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Benton County Sheriff's Office Employee Charged
VINTON - Vinton Police filed 3 criminal complaints in Benton County Magistrate Court Monday, charging William J. Reese, 58, of Newhall, with Impersonating a Police Officer, and 2 separate counts of Disorderly Conduct.
Reese is a civilian jailer employed by the Benton County Sheriff's Office, and was on-duty in that capacity when the incident took place. Vinton Police allege that on Friday, May 1, 2009, at approximately 3:25 p.m., while operating a fully marked Benton County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle, Reese attempted to initiate a traffic stop on another vehicle just south of Vinton on Hwy 218. The other vehicle was operated by an off-duty full-time Benton County Sheriff's Deputy who was aware that Reese had no lawful authority to act as a peace officer. The full time deputy proceeded to his home and called 911 while Reese pursued at high rates of speed in the marked Benton County Sheriff's Office vehicle, passing through school zones as Vinton-Shellsburg Schools were dismissing for the day. Once the full-time Deputy arrived at his residence, Reese exited the patrol vehicle and began using loud and profane language and threatening gestures directed at the full-time Deputy, as school children passed by. The entire incident was captured on the in-car video system inside the vehicle Reese was operating. In addition to the three criminal charges, Reese will also be cited for Unauthorized Use of Emergency Lighting, and three separate counts of Speeding as much as 35 mph over the posted speed limit. Vinton Police continue their investigation into this matter, and want to assure the public that at this point, this appears to involve a single individual and the public should not have any concerns about stopping for any law enforcement vehicle as a result of this incident. Impersonating a Police Officer is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. Disorderly Conduct is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $100 fine, 30 days in jail, or both. Reese is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Benton County Magistrate Court on Wednesday, May 13th. More Good Stuff |
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