Charges Will Not Be Filed in Alleged Police Misconduct

The district attorney’s office says charges will not be filed against members of a Pomona Police Major Crimes Task force accused by a colleague of planting physical evidence, illegal entering of properties, stealing drug money and preparing a false police report.

Prosecutors from the Special Investigations Division concluded after their probe that “while serious misconduct may have occurred, there is insufficient evidence, available at this time, to convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt to convict.”

The probe examined an incident that occurred April 7, 1995, involving the task force after allegations made by Officer Michael Olivieri.

In June, after a two-month internal investigation found on-duty misconduct by eight of nine members of the elite anti-drug task force, then Police Chief Chuck Heilman fired Officers Philip J. Dotson, Michael S. Ezell and John Crenshaw, and suspended Robert Patterson, Burt Sanchez, Michael Keltner, Mondo J. Lanier and Olivieri. Olivieri received the lightest suspension, which was for delaying in reporting the incident.

Olivieri alleged that the task force entered a home without a search warrant and when they did not find drugs, persuaded the resident to order some from a supplier. In addition, he said, the officers took money from the alleged supplier unlawfully and entered a second home without a warrant.