Families of SOs Community Group
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shelly249
Hi Everyone, I am new to this group (well at least to posting init anyway). I have been reading through many of the questions and comments and am only comforted in knowing (finally) I am not as alone as I thought. I really don't know where to begin other than when our nightmare started. I am sorry this is so long. I totally understand if I don't get a lot of comments. I just feel I need to vent somewhere I won't be judged. At the end of June at 6:15 in the morning there was an extremely loud pounding on the door. First thing you should know is Nobody comes to my house unannounced. I am disabled and I have a special needs dog with a heart condition who must have medication at least an hour before any type of excitement (good or bad). When I opened the door there must have been about 30 H-Land Ofcrs standing my doorway. The woman in front just started screaming at me "We Have a Search Warrant". She never showed me the warrant. They all forced their way into my home and shoved me into the wall to clear their path. My dog started going crazy and running down the stairs. I begged them to please not shoot my dog. Not only am I her therapy human but she is my therapy dog (I have severe black out that put me in a sleep state. When I sleep I must wear a breathing machine because without it I stop breathing 40 times an hour. My dog warns me and wakes me up when I black out.). The one officer said not to worry they would not hurt her and told me they were all animal people (Now that I think about it I think they are all animals for what they did). They rushed up the stairs before I could call to my husband or my son (they were both getting ready for work). I bare saw them for more than a second before the one officer ask me if she could escort me out into the yard with my dog so she would not interfere with their search. She proceeded to chat very friendly with me asking how long we had lived here, how long have my husband and I been together. I answered her questions still not know what they were even here for. Finally I asked her what she was looking for and she said that back in August of 2014 our IT address (I think that's what she called it. I only know it has to do with computers. My husband and I are NOT very tech savvy at all) showed up on a site that on some occasions has been known to have CP. I told her that there was nobody under my roof looking up CP and that they would not find anything like that here. I told her my son had just been discharged from the Navy because he had gotten hurt and he was my live in "Tech Support" I had been having a LOT of problems with my computer and my son found over 30,000 malicious viruses in my computer. My son was able to clear 27 gb of memory getting rid of many of the viruses but there were still about 17,000 viruses still in there. About an hour into this whole mess my phone alarm went off to remind me to take my medication. I practically had to beg her to let me go into my own house. It wasn't until I told her with out the medication the black outs will be severe and I will need to be on my breathing machine for the rest of the day. When I went inside and up to my bedroom I am seeing officers in EVERY room tearing my house apart. I also am now realizing I am still only in my pajamas and not looking appropriate for anyone to see me outside of my family (I am sure you all know the look... A small tank top and pajama shorts are NOT meant for anyone to be seeing outside of family). When I go into my room there are about 6 or 7 officers tearing my room apart. They all went on defense mode when I walked in and told me I was not supposed to be there. I told them I needed my medication and I wanted a shirt to put on over my tank top. I also corrected them and told them I belonged anywhere in my house that I needed to be whether they were there or not. I went back downstairs and to the kitchen to take my meds and that's when I realized that I was alone... My husband and son were both gone. I felt sick and turn to the officer that was actually taking all the food out of my freezer to search and asked him where my son and husband were. He told me they let my son go to work and that my husband had agreed to a polygraph test. I asked why he needed a polygraph and they said he volunteered and that we were all be very cooperative. He also told me that my husband had called his job and told them he would be about an hour late. I thought "Oh Ok, I'll just call him in a little bit and make sure he is ok" (How stupid could I really be????) I went back out to the yard and the officer was kneeling with my dog. I told her I was upset because I didn't get to give my husband our customary Kiss/Hug/I love You/Be Careful/Have a Good Day that we have always done for the past 24 years. She told me not to worry that everything would be fine. About an hour later (a little over three hours since the whole pounding on my door), one of the demolition crew officers came out and told me they were finished and they all left. The officer that kept me outside had given me her card with her personal number on the back. I waited about an hour and called my husband (I figured an extra hour and a half would be a good amount of time). All I got was his voicemail. I sent him a text. He always answers my texts within a few minutes. A half hour later, I started to feel nervous and called his job. His boss told me my husband called out for the day (What happened to "He called out for an hour" like the officer had told me???). I immediately called the officer and she said "Oh he's still here we just got to chatting. He should not be much longer". Two hours later there was still no call or text. I called the officer again and she told me they lost track of time chatting and he was still there. I asked her what was going on and she assured me everything was fine he was not being charged and he was not under