Arrests of three police officers were announced today related to three separate cases of individual misconduct.
Officer Christopher Hulmes, 42, a 19-year veteran assigned to the Narcotic Strike Force, was arrested on charges of perjury related to making false statements about the arrests of two men in May 2010 near H and Thayer streets. “Hulmes prepared the paperwork and affidavit of probable cause for subsequent search warrants. Hulmes testified on two separate occasions and made false statements under oath and on the police paperwork regarding the incident,”D.A. Seth Williams’ office said in a report. CityPaperpreviously reported that Hulmes admitted lying in court in December 2011. Officer Christopher Jackson, 31,a 9-year-veteran assigned to the 25th District, was arrested on charges of theft for allegedly taking a Samsung Galaxy S smartphone from a witness who he was transporting on April 13, 2013. “After being interviewed by the Homicide Unit, Jackson did not return the complainant’s cell phone or turn it over to detectives. A phone record search revealed that, thirteen days later, Jackson took the phone to his local mobile store and had it changed over to his account and phone number,” Williams’ office said in a report. Officer RoderickWalton, 50,a 23-year veteran of the force assigned to the 9th District, was arrested on cruelty to animals charges for allegedly abusing his dog on Dec. 15, 2014 inside his home.
The PSPCAwent to Walton’s home after receiving an anonymous tip and found his Cane Corso, “Bear,” in a “damp and moldy back basement room” with a broken leg, according to the D.A.’s office. “Walton admitted that the dog was ‘like that for a week.’The dog, who could not put weight on his broken leg, was dirty, musty and smelled of urine and mold. When asked why the dog was not taken to a veterinarian for treatment, Walton said that he was too busy,”Williams’ office said in a report. Bear was later euthanized after being found to be in severe pain.
Jackson and Hulmes have both been suspended by Commissioner Charles Ramsey for 30 days with intent to dismiss. Walton resigned on Wednesday.