Saturday, February 2, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, February 3, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.
As expected, a second of seven defendants in a case involving the falsification of training and pay records in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has been dismissed from the case.
Prosecutors moved to dismiss charges against Russell Wilke in the interest of justice.
Wilke, a lieutenant in the Court Services Division, was in court yesterday, when his charges were dismissed by Superior Court Judge Michael Smith.
Wilke is the second dismissal in the case due to lack of evidence. Another defendant, retired Sheriff’s Lieutenant Bill Maddox, was dismissed July 13 of last year.
A third defendant, Sheriff’s Corporal David Pichotta, entered into a plea agreement. Pichotta was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor grand theft and was placed on summary probation and $1,980 in fees and fines.
The case stemming from a March 2011 grand jury indictment has four defendants remaining.
The next court date is April 12, 2013.
Jim it’s LT. Bill Maddox.
Pichotta is or was related to Penrod. So does anyone know if Pichotta is still working?
WHY or WHY did it take so for this to happen?
HEY RED, how about that one?
Jim if you know can you post the attorney of record for Maddox and Wilke, thanks.
ACU….the simple answer is that it’s all politics. Is it right? NO! Is it life? YES! Will it ever change? no! Such decisions do not solely rest with the DA. They should, but we will never see a day where a DA administers justice with an even hand. Some may seem to be better then others, but there is always politics involved and therefore disgruntled people standing downhill of a crap avalanche.
Then I suggest you get out of the way of the
avalanche Red.
Rex might have had a similar attitude.
Time for a new sheriff and DA!
Pichotta was allowed to retire about 9 months ago. He is married to Penrods former step daughter.
Did anyone ever think that this case was ever going anywhere? And dumb and dumber both got promoted for their excellent work on this case.
What a joke.
Wilkes attorney Chuck Niscan
Maddox’s attorney MICHAEL SCAFIDDI
Pichotta’s attorney DAVID CALL
Red,
“Such decisions do not solely rest with the DA…”
Really?
BUT this involves the SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT, it’s a “high-profile case” and as the district attorney, Ramos now has a much greater interest in the case…
WAIT, go back! You are correct! My sincere apologies Red…I should have had a V-8!
Mike Ramos indeed has a long history of sending out the Gestapo and asking questions later.
The AWARD for the most DRAMATIC/COMICAL GESTAPO ARREST in San Bernardino County?
Answer:
The Jim Miller arrest…NO, not for murder, DUI, Domestic Violence, or embezzlement, not even for kicking a dog or spitting in the side-walk. It was because his wife was doing her job WITH the assurance of the city attorney and city manager that is was legal to run advertising ads for the city in her paper. Ah, wait, Ramos thinks of everything! In order to bring Miller fear, shame and embarrassment before his family and community Ramos made sure the PRESS was there to capture the RIDICULOUS COMEDY of half a dozen sheriff cars surrounding the home and “capturing” the LOL, “dangerous and well armed fugitive”.
The whole point of the Miller theatrical GESTAPO arrest? T’was, again, Ramos’s abuse of authority and position; DA Ramos was doing it as a “personal” favor for Bertha Cortes, his woman “friend” who had a beef with the Millers!
#7 Lets not forget Hoops and some of his command staff McMahon are just as much of the problem as the DA!
Forget Hoops?
Are you kidding?
I like rubbing bald heads for good luck too much to forget Hoops!
Besides, it was Hoops who led the “gestapo charge” into town!!
Thanks T-Bone good info.
David Call is or was a long time Sheriff’s Ranger, have seen his cowboy hat wearing self more than once around the courts.
I had a pending case with him, but we never had a chance to face off.
Most of us know Call represented Floyd Tidwell in the 525 count theft of weapons case a few years ago.
Has anyone ever seen this guy actually perform in court? He does well settling cases.
Now if any of the above mention lawyers KNEW the stink attached to this case it was Call, but we are dreamin if we thought Call would go public and call BS on the case for what it really was.
I guess the question that still remains, will any of the other defendants still charged bring out the REAL truth behind this debacle?
Another fine case involving Pinchotta who was allowed to retire, where others are fired. I bet the boy walked out the door with badge in hand and a CCW endorsement?
Look forward to seeing John McMahon explain these scandals away in a public debate when he actually has to run for Sheriff, and Josie’s crew can’t play their little games.
YEA T-Bone what can you say about Captain Dorsey and Lt.Mendoza? I just wonder how much CLEAN up was needed on their investigation before this thing got going in the first place?
Dumb and Dumber, that’s being nice. But I hear those two clowns continue on with their bafoonary at Central Station, pissing folks off and running the ship a ground.
A little satisfaction for Maddox and his attorney, when Dumb and Dumber sat in the DA’s office while their investigators CLEANED up their mess and listened to witnesses CLEARING Bill Maddox of ANY criminal misconduct.
I understand they were not ALL smiles at the conclusion of those interviews.
Despite that compelling evidence that was discovered our beloved DA kept Maddox on a string for SEVERAL more months.
I am sure the ring leaders of the circus had to plan another performance as the first one failed.
I still think RED should get a THANK YOU card and send it to Mike Ramos in support of all his efforts in COVERING up his own messes. Or maybe Red should wait until the California Supreme Court says NO to Mikey!!
It’s to bad that Wilke and Maddox haven’t figure out they are sitting on top of the Bank of San Bernardino County as a result of all this.
If the person is a Ranger that’s always a red flag. It’s called Rico. They work behind the scenes to help further the cultur of corruption at SBSD with the boss clientele. Time for SEBA to step up and put McMahon in check.
SEBA needs to put itself in check at this time. I honestly believe they are not in a position to point fingers or throw rocks at ANYONE’s glass house.
I hate to say it, but McMahon could laugh in their face at this moment and simply say, don’t worry about me right now, worry about yourself, because you have your own set of problems that are just as glarring as mine.
It’s just that simple.
Sad day when SEBA cannot reign in the sheriff and his dirty deeds.
ONE must over come FEAR before they can accomplish ANYTHING!!!