arrest. She told me he was able to come home when ever he wanted to leave. two and a half hours later he finally walked in the door. It was at this point that I finally got to see the actual warrant. He told me he failed the polygraph test and they told him he was going to go to prison for life. Now, this is how the polygraph test went. First they asked him basic questions (Name, Is the Door Open. Blah Blah). They asked him to write numbers then they told him to lie about one of the numbers he wrote (to get a "Base Lie"). The officer said "Good this shows us you are a bad liar". Then they asked him two questions... Have you ever touched anyone under the age of 18. Has anyone under the age of 18 ever touched you. My husband said "No" on both questions. Suddenly the machine isn't working write and the officer said they didn't get a good reading. They moved the bands on his arms and told my husband to whisper his answers. They DID NOT ask him the base questions again they only asked him the "Touch" questions, which he whispered "No Never". The officer then said that they were still getting a bad reading. The officer moved the bands again and the officer said that they wanted him to just nod his head and not speak. They again did not ask the base questions they only asked the "Touch" questions and again my husband shook his head no. The officer told him the test was over. A half hour later they came back in and told him he failed the polygraph. Has ANYONE here EVER had this happen to them?? It seems to me the polygraph was manipulated. They then proceeded to mentally torture my husband for seven hours. They did tell him he could leave at any time, but, he said "Why should I leave... I didn't do anything.". They asked him if he had ever clicked on pop ups and been taken to sites that had Illegal images. My husband said there have been a few times that this has happened. They proceeded to tell him, because he saw those images he was guilty and that he was a monster that they would make sure would rot in prison. My husband went to work the next day (God love him... He is still trying to do what has to be done). I made over 20 phone calls trying to find out about a lawyer and what to do. I finally found a lawyer that takes on H-Land on a regular basis and is one of the best in the country. She informed me because this is a H-land case they can now come to my home at anytime or come to us anywhere unless they are informed they we have legal counsel. I gave her a copy of all the cards (My husband and son each were given cards too) and she immediately called their office and informed them they would need to go through her for all future contact. They took our computer, my laptop and my son's laptop and all of our tablets. They took all of our flash drives, my camera, and my medical transcription class (all of my discs and my flash drive that the class was saved on), they even took my dogs I-pod!! The funny thing is they left stacks of CD's (I'm talking over 100 CD's) that I had made myself with family pictures and songs. Does ANYONE know how long it takes to get things back from them?? Especially since my son and I aren't even the one's who are under investigation, we would like our things back. The lawyer called me right back as soon as she was finished informing them she was now working for us. She told me they already had a prosecuting attny. She also said he is not very experienced in this type of case. Now, Jump to a week ago. The lawyer called and said that this prosecuting attny is convinced that my husband is out touching children and that if my husband goes and and admits to molesting children they will try to go easy on him... My lawyer told their attny that he was way out of line and way off with his charge. He is listening to what these crooked officers are telling him and they are lying to him too! Do They RECORD polygraph tests? Will I (or at least my lawyer) be able to see that recording? This prosecutor and these officers are ruthless and vile. My lawyer said this whole case seems to have become a witch hunt of some sort. She said it seems that they aren't getting what they want and they don't want to admit that they made a mistake so now they are grasping for straws that just are not there. It's only been 6 weeks and two days since this all started. There have been no charges or even an arrest yet. If they think my husband is such a danger to society, why aren't they doing... Something???? God, I feel like I am losing my mind. I told the lawyer my husband and I both wanted to go for counseling, but she advised us that with this being a H-land case doctor/patient confidentiality will not apply. So we must wait and slip farther into our depressions and worry. This whole thing is so surreal. I just feel so lost.
I cant imagine how terrifying this must have been for you. I hope you are taking care of your health!
I'm so sorry...
I was "lucky" as my husband confessed to accessing the images and to where they were. They scanned all flash drives, unmarked cds and dvds, laptops and tablets at our dining table. They took our phones, mine was back in a month. He accessed the images on his so it was incinerated after the forensic examination was completed.
We also wanted counselling but were advised against it as a counsellor can be called as a witness which could result in them being in a difficult situation.
Take care of yourself, keep an eye on your health, even the fittest will struggle through it. I'm sorry I can't help more but the law is different here, we don't use polygraph tests, but I do wish you well through this horrible situation.
Over the years I have been criticized by a few people for having a terrible attitude toward law enforcement. I have been called bitter, hateful, and a few other names, I am sure. I have explained that I have no problems with the cop on the beat, but that the upper echelon of LE, especially detectives and federal agents are pure, unadulterated trash. And they are.
