SOARES PROSECUTES, POLICE COMPLAIN


By champlain, Section Diaries
Posted on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 09:15:51 AM EST

Some in the local Albany police agencies are never happy unless they control everything.  If someone does something they don't like, they bitch and moan to whoever might listen.  No other views or efforts at crime control are good or `appropriate' unless these highly opinionated members of local law enforcement give their stamp of approval.  In today's Albany Times Union, reporter Carol DeMare writes a story about the Albany County D.A.'s office participating in a steroids ring drug arrest in Orlando, Florida with other state and federal authorities.  In the article the head of the Albany Police Department union (Christian Mesley) and an Albany County Sherriff Deputy (John Burke) are both quoted with critical comments about the D.A.'s office for participating in these arrests.

I guess Mr. Mesley and Deputy Burke are old school criminology, when the criminal gets to the county border you stop the chase because the criminal is "outside my jurisdiction."  In my humble opinion Mesley and Burke need to stop with the comic book crap and get behind prosecutors who are aggressive about prosecuting crime.

Already there is a diary on DIA by nitevision critizing David Soares.  That diary claims that Soares "superceded" the Federal government in investigating and getting arrests.  That's bull.

How about the facts.  The Associated Press reports that Federal and State authorities were involved in the arrests:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/APN/702272306

But MERE FACTS never stopped folks like Jimmy Tuffey and Jerry Jennings and Frankie Commisso from trying to rally their troops to piss and crap all over anyone who doesn't tow their line.

People like Mesley and Burke need to try and remember that the people of Albany County elected David Soares to do the D.A. job.  Soares is keeping his promises.  If  Mesely and Burke don't like it they can run for elected office.

The diary by nitevision then quotes some defense lawyer for some members of this drug ring saying they were willing to "turn themselves in".  Yeah, SO WHAT?  Defense lawyers are always going to try their case in the media if they can get away with it.

This is bigger than just a couple of defendants - up to 24 people could face charges, including six doctors and three pharmacists.

Twelve law enforcement agencies, each pursuing its own charges, participated in the Tuesday raids in Orlando, Florida.  Three other people from a company in Sugarland, Texas were also arrested and it is possible the arrests could reach to other people in other states.

Doesn't sound like Soares has any problem playing with others.  Mesley, Burke and their puppet masters are another story.

< SOARES, STEROIDS & ALBANY | Albany Police Dept. Mismanagement - Part One >

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SOARES PROSECUTES, POLICE COMPLAIN | 42 comments (42 topical, 0 hidden)
On Point? (none / 0) (#1)
by nitevision on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 09:45:26 AM EST
I don't disagree with your thinking but don't miss my point.
Why is our DA flying all over to participate in raids when it should clearly be a case conducted by federal agents and federal prosecutors?

The defendants obviously knew of the investigation weeks ago.  Why not let them spend their money to fly up to Albany, rather than us taxpayers footing the bill?

Why is David dragging along a Times Union reporter and photographer?

Don't forget the Duke LaCrosse case and the DA who enflamed an entire community with his statements.  A political ploy to get publicity on a case that has turned to dust.

Yeah its on point (none / 0) (#2)
by champlain on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 10:20:42 AM EST
Read my diary.  You want to paint Soares as a showboater but the reality is the D.A.'s office did the good investigative work on this and played well with all the other multiple law enforcement agencies involved.  The local media has already reported that the D.A.'s office used forfiture funds for the trip, you know, the same kinds of funds that former Albany City Public Safety Commissioner Jack Nielsen was using for "lunches" and "parties" before he was quoted in the Albany TU as saying "I am not a petty thief!" and then Nielsen resigned and took a job in Haiti. Mesley and Burke are sock puppets for others on this who are always trying to mess with Soares (read Tuffy, Jennings, Commisso).  You know it and I know it.

Why are you even bothering to mention the Duke case in relation to this?  What possible relation does that case have to a steroids drug ring case that began in Albany County with a D.A. that was willing to be agressive enought to follow it to other states?  Soares should be getting congratulated for this agressive prosecution but instead he's getting crapped on (again) by local law enforcement and police union leaders.  What's up with that?  Can you explain that?

[ Parent ]

The Feds don't bring as big a hammer (none / 0) (#3)
by champlain on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 10:51:21 AM EST
You state that the Feds and not the Albany D.A. should be handling this.  But the news reports clearly show that the Feds are working hand in glove with Soares and several other law enforcement agencies:

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=567702&category=STEROIDS&BCCode=&news date=3/2/2007&TextPage=1

The headline "FEDS TRACE MONEY TRAIL IN STEROIDS PROBE" kind of gives it away.  Looks like the NYS Health Dept. also had people working the case.  There is another important line from that Times Union reporter Brendan Lyons story:

"Under New York laws, the defendants in this case will face much more serious potential penalties than they would under federal laws, authorities said."

So if you want the bad guys to get less time in the slam -- it would be perfectly OK to let the just the Feds do it.  Personally, I like it better when the bad guys get more time in the slam...don't you nitevision?  

