ONE Nightclub in Rochester's East End district,
where an off duty RPD officer got into a fight
with an on duty RPD officer.
Photo by Davy V.
In what perhaps may be the most 'WTF?' story involving the Rochester, NY Police department so far this year, an off duty RPD officer got into a fight with an on duty RPD officer outside ONE Nightclub located at 1 Ryan Alley in Rochester's East End district.
Here's what allegedly occurred:
Saturday morning I received a call from an extremely reliable source who went on to tell me that early Saturday morning, some time around 1 to 2 am, an off duty Rochester Police officer got into a physical fight with a fellow, on duty RPD officer outside ONE Nightclub.
The off duty RPD officer punched the off duty officer several times, then took out his gun and began waving it in the air while yelling at other officers that they couldn't touch him because he was RPD and nothing would happen to him.
The off duty officer then walked down East Ave. still waving the gun, yelling, and punching vehicles, including RPD cruisers.
East Ave. and Alexander St.
in Rochester's East End district.
Photo by Davy V.
Then, a white SUV, described by one person as possibly a U.S. Customs vehicle, pulled up and an individual attempted to calm down the off duty RPD officer.
Then, it's not clear if the off duty RPD officer got into the white SUV, but witnesses said he left the scene.
But wait.
That's not all.
A bouncer named Chris Massaro, who works at ONE Nightclub video recorded the entire incident.
So where's the video, you may ask?
Chris Massaro, bouncer at ONE Nightclub
who recorded video of fight between off duty RPD officer
and on duty RPD officer.
Great question!
Yesterday I spoke with someone who works at ONE Nightclub.
And I basically got the answer.
The individual, whose name I am not mentioning for his safety, told me that Chris is best friends with Rochester, NY Police officer Aaron Wilcox, who also works as a bouncer at the nightclub.
I was told that there is no way that Chris would release the video, since he's best friends with Wilcox, and other RPD officers.
Despite my posting a cash reward for the video, it is clear that it is very likely this video will never see the light of day.
Then, someone posted this comment on my 'Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed' Facebook page:
"Cops were called then they drove off when the off duty officer told them to get the fuck out of here and videos were sent in but nothing was done, I was there that night"
Did this City of Rochester
surveillance camera capture incident?
Photo by Davy V.
And now it's quite obvious what is going on.
Not only is this Chris protecting his RPD cop buddies, but even more disturbing, the Rochester, NY Police department is in all out 'Blue Wall' and 'Code of Silence' mode when it comes to this disturbing incident!
Can you imagine what would happen if an average citizen got into a fight, punched a police officer in the face, then took out his gun and waved it around saying fuck the police?
That's basically what this off duty RPD cop did.
And his fellow Rochester, NY Police officers DID NOTHING!
Rochester, NY Police Sergeant
at Ogden, NY football game.
(RPD cruiser is parked in upper left of photo)
A few days ago, on my Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed Facebook page, I posted a photo of RPD officer Kevin Radke and Sgt. David Joseph traveling into Gates, NY to eat lunch, wasting taxpayer dollars on gas.
The very next day, Greece, NY Police Chief Todd Baxter and his Captain Patrick Phelan, both on duty, were seen at El Latino Restaurant, where they enjoyed an almost 2 hour lunch.
El Latino is located more than 9 miles from Greece Police headquarters.
While the photo pf RPD Sgt. Joseph and officer Radke, and the Greece, Police piece were very well received by many, there were the usual trolls and haters who felt it was ridiculous to criticize RPD officers going into a town which is right next to Rochester.
As a result of my posting the RPD and Greece incidents, I was contacted by a Monroe County resident who follows my Facebook page, and who shared something very interesting with me.
Last summer, the young woman was at her brother's football game in the Town of Ogden, NY
when she noticed a parent who stood out from the crowd a bit.
While at first the young woman though It was a Rochester, NY Police officer, after I received the two photos to the right that she sent me, I immediately saw the three 'Chevron' stripes on his sleeve, indicating a rank of Sergeant.
Dressed in full uniform, the RPD Sgt. had driven out at least 15 miles to Ogden.
Instead of me writing what she told me in her email, I've decided to publish her email, with her name removed of course, to protect her identity.
"Here are the pics I was telling you about.
These pictures were taken last summer 2012. I was at my little brother’s pee-wee football g in Ogden, NY, quite aways from the city. I know some people have argued places like Gates are just right at the tip of Rochester, but there is no denying Ogden is definitely out of Rochester. (I know there aren’t any structures to indicate it but you can see the Greece uniform on the little girl, we were definitely not in Rochester).
Rochester, NY Police Sergeant
in center right of photo.
It was a little chilly outside so I think that’s coffee in his hand. I’m not bothered when cops have to run quick errands; post office, returning a library book and things like that, we all have to and it’s not easy to get to them outside of work times. It only takes a few minutes and they would stillavailable if we needed them, but if you’re in Ogden, there is no way you can respond to an emergency at an appropriate time!
I assume he’s here to watch his kid’s game, but it really doesn’t matter. He obviously wasn't there for police business. If he was off-duty, then why is he still in uniform, and in possession of his police car? In the second photo, you can see the police car on the upper left.
This is just another example of the RPD wasting tax-payers money for personal enjoyment. Also, I know everyone has different views about guns, if you’re on-duty and you’re carrying, that’s one thing. If you’re off-duty and carrying, then you’re just another idiot with a gun, in a park full of kids, black kids. I’m guessing he was on-duty, but then he shouldn’t have been there. If he was off-duty, then his wear is misleading and dangerous. Either way, he shouldn’t have been there."
