Attorney General Edward Manibusan has assigned the Attorney General Investigative Division (AGID) and Chief Prosecutor John Bradley to conduct an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force during a hostage situation that concluded in the early morning hours of March 11, 2020.

The Department of Public Safety notified the public that officers used deadly force and reported the death of two individuals, including the adult male suspect and the adult female hostage he had been holding for over 24 hours.

“I have conferred with the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert Guerrero and he has given his full support for an independent investigation,” stated Attorney General Manibusan. He added, “the review is a standard protocol for the use of deadly force by law enforcement.” A review serves several purposes, including providing law enforcement and the public with an independent and reliable evaluation of the use of deadly force and identification of any collateral issues for further consideration by the government. “I seek the cooperation of law enforcement partners including the FBI and DPS as we undertake this important and sensitive inquiry,” concluded Attorney General Manibusan.

Chief Prosecutor Bradley has extensive experience in conducting such reviews. He has worked on similar cases in Texas.

The Attorney General stated, “I wish to extend my condolences to the family of the deceased and ask for the community’s patience as our office conducts the independent review.”

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

The post AG to lead independent investigation appeared first on Office of the Attorney General.

 On Monday September 9, 2019, following a plea recommendation from Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Glass, the Court found Department of Public Safety Police Officer Koji Maurice Taisacan guilty and ordered him to serve seven days in the Department of Corrections and pay a fine of $500. The officer was ordered to serve the remainder of his one-year sentence on probation and pay restitution, complete 100 hours of community service and have no contact with the business where the theft took place. Taisacan was taken into custody on Monday after pleading guilty to the crime of theft.

Before trial, Taisacan had resisted any plea agreement that required jail time. However, after AAG Glass had begun presenting the evidence of the theft, Taisacan agreed to change his plea and accept jail time. The evidence showed that on June 12, 2018, Officer Taisacan, after finishing his shift, had gone to the Shell gas station in Susupe and shoplifted several candy bars and a Starbucks coffee. The theft was caught on surveillance cameras.

“In sentencing this officer, the Court made it clear that, regardless of the value of the items stolen, the officer seriously damaged his credibility with the public by his crime,” said Chief Prosecutor John Bradley. “The Attorney General takes these crimes very seriously. Public officials must hold themselves to a high level of accountability,” concluded Chief Bradley. The officer’s attorney, Joey P. San Nicolas, expressed to the court the officer’s extreme embarrassment over the crime, noting that the officer also was a Marine.

The Court noted at sentencing, DPS will now have to consider what action to take regarding the officer’s continued employment.

Loading…

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Download [98.70 KB]

The post Officer pleads guilty to theft appeared first on Office of the Attorney General.