Wonder what Mesley and Burke will have to say about that.

[ Parent ]

Champlain (none / 0) (#4)
by alfrednewman on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 03:38:16 PM EST
You say that the Feds are working hand in glove with Soares.  

That's interesting.  

I would normally ask if the DEA had asked the DA to back off but that would be rude wouldn't it?  
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

Champlain (none / 0) (#9)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 04:44:26 AM EST

I learned something this week from an inside source.  The Albany police regularly visit this site, one for honest hard work, the rest for gossip.

Some post, too.

[ Parent ]

Jimmy, Frankie, Jerry - Forgetaboutit (none / 0) (#5)
by A Muse on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 04:53:22 PM EST


Jimmy, Jerry, Frankie - Forgetaboutit (none / 0) (#6)
by A Muse on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 04:55:08 PM EST
There has to be the kickback.  Soares didn't give a kickback.  It doesn't always have to be money, however, wasn't there a safe somewhere I read about with a lot of cash unaccounted for.  I thought it was the DA's Office before Soares took over or maybe it was the Democratic Party.  

So who do you trust. Drugs don't move themselves.  In an upscale neighborhood a pickup truck full of 4 guys and black suitcases are in an out in one night.  No one is wise to it?  Out of State plates.  A single woman owns the house. She goes through men like she was getting paid for it but only stops buy to get her mail.  

A neighbor who stands in his garage all day on the phone.  Mid 40's never worked in his life and lives at home with Mom and Dad.  Has a small pad and makes notes when he is on the phone.  Must have one hell of a phone bill.  Reportedly he had a drug conviction.  

Drugs are everywhere if the Albany police want to see them.  To do things by the book without egging citizens, stealing the stash, planting some smack, beating up a suspect, making a false arrest takes some coordination with a group of trained and trusted people.  The Police have a very tough job and those that break the law they are charged to enforce make it more difficult and unpleasant for everyone else.  

These three "guys" did not get their photo op, but by making a big deal out of it sure gives Soares some press.  I believe they got his name spelled correctly every time. They need a "time out" of the sandbox.

Oh My GOD! (none / 0) (#7)
by alfrednewman on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 08:14:45 PM EST
Call Soares-

http://www.i-medsource.com/about.htm

Medsource is an online scheduling service.  Our services provide you with a method for scheduling a telephone consultation with a US licensed physician. Are you looking for safe, private, and discrete method for obtaining medical treatment for your chronic medical conditions?

The Consultation Process Flow:

Step 1:

If you wish to consult with one of our physicians you will start by clicking on the "New Patients " button on the home page. Enter your e-mail address into the provided text box. It is important to use an e-mail address that you use often. Your account will be based on your e-mail address. If you agree to get a consulation, check the appropriate boxes and click submit.

Step 2:

Upon submitting your agreement with the Terms you are taken to the questionnaire page.  
Please fill this out in completely. This form covers your personal and contact information, medical questions, credit card information and your preferred method of shipment. Remember, all your private information is kept safe and secure using state of the art encryption technology. Upon completing the form, click submit. You will receive a confirmation from the website stating that your information has been received and a patient care representative will be contacting you.

Step 3:

Fax your medical records to 1-888-337-0636. We will not arrange a consultation with a physician until we can provide them to the physician. Along with your medical records, please fax a photocopy of your drivers license, passport or government I.D.

Step 4:

Once we have all the required information you will receive an e-mail informing you of the time that the physician will be calling you. All times are expressed in eastern standard time. If you have no available e-mail address, you will be called with your consult time information. i-Medsource is committed to providing our patients with a simple method for consulting with our physicians and we request that you are available for your telephone appointment at the assigned time. If you have a change in availability, please notify patient service so that you may be rescheduled.

Note: We WILL NOT schedule a physician consultation until we have received your medical records.

Step 5:

An i-Medsource physician will review your medical history, previous diagnosis, recent physical exam and questionnaire before calling you at the assigned time. Remember the physician has the ultimate authority to diagnose a medical condition and/or offer a treatment option.

Step 6:

Upon a successful diagnosis by our physician (s), we will:

  1. Charge your credit card for the physicians consultation fee ($120.00)
  2. Forward any prescriptions written directly to our pharmacy.
  3. Ship the prescription to you according to the preferred method indicated on your completed questionnaire.
  4. We will charge your credit card for the cost of the prescriptions and the shipping and handling charges that you requested.

Upon receipt of your information our patient care department will contact you by phone to inform you of your consultation time with one of our physicians.

Step 7:

FedEx will not deliver to PO boxes. FedEx requires an adult signature on delivery from a person 18 years of age or older. Once you have opened the FedEx package it is important to read the enclosed prescription information sheets that are included with each prescription. The enclosed medication has been specifically prescribed based on the information conveyed in your medical records and the physician consultation. Our healthcare providers do not assume any risk that results from the use and/or abuse of a medication prescribed by our physicians. Please review the TERMS OF AGREEMENT for more details.