Rochester, NY Police Sergeant
at Ogden, NY football game.
Ok, as someone who has been exposing police misconduct and corruption for almost two decades, and who has more video surveillance cameras set up in my home and car than there are in Fort Knox, I see this ALL the time.
Unfortunately it's nothing new.
In fact, in Miami, Florida, my second hometown, police officers abuse their authority and misuse taxpayer dollars, wasting gas to conduct personal errands, every day.
I have no doubt this Rochester, NY Police Sgt. was on duty.
In fast, I happen to know he was.
This time he just happened to get caught by a very smart young woman, who did exactly what I always tell people.
Rochester, NY Police officer Kaela Pitts
plays hopscotch on city sidewalk.
Since April of 2012, when he announced his billboard campaign, Rochester, NY Police Chief James Sheppard has been desperately trying to win the community's trust, and respect.
First, it was the billboards.
Strategically placed in areas of the city where there is a high concentration of Americans and Latinos, the billboards feature paid minority actors "photo-shopped" standing next to actual minority Rochester, NY Police officers, with the slogans "We've Got Your Back" and "On the Same Team."
When that didn't work, Chief Sheppard tried several other attempts.
He came up with several cop and kids outings, such as "Fish with a Cop", where Rochester Police officers took a few inner city kids fishing on the banks of the dirty Genesee river, and "Skate with a Cop", where officers went bmx bike riding and skateboarding with a few kids in an indoor skatepark.
When that didn't work, Chief Sheppard turned what he called "twitter town hall", where every Tuesday in January, for one hour, the Chief would be available questions, and concerns from citizens, of course Chief Sheppard made sure to selectively pick and choose which questions, or concerns he would respond to.
When that didn't work, Chief Sheppard announced the Rochester, NY Police department Facebook page, which has turned out to be another dud.
It was that last move by Chief Sheppard which prompted me to create my own Facebook page, "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed."
The page, which I officially launched on March 2, 2013, exposes the misconduct, corruption, and questionable activity by Rochester, NY Police officers, which the RPD, and the City of Rochester do not want taxpayers to see.
The response to the page has been overwhelming, with just over 1.5 million views in less than a month.
Even though the page is essentially about exposing dirty cops, I have no problem featuring the few Rochester Police officers who seem to really care about the community they have sworn to "serve and protect."
Rochester, NY Police officers like Kaela Pitts.
After I posted the photo at the top right, which shows officer Pitts playing hopscotch with youth on a city sidewalk, the response has been amazing.
As of the writing of this post, the photo has been viewed more than 40, 864 times, has received 2,359 'likes', and over 260 comments.
Comments such as "That's how it use to be back in the day's, when the police in the was a part of the community. Not looking at us like we are criminals!", or "Can we clone her about..... 5000 times. Plz."
I think Rochester, NY Police officer Kaela Pitts, represents for the community, what we want and need.
Caring, good police officers.
Officers who use their authority to make a positive difference in the lives of youth.
Not profile or abuse them.
I know for me, seeing this photo reminded me of a much happier time in my life.
A time where I was taught to respect police officers.
A time where I was taught that police officers were your friend, and that they were they to help you.
Like that time in second grade when "officer Friendly" from the Rochester, NY Police department visited our classroom at Jonathan Child #21 School.
A time when I would sit on my porch and Rochester, NY police officer Ron Fontaine, a great man, and an even greater police officer, would stop his cruiser in front of my house on Child Street, just to say hi to me.
So you see Chief Sheppard, with all your desperate, failed attempts to win the community's trust and respect, through billboards, outings, twitter and even Facebook, the answer is simple.
You need to get rid of the dirty, corrupt, rogue, racist cops on your force, and hire more officers like RPD officer Kaela Pitts!
Visit my facebook page: "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed!" by clicking the link below
As an activist, filmmaker, writer and blogger exposing police misconduct and corruption in my
hometown of Rochester, NY, for the past 17 years, you'd think that by now, the Rochester, NY Police department would have gotten the message:
STOP GIVING DAVY V. THINGS TO EXPOSE AND WRITE ABOUT!
They obviously don't get it.
On March 2, 2013, I created my facebook page "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed", after seeing Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard's pathetic, desperate attempts at winning the community's trust and respect through billboard campaigns, twitter "town halls", and Facebook.
The response to the page was more than what I had expected, with 1.5 million views in just under a month!
But, there will always be haters, and trolls.
I'm used to that.
I expect that.
But what I'm not used to happening, and what I never expected, was for Rochester, NY Police officers themselves to be so stupid as to partake in this behavior... right on Facebook!
Take for example, Rochester, NY Police Sgt. Jeff Lafave.
After a new Facebook page was started in response to my RPD Exposed page, the page's creator falsely accused me of "bashing" first responders.
Something which is absolutely NOT true.
Although I rarely engage in the childish back and forth of replying to comments, etc., this was one I simply could not pass up.
Because again, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, I owe my life to first responders.
On July 18, 2012, while on vacation with my two sons, and my niece, in Miami, I nearly drowned in South Beach.
I was saved by South Beach lifeguards who are also Miami Fire and Rescue members.
I have great respect first responders.
In fact, on my blog, I extensively covered the Christmas Eve, West Webster, NY firefighter ambush, which left two first responders dead, Tomasz Kaczowka a volunteer firefighter, and Mike Chiapperini, also a firefighter with the West Webster, NY volunteer fire department.
