Mariposa Fire Mountain Community Fire Information
Related Articles
<div class="StoryBlock">
<p>Nearly a dozen Fresno police officers are at the center of a lawsuit, accused of unlawfully seizing thousands of dollars from two Fresno business men. One of the former officers recently admitted taking part in other shady business.</p><p>The plaintiff’s claim the lawsuit stemmed from a bogus raid back in 2013. They are accusing the officers of abusing their police power and stealing from them.</p><p>Two Fresno business partners are claiming they were ripped off of more than $100,000 by who they describe as corrupt cops.</p><p>Plaintiff’s attorney Kevin little says, "We are suing the officers who we understand to be involved in this taking; this theft."</p><p>Kevin little is the attorney of Brittan Ashjian and Micha Jessop. The two men filed a lawsuit against the city of Fresno in federal court Thursday. They’re accusing 11 Fresno police officers of stealing currency and coins from their business; including former officer Derik Kumagai who just this Tuesday pleaded guilty to accepting a $20,000 bribe from a suspected drug dealer.</p><p>"It certainly is an issue that we anticipate the jury will hear and consider as part of evidence in this case," says Little.</p><p>The complaint states that back in 2013, police searched the partner’s business – alleging illegal gambling devices were being sold. The money was seized, but the plaintiffs say only half of it – about $50,000 – made it into the evidence room.</p><p>"The whereabouts of the remainder of the funds; where the went, when they were seized from my clients’ business until they got to the Fresno Police department is unknown."</p><p>Jessop and Ashjian were never charged with illegal gambling activity. They say the police targeted them, even claiming they police used surveillance on their business for six months prior to the raid.</p><p>Little says, "Police misconduct like this is of an extreme and dishonest nature and goes to the heart of the public confidence in the police in general, and when something like this occurs it has to not only be exposed but rectified."</p><p>Police Chief Jerry Dyer did release a statement regarding the lawsuit filed today saying "Although the city of Fresno has not been officially served with the complaint, we believe the actions of the officers were appropriate and will be prepared to defend them in the civil proceedings."</p><p>Little says the plaintiff’s are suing for at least the $100,00 they claim was stolen from them. </p></div>
Wanna Comment?