Note: If the physician, in his consultation with you, decides that they cannot offer the treatment you are seeking, your credit card will only be charged the $30.00 administration fee. Please note that no other charges will be made to your credit card without a successful diagnosis by a physician .
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

Renewal Only Please (none / 0) (#19)
by A Muse on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 08:16:50 AM EST
There is a serious problem with our medical system.  My recent bill from St. Peters for a cholesterol test exceeded $600.00.  To purchase drugs through the mail is legal and physicians will write a 30 day script or shorter for an immediate fill and also a 90 day script to be mailed in.   Most major drug plans allow for this.  The problem is control.  Drug companies need to or want to keep the costs of drugs high to satisfy the stockholders and the companies say for R & D.  When there is a rumor of a new drug that is being developed it can cause the stock to fly up with great expectation.   If something goes wrong and the FDA does not approve the drug or requires additional testing, the stock can tank.  BIIB is a good recent example.  

Why then can we purchase drugs in other countries or in secondary markets for less?  

The consumer has forced some competition by going to these markets.  Wal-Mart's recent offer of some generic medications for $4.00.  A lot of these drugs have been around for a while and if you look at the list you are not going to find a lot of drugs that physicians are prescribing these days.  You might get a good deal on leaches but they are not often used.

Doctors graduating from medical school today missed the class on examining the patient.  I have seen it occur too many times.  They order tests, read nursing or consultant notes and chart.  Sometimes the physician does not even see the patient.  I have seen this occur and although it is deplorable and unethical it happens all the time.  To chart means to bill the patient or must often the insurance company.

In some countries that are more advanced than the USA in monitoring Kidney Dialysis patients on peritoneal dialysis in their own homes.  Patients can actually send in data to like weight, dwell times, blood pressure, and data from the dialysis machine to the doctor via phone lines and get a response about changing the treatment dose.  The physician sees the patient monthly in a clinic.   Patients with pacemakers can have them checked over telephone lines telephone.

Even on call in shows like Benita Zahn hosts, the physician stays away from answering specific questions about a patient's treatment.  They want to get paid, they don't want to have a malpractice claim, and it is really their job to examine the patient.  Strip, gown, and get examined.  Sometimes conditions can be diagnosed by a good physician doing a physical exam that would be otherwise missed.  Most insurance companies will not pay for routine physical exams.

Although the technology exists for video conferencing and some forms of testing, there is presently no substitute for a hands on examination by a physician.


[ Parent ]

Muse (none / 0) (#8)
by alfrednewman on Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 10:15:01 PM EST
Two years ago 86 year old Jean Balashek was murdered in her New Scotland home. On April 10th 2005 Corrianna Thompson, her daughter, was arrested and later set free on $100,000 bail.

24 years earlier this same person pleaded guilty to another murder.

The following is the last story on the subject from the Times Union:

A year later, slaying unsolved
Transgendered daughter, a suspect in mother's death, still free on bond
Wednesday, March 15, 2006   Page: B1

ALBANY - A year after 86-year-old Jean Balashek was found strangled in her New Scotland home, the prime suspect in her murder has moved into her residence and police and prosecutors are at odds about whether there is enough evidence to put the case before a grand jury. Balashek's transgendered daughter, Corianna Thompson, remains free on $100,000 bond while authorities seek to bolster their theory that she killed her mother over money while in a drug-induced haze. Thompson was charged with the murder last year but released after prosecutors made a tactical decision not to seek an indictment until they had more evidence.

In a year there has been nothing. Not even taking this in front of a grand jury.

So a murderer has been on the loose for close to two years.  

In 2005 Dushawn Wilson was arrested three times for felonies. The last of which involved him turning around and shooting at people he had just robbed. Seven or eight months later he murdered someone in Arbor Hill.  

One man is dead because Dushawn Wilson wasn't prosecuted in a timely fashion and another murder is still free to murder yet again.

For me its a matter of priorities. Not prosecuting or failing to convict people for violent crimes has more of an impact on my life and my family then some pretty boy at the gym not being able to get his steroids from Florida.

To be honest I am not sure what to think of Soares.  One one hand it looks like he is doing the typical novice appoach of trying to do it all at once- without realizing that by spreading his office so thin that he is not doing his job. On the other hand I really have to wonder if he is positioning himself for another job and that he wont run again (or is hedging his bets if he looses reelection).

A first termer going after national press coverage is begining to look to me that he has another job in mind.

When he got elected I said that I hoped he would do well because if he didn't Albany would be a more dangerous place.  
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

open case (none / 0) (#42)
by awhitmarsh on Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 07:35:24 PM EST
did you ever think maybe she was judged on her past and is actually innocent of this crime? if you followed the story at all the ex boyfriend wrote a statement on her thinking he was gonna get a reward but the reward was a ploy by the police... thay were grabbing at straws to solve it with no evidence against her... so the DA can't prosecute someone if there is no evidence... right? thats why there's not even an indictemnt... maybe they will someday find the true person who did that to that poor old lady

[ Parent ]
short memories (none / 0) (#10)
by DIA on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 04:57:09 AM EST
anyone else remember way back to january 7th of this year?   Almost two whole months ago.  Remember this bit from the Times Union?