Chiapperini was also a Lieutenant with the Webster, NY Police department.
Two more firefighters, Joel Hofstetter and Theodre Scardino were seriously injured.
I responded to the false accusations on the facebook page by leaving a comment, making it clear that in no way shape or form am I "bashing" first responders, nor is my page about "bashing" first responders.
I then went on to explain how after the West Webster, NY tragedy, I traveled more than 20 miles from my home with an incoming snowstorm, to film a candlelight vigil memorial service which was held in the town of Webster, NY because I knew that mainstream news media would only show 5 second sound bites of the service, and since this tragedy had touched me personally, like it did people all over the world, I wanted to 'give back' if you will, to these brave men, who responded that morning to a fire, ready to save lives, and instead ending up losing theirs.
After the vigil, I posted the entire 12 minute 50 second candlelight vigil on youtube.
I responded to the false accusations on the facebook page by leaving a comment, making it clear that in no way shape or form am I "bashing" first responders, nor is my page about "bashing" first responders.
I explained that my page is about exposing what the Rochester, NY Police department, and it's employer, the City of Rochester, NY, does not want citizens to see... police misconduct, corruption and how the hard working taxpayers' money is being misused.
I then posted a link to my youtube channel DavyVTV, of the video of the West Webster firefighter candlelight vigil, along with other videos I also shot of the services for these real heroes.
Later, the page's creator posted this comment: "Well, pat yourself on the back, good job!"
I then responded to a comment which insinuated that I was spreading hate on my RPD Exposed page, again, something which is NOT true.
Here's my response: "Again, not spreading hate. Spreading truth. Good luck. And, next time you assume things, do research on someone. You know NOTHING about me. There's a reason for what I do. This will be my last contact with you."
Then something interesting happened.
An individual using the Facebook user name of "Jeffrey Joseph", whose real name is Jeff Lafave, as in Rochester, NY Police Sgt. Jeff Lafave, left the following comment:
RPD Sgt. Jeff Lafave posting as "Jeffrey Joseph"
and RPD officer Mario Masic's comments.
"Thought that previous post was your last contact doosh... Go away. No one takes you seriously.. Get a job... Other than government assistance.. U perpetuating hate is only making things worse.. You say you are an activist... I say you are a gigantic joke!!!! Anyone who chooses to follow you is an ignorant lacky with low IQ.. Davy v a true rochester pioneer against police corruption blahahahahahaah!"
To which, Rochester, NY Police officer Mario Masic, yes, the same Mario Masic who arrested Emily Good after she. Idea recorded him conducting a racially profiled traffic stop of an African-American motorist, and who is an embarrassment to the Rochester, NY Police department left this comment right under Sgt. Lafave's:
Trigger-happy Gun Nut?
Rochester, NY Police Sgt. Jeff Lafave.
"Hahahahahaha"
First of all officer Masic, you are the last individual, who should be laughing at Sgt. Lafave's comment, or at anything else for that matter.
For you are an embarrassment to the Rochester, NY Police department.
Your rogue, thug tactics, bullying a woman, and violating her constitutional rights have been seen throughout the world.
You are a coward.
You are an embarrassment to every good officer, not just in the RPD, but in police agencies thought the U.S.
And Sgt. Lafave, you can say what you want about me.
An embarrassment to the Rochester, NY Police department
officer Mario Masic.
It will not change who I am, or what I stand for.
And that's exposing dirty cops like you.
For the past 17-plus years I have been a voice in this community for those who you and your gang members have profiled, harassed, abused, beaten, and in some cases, even killed.
Like Patricia Thompson, the mentally-ill 54-year old woman you executed on March 3, 2006.
Your comment shows your unprofessionalism.
Your comments are in clear violation of the law enforcement Code of Ethics.
You, like officer Masic, give the Rochester, NY Police department a bad name.
You, like officer Masic, are the reason why the community does not trust, or respect the RPD.
You, like officer Masic, are the reason why I do what I do, and why the Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed page exists.
Congratulations RPD Sgt. Jeff Lafave, you've been selected as the official poster boy for the Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed Facebook page!
Click Play to watch Emily Good's video of her arrest by RPD officer Mario Masic
Click Play to watch Rochester, NY Police officers retaliating against Davy V. and other Emily Good supporters!
It's been a crazy ride since I started I started my Facebook page "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed."
The response and so support not only from Rochester
Lafave:Thought that previous post was your last contact doosh... Go away. No one takes you seriously.. Get a job... Other than government assistance.. U perpetuating hate is only making things worse.. You say you are an activist... I say you are a gigantic joke!!!! Anyone who chooses to follow you is an ignorant lacky with low IQ.. Davy v a true rochester pioneer against police corruption blahahahahahaah!
Apparently, the Rochester, NY Police department is not the only police agency which likes to waste taxpayer dollars by allowing its officers to drive their cruisers outside the city and into other towns to eat, do errands, etc.
It seems as though the Greece, NY Police department is following suit.
Case in point.
Greece, NY Police Chief Todd Baxter and his Captain Patrick Phelan were spotted at El Latino Dominican Restaurant, located at 1020 Chili Avenue in Rochester, more than 9 miles from the Greece Police department on Island Cottage Rd.
Chief Baxter and Captain Phelan arrived at the restaurant around 12:00 pm and spent nearly 2 hours eating inside, before leaving in separate vehicles, around 1:45 pm.
Greece, NY Police Capt.
