It has been said that integrity can be defined by how one behaves when no one is looking. 
WE ARE ALL LOOKING NOW
Former members of the FPD were responsible for the brutal death of Kelly Thomas
The City of Fullerton hired Michael Gennaco and his office of “independent review” to investigate the incident. Michael Gennaco’s findings are posted here in this previously sealed confidential report.
READ IT HERE
Last night, a brave member of our community, Mr. Barry Levinson
asked the hundred million dollar questions.
MY PUBLIC COMMENTS CONCERNING THE PREVIOUS LEAKED CONFIDENTIAL REPORT (ENTITLED THE “INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIVE REPORT INTO THE IN-CUSTODY DEATH OF KELLY THOMAS by the OIR GROUP HEADED BY MICHAEL GENNACO) BEFORE THE CITY OF FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 WITH SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS by Barry Levinson
“The previously sealed Fullerton Police Department Internal Investigation concerning the brutal beating death of Kelly Thomas reportedly stated the following:
“Three of the four Fullerton police officers primarily involved in the beating death of mentally ill transient Kelly Thomas violated a series of department policies, including use of force, according to an internal affairs investigation report obtained by Voice of OC.”
The conclusions of this report issued in April 2012 well over a year before the start of the criminal trial of Ramos and Cincinelli, seems to contradict the sworn testimony of both Fullerton Police Department Training Officer, Corporal Rubio and Fullerton Police Department Sergeant Kevin Craig. They both testified that they saw no major violations of the Fullerton Police Department Policy Manual during the brutal beating death of Kelly Thomas and the subsequent police response to his injuries.
Question: Did FPD Police Chief Dan Hughes provide this crucial piece of evidence to the OC DA?
Question: Didn’t the failure to admit this crucial piece of evidence at the trial refuting the testimony of both Craig and Rubio help to achieve not guilty verdicts?
Question: Why hasn’t Dan Hughes suspended or taken other disciplinary action against both Craig and Rubio for allegedly committing perjury in a criminal trial?
Question: Why didn’t Police Chief Dan Hughes take action to open up a police investigation concerning the alleged perjury by two of his officers? Why did he not follow the same course of action for this alleged felony perjury case as his department did with regard to my baseless misdemeanor case that was later dropped by the OC DA for lack of evidence? Is it asking too much of our Police Chief to treat with the same seriousness an alleged felony perjury in a murder trial by two of his officers as he did with my bogus misdemeanor case?
To all of you on the dais, I ask for an independent investigation on the felony perjury allegedly committed by Sergeant Kevin Craig and Training Officer Corporal Stephen Rubio?
I sincerely hope that this council does not ignore what I have presented to you tonight.
We keep hearing in this chamber that the new Fullerton Police Department is doing everything possible to regain the trust of Fullerton residents. Clearly this confidential report shows us that a lot more needs to be done to regain that trust.
That concluded the statement I made during public comments at the September 15, 2015 Fullerton Council meeting.
PS: It is extremely informative to note that it was Council member Jan Flory who while I was in mid- sentence interrupted my 3-minute presentation. She attempted in vain to get our City Attorney to rule that this information that has been out in the public purview for several months could be blocked from being disseminated by a private citizen, yours truly. She also strongly inferred that I was doing something wrong by revealing the conclusions reached by this report penned by expert Michael Gennaco hired by our city to both make recommendations to fix our police department and report on the actions of those 6 officers the night of the Kelly Thomas beating death. Ms. Flory valiantly tried to keep the truth from the public last night. In my opinion this showed where Ms. Flory’s true allegiance lies and it was not with the public.”
Lets see if the residents get some answers. We will keep you posted.
#1 by Reality Is..... on October 7, 2015 - 9:31 am
So Fullerton Lover. What’s the difference between the unions contributing to the councilperson’s campaign and Tony B or you guys contributing to the candidates campaign of your choice? You all tried to buy your own people off and get rid of other people’s choices, but then once you got Travis up there he bombed right away and got voted out quickly. There are limits on what unions or people or businesses can contribute, you just don’t like who they contribute too. I donate to the candidates of my choice as well. I’m glad that the council members that are currently in office don’t listen to anything that you guys say. Just reading Barry’s letter about wanting perjury charges shows how illiterate you guys really are. In a trial anyone can bring in anyone they want to give an opinion based on a video they see. It’s strictly that, an opinion. Go to a trial sometime. You will see someone say something for the prosecution and then someone say something for the defense that is completely opposite. It doesn’t mean they are lying. It’s their opinion. Anyways, my point was that just because you feel one way doesn’t mean the council needs to agree or do what you say. They have other, rational thinking citizens of Fullerton they would rather listen too.
#2 by nut job on October 7, 2015 - 11:25 am
Barry doesnt know what the hell he is talking about.
#3 by Anonymous on October 10, 2015 - 10:29 am
nut job are you referring to FPD Officer and past union president Barry Coffman?
#4 by Reality Is..... on October 15, 2015 - 10:33 pm
Barry did a good job. Fought that corrupt klan of Tony B and the others, Ron Thomas, off and kept Fullerton PD in the city and got a Chief from within. Now that’s the biggest win of all!