Eight people were arrested Friday night in what officials are calling one of the region's largest-ever drug busts.



Alleged members of a sophisticated drug ring were collared in a series of coordinated strikes in New York City and Albany. Five of them were arraigned on felony charges Saturday morning in Albany City Court. Their arrests were the culmination of an intensive investigation spearheaded by local prosecutors along with state and federal agents.

Remember how it was an operation that was led by the DA's office but coordinated with the feds?  

I know it was two months ago, and they were just selling coke and crack, but you'd think some of the DA's critics would be able to remember something from two months ago.   But i guess our top law enforcement guys have trouble remembering details for more than a few days?  Perhaps its all the drinking they do?  

Remember this from the article?


Targeting the organizations that supply Albany's drug markets has increasingly become a priority, Calderon said. "David Soares' objective has been to have us work on larger, long-term investigations."

Remember the outcry from the Quotable Sheriff and the ever popular Police Union President?  

What a  joke.  Now all the Soares critics only wanting him cracking down on some illegal drugs.  Do you realize how incredibly dumb you sound?

Two months ago.  Right here in the region.  one of the biggest busts ever.    Idiots.

And why Christian Mesley is given any credence on anything is beyond me.  he is a known liar, thinks all cops are above the law and threatened the times union for reporting the truth about one of the law breaking cops.   Maybe once he has presided over a union where none of his members have shown up to work drunk for at least a year or two then we can start listening to him again.  

But i do enjoy laughing at the antics during my vacation.  I also enjoy the strong position the mayor has taken on this.   Silence is golden.

I agree with you on that police union guy (none / 0) (#11)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 05:02:57 AM EST

He uses classic police bravado, thinking they're somehow entitled to more than everyone else.  Like how dare anyone say anything bad about a cop, even if it's true.  You'd think they were gods.

[ Parent ]
DIA (none / 0) (#12)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 06:04:28 AM EST
I didn't know that the Mayor was supposed to take a position on anything the DA did.

I also undersand that the traditional role of the District Attorney is to prosecute criminals who committed crime in the county that elected him.  

From the DA's mission statement:

Mission Statement:

The Albany County District Attorney's Office has the responsibility and authority to investigate and prosecute crimes in Albany County.

It is the Mission of this Office to protect the people of Albany County through the vigorous prosecution of crime. In all cases, the primary objective of the Office is the administration of justice.

As far as I see it the only crime that occured in Albany County with the whole steroids thing is that people recieved through UPS/FED Ex controlled substances. That is probably the only crime that was committed in ALBANY COUNTY. All the rest (and this may include the actual recieving of the drugs) is a federal or Florida offense- not the perview of the Albany County DA.  

Is Soares "vigerously prosecuting crime" that actually occures in Albany County? Dushawn Wilson was on the streets several months after he shot at people. He murdered someone.

Corrianna Thompson is still out on the streets two years after committing, according to her boyfriend/confessor, her second murder.

I personally would perfer that the DA take the resources he used to fly down to Florida and to prosecute what should have been handled by the DEA and actually prosecute the people terrorizing people on the streets of Albany County.  
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

Alfred (none / 0) (#13)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 06:08:58 AM EST

the issue is the distribution of the drugs, the way they got here.  There's laws about that.

[ Parent ]
Consider (none / 0) (#15)
by AlfredMoisiu on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 07:01:51 AM EST
That we've had a number of pretty big drug busts lately, and you don't know if and how they are connected.

The fact that Albany County police agencies have minimal involvement in any of these cases -- even the Sheriff's office, is really interesting. I don't ever recall police officials railing against a DA like this anywhre.

Drug distribution has alot of peripheral crimes assoicated with it. Most people think of street violence, but I think Soares sees the background activity as more important. Think things that are easier when key people turn their backs... like money laundering.

So you have a DA openly hated by the local politicians and police. The DA office is spearheading large, coordinated investigations resultings in lots of indictments. He's developing working relationships with Federal law enforcement -- relationships good enough that the DEA isn't playing turf games.

Follow the trail... my guess is that Soares is getting closer to things the cops don't want you to know about.

[ Parent ]

I believe you are (none / 0) (#16)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 07:41:21 AM EST
correct.

"Follow the trail... my guess is that Soares is getting closer to things the cops don't want you to know about. "

[ Parent ]

Largest ever drug bust (none / 0) (#26)
by TerryONeillEsq on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 02:04:38 PM EST
Re: "Eight people were arrested Friday night in what officials are calling one of the region's largest-ever drug busts."

Not even close.

Actually, I believe that the region's largest ever drug bust took place on November 18, 1993 in Schenectady.  See extracts from TU and Gazette coverage of the event quoted at: http://www.constantinescircus.org/book.htm

Dubbed Operation Crackdown, something like one hundred drug dealers were arrested on a single morning.  This was accomplished because the Schenectady PD deigned to cooperate with the Sheriff's Office, the State Police, the District Attorney and doubtless others.

