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Former Cedar Rapids police officer Kevin Sims was sentenced to 6 months in prison. Former Cop gets 6 Months for Violating Woman's Civil Rights
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Becky Ogann
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Saturday, May 10 at 11:05 AM question wrote ...
Since this ex-cop violated this ladies rights and violated her as a individual are we going to see him on the the Sex offender registery? Another ? Why was this man only given 6 months? Correct me if i am wrong this sounds like rape!! I thought that this would carry a stronger penalty
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 5:21 PM ELISHA wrote ...
THANK YOU SO MUCH KCRG 4 THIS FORUM
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 4:27 PM TinMan wrote ...
The TinMan at the CRPD opened the case after he and Kevin had words over the command structure. Glad to see Klappholz out and get a new "outside" Chief. The TinMan is also on the Wiz of OZ !
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 4:12 PM TO DOUBLE STANDARD wrote ...
GO READ THE DEFINITION OF HATE CRIME.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 3:49 PM He He wrote ...
THE GREAT CRPD!!!
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 2:51 PM JMT wrote ...
In response to Anonymous who wrote: "All people bashing him, I would like to ask you... have you ever made a mistake that you later regreted? No one is perfect." ARE YOU JOKING?!?!?!?! This wasn't a mistake you can later regret. A mistake you can later regret is shoplifting a piece of gum or cheating on a test or cutting your hair and trying to hide it from your mom. This wasn't a mistake.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 2:26 PM Feel free to judge! wrote ...
Here's news for you righteous types telling us "don't judge until you judge yourself". Everyone is entitled to OPINIONS based on their own JUDGEMENT of an issue per news reports and their own life experiences. Unless we're sitting on a jury in court, we are free to JUDGE. That's what OPINIONS are all about. Don't try to shut down opinions of others under the worn out guise of "don't judge others". And be thankful to KCRG for providing this forum for ALL viewpoints, judgemental or otherwise.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 1:14 PM JMT wrote ...
I am so disgusted every time I see the comment "don't judge - you can't know blah blah blah..." There is no excuse for a police officer to have sex with someone he picked up while on duty. Maybe that's one of our problems today - not enough judgement and accountability for your actions. Parents getting their kids out of trouble - they're just kids after all, cops making a error in judgement by having sex with someone they pick up.. Something is seriously wrong. Judge away!
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 1:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...
WORD 2 THE CRPD LET LIVE & LIVE
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 11:59 AM Getting more irritated by the second... wrote ...
http://www.npetlaw.com/Ralstonv.Harrelson.PDF Several postings have referred to a "Reggie" who used to be a partner of this Kevin Sims. Read the above article I found on this guy. Sounds like they were predators. They probably thought it was just fun - two guys, out on the town, pickin' up chicks while on duty. It is disgusting, and frankly pathetic.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 11:32 AM Double standard? wrote ...
Where are the Hate Crime charges???
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 10:55 AM KOHLER wrote ...
BOTH KEVIN AND REGGIE WERE BOTH SEXUAL PREDITORS ALWAYS AT THE BAR AT CLOSING TIME CHECKIN TO SEE WHO THEY COULD GET TO GO OUT TO THE PAKING LOT WITH...TWO REAL PIECES OF WORK THERE...SHOULD OF BEEN CAUGHT YEARS AGO..
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 10:34 AM Wondering wrote ...
Why in the world aren't we holding people such as this police officer to higher standards? In his profession he has been taught "acceptable behavior" and he needs to be held accoutable. The gal shouldn't have gone with him but there is definitely an intimidation factor here. Aren't we taught and hopeful that we are supposed to trust our law officers? Others on this site apparently know this officer and it sounds like he has abused his power big time! I don't think 6 months is enough!
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 10:33 AM the poor woman wrote ...
