S. Tahoe police officer expected to plead guilty
By Kathryn Reed
South Lake Tahoe police Officer Johnny Poland is expected to plead guilty next week to federal charges.
“They said in court that they needed a week for negotiations,” Lauren Horwood with the U.S. Attorney’s Office told Lake Tahoe News after the May 15 hearing in Sacramento. “Another hearing is set for May 22 for entry of a guilty plea.”
Poland was indicted earlier this year on three counts related to tampering with a witness, victim or informant, and one count dealing with obstruction of an official proceeding.
Johnny Poland
He could have been sent to prison for 20 years on each count if the case had gone to trial and he were found guilty. It is not known what the plea agreement is. Horwood said because the two sides are negotiating the terms of the plea, details are not being released.
Sources have told Lake Tahoe News that Poland is expected to plead to one felony count and more than one misdemeanor. It’s possible he would not face any prison time, but could be put on probation.
Poland is out on bond, but could not be reached. He remains active in the Army National Guard.
The FBI, which was heavily involved in the case, said until the case is over, their office has no comment.
Poland is still on the local police force, but he is not getting paid. An internal civil investigation remains open.
“We are hoping it resolves in close time proximity to the criminal case. It could, or it could drag on two or three weeks after that,” Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News. “The biggest reason for trying to resolve it is to get the slot resolved.”
The department cannot fill Poland’s position as long as he has not resigned.
“The department cannot fill Poland’s position as long as he has not resigned.”
I guess not resigning is Poland’s way of thumbing his nose at the City and taxpayers of SLT. What a piece of work.
What does it take to be fired in the public sector?
Death or retirement?
Too bad the Chief’s concern is about Poland’s spot and not about justice?!
And the Army National Guard is still letting him be active?
You said it Carl Ribaudo, what does it take?
A conviction, until then there is only accusations from a government that cant be trusted to even process paperwork.
Allowing a plea with probation seems a pretty light sentence considering the crime, I hope the judge locks him away for a few years at least.
But John is right, until his plea is accepted he is merely accused and neither the National Guard or SLT Police can do anything to him. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine…
it’s amazing how many folks opt for extra-legal convictions (maybe that is why we dont seem to have problems with Guantanamo or using drone strikes for targeted assasinations of people we suspect of something we have defined as “terrorism”, not to mention who ever happens to be standing next to them at the same time!) – but a few folks made the correct point, he has neither been convicted nor pleaded, so no matter what anyone thinks, he isnt legally guilty of anything yet….so that is what it will take to implement the other “penalties” folks suggest. Really, would any of us want it any other way? There certainly cant be any one out there that really thinks it’s worth the risk of imprisoning innocent people just so folks that may eventually be found guilty dont waste our time with trials? You know, there are countries you can move to that will give you that much vaulted speed conviction!:)
I’m not sure what it takes to get fired in the public sector Carl. Why don’t you do a $25,000 or so private sector phony study on it and then ask your wife what your conclusions should be? that worked for the regional plan didnt it?
Because Poland isn’t a convicted felon yet, means it’s still his right to be free of incarceration.
But it’s not his right to still technically be a police officer, or to still represent his state & country and still get govt. money in the National Guard! Those entities should be able to make moral judgements on who’s in their ranks that aren’t the same as the ‘beyond a reasonable doubt/felony standard’! Or is the SLTPD/National Guard standard merely, “We’re not felons!”
The Chief’s comments appear to make that seem that’s the case!
I don’t feel it would be right for him to be able to get away with probation. This is a man who was a representative of the City, a man sworn to uphold the law and ‘protect and serve’ the public. He should be held to a higher standard. When a police officer oversteps his bounds and helps criminals, particularly when it is for his own gain, he should be given the harshest punishment.
Prison time, along with an order to repay all the pay received while not working for the city, would be in order.
Mama Bear is right on, a person placed within this position, be it the SLT Police, the School, etc, this man needs to be held accountable…