Mr. Carney told the Times Union six years later that all forms of crime were down markedly throughout the county as a result of the lasting effects of that operation.

Wouldn't it be great if something like that could be pulled off in Albany County?

Wishful thinking?  Well, one never knows, do one.

[ Parent ]

well (none / 0) (#14)
by DIA on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 06:24:43 AM EST
i didn't hear you getting all up in arms when he busted the coke dealers who were based downstate.  

So, I find your criticism disingenuous.  

DA is doing what he said he would do.   Looking forward to the candidate that wants to challenge him.   I supposed they will promise to "only go after small time street dealers who have never left the county and to not do anything that isn't expressly approved by Christian Mesley"

It is the mayor's job to make the streets of albany safer.   Apparently he feels that undermining the DA is the best way to do that.  He's not alone there, is he?

The feds are in disarray - eating their own (none / 0) (#17)
by champlain on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 07:54:04 AM EST
alfred newman and nitevision keep on crapping on David Soares and then keep on repeating that the U.S. Dept of Justice and one of their investigative arms, the Drug Enforcement Agency should be the ones taking the lead on steroids prosecutions.

Maybe al and nite haven't noticed, but there was a December Massacre at the Dept. of Justice and seven U.S. Attorney's from regions all over the country were forced out by Alberto 'torture' Gonzales and George W. Bush - many for what is largely believed to be political reasons:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/3/3/11424/77159

I've already pointed out the drug dealers will get more time in the SLAM if NYS charges are brought instead of just federal charges:
http://www.democracyinalbany.com/comments/2007/3/2/91551/33888/3#3

And even more interesting, maybe you've heard of the BALCO investigation, you know, the steroid investigations/prosecutions involving Barry Bonds and his steroid suppliers? It seems that the U.S. Attorney handling that case (Kevin V. Ryan of the Northern District of California) was one of the U.S. Attorneys FIRED:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2007-01-24-ryan-balco-cover_x.htm

Call me cynical, but another one of the U.S. Attorney's being forced out (Carol Lam of the Southern District in California) was the prosecutor of the (now former) San Diego area Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham for taking $2.4 MILLION in BRIBES from defense contractors.  Duke is now sitting in the federal SLAM for an EIGHT YEAR PRISON term.  But, nah, it's not POLITICAL - even though five of the eight Justice Dept. prosecutors FIRED were heavily involved in PUBLIC CORRUPTION cases and one of the replacements used to work with White House political director KARL ROVE.  Nope, not POLITICAL at all.

Venal and corrupt minds think alike, in this case i'm talking about Jimmy 'stripclub' Tuffy, Mob Boss Mayor Jerry Jennings, Alberto 'torture' Gonzales and George 'strategery' Bush.  Their main thing is "if we can control the police and the prosecutors then we've got free reign to break all the laws we want and give all our friends get-out-of-jail-free cards."

What a bunch of freaking crooks.  Thank goodness for real prosecutors like Carol Lam.

You take your good guys where you can get them, while David Soares ain't perfect - in my book he's one of the good guys.  Al and nitevision and all the other Albany PD/Sheriff Dept. soares-slanderers will continue to post here and will run Soares down all day long - but the reality is - the bad guys are finally starting to get what's coming to 'em.

[ Parent ]

Champlain (none / 0) (#22)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 09:01:45 AM EST
Lets talk reality here.

Can you explain to me how this steroid bust is making the streets of Albany any safer for my wife?  Is the reality that this makes the streets safer?

Or is the reality that this bust makes the streets less safe because it has diverted the attention and resources of the DA's office away from Albany crime?

Is the reality that the DA worked hand in glove with the DEA or not?  

Call me cynical, Champlain, but Im a little old fashion.  I believe that our local law enforcement officials should be concerned with local law enforcement. Not getting headlines for going after the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I will admit I have a conflict here. I am a Steelers fan.

If Soares would simply turn his skills on Albany crime and coruption I would be one of his biggest cheer leaders.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

you don't get it (none / 0) (#24)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 10:19:50 AM EST

All crime needs attention.   This illegal drug  distribution had such explosive growth because regulators and prosecutors did not go after "white gloved" doctors and pharmacists.

I don't think all prosecutor activities have to be about streets.  As a current crime victim with the city's retaliation by pro goons, I doubt what I am experiencing is having an impact on streets.  But it is still criminal acitivity and has to be stopped.

I can tell you unequivocably that this DA gets that better than this police department.

[ Parent ]

Even if I explained it - you wouldn't get it (none / 0) (#25)
by champlain on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 12:39:31 PM EST
Al, you've been outed as a 'concern troll' about 300 times at this blog.  David Soares could do every single thing 100% better than Paul Clyne or Arnold Proskin ever did and you'd still make up some new shit to smear Soares with. I'd ask you to top being a sock puppet for Jimmy 'Stripclub' Tuffy, Jerry 'Mob Boss' Jennings, Frankie 'Stash' Commisso, and Jimmy 'naps-a-lot' Campbell, but you have so much obvious fun being a puppet and recycling their lame attacks - I won't even bother.