Patrick Phelan
The Chief left in his official police vehicle, a black Dodge Charger, while Captain Phelan left in a dark red vehicle, possibly a Ford.
A woman who answered the phone at Chief Baxter's officer confirmed that the Chief, and Captain Phelan, were on duty at the time they were at El Latino Restaurant.
So there you have it, Greece, NY residents.
Your taxpayer dollars at work.
9 miles.
Nearly 2 hours.
Chief Baxter's official police vehicle.
Your money.
Hey, as a Latino, I have to give it up to Chief Baxter... he likes Latin food!
Greece, NY Police Chief Todd Baxter (right)
and Captain Patrick Phelan
leaving El Latino Restaurant.
The Rochester, NY Police department is out of control!.. visit my facebook page
"Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed!" by clicking the link below
Like the pasteles at El Brazo Fuerte bakery, Media Noche sandwiches at Sergio's, Cuban Sandwiches at Versailles, and the best Flan I've ever had at La Virjen de la Caridad on 17th Ave.
But most of all I miss my Cuban roots.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Miami, Florida's extremely talented Cuban-American filmmaker Jorge 'Jokes' Yanes, one of the 305's up and coming stars.
The multi-talented Jokes is also a director, screenwriter, producer, and editor who is completely and passionately dedicated to his craft.
His film, Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, which recently premiered at the Miami International Film Festival, stars Oscar Torre, whom I recently also had the pleasure of interviewing here on my blog.
Jokes talks about Miami, his work and much more.
Enjoy!
First off, thank you for taking time out Jokes, I read that as a child you used to be into graffiti. How did art influence your work as a filmmaker?
Graffiti was a big influence in the sense that it was important to have a style of your own. That hip hop original ethics of not trying to bite and to reach for fame, you could say going bombing shares a lot of traits with doing a production especially a guerilla one. You pack all your supplies and go on a journey to make a piece of art.
Where does the name 'Jokes' come from?
That was my graffiti tag, that was the last name I used when I used to graff, and it stuck, so I kept using it.
How did you become interested in filmmaking?
When I was in middle school I would write and act in little home movies with some of my best friends. I remember we would shoot to edit and the final tape would circulate around school like a primitive Youtube. Once I was in high school all that filming stopped and I didn’t get back into it for many years.
What were some of your first filmmaking projects?
Many of my first projects were writing or script doctoring for these little hood movies that were popping up in the late 90’s and early turn of the century, directing-wise, besides film school projects, I just kept busy doing what ever came my way in order to get on a set.
In 2001 you were hired by MUN2 to produce the TV show 'Upbeat', later know as 'The Roof', how did that come about and how was that experience for you?
I got hired freelance to direct and edit a mexican regional music video and when I turned in the project early and under budget, they asked me to jump on the production team. They gave me the Upbeat show because I knew about hip hop and dance music, and at that time, no one else there cared about that. The experience was amazing. When I first started doing the shows I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, I was just following the directions they gave me, but the shows were turning out awful and rumor was circulating that I was gonna get fired. So realizing I had nothing to lose, I figured I should save face and at least make a show I could show off to my friends. Once I did that surprising everyone including myself, the show was number one on the network and everything just fell into place after that.
Jokes, after the success of 'The Roof' you tried your hand at directing your own music videos, tell me about that.
I actually started doing the music videos on Upbeat. It took me like four attempts until I was confident with them. By sheer coincidence, before The Roof aired, I had made a hit video and demand for me to direct music videos grew, then the show hit and I couldn't keep the phone from ringing. It was pretty exciting times.
You've worked with artists such as T-Pain, how did that come about?
I met T-Pain through the record label he was associated with and we got along well. We shared some of the same passions and we did a music video together. That led to the little comedy movie intro for his tour. He is a musical monster with non-stop energy and a quick wit. It's no question why he is where he is in the industry. Knowing his music is like only knowing 10% of his capabilities. T-Pain is a real genuine, nice person.
Oscar Torre plays 'Jimmy' and Joanna Galis Menendez plays
''Monique' in Eenie Meenie Miney Moe. Photo by Eduardo Valdes OTB
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing actor Oscar Torre, who plays 'Jimmy' in your film 'Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, tell us about EMMM.
Eenie Meenie Miney Moe is a raw stylized portrayal of Miami life personified by a tow truck driver and the small time criminal network he utilizes. It's a movie that is dark but also has a comedic edge to it and deals with the everyday right now struggles of the 305 with a sort of satirical point of view. It's a real genre-bending film that just had a smashing, fully packed world premiere at the Miami International Film Festival.
Andres Dominguez plays 'Raul'
How did the idea from Eenie Meenie Miney Moe come to you?
I met a tow truck driver on a video set, and he started telling me some wonderfully crooked stories about the dark side of the biz, this is back in 2004 before any of the so-called reality TV shows, something lit up and it kind of fit perfect with some ideas I had already been developing and a few months later an outline was made.
Speaking of ideas coming to you, I imagine living in a beautiful city like Miami, there is plenty to draw from, what inspires you, and gets you in the 'zone'?
Line outside Miami's Olympia Theater for the premiere of
Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
at the 2013 Miami International Film Festival Photo courtesy of MIFF.
I'm inspired most by the chance to do something different and unique, Miami can offer that if you look for it. Good talent to collaborate with gets me in the zone.
What are you working on now?
Right now we are just setting up worldwide distribution for Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, and me and my team have two, possibly three new projects slated for next year. All in different genres, and all representing a wider gamut of the American Latino experience with a South Florida slant.