The woman was a victim and sexually abused. She was instructed by a police officer to go to the park and then he used his position of authority to have sex with her if he is so innocent why did he not call in that he was making a traffic stop and also lie to the fbi about what happend he is a dirty cop and got caught using his position to get sex is no different then using it to take bribes or protection money
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 10:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Why would he direct her to a park if she hadn't suggested sex? He didn't rape her. The "bribing a copy" comment below is interesting. BUT - an officer of the law should not accept an offer like that because they are in a position of authority, and have a duty to not take advantage. Jail time? No. Suspension from cop-dom forever? Yes. The guy is in a band, a lot of women flirt with him, his marriage shaky, this isn't the first he cheated no doubt - so divorce should be his next punishment
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 10:00 AM Disgusted wrote ...
undoubtedly there is a reason behind the minimal sentence. if he HAD raped her, as was implied, he would be doing more time. it's nice girls like this who change their version of the story to make it fit a scenario later on. how about consensual sex offered up to get out of the ticket, when confronted, suddenly it's not her idea. he made a mistake taking what was offered but that doesn't mean it wasn't her idea in the first place. i'm a woman, and i know psycho chicks JUST LIKE HER, u dig?
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 9:51 AM ANON wrote ...
SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE PARK
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 9:48 AM anonymous wrote ...
There isnt one human being with a perfect life. Dont judge others until you judge yourself. The only ones to jugge is the person responsible and God. Wonder what skeletons are hanging in your closet?
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 9:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Leave the ECC and Heather out of this. She had nothing to do with what happened. She is a very kind, warm hearted person. She will go the extra mile to help you out in a time of need. Kevin is a human being, we all make mistakes in life. All people bashing him, I would like to ask you... have you ever made a mistake that you later regreted? No one is perfect. He didn't shove her in the car and make her go to the park. She went willingly. She could have just drove off and called 911.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 8:47 AM TTF wrote ...
Im sure that these officers that supposedily abuse there powers on the force dont do so in a manner to gain sexual favors. If kevin was at all smart and this girl was willing, then they would of had sexual relations after he got off work or on another day, not in the back seat of his patrol car. I say good ridence to him, he was no good for this department and deserves alittle time in prison to think about what he has done.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 8:26 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Why in the world would you bring up Hiawatha Officers? This has nothing to do with them, and you have no clue about them and what they do. Maybe you have your own marital problems!! Hiawatha officers do more for the city then the Cedar Rapids Officers!!!!
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 7:16 AM Amanda wrote ...
What a pathetic piece of trash, BOTH OF THEM. Shame shame shame......
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 6:53 AM Hawk get a life wrote ...
hawk what dose this have to do with is wife and kids. You need to get a life. She had nothing to do with this. Good for her to be proud of who she is Heather needs to be proud of herself it is not her fault at all. You go Heather you are doing the right thing take care of your self and your kids. Hawk get a life and lat that woman alone.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 6:49 AM Apples wrote ...
I was glad to see others comment on the fact that this isn't the only time this "person" had a case of bad judgement. I also waitressed in 2 bars in CR and was hit on by this officer... I recall seeing him and his partner do walk throughs at Bucks back in the day and he was all about trying to "get it on" with the girls around the bar. He is getting what he deserves and he should be made a clear example for others that feel they can use their position to harrass and intimidate for sex!
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 6:25 AM Devil workin overtime wrote ...
Kevin and Heather are wonderful loving, caring parents! Some, of these opinions are just ignorant. What I would like to know was what was CRPD's motivation to re-open this investigation with the FBI? Whose feathers did he ruffle by not being like the Lt.uncle tom on the force? Trust me, far more many officers abuse their power on CRPD and never get a slap on the wrist. Someone was threatned by Kevin. Kevin you know the girl was pressured to cooperate, she wanted to be at the park, we all no it
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 5:51 AM Anonymous wrote ...
TO P HAWK WHY BASH HEATHER? IS ANY OF THIS HER FAULT? SHE IS A VICTIM TOO. I DOUBT SHE KNEW ANY OF THIS WAS GOING ON, LET ALONE CONSENT TO IT. LEAVE HER AND HER CHILDREN OUT OF YOUR NASTY COMMENTS.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 1:17 AM ... wrote ...
How can I respect any peace officer after this, or Philadelphia beating, or Rodney king? What happened to public servants?
Flag for moderationFriday, May 9 at 12:42 AM Anon wrote ...
Funny how someone compared this to what happened with Reggie Harrelson awhile back when he was with CRPD....Who was Reggie Harrelson's patrol partner??? Yep...Kevin Sims! 2 peas in a pod! They were both doing "bar checks" and trying to get numbers all the time, saw it myself many times.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 10:32 PM Resolve to Do Better wrote ...