Further proof you steal all your stuff from the mob on the public payroll:  

Yeah, I saw Deputy Craig D. Apple on TV last night raving and trying to smear Soares, and then miraculously you post here the next day on the same friggin topic, again - trying to smear Soares. You're a tool of the faux wiseguys and you like it.  Nah, you LOVE it.

Soares is head and shoulders above the clowns you take your marching orders from.  He's got a brain, good people around him and he doesn't get intimidated by a bunch of boozy fake wiseguys like Tuffy, Jennings and Commisso.  Soares ain't perfect, but he's way better than 'tuffco' and 'hizzoner'.

Kateb is regularly posting here on DIA and is exhibiting some real guts by taking on the political intimidation and thuggery. Standing up to the crap is something rarely done around Albany. Kateb is fighting the false arrests and bullying that are regularly used by Tuffy and Jennings to keep their political enemies in check.  But you, my runny-mouthed friend, are a sop for the bad guys and you like it. You pile on with the fake wiseguys and try to poke holes in the people who are trying to fight the good fight. And then you scratch your head and wonder why Albany can be such a shithole sometimes. I thought by now you'd be on the cluetrain but I guess you're a hard case. Maybe you need to be clipping more cluepons.

The perfect example is your admiration for Jack 'I am not a petty thief' Nielsen - the former Albany Public Safety Commissioner.  What public servent uses drug forfiture funds for things like lunches and parties and automatic car starters?  HOW ABOUT USING THOSE FUNDS TO FIGHT CRIME! The fed audit showed $43,000 misappropriated.  That's not petty theft that's GRAND LARCENY. What head cop in a city gets in street brawls while out drinking?  Nielsen did.  Nielsen did all that and more. Whenever Jennings wanted Nielsen to make a political arrest - Jack was more than happy to oblige. Then Jack ends up having to resign under the misappropriation of forfiture funds cloud and takes a job in Haiti so he can get out of town for a while and let some time pass and hopefully people will forget. Well I didn't forget. I could tell you some stories that would curl your hair.  There were also a million rumors about Nielsen and the drug business - but I try to only post about what I have some facts for - and while I have lots of suspicions and lots of leads, I don't have that stuff nailed down... yet.   But JACK is the type of cop that you seem to admire.  Freaking amazing.  So again, even if I explained it, you wouldn't get it.

Finally, let me say one more time, I am not anti-cop or anti-Albany PD.  Nearly every rank-and-file cop I've ever worked with in the City of Albany has been professional, attentive and hard-working.  But its the LEADERSHIP of the APD that always seems to have the intelligence, abilities and morals of a slimey garden slug.  Of course, that's not too surprising considering they were all appointed by a not-too-bright former school administrator who likes to run around town, get tipsy and drive his taxpayer-provided SUV into fire hydrants.

[ Parent ]

Champion (none / 0) (#27)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 02:26:45 PM EST
Do you really think I take my marching orders from anyone? Are you so blind?

Frankly I find it ironic that you are calling me a puppet of any of these guys.

I like Nielsen. Any public safety head that chases purse snatchers down the street and takes a swing at an asshole gets my support. Same reason why I like Fighting Mike Connors.

Is Soares a better DA than Paul Clyne? I don't think that you would find Allison Banks agreeing with you on that statement.  Allison Bank's son was murdered by a Dushwan Wilson. Wilson had been arrested for three felonies in 2005, the last of which involved him shooting at people with an apparently illegal handgun.

And here is the story that appeared in September 26, 2006.

On tossed indictment, nightmare starts anew
A procedural misstep in Albany slaying case is fresh agony for mother
Tuesday, September 26, 2006   Page: B1

ALBANY - It was torture enough, for Allison Banks, the first time jurors indicted the 17-year-old accused of killing her son. Now, because of a procedural misstep in the case against Dushawn Wilson, a judge has tossed out the murder indictment. And the process begins anew.

So three felonies, a murder and a fuck up.

I dont give a damn what anyone says about Soares.  I know what I hear and I know what I see.  

A couple of hours ago I talked to someone who is moving out of their neighborhood because they heard more gunshots last night. Last week a woman I know told me she was moving off of my street and out of the city because she no longer feels safe walking to her apartment building after parking her car. Last month it was a neighborhood watch email being circulated about someone holding up people at gun point.

Soares maybe the best steroid ring buster in the history of the universe. But Corrianna Thompson is still walking free and the streets of Albany are more dangerous than they were Clyne was DA.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

Wow (none / 0) (#28)
by ObnoxioTheClown on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 02:47:24 PM EST
You just dropped alot in my eyes, but then again I'm just some clown.

Neilsen is among the lowest of the low. He forced out more than one honest official and conducted all sorts of lowball political police actions.

[ Parent ]

Obnoxio (none / 0) (#29)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 03:03:01 PM EST
You a funny clown. An honest official in Albany.

I liked Neilsen.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

I'm glad you got a chuckle (none / 0) (#36)
by ObnoxioTheClown on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 05:45:26 PM EST
The Joke is on you!