Jokes, as a filmmaker and director, what are your thoughts when it comes to Latinos in film?
Eenie Meenie Miney Moe Red Carpet Premiere. Photo courtesy of gettyimages.com
My philosophy is simple. Don't be scared of telling the truth. As Latinos in America we are more than just a demographic. We are Americans, and it is up to us to expose what we see everyday, even if it stings to see it. It is up to us to tell and support stories that are made by us and that inspire us.
Jokes, what advice can you give to anyone interested in pursuing filmmaking?
Make product and don’t quit. The entertainment industry is like Survivor, the island. There are all kinds of obstacles, critics and cliques that will make themselves splinters in your palm. Just always know that when you treat people right, show your peers respect , and work hard, and I mean really work hard, and smart, and have real ethics, eventually it will be undeniable.
I have always respected the New York State Police.
I've always said that overall, they handle themselves more professionally than any other police agency I have ever known.
In fact, I have always gone out of my way to tell New York State troopers that.
In 2009, I covered the trial of former Rochester, NY Police officer and Greece, NY Police Sgt. Nick Joseph.
In 2008, Nick Joseph was off-duty, drinking and doing cocaine at Spenders bar on Lyell Ave. in Rochester, NY when he got behind the wheel of his brother David Joseph's (a Sgt. with the Rochester, NY Police department) Ford Fusion and while racing on interstate 390 North, doing in excess of 80 miles per hour, rear ended a stalled vehicle which was parked on the shoulder.
In that vehicle was Alexis Sharpe, a young pregnant mother.
The impact ruptured Sharpe's placenta and she had to undergo emergency surgery, forcing her to deliver her daughter, Azaria, 14 weeks prematurely.
Azaria spent 93 days in the hospital and suffers ongoing medical problems.
Joseph fled under the cover of darkness immediately after crashing into Sharpe's vehicle.
Joseph was convicted of aggravated vehicular assault, two counts of second-degree assault, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, and first-degree perjury; as well as two misdemeanors: driving while ability impaired and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Nick Joseph was sentenced 3 to 7 years in New York State prison.
The New York State Police conducted the investigation which led to Nick Joseph's arrest, and conviction.
At the trail, I approached New York State Police senior investigator Jim Newell, and I thanked him.
You see, in 1997, after I video recorded Nick Joseph's brother, David Joseph, abusing a Jamaican motorist during a traffic stop, Nick Joseph retaliated against me by coming to my home, illegally entering without a warrant, beating me, and falsely arresting me, and telling my 68 year-old mom and my 71 year-old aunt, to "learn English."
After I won a lawsuit against the City of Rochester, and the Rochester Police department, despite Nick Joseph, having been found by a Federal jury to have violated my civil rights, he was hired by Greece, NY Police Chief Merritt Rahn.
But I never felt I got any real closure.
I mean, the fact that Joseph was still out there, doing to others what he did to me and my family, really disgusted me.
So I felt the need to thank investigator Newell, for in a sense giving me that sense of closure by bringing a dirty cop to justice.
I have always respected the New York State Police.
I've always said that overall, they handle themselves more professionally than any other police agency I have ever known.
In fact I have gone out of my way to always let NYS troopers I encounter, that I hold a certain respect for them.
Until now.
Sunday March 17, 2013.
As I was driving on East Avenue, I noticed several police cruisers, both RPD as well as New York State police coming in the opposite direction at a high rate of speed.
Naturally, I pulled over to the side of the road.
It was then that I realized, they were chasing an older model Chevy Tahoe.
Well aware that many high speed police chases end up in officers beating suspects, I turned around and video recorded the end of the chase.
New York State Trooper Joe Monds:
"Hey buddy, put your iPad down and keep it moving!"
As you can see in the video below, at the 3:20 mark, New York State trooper Joe Monds is heard yelling at me "Hey buddy, put your iPad down and keep it moving!"
I responded to Monds that I was with the media, but explained to him that even if I wasn't, I didn't have to stop recording,
Monds is then seen in the video approaching holding what may be pepper spray in his right hand, at which point, I again, tell him that I have a right to record.
I then ask Monds for his name several times, and he completely ignores me, finally replying "Im working right now sir."
Within minutes, the video was live on Youtube.
Nothing I love more than to expose a cop who in any way, shape or form attempts to intimidate ANYONE from their legal right to video record law enforcement officers.
Glen Sutton
Sunday March 24th, I was contacted by Glen Sutton, the man driving the Tahoe.
Sutton told me that it all started when a New York State trooper who was crossing Park Ave. yelled to him that he was speeding.
He then said that he wasn't speeding and that he continued driving down Park when he noticed the trooper was following him.
Sutton then told me he panicked because he wasn't supposed to be driving due to his license having recently been revoked.
That's when the chase started.
A chase which ended with Sutton being arrested and charged with several misdemeanors.
New York State Police Troop E Barracks
1155 Scottsville Rd.
But it's what Sutton told me that happened once he arrived at the New York State Police Troop E Barracks on Scottsville Rd., that I found extremely disturbing, and why I say that I have lost any and all respect that I had for the New York State Police.
Once at the barracks, a New York State trooper told Sutton that he was on Youtube.
When Sutton asked the trooper what was he talking about, he replied, "Davy V. was recording us and you're all over Youtube."
Then Sutton told me that the trooper said, "One way or another, we're going to get that motherfucker and when we do we're going to get him good."
Approximately 7,762 total parking tickets voided, and 2,269 void request slips submitted by Rochester, NY Police personnel in about a three year span.