He committed an egregious ethical violation by using his authority to persuade a suspect to have sex with him in exchange for leniency. He even did it while on duty - then lied to the FBI about it. Six months to sit & regret his actions, this public shame, and not being trusted with authority again is appropriate. He made a bad decision & tried to cover it up. I hope he spends the rest of his life doing things that are respectable.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 8:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...
yet another fine example of the "Finest" way to go crpd chalk one up for the home team
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 7:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...
This is obviously a horrible incident and a huge error in judgement on the cops fault. He should recieve prison time because a police officer should be held to a much higher standard then the average citizen. Someone with that amount of power and then abuse it should deffinately recieve a harder punishment.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 7:10 PM oh well wrote ...
A sworn officer of the law is not expected to do this. I see no "civil rights" violation here. He took an oath to serve and protect the public, not do this. Not a phone number or anything, do the job and move on. How fast do you pull your pants up when the radio crackles that a child is being abused or someone is in danger. Remember, when you start to do something and your mind says "is this right", it probably isn't.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 7:08 PM P HAWK wrote ...
Kevin and Heather Simms are parents for adopted kids and how would u feel if u were the wife or kids? This is really something? Heather Simms parades around prairie schools like she is so important and now this!! Talk about troubled parents!? What next?
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 7:01 PM DD wrote ...
WOW and his wife Heather runs the ECC daycare at Prairie. SCARY
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 6:54 PM Barbara wrote ...
I haven't seen anywhere in the charges where it mentions rape. Where did that come from? It doesn't matter what color these two people were-he violated the trust put on him by the people in CR who pay his wages. She obviously was messed up as well if she thought by having sex with him, it would all go away. I doubt if we would have heard anything about it if charges were never brought against her for the crime she committed. He was in the wrong, end of story. Tough way to learn a lesson, huh?
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 6:51 PM Brooke wrote ...
He got what he deserved. If he did this once, he'll do it again. What would he have done if the woman had said no? What is happening around here, seriously?!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 6:22 PM randy wrote ...
so he thought he could get away with it and got caught. lies to the fbi gee how many other times has this happen.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 6:12 PM not to quick-diana wrote ...
Everyone must think before we judge! If you are judgeing remember, there will come a day we all have to face the real judge! Besides everyone has something to hide.He is a good guy that did something wrong.The woman was a good person that did something wrong.There are worse things they could have done.Everyone is looking for a easy way out.If you say you are not looking for an easy way out, in my opinion you are now doing something wrong. You are lying.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 5:51 PM A Mom wrote ...
I tell my children to do what the officer says to do. This is scarey. Preists, doctors, bosses, cops... who can I tell my children to trust? "Most of them?" How are you to know, especially a man with a gun and the power to take you to jail, you do what you are told without question! It was rape.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 5:22 PM Friend wrote ...
Kevin Sims is a good man that made a mistake. He did NOT rape that girl. He was also a good cop that saved lives. He received several awards for bravery and life saving while employed. I think this blog is a terrible idea by KCRG. All it does it fuels hate among people who do not know all of the facts about this man. Now, thanks to this blog, people are able to openly destroy this man at will with hurtful comments and statements which are far from the truth. Shame on you. God will judge u
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 5:19 PM JEREMY D wrote ...
HE GOT WHAT HE DESERVED...THAT WAS RAPE NO MATTER WHAT YOU PEOPLE SAY!!!WHAT IF THAT WAS YOUR DAUGHTER??????SHOULD BE IN PRISON FOR LIFE!!!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:56 PM Donut Boy wrote ...
Have fun in the slammer, say hi to bubba!!!! Hope he is real friendly and stuff!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Sounds More Like A Hiawatha Cop, Then A Cedar Rapids Police Officer
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:36 PM anonymous wrote ...
I also know Kevin and I think what he got is NOT what he deserves. What happend to the girl? I hope she gets what she deserves for the crime she also commited. But of course she will walk. He is facing his sentence lika a man she should go and serve her jail time for driving while suspened and I am sure being drunk at the same time.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:14 PM no name wrote ...