Neilsen and his scumbag buddies like Kerick from NYC are now consulting with the Feds, stealing exponientally more money from you!

[ Parent ]

Don't you have it backwards? (none / 0) (#30)
by champlain on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 04:00:45 PM EST
See, just like I said. You don't get it.  I'd think to MOST people it would look like Nielsen would be the asshole, and the CROOK.  People in positions of authority are supposed to set an example of behavior, not roll around in the gutter - or use government funds as their own personal slush fund to wine and dine themselves and their pals.

Guess you don't mind Jack using government funds meant for fighting crime to have leisurely lunches at Lombardo's.  I'd have to say that would make you a minority of one who thinks that sort of illegal activity by the chief cop is O.K.

You're amazing.  You don't care what anybody says about Soares, but according to you its all the District Attorney's fault that the people you talk to are moving out of Albany. Did the people you talk to even mention Soares when they discussed their reasons for moving?  And then you make the statement - without any authority to back it up - that "the streets of Albany are not safer then they were Clyne was DA.(sic)"  I never said that.  If you read my post I said that Soares could do everything 100% better than Clyne or Proskin ever did and you would still find a reason to smear him. Even if your claim about it being safer two years ago was true, who's fault would it be for a decline Al?    What local police agency needed the NY State Police to help with keeping a lid on Park South, just a few blocks from you?  That's right - Albany PD.  Don't you have it all a little backwards Al?  Who's blind alfred?

It's real easy to read where you're coming from Alberto, and it's not a pretty place. It's a place where crooks like Jack Nielsen can line their pocket with public cash - and you're more than happy to look the other way - just like way too many other folks in Albany.

It's just like I've said in the past - folks like you enable people like Nielsen to act like crooks.  Here's the head cop in Albany stealing from under your nose - and you're perfectly willing to ignore the larceny and forget the recent sordid history because you're way too obsessed with smearing the new guy who is trying to shake things up.  Attaboy alfred.

Is it a tragedy that Dushawn Wilson shot and killed Elleek Williams.  But the news reports indicated that police said that both Wilson 18 and Williams 24 were involved in gangs and both had been shot before. That doesn't make it any less tragic, but if you are living a gang-banger life you have to expect real bad things. I don't know anything about Allison Banks and I would hope that she was trying to warn Elleek Williams off of gang life.  The fact is that Wilson is still being prosecuted, Gaspar Castillo may have been able to mess up ADA Boland in the short term, but Wilson still is facing 25 years to life.

One thing I do know - is that Gerry Jennings and Jimmy Tuffy have had a real tough time actually acknowledging there was gang activity in Albany - even though their police force was telling them so on pretty much a 24/7 basis.  Too bad for Albany that it took them so long to admit there was a problem.

Another thing I know is that there is some good cooperation happening with the D.A. and local law enforcement on gun crime interdiction:

http://www.albanycountyda.com/initiatives/impact/overview.html

[ Parent ]

So Soares was lax in (none / 0) (#32)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 04:58:48 PM EST
prosecuting Wilson, a reputed gang member. He didn't bring the back stabbing peper spraying Albany High School student infront of a grand jury and a two timer murderer is walking around buying crack.

And King Kong Gilkey is still out there terrorizing people. And that has lead me to drink.

Lets cheer another initiative!  Yea Paperwork! Reminds me of a story I read about how the Russian Duma were debating and passing laws until the reds kicked in the doors and interupted their session.

Champion: I realize that you are a big supporter of our DA. And I want to be, I really do.  I also realize that there are some people here that work for the DA's office.

So here is how the DA can get my support.  Clean up Albany first and then clean up the world.  

The $250,000 that was spent on illegal steroids by Albany residents is nothing compaired to the corpution and theft that is happening right here in our fair city.  Instead of saving us from pretty boys pumping iron how about if the money is spent looking into the shady dealings that we all know are going on all around us.

See, I dont see much difference between Soares and anyone else elected as a "reformer."  He wants to make a name for himself without upsetting the establishment.  If he had been serious about going after Albany coruption I am willing to bet that there would have to be new wings added to the jail.  But no.... lets go play in Florida.  I bet he even kept the frequent flyer miles.  
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

thanks for the needed support (none / 0) (#31)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 04:39:49 PM EST
Champlain.  The thuggery has been very intense lately, with two gunshot events at my house, the goons making it clear they can gain entry at their will.  

Al has spent the last nine months constantly bringing up paranoia crap, as tho from this distance he has any clue what the life of witness intimidation is like with professional bad guys doing it.

Talk like Al's can discourage victims from approaching authorities, thinking they will not be believed.  On the complete contrary, I find most law enforcement people understand it very well, especially detectives and investigator types.  They've seen worse.

Every single security person I've talked to saw more things than I did, red flags all over.  We're addressing all those things.

Just bringing it up to let people know that standing up to the City's intimidation is possible, carries some costs, but it's worth it.