Anytime someone wants to criticize me, I suggest they come back to this poor disabled woman's description of how she was treated by our finest men in blue. You know, the ones that are here to "protect and serve," and the ones that many people still erroneously believe to be "their friends." Andy of Mayberry died long ago to be place by a squad of Robocops out of control.
This is disgraceful under any definition. I fully realize that LE has a job to do and that this country must abide by the rule of law to be civilized, but this kind of over the top behavior is uncalled for. There is absolutely no excuse for them to abuse citizens like this.
None at all.
Before I even go into what went on here, I am sure many of the ladies here can relate to how these people were treated. Their stories are much similar to this woman's experience with a LE out of control. This is not an isolated incident-----this is a pattern.
You said, " When I opened the door there must have been about 30 H-Land Ofcrs standing my doorway."
I wonder if that much firepower and overwhelming show of force was needed to approach the house of an elderly man, his DISABLED wife, and a son? I will answer the question. No, it wasn't, but the mere numbers and the beating the door down scared the hell out of this elderly couple, which was the whole purpose. And this was a simple CP case. It would have been easier to understand if the occupants were some kind of Bonnie and Clyde persona, but these are elderly people.
Their purpose was to instill fear into this couple and it worked.
I know damn good and well that they did a background check on the occupants of the house. Wouldn't they have been able to serve the same purpose if they had politely knocked on the door and told the occupants they had a warrant, without all the commotion? Wouldn't it fared just as well by acting with a little class and dignity instead of like a band of hooligans? I will answer that also. Yes it would, but see, these guys are bullies and on a power trip. They enjoy terrorizing citizens.
You said, "She never showed me the warrant." Why didn't she show her the warrant? Would it have been that difficult to take five seconds to show this disabled lady the warrant? I will answer that also. These hoodlums hold citizens in such disdain that they don't think we even deserve to see the warrant.
You said, " They all forced their way into my home and shoved me into the wall to clear their path." They shoved an elderly disabled woman in her pajamas away---into a wall---- like she was some sort of criminal. Classy, real classy.
You said, " The one officer said not to worry they would not hurt her and told me they were all animal people." Correction-----they are not animal people, they are animals, rabid animals at that.
You said, " I also am now realizing I am still only in my pajamas and not looking appropriate for anyone to see me outside of my family." Nice touch. Parade an elderly woman outside in her PJs for all to see. Cool dudes.
You said, " I asked why he needed a polygraph and they said he volunteered and that we were all be very cooperative." Oh sure he volunteered. I am sure he just held up his hand on his own accord and said, "I would like to take my polygraph test now." You can bet there was some coercion and a lot of deception to get that man to agree to take a polygraph. He was slowly being set up by these fine officers.
You said, " She told me not to worry that everything would be fine." Sure, everything will be fine. Very honorable for Mrs. LE to assure you of that fact when she knew damn well it wouldn't.
You said, " What happened to "He called out for an hour" like the officer had told me???" Ma'am, he lied to you and he knew he was lying when he told you that. LE has a way of deceiving people to play on their NAITIVETY and good natured ness with such tall tales as "we are here to help you," or "just tell us your side of the story," or "if you are straight with us, every thing will be OK." Lies. Lies meant to deceive.
Ladies of the board, does any of this sound familiar? I am sure it does.
The only thing they failed to do that is so often done is to shoot the family dog.
Now keep in mind that this is the treatment this woman received and she was not even a suspect and nobody was arrested yet.
You said that they told him, " they told him he was going to go to prison for life." I thought they told you "everything was going to be fine." Life in prison does not sound fine to me.
This man was unfamiliar with the system, and they took advantage of him during the polygraph situation. They played on his fears and used it to their advantage.
You said, " They then proceeded to mentally torture my husband for seven hours." I am sure they did, ma'am. I am sure they did. They took an elderly man down to the station or wherever, manipulated him and somehow he failed the barbaric contraption they call a polygraph. Now they will proceed to mentally pistol whip him for a few hours. Nice.
This entire chain of events was used to set your husband up for a conviction. They abused you and your husband and used your innocence about the criminal justice system against you.
I have no idea of your husband is innocent or guilty, but I do know you were not treated fairly here, nor did they show you any dignity or respect. You deserved that.
You said, " that this prosecuting attny is convinced that my husband is out touching children and that if my husband goes and and admits to molesting children they will try to go easy on him.
Ma'am, that is just another lie in their toolkit of deception to make sure your husband receives the harshest sentence possible. Don't believe that baloney for a minute.