At least 245 of those void requests submitted, involved vehicles owned by Rochester, NY Police officers.
Those are the numbers involving the Rochester, NY Police department's ticket-fixing scheme involving officers.
I first wrote about this scandal after the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper concluded a month-long investigation, which revealed that the Rochester, NY Police department regularly fixes tickets for fellow police officers, including their families and friends.
Take, for example, Rochester, NY Police officer Paul Dondorfer.
On a Saturday night, in Rochester's East End nightclub scene, officer Dondorfer illegally parked his Chevy Suburban outside a popular East Avenue bar in a handicapped space reserved for people with disabilities.
Just two days later, a Rochester Police department Lieutenant voided the $ 100 ticket with the excuse, “Handicapped passenger on board. Courtesy extended.”
Another ticket fix the investigation revealed involved Rochester, NY Police Lt. Frank Alberti.
Alberti received a $ 35 ticket for parking his Jeep in a 'no-standing' zone outside Geva Theatre Center in December of 2011.
The very next day, the ticket was voided with the justification, “Courtesy extended at Geva Theatre.”b
In March 2011, Rochester Police officer Gregory Vasile dodged a $ 35 fine for displaying an expired inspection certificate in his Dodge Sedan.
The reason for the void?
“Professional courtesy.”
A month later, RPD officer Vasile had still not renewed the inspection which had expired 10 months earlier, and was ticketed again.
And, again, the ticket was voided.
The reason?
“Professional courtesy.”
Rochester Police Officer Dennis Cole received nine tickets totaling $225 in fines over two years for parking at expired meters outside a stadium at the University of Rochester, where he was an assistant football coach at the time.
Every ticket was voided, mostly with dubious or no explanations.
In one case, tickets Cole and a fellow coach had received minutes apart in August 2011 were voided with the explanation, “Volunteers working at school — courtesy extended.”
Reached by phone, RPD officer Dennis Cole directed inquiries to a police spokesman. “Obviously, that’s nothing I can comment on,” he said.
Rochester, NY Police Officer Karl Berg received three tickets in 2010 for parking his Lexus in a No-Parking zone outside his house in the Corn Hill section of Rochester.
All three tickets were voided.
One of the void forms read, “Courtesy extended — Corn Hill resident.”
Berg once submitted and approved a void — a breach of protocol — for a ticket issued to a motorist parked illegally in front of his house.
In filling out the void a day after the ticket was issued, Berg wrote, “Vehicle moved — courtesy extended.”
Reached at his home, Berg declined to comment.
None of the Rochester Police officers cited in the D&C newspaper's story would speak to a reporter.
They all declined to comment or did not return messages left for them at their homes or work.
Even former Rochester Police department executive Chief George Markert, now the director of the City's Office of Public Integrity, received four tickets for parking illegally.
Markert's wife, also an RPD employee, received one ticket.
All four tickets were voided.
As an activist and writer exposing the Rochester, NY Police department's long history of misconduct and corruption, I have continuously pointed out their 'double standard', when it comes to the RPD's 'above the law' way of operating.
Ironically, George Markert, who is heading an ongoing investigation of administrative functions within the Parking Violations Bureau, including the voiding of tickets, defended his, and his wife's voided tickets.
“It’s pretty common for people who are authorized to park there to get a ticket voided,” Markert said. “It’s technically not a violation.”
So what does Rochester, NY Police Chief James Sheppard have to say about his department's 'Good ol' boys' way of looking out fellow officers?
Well, apparently not much.
In announcing the conclusion of the RPD's internal investigation into the ticket-fixing scandal, Chief Sheppard said "Although this is not a good practice, these cases did not merit individual discipline since the action was approved by a high ranking officer."
And remember those 245 void requests involving vehicles owned by Rochester Police officers?
Only 190 were located.
What happened to the other 55?
Hmmm...
So the next time you or your loved one receives a ticket, and have to scrape up money to pay for it, just think, Rochester, NY Police officers don't have to pay for theirs.
But you do.
The Rochester, NY Police department is out of control!.. visit my facebook page "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed!" by clicking the link below
Rochester, NY Police officer: "You're being detained right now."
By Davy V.
Although the video is short, and the driver, who did not want his name published for fear of retaliation, should have recorded the entire traffic stop, it's enough to clearly show the Rochester, NY Police department's 'gestapo like' way of intimidating innocent citizens.
The man, who is African-American, was driving in Rochester's South Ave. neighborhood, when RPD officers pulled him over for driving 5 miles over the speed limit.
Rochester, NY Police officer:
"You're going to be arrested if you don't put it on the car..."
RPD officers then told the man they smelled marijuana, which is a very well known tactic that the Rochester, NY Police department uses in order to justify illegal searches of motorist's vehicles.
In the video, an RPD officer can be seen, and heard telling the man "You're being detained right now", while another officer tells the man "You're going to be arrested right now if you don't put it on the car... you're interfering with our investigation."
At the end of the video, one of the officers tells the man "This ain't a big deal", after the man questions why they are harassing him and telling him to put his phone down.
The officers were referring to the man's cell phone.
This incident reminds me of Rochester, NY Police officer Mario Masic, who arrested Emily Good in May of 2011, because she videotaped Masic and other RPD officers conducting a racially-profiled traffic stop of an African-American motorist.
Click Play to watch the video of Rochester, NY Police officers threatening to arrest man.