[ Parent ]

p.s. (none / 0) (#33)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 05:01:13 PM EST
If ANYONE is experiencing the City's pro thugs or any type of witness intimidation, call the DA's office immediately.  Talk to Chris D'Alessandro and listen to any advice he gives and act on it right away.  I've praised and criticized various people along this strange journey, but Chris really stands out as delivering sound advice, advice I sat on because it was hard to hear, advice I had to process and grasp, but advice that was also a direct answer to the extraordinary strangeness of this whole experience.  He's seen it all and he knows so many of the players and what you need to do when you're dealing with them.   I wish I could give examples, but it would compromise things.  Later......

[ Parent ]
For nine months (none / 0) (#34)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 05:07:31 PM EST
I have read some really strange stuff from you Kate.  From Albany Police Department death squads to people standing under your windows shooting guns.

If nothing else Kate I would expect you to be outraged that the DA is out playing near DIsney World instead of stopping the people who are after you.

 
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

much better (none / 0) (#35)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 05:12:55 PM EST

than having to EXPERIENCE the strange stuff!!

You're doing your typical disservice:  I never said anything about APD death squads.

There's so much it will be sweet to tell you when this is over.   Gosh, I so wish I could do it right now.

[ Parent ]

Um Kate (none / 0) (#37)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 09:16:19 PM EST
Last year- I think it was in May according to the emails I sent referencing some of your comments, you said that there were mysterious hit and runs and implied that there were rough elements of APD behind them.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]
No (none / 0) (#38)
by kateb on Sun Mar 04, 2007 at 02:54:19 AM EST

It was later, and I repeated and clearly said someone approached me with that particular story, which you don't remember well.

[ Parent ]

DIA (none / 0) (#18)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 08:10:31 AM EST
The distribution center for the coke was a house in Albany County near the Latham water tower and distributed by street thugs who sold their wares to violent crack heads who have been robbing my neighbors and sticking up banks to feed their habit.

The steroids were ordered over the internet, distributed to pretty boys by uniformed FedEx and UPS drivers.  

The very next time someone needs his steroid fix and robs a Trustco I will conceed that my critism is disingenuous.

Its interesting reading back over the coke bust.  Working with the DEA on that one.  How about this one.  The Times Union mentioned that Soares was working with a "federal agency" but I didnt see it named.

I didn't know that the mayor's job was to make the streets of Albany safer.  I thought it was to manage the city.  We can debate if he is doing that effectively or not but he is not supposed to be doing the job of a unionized police force.

   
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

yeah (none / 0) (#20)
by DIA on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 08:30:32 AM EST
he is the self proclaimed "CEO of Albany".  He alone decides who is the police cheif.  But you don't think he should be held accountable for what happens with the police.   If that is the case, let me pick the police chief.  you can hold me accountable.

This mayor (none / 0) (#21)
by kateb on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 08:42:05 AM EST

picks the chief and then orders him to break the law.

This mayor picks who's in Corp Counsel's office and condones them lying to cover his ass.

Quite a mayor we've got.

[ Parent ]

Yup (none / 0) (#23)
by alfrednewman on Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 09:05:51 AM EST
But he doesnt keep the streets safe.

"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]
I agree he doesn't (none / 0) (#39)
by DIA on Sun Mar 04, 2007 at 04:52:44 AM EST
because he doesn't hold the police chief accountable.

because 2 years ago he appointed a new head of code enforcement and the only thing they did was get the mannequins off central ave.  have you been to central lately.  the mannequines are back.  They couldn't even enforce that.

because when the DA works to get $25K for a new anti gang initiative in the schools, the police chief shows up at the common council meeting and badmouths it.  

What is the mayor's job then if not to keep the streets safe?   Make sure we have room for our garbage in the dump?  15 years into his adminstration and he fucked that up?  

Balance the budget?  Can't do that.  

Get us further into debt?  Well he is doing that.

Or, perhaps, keep raising taxes and fleecing the hardworking citizens?  Could that be his true job?  Because he is an expert at it.  Good at making sure your water bills go up to.  

The major problem in this city is no one is accountable for doing their jobs.  The DA is.  He said what he was going to do and he is doing it.   I know it scares the shit out of all the long term people who have just been fleecing the taxpayers.   good.    

Accountability.   The good thing is the voters are waking up.   Remember who's fault they said it was that the streets weren't plowed.  "private contractors".    S.O.P.  Blame someone else.  Threaten.  Do anything but serve the people who pay your salary.  Let the good times roll.


Prices for copper, used in wires and pipes, have more than tripled in the past five years on demand from China and the U.S

Tick tock.

[ Parent ]

You are right (none / 0) (#40)
by alfrednewman on Sun Mar 04, 2007 at 06:34:56 AM EST
The price of copper is going up and the DA going after steriods in Florida and not crooks in Albany.  Hmmmm. Price of copper.

"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]
heh heh (none / 0) (#41)
by DIA on Sun Mar 04, 2007 at 07:36:09 AM EST
heh

SOARES PROSECUTES, POLICE COMPLAIN | 42 comments (42 topical, 0 hidden)
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