#5 by police mafia? on October 17, 2015 - 8:09 am
yes, we know you love murder of homeless men by police. You support Fullerton police corruption. Are you part of the Fullerton police mafia?
#6 by Reality Is..... on October 19, 2015 - 10:39 am
Nothing to do with that. It’s about justice. The jury found the cops not guilty. Preach to your kids the main lesson from the recent cases across this country. Don’t run or fight with the police and you will be just fine.
#7 by Fullerton police mafia? on October 19, 2015 - 12:16 pm
It’s not about justice, unless you define justice as corruption.
Once, again, are you part of the Fullerton police mafia???
#8 by Reality Isn't on October 19, 2015 - 4:50 pm
“Now you see my fists?” Fullerton police officer Manny Ramos asked Thomas while slipping on a pair of latex gloves. “Yeah, what about them?” Thomas responded. “They are getting ready to fuck you up,” said Ramos. A video of the event surfaced, and Thomas can be heard repeatedly screaming in pain while officers are heard repeatedly asking him to place his arms behind his back. He audibly responds “Okay, I’m sorry!” and “I’m trying!” while the officers stretch his arm back. The police officers claim that, unable to get Thomas to comply with the requests, they used a taser on him (up to five times according to a witness statement, and the video footage), and in the video Thomas can be heard screaming “Dad! Dad!”.[22] Six officers were involved in subduing Thomas, who was unarmed and had a history of mental illness.
…I must have missed the part where Kelly was running away from or fighting with the police?
Maybe you should watch the tape again and get your story straight before chastising the dead.
#9 by Reality Is on October 19, 2015 - 8:45 pm
Lol you missed where he ran? It’s the same thing black parents should be preaching to their kids if they want to live longer. Never ever fight or flight with the police and you will never have a problem with the police. Ever. If you have a problem with the police address it after your stop or contact is over. Simple advice is why me or anyone I know have never ever had an issue with the Police. Your choice.
#10 by Joe Imbriano on October 19, 2015 - 10:59 pm
Officers are trained to use inciters and other techniques to elevate routine encounters into felonies. It is common practice. The one with Kelly went too far and justice will be served. It is just going to take some time to deal with all the corruption involved.
#11 by 123.025 on October 20, 2015 - 5:48 am
Ran birds for years and you understand what makes the world go round. Bad things do happen to stupid people.
#12 by Reality Is..... on October 20, 2015 - 11:41 am
LOL LOL you are lost son. You watch too much TV and read too many cock block I mean cop block stories. Stick to the facts.
#13 by Reality Is Delusional on October 20, 2015 - 9:47 am
Dude your bat shit delusional if you honestly believe that hog wash your dishing out.
#14 by Reality Is..... on October 20, 2015 - 11:42 am
Or maybe you are because you are in the minority in the words you speak? If it was just me, wouldn’t things be changed? Nope. Same ol’ thing for 100 years.
#15 by Shawna on October 20, 2015 - 8:11 am
Kelly didn’t deserve to die. He was a confused and scared person who didn’t stand a chance against these monsters. How can these men live with themselves? How can their wives live with the shame of being married to murderers? How do their children live with the knowledge that their fathers got away with killing an innocent human being? How do these people sleep at night?
#16 by Reality Is..... on October 20, 2015 - 11:43 am
No one ever said he deserved to die. No one ever intended to kill him. To think otherwise is delusional as Joe says. He decided to run and fight for whatever reason he had. Just like Eric Garner and Michael Brown and other few across the country. If you fight or flight, you are putting your life in the hands of another human, and that is never a smart thing to do. Preach that to your children.
#17 by Reality's Id on October 20, 2015 - 12:32 pm
Hey Asswipe,
I think we both know what a scumbag that the contact Officer Manny Ramos is due to his repeated domestic violence arrests, even with his connections in law enforcement, so I suggest you put down the charade that any time a member of law enforcement threatens you with an ass kicking that your supposed to take it and report it later should note the dark irony of how that worked out for the likes of Kelly Thomas, Eric Garner, or Michael Brown.
Maybe you should engage what little is left of your conscience before you decide to speak or write next time to avoid looking like a complete tool/fool.