Click Play to watch Rochester, NY Police officer Mario Masic arrest Emily Good
Some Rochester, NY Police officers are just not too smart.
Take for example, Rochester, NY Police officer Melanie Rivera.
One would think that after my February 15, 2013 piece titled "Rochester, NY Police Department: Tax Payer Dollars at Work", in which I wrote about RPD officer Melanie Rivera not taking her job serious, by taking photos of herself on the job and posting them to social media, WHILE ON DUTY, that she would get the message.
But apparently she didn't.
Enter Frank Yuyito Velazquez, or at least that's what his facebook user name is.
Frank Yuyito Velazquez?
Velazquez is what you call a troll.
Ever since I created my new Facebook page "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed", Velazquez has been bombarding me with harassing messages, and comments.
In fact, in a post written just a few days ago, referring to his plans to start a facebook page about me, Velazquez wrote, "Once I confirm this to protect myself from libel, im bout to blow up your spot kiddo, and expose you..."
So I wasn't really surprised when someone contacted me to tell me that Velazquez had made good on his promise.
What I was surprised at was to learn that Velazquez is related to Rochester, NY Police officer Melanie Rivera.
Now let me make one thing clear, as an activist, writer, and filmmaker exposing police misconduct and corruption for the last 17 years, I'm used to controversy.
I've learned to have tough skin.
You have to.
I mean, I expose dirty cops.
What I will never get used to however, is anyone attacking my children.
It has never happened.
Until now.
Velazquez posted photos of my son, a minor, with some offensive, disturbing comments.
And that's a violation.
They say that even the worst, most hardened criminals in prison have a code.
NO KIDS.
Leave kids out of anything.
DO NOT involve children.
DO NOT violate children.
Real men have morals, ethics, and a certain respect code.
A sort of 'Don't go there' code.
A certain line you DO NOT cross.
One of my all-time favorite actors, Al Pacino, playing Tony Montana in the movie Scarface shows this when he refuses to blow a car up because the intended target's children are in the vehicle.
"I told you, no kids!", Tony Montana says.
Apparently neither RPD officer Rivera, or her relative Frank Yuyito Velazquez abide by that respect code of NOT involving children.
I also have reason to believe that officer Rivera is accessing the RPD's database to provide her family with my private information.
Since I know that City of Rochester, NY and Rochester Police department officials follow my work, I certainly hope they will look into officer Rivera's conduct, including any further retaliation on her part, simply because I exposed her conduct as a public servant.
Perhaps the most disturbing thing is the fact that it seems as if Rochester, NY Police officer Melanie Rivera, is not only behind the facebook page, but officer Rivera also approves of photos of my son, an innocent child, a minor, posted on the page, along with offensive comments directed at a child.
If Rochester, NY Police officer Melanie Rivera is behind any of this, that should be very disturbing to Rochester City officials.
For not only does she seem to be condoning personal attacks of a minor, by not telling her relative to remove the photos of my son, but officer Rivera could potentially expose her employer, the City of Rochester to liability.
Interestingly enough, by condoning the actions of her relative, RPD officer Rivera and her family, including her mother, who herself posted a comment on the page featuring my son's photo, are proving that what I have said for years, is true.
That the Rochester, NY Police department, is out of control.
And that is exactly why my Facebook page "Rochester, NY Police Department Exposed" exists.
And that is exactly why I do what I do.
Expose dirty, corrupt cops.
Dirty, corrupt cops who give good cops, a bad name.
Attack my work all you want officer Rivera.
Disagree with my views.
But leave my children out of it.
You see, as critical as I am, and have been about certain Rochester, NY Police officers, I HAVE NEVER, and I WOULD NEVER, involve their children!
Note: In order to avoid giving these individuals any more attention, which is what they are obviously looking for, I intentionally did not mention the name of the Facebook page, or the disgusting comments made against my son.
Click link below to read my original piece "Rochester, NY Police Department: Tax Payer Dollars at Work"
Rochester, NY Police Chief
James Sheppard
continues to condone RPD officers
abusing innocent people.
By Davy V.
POSTED ON MONDAY MARCH 18, 2013 8:15 P.M.
Rob Tobey, his fiancé Aricka, and their friend Chris, had gone out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day Saturday, like thousands of other Rochester, NY residents did.
Unfortunately, the Luck O' The Irish would not be with the trio.
After parking their vehicle in the $10 dollar parking lot across from Club Grotto, on Lawrence St. off East Ave. in Rochester's East End district, Rob, Aricka, and Chris went into Grotto to start the St. Paddy's festivities.
Aware of the fact that he would be the driver on the trip home, Rob was mindful of his drinking, and in fact, stopped early on.
"I knew I had a responsibility to get my fiancé, my friend, and myself home safely", said Rob.
Rob, his fiance Aricka and their friend Chris.
After leaving Grotto, the three went for a walk down East Ave, then around 6:00 pm, began to walk back towards their car on Lawrence St.
With Aricka slightly ahead, and Rob and Chris a little behind, Rob saw security, believed to be off-duty Rochester, NY Police officers, and an RPD officer in full uniform, standing near metal barriers which were set up about 30 feet from the corner of Lawrence St. and East Ave., near Club Grotto.
Security then told Rob and Chris to go around, and at this point, Aricka, noticing that Rob and Chris were still behind, told security, and the RPD officer that Rob and Chris were with her.
Then, the Rochester, NY Police officer looked at Aricka and said to her "You're fine, you can come through because you're pretty, but those two have to pay", referring to Rob and Chris.
