situation, they dont know when a man had all kinds of sicknesses. Maybe before they arrest someone they should take out their handy dandy list of stupid questions to ask stupid people and evaluate the situation. Wow, those bad cops. Here!! (me grabbing my balls).
You gotta be kidding me! Kelly Thomas obviously had mental health issues, as the police well knew. Even if they hadn’t,one could tell by just looking at him. He posed no physical threat to anybody!
While I don’t think it’s fair to pass judgment on the entire Fullerton PD, there’s not question that the officers charged needlessly beat a poor soul to death. The tape doesn’t lie. And that’s murder, plain and simple.
All the cops did was legal. Maybe not the taser hitting, but the punches, the knee jabs. All legal.
Oh, Cadillac Jack, Bobby Ganoush, et al is so sympatico. Precious. You’re all in bed together. get ready to lean over and give Danny a big wet kiss in the morning.
Wow another crooked cop and a hopeful chief of police at that? I am shocked!!
After reading Lira’s public letter, watching retired Fullerton Police Chief(1993 to 2009) and then Fullerton city council member Pat McKinley’s interview on CNN regarding Kelly Thomas murder by his own police officers, reading or listening to comments from then Fullerton city council member Dick Jones, from facts presented in the newspapers and other media sources and this blog, the Voice of the OC, the OC Weekly it has become increasingly apparent to me that Fullerton police officers Ramos and Cicinelli are not rogue cops who unpredictably grossly veered from their police training .
What is emerging from Fullerton PD and from recently recalled Fullerton city council members obfuscation that is buttressed by Gennaco’s “independent” investigation (review matrice richardson and los angeles sheriff and gennaco’s conclusion) on the Kelly Thomas beating death by Fullerton PD is Cicinelli and Ramos’ were incapable of performing their role as law enforcement due to the “culture of corruption” that brainwashed Cincinelli and Ramos into believing they must use any means possible to eliminate any economic drag on downtown Fullerton’s boozeries.
Fullerton city council members past history of frequently buying legal,hush in the form of legal settlements to Fullerton PD’s victims and other public watchdog law enforcement agencies unnatural silence on Fullerton PD’s numerous civil rights abuses committed upon the good people of Fullerton, must have sent the strong message to Cincinelli and Ramos that they must use excessive force on Kelly Thomas to improve the ambience of downtown Fullerton’s businesses .
With despair, it seems to me that the strongest defense Ramos and Cicinelli have is they believed they had to use any means possible to get rid of the pesky homeless population who
interfered with downtown Fullerton’s business profits or else be reprimanded for not following the dictates of their police department and Fullerton’s then city council.
I include Fullerton city council persons prior,to,the last recall because their history of legally supporting the actions of their police force with numerous legal settlements to Fullerton PD’s victims and their refusal to remove then Fullerton Police Chief McKinley and then Fullerton Police Chief Sellers though it was obvious Fullerton PD increasingly committed civil rights abuses upon the community it had vowed to,protect and serve.
Did Ramos and Cincinelli receive ethical and legal leadership, guidance and support from their superiors to such a degree that they knew how to enforce the law?
The beating death of Kelly Thomas at the hands of Ramos and Cicinelli tells me these two police officers felt compelled to follow the directives and philosophy of their employer that promoted the belief that the end result justifies using any means whether legal or illegal or else be pushed out of Fullerton PD. I conclude that Ramos and Cicinelli truly did not know right from wrong and felt in fear of losing their jobs with Fullerton PD if they did not follow,the dictates of,their superiors.
And this is my opinion
hey flory what do you think? lets make chief hughes permanent we should start building statue for them outside FPD
oh fullerton what a fun place to live in
Remember what happened to the statue of Sadaam.
And there is the difference, I, me, am a solitaire. You, we, are cowards.
We? You and the mouse in your pocket?
officer lira thanks for your great service! well spare the taxpayers money….your lawyer just salivating from $$$$$ fire him….if you have a beef with hughes do it mano-mano or we can call dana white do it PPV UFC so we can collect funds and give it to you????? maybe at one point you are drinking same kool aid…..if you really care for the city spare the taxpayers money……or sue who ever hired you, mckinley? come on officer lira take the high road
Re post 115. Question for East of Drake. Did you confuse me with my brother Doug? Doug ran for Fullerton city council in nov 2004, 2006, 2010, and again in the recall election of June 2012. I voted for him the first two times however I now regard that as a mistake. My family placed me in a board and care facility outside of Fullerton in order to be sure that I would not be able to run against Doug in the recall election.
He died as a result of the illegal taser hitting.
Wrong. He died because he smothered in his own blood as a dozen cops stood around and laughed. But you boy Danny says everything is A-OK. We just need a little tour of the station to get our minds right.
Haller and Doe FPD’s finest crooks in blue.
Both keyboard warriors who have spents months
everyday on this blog spewing there tuff guy
routine with any who dare question their corrupt
department.
Priceless!! Thanks Lira for diming off by name the FPD trolls.
Coffman LIED his ass off to Bill Carroll on KFI.
This was such a great comment by “Barried in the Sand” that I had to click ‘quote’ for it to reappear.
YOU would know wouldn’t you Barry?
Then your DADDY Hughes should have stuck to his guns in the first place and stood by his boys like he did the night of the incident.
Oh wait, he needed to protect himself at the end of the day before those charged could figure out what was going on.
You want your cake and eat it too Haller or should I say Lt.Goodwrench.
Protect those who you did have the BALLS to protect at the moment. You would dare go up against Hughes now would you?
I hate to say it but what is said is the truth…..bad things happen to bad people!!! Karma is a beotch and those folks at FPD are realizing now more than ever!!!!! There are yes very good officers but trust me many of the crooked ones mentioned haven’t left yet!