#18 by Barry Levinson on October 20, 2015 - 11:52 am
Shawna how does Council members, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Jan Flory and Doug Chaffee continue to sing the praises of Police Chief Dan Hughes and the FPD? Please also remember all the phony politicians who support these poor excuses for leaders the next time they run for reelection. Remember that both Flory and Fitzgerald are up for reelection next year! Isn’t so darn hypocritical of all of them that they were so indignant over the totally false misdemeanor charges leveled against me that Ms. Fitzgerald called to place a vote to remove me from the Parks and Recreation Committee before the so-called FPD investigation was even completed. After the police report stated that I allegedly committed misdemeanor assault and battery against Ms. Grisenti, Ms. Grisenti goes before the council on October 21, 2014 stating that she could not remember if I touched her in answer to the leading question from lead prosecution Attorney (or at least that was the role she voluntarily chose that evening) and City council member Jan Flory. (Please remember this is the same council member who tried to stop me from discussing the already leaked Gennaco investigative report on the Kelly Thomas beating death at the hands of members of the FPD. Please run for reelection in 2016 Ms. Flory, we have so very much to talk about.) But that did not stop them from dragging my name through the mud that night. It did not matter that the bogus allegations were already dismissed by the DA for lack of evidence. It did not stop them when the alleged victim said she could not remember if she was a victim. No none of that stopped the fair minded 4 members of the Fullerton City Council (yes unfortunately that includes you, Mayor Sebourn) who continued to act like I was guilty of misdemeanor assault and battery. The one council member who actually noted the lack of any evidence against me was Council member Whitaker. Thank you for standing up to the bullies next to you on the dais.
Dan Hughes lead the entire investigation. He was the same man who admitted at council that he could hate me. He is the same Police Chief of Fullerton who stated clearly according to Council member Bruce Whitaker that he did hate me. The alleged victim can not remember that I touched her. The city tapes of the lobby clearly showed after they were finally released that nothing happened. But it did not stop their charade. What do you call people who would continue to support the already disproved allegations against me, when the alleged victim would not even support those charges herself? I know what I would call them and that would be Jennifer Fitzgerald, Jan Flory, Doug Chaffee and Greg Seabourn.
The one good thing about this is that we the people of Fullerton have the power to vote all of them out of office. Once that happens we can then turn our attention to the two appointed officials running the city, City Manager Joe Felz and Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes.
#19 by Reality Is..... on October 20, 2015 - 3:53 pm
Eric Garner made a big boy choice after over 30 arrests. Said he was not going to jail no matter what. He made that choice. He was a pain in the butt to the businesses and the citizens. He made that big boy choice and won the big boy prize. Michael Brown. Nothing needs to be said. Big robber thug and he made a big boy choice several times and won the biggest prize. Kelly made a choice to not deal with Manny any longer and paid the price as well. Like I said. Preach what you want to the kids and the community but I preach don’t ever ever ever fight or flight with the police and you will live much longer. I will never put my life in the hands of another human ever. Police or not. Imagine in a few months when the appeals court confirms the concealed carry in this country for everyone. Most people will be carrying a gun making choices on their own without much training or experience at all. Then we will be complaining about so many people being shot and killed for defending themselves.
#20 by Fullerton Lover on October 20, 2015 - 9:57 pm
Barry,
May I share with you that you truly shine as a public speaker, and I found your message more compelling when you spoke the second time tonight and your words were coming from your heart, instead of that scripted rebuttal to those on the dais who have vilified you and repeatedly attacked your character.
Don’t stoop to their level, turn your cheek, and rise above them all.
#21 by Reality Is on October 20, 2015 - 10:22 pm
LOL you sound so much like Tony B. I could go back to the FFFF blog and read identical statements made by all of you back then. Problem is you don’t have Tony’s $500,000 anymore to buy your own council members.
#22 by Fullerton Lover on October 21, 2015 - 7:08 pm
You might want to follow the same advice amigo.
When your words are sincere, instead of ringing with caustic wit and sarcasm, they actually sound intelligent and caring, which truly resonate with everyone.
#23 by 28 years in LE on October 17, 2015 - 5:28 am
I have nearly 30 years in with the OCSD. None of what you allege is fact Mr. Reality. The FPD training officer and The FPD command staff should all have the same objective understanding of departmental procedures just as an outside expert such as Gennaco would. Either Gennaco is misinformed or the FPD training officer and command staff are misinformed. You cannot have it both ways.
#24 by Barry Levinson on October 17, 2015 - 6:50 pm
Thank you 28 years in LE.
People who have regularly attacked me, say I am against law enforcement. That assertion is categorically not true.
I have stated over and over that my two biggest heroes in my life have been my dad and his older brother, both former NYC police officers. I will always be very proud of their service to the community and the risks they took to protect the public.
#25 by Reality Is..... on October 19, 2015 - 10:44 am
Wow surprised to hear that Barry. You always attack good cops and bad cops. Blanket statements all the time. Good to know sometimes you are just confused and actually do support the good work cops do.
#26 by Reality Is..... on October 19, 2015 - 10:43 am
Really 28 years? If you actually have 28 years on, then you know that command staff down to officers very rarely interpret incidents the same. Almost never. There are always differences in opinion when it comes to use of force and how policy was implemented. Then throw in that Gennaco is just a paid attorney, not even sure he has any law enforcement experience at all. That explains another opinion from the outside looking in. Just like Beck’s recent decision in the Ezell shooting where the commission over ruled Beck’s decision, even though Beck will be the one to administer discipline, if any. There are always differing opinions on policy and law, top to bottom. This case in court was just another example that happens everyday. Two people testify with their opinions, and someone else feels differently. With 28 years on, you also know that in every court case involving police or other big cases, there are professionals that testify completely opposite when watching the same video or reviewing the same incident. So yes, you usually do have it both ways.