Club Grotto Photo by Davy V.
"I tried to tell them that we didn't want to go back into Grotto's, that we just wanted to go to our car and leave", said Rob.
Security then started asking the three about wristbands, and Rob once again explained to them that they did not want to go back in the club.
"They kept asking about wristbands, which we had never even received any wristbands when we first paid when we got there, I kept telling them that we were going home, and they kept saying we had to pay ten dollars each", said Rob.
One of several bruises Rob suffered after
being assaulted by RPD officers,
this one on his right thigh.
"Then out of nowhere, as I'm explaining that we just want to go to our car, two Rochester, NY Police officers come up from behind me, and grab me by my arms and drag me backwards and toss me near the corner, where I fell onto my back", said Rob in a phone interview with me.
Then as I'm getting up, a Rochester, NY Police officer sticks his hand out pointing at me and yells "Get the fuck out of here before you get arrested!"
Rob describes that officer as being in his 30's and wearing a dark RPD winter hat.
"As I started to walk, the officer kept yelling at me 'Get the fuck out of here!', then I asked them why did they put their hands on me, and at this point, there was a group of about three Rochester Police officers, including a female officer who looked like she was Latina, and they were all laughing, then one of the officers, an older looking one said 'Look at the tough guy, look at the little faggot."
Rob, Aricka and Chris were then forced to walk all the way around, down East Ave. to Alexander St., then down Alexander to the other side of the parking lot, just to get to their vehicle.
WTF? This off duty Rochester, NY Police officer was working security at Club Grotto. Does he think he's Batman?
The couple then both called 911, where a dispatcher told them that an RPD Sgt. would call them shortly.
No one ever called.
Note: This is at least the second assault by Rochester, NY Police officers of an innocent person, on Lawrence St., in front of Club Grotto, in just over a week. Click the link below to read my story on that incident.
After having their pet dog Choco shot in the face by a Rochester, NY Police officer, the RPD is retaliating against the family, after I exposed the story here on my blog, on Copblock.org, and on my new Facebook page 'Rochester, NY Police department Exposed!'
On Thursday March 14, 2013, Rochester, NY Police officers came to Teddy Padilla's home at 97 Bleacker St. for what the RPD alleges was a report of a lose dog.
Choco on his walk with Teddy Photo by Davy V.
The Padillas are responsible pet owners.
So much so, that Teddy Padilla installed a 6 foot high fence on his property.
A fence which the City of Rochester made him take it down, telling him that the fence could not be more than 3 feet tall.
Somehow, Choco got out.
Like dogs do.
Within minutes, a Rochester, NY Police officer shot Choco in the face after claiming that Choco charged at the officer.
Choco's medication
and fluid drainage vials. Photo by Davy V.
Padilla's wife, Ada called her husband telling him "They police shot Choco!"
"I pull up to my home and I get out and the first thing I ask the officers is what's going on, and the officer tells me we had to shoot your dog" Teddy Padilla, his grey long sleeve shirt showing smears of his Choco's blood.
"I said what do you mean you shot my dog, and the officer, very nonchalant says 'yep, we had to shoot your dog', I couldn't believe it."
Around 6:00 p.m., Ada Padilla was in her home when she heard Choco, a pit bull terrier, barking.
Ada then looked out of an upstairs window and saw a Rochester Police cruiser in front of the house.
"Dangerous Dog"Summons. Photo by Davy V.
"I ran downstairs and the officer was saying 'Get your dog, get your dog', and I said to him I'm trying, but the officer kept moving all over the place, then Choco ran in the house and the officer walked up as if to talk to me and Choco came back out but he was never aggressive and he never charged at the officer, it was more like he was excited but not aggressive and then the officer that had stayed inside the police car all this time got out of the car, walked up, took out his gun and shot Choco", said Ada Padilla.
"Then Choco ran inside the house crying and bleeding from his mouth, there was blood everywhere, and he ran inside his crate, scared."
The Padillas rushed Choco to the Veterinary Specialists & Animal Emergency Service on White Spruce Blvd., where Choco underwent emergency surgery.
Choco is back home, and as you can see in the photos is back to being the fun, loving and energetic dog he was before being shot by a trigger-happy cop.
I visited Choco Saturday afternoon, and accompanied Teddy as he walked Choco around the neighborhood.
Later, Teddy explained to me that Choco has a small tubing hose which attaches to a vial, where fluids, mostly blood, drain from Choco's wound.
"Unleashed dog" Summons. Photo by Davy V.
Teddy also showed me the different medications, including antibiotics, that Choco is on.
Choco will also need dental work as a result of the bullet trail which took out his molars and caused considerable damage.
On Friday morning, Teddy Padilla went to the Public Safety building to get a copy of the incident report, like an RPD Sgt. who responded to the shooting told him he could.
Once there, Padilla was told that there is no record of the shooting.
Padilla left empty handed.
But perhaps most disturbing, is what happened next.
After I broke the story of the shooting, the Rochester, NY Police department retaliated against the Padilla family.
Saturday morning the family received two appearance tickets.
One for "dangerous dog."
The second, for "unleashed dog."
So the RPD shoots an innocent family dog, costing a loving family $ 1,272.65 in veterinary medical costs, then, after the story goes public, they charge the family, whose dog accidentally got out?
If that's not a classic example of 'adding insult to injury', then I don't know what is.
Please support me with my Film Fundraising Campaign "LAW ENFORCEMENT STOP KILLING OUR INNOCENT FAMILY PETS!.. Click the link below.
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