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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 1998-1999
County District Attorney’s Office
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 3 findings
F2
Page 82
Prior to this incident, Party and Possessor were friendly with police officers who investigated this case and have gone fishing together on Possessor's party boat.
F3
Page 82
DDA’s handling of the matter was inadequate as he did not have Police contact Party. No investigation was done regarding Party and no charges were brought against Possessor. The DDA's rationale for dropping the criminal charges was that there was no proof of any criminal activity. The Grand Jury finds that this decision was based on an inadequate investigation.
F4
Page 82
Complainant has not recovered his property. He has a court order for return of the property, but Possessor, who knowingly has possession of stolen property, insists that Complainant pay substantial damages for its retrieval.
Recommendations 4
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R1Page 81The Fort Bragg Police Department should ensure that officers are trained in investigative techniques and investigate complaints fully.
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R2Page 81The Fort Bragg Police Department should ensure that officers avoid the appearance of impropriety in allowing personal relationships to affect their investigations.
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R3Page 81The District Attorney should ensure complete investigations before deciding to drop charges.
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R4Page 81The Fort Bragg Police Department should take possession of the painting and return it to the Complainant. Response Required Fort Bragg City Council Mendocino County District Attorney Response Requested Fort Bragg Police Department