OK... this guy did NOT rape her. It was consensual sex. He definately should not go to jail. He made a mistake in judgement. For those of you making statements like "I hope it wasn't a white girl" - you should be ashamed. And please.. lets not call her a 'victim' as to imply she was raped.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:09 PM anonymous wrote ...
punishing the cop is ok but the girl should be charged with bribery. it was not rape it was bribery to get out of a ticket if she thought she was raped and innocent why did she not go to the authorities as soon as she left the park. as for the question of was it a white girl makes no difference. i think prison time is way to harsh for the crime committed. maybe the girl needs to spend some time for bribery which is illegal.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:04 PM a concern wrote ...
It is terrible when a person abuses his position as a public servant to intimidate someone into a sexual encounter. whether he is black or white is regardless he was wrong and deserves to be punished. He was to enforce the law not use it for his own needs or desires .
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 4:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I doubt this is the first time that he did this. I have personally been approached in a bar by a police officer fitting his description....he made inappropriate comments and asked for my phone number.....all while on duty.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:58 PM Learn Something wrote ...
It's called the color of law. Look it up. He's guilty, and should do way more than 6 months. And he lied to investigators, that should get him a few more years, for hindering an investigation.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...
ToWhomItMayConcern the three cops in NY were a white, black, and hispanic.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:51 PM Josh wrote ...
Kevin is getting his civil rights violated? because he abused the position of power he was in to get a woman to have sex with him? what is wrong with you people that are defending his actions? he got what he deserves. he was out there to enforce laws....not decide which ones he wants to enforce and which ones he wants to trade sex not to enforce.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:48 PM Dawn wrote ...
Ok.. What he did was wrong and shame on him but jail time? I can see that if he hurt her in some way but we did hear anything about that. What if the sex was her idea so she could get out of the ticket? I guess the age of the lady should come into play hare also.. But to me, at this point, it seems he got punished a bit to harsh for what he did. This should be a warning to all you other officers out the "helping" others "get out" of tickets. Stay strong Kevin
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:47 PM JLS wrote ...
The point really is an abuse of authority, and goes beyond white versus black. No one, not even the President, has the right to solicit sexual favors in such a fashion, with the premis that something good will happen to the person that performs the sexual favor. This is not a case of two consenting adults, just having sex in the park. The Ex-officer abused his authority, period! Police officers are people to be respected and used as role models, not people viewed as being above the law.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:47 PM Bill in CR wrote ...
Are you all serious? Defending a police officer who offered to not give her the citation in exchange for sex? A person in a trusted position of authority demands sex in exchange for other favors, and he is defended. That is not consensual sex. How is this different than teacher-student cases? He SHOULD be made an example of, and should have the book thrown at him. How do I explain this to my daughters? "If the cop wants sex instead of giving you the ticket, that's okay" just doesn't sound right.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:46 PM too bad wrote ...
If you cant do the time, don't committ the crime.Sorry this isnt a racial deal. This is a crime and he was caught.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:46 PM Disgraceful wrote ...
Disgraceful, lock 'em up and throw away the key. I don't trust the cops in Cedar Rapids, they can't even catch a cold anymore.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:44 PM christina wrote ...
I quote "State authorities say Kevin Sims admitted to pulling the woman over for a suspended license in 2004. Instead of arresting her, he said he told her to go to a nearby park where the two had sex. Authorities say the woman thought she wouldn't face charges if she did what she was told." The two had sex meaning she was willing did not complain. So there fore it WASNT rape. it was not agaist the womens will.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Thats sad to know that the people that are suppose to protect us are off having sex while on duty.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...
The violation was the fact the cop used his power to have sex. Good thing he loses his right to work in law enforcement. Hopefully this is a wake up call to cops across the nation that they shouldn't be throwing around their 'power' and that they are not above the law by any means. Notice how he lied at first...? Unethical, seriously makes me wonder if police can be trusted at all. Right now I'm leaning towards no.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Thats what happens you you boys in blue, you think your above the law. have fun in the slammer
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:43 PM Woah wrote ...
Before you start getting upset..... yes she went willingly but it was wrongful of him to say "lets have sex" if this was a woman he liked he could have just asked to see her when he was off duty. And before you bring up what has happened in New York remember.... this is Iowa. The judge that presided over that trial lives in New York and works as a judge in New York. The judge that presided over THIS trial lives in Cedar Rapids and works in Cedar Rapids. Learn to read a map!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:40 PM This is about abusing power, not race. wrote ...