You said, "This prosecutor and these officers are ruthless and vile." AMEN. I am glad you recognize this.
God Bless America. Land of the free.
rewdiazepam
So even though you are worried you also have to take care of yourself health wise.
It is terrible how they treat you and lie.
When my husband was arrested he was in the driveway washing his van. My youngest daughter and I were test driving a new car my husband had bought me.when I turned down our street my daughter screamed so loudly.They were taking her daddy away in handcuffs.I sped up and stopped in front of the police car asked what was he being arrested for.
They said he's not under arrest we just have some questions, he will be back in a hour.
That was ten years ago. See they lie to everyone
Why do you think they think your husband is a danger to society? Did they say that? That is in no way shape or form the LE call to make!
I hope your lawyer is a good one becasue this whole thing stinks to high heaven. The first thing that jumped out at me is the time frame (a similar thing happened in my son's case but much less time) - In my opinion your lawyer should be ALL over that time frame! Nearly a year since the CP was detected (Aug 2014) all the way to June 2015? Are they kidding? I was surprised a judge issued a search warrant in my son's case after a long time but almost a year? That evidence is so old and in the age of electronics that is unbelievable. I wish I had known what I know now back then. The lawyer my son had sucked and had no experience in these type of crime (although he assured us he did). and he let the prosecutors bully him. Your lawyer should be questioning that time span - that is SO bogus. When they know they have a case they move on it - they do not wait a year.
Another question I have is did they find any CP on any of the computers? It does not take that long to find it - since they have not charged him I am thinking no they have not. Your lawyer needs to jump on that also. They problem is that depending how your son "cleaned" your computers if there was any CP in those viruses it may have left a footprint on your hard drive and the longer the LE has your equipment the more they will dig into the computers to find it. Your lawyer needs to give them a reasonable amount of time and then needs to say you need to stop this and return their property to them. If they refuse then you have the lawyer petition a judge. When you get you stuff back (which if they do charge him will not be until after it is all over) I would destroy the hard rives and replace with new (someone can help you) but make sure they are smashed to smithereens.
Now the poly - first of all that making him lie thing for a base line is completely bogus. I have taken polys myself and so has my son - in my experience when they do a poly they get baseline truths not lies. Something stinks about that. Although polys are not admissible it is still very strange to me. And the whole did you touch anyone is bogus too! We have ALL touched someone - I would think it would be have you touched anyone inappropriately or something of that nature. Right now if they asked any of us if we touched someone under the age of 18 and we said no it would show as a lie.
Sorry for the ling post but just upset about your situation and I wish at the same point in my sons case I had people with experience to help me. I am assuming that the reason they let your son go to work was becasue he was not at your house at the time they say in the warrant? Because I have to tell you that while executing a search warrant - especially for CP - to let any male (or female for that matter) to leave the home before they were finished is unheard of! That is highly unusual and makes me wonder.
Final thoughts here are these:
As hard as it is right now - document everything! Do not leave it to the lawyer - write down what happened and the dates and continue to add to it as you think of things. Document any other contact with LE or the lawyer as time goes on.
Many times in these cases when they have done this and do not find anything they will elude to the fact that they might have or have found something. Do not believe anything they say on face value and do not make ANY comments to anyone but your lawyer! Period! You do not have to unless compelled by a judge! If they act like they found something tell them to call your lawyer.
If they come back and say they did not find anything then you need to tell your lawyer that you want it IN WRITING that nothing was found and no charges are pending and that this incident cannot ever rear its ugly head again. INSIST on it. If I had to guess what LE is doing right now I would say that they have not found CP on the equipment (if they had they would have charged him already) and because of that bogus poly they are now going around to all your acquaintances and your husbands job and family (or they are planing to) trying to find hands on victims. Please tell anyone that you are close enough with to trust that they are NOT obligated to give any info at all or even to talk to the LE.
Sorry this has gotten so long but this makes me sick!
2. Get a better lawyer. The prosecuting attorney has an obligation do disclose everything to you/your lawyer.
He accidentally downloaded 3 cp among 2300+ music videos, never watched them. He took a plea of 30 months in federal prison, 15 years probation and 15 years on the registry.
A good lawyer is essential. I don't know where you are but contact David Seltzer in Miami, tell him Thea gave you his info and that you want to find out if he knows someone in your state that can help you. Here's his website. http://www.cybercrimesdefense.com/Attorney-Profiles.aspx He gets it.
Get your own forensics, this is also essential. They will fluff up what they find. Your husband is also allowed