This isn't about race, and neither was Reggie Harrelson's case back in 2001. The ex-cop Sims admitted what he did, he admitted he abused his power and I'm sure he was quite intimidating. That doesn't sound like she was "willing" to me. To try and turn everything into a race issue, just like Al Sharpton would do, only destroys your credibility and invites vitriole. It just makes race relations worse.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:37 PM Open Eyes wrote ...
The cops are not always the good guys. Sometimes they do things they shouldn't, just like everyone else. If he had not lied to the FBI, his penalty would have been lighter, like a reprimand or being fired. There are other jobs out there beside police work. He simply should not be trusted with authority wherever he goes after he gets out.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:33 PM doubtful wrote ...
I guess I would like to know why this investigation just started up again in 2007? Who did Kevin really upset, who wanted him go so bad? That is what we should be asking ourselves.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:32 PM A female citizen wrote ...
My friend and I were stopped by a cop for no reason at age 16 and asked a lot of questions that weren't standard. Luckily he saw my little brother in the back seat and then decided we could go. No tickets, no warnings, never gave a reason to stop us. Other than we were a couple of (cute) 16 yr old girls that were on our way home from a movie with a lil kid. I do think it was willing by the girl on this case-but still, cops have a extra power over citizens, so they should get extra penalities
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:31 PM Rosebud wrote ...
This is the second instance of which I am aware that a black man in authority faced more penalty than a white counterpart may have. In both cases, the "victim" willingly participated in something but later turned out to be a complainant. Where does their responsibility lie. They weren't "victims", they agreed to comply with a request.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...
2 serve & protect. I hope he used protection
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:30 PM Rich L wrote ...
Anyone saying a white officer could get away with it and a black one can't is just showing their own racial prejudices. This former cop didn't follow the rules and is now paying the price for his actions. If this was the womans suggestion, then she should get in trouble as well. It does make me wonder about telling my kids to always trust the policeman....
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I personally know Kevin and I think he should get a longer prision time. What he did was wrong and I know the type of guy he is and he would do it again even without being on the polive force.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:19 PM Sgt. Jahanthahum wrote ...
Mr. Sims is having his rights violated by getting this sentence. Losing his job sure, but the prison time? The judge and or jury that came up with this will look back and regret what they have done.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:09 PM JUSTICE? wrote ...
What kind of court sends a person to jail for consentual sex? Even though he was a police officer he did'nt deserve the book being thrown at him or making an example of him, right? This sounds like his civil rights have been horribly thrashed upon. Maybe better representation would've saved this ex-cop from the slammer. I dont agree with no charges for the woman , she is not innocent either. She was not raped, just as guilty to engage in the act.Maybe, then again its not illegal to havesexorisit
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 3:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...
theres always barber college
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I hope it wasnt a white girl
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...
He didn't rape her...she chose to go along with it.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:51 PM MrsM wrote ...
Keep your head up Kevin. You are definately being used as an example. God bless you and your family.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:47 PM yatty wrote ...
wow this is sick and right here in cedar rapids!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:46 PM Karma wrote ...
It serves him right. He not only hurt this woman, but think of the dishonor he brought to his family. He really should be ashamed of himself.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:36 PM Anon wrote ...
He rapes a woman and only gets six months? What is wrong with our legal system?
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:33 PM Rob wrote ...
He's going to get plenty of sex where he's going!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:31 PM ToWhomItMayConcern wrote ...
Any cop violating someone civil rights is wrong, but it's crazy how a BLACK cop can lose his job and go to jail for having sex with a women who went willingly!! and for WHITE cops in New York to be able to kill people and not even been charged with a crime. Racial dispairities??!!!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I agree that he should be punished, but how did he violate her rights? She didn't have to have sex with him, she did it to get out of a ticket. She should get in trouble for bribing a cop.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:21 PM concerned citizan wrote ...
what about the victim did she get anything out of him being punished. really makes u affraid to being stopped by police anymore. i guess its true u really cant trust anyone anymore. makes me want to think twice when i teach my chidren who u can trust and who u cant.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 8 at 2:19 PM SPG wrote ...
Went to college with Kevin and talked to him a few times during his work with the CRPD. This incident surprises me and I hope that Kevin and his family get through this. My thoughts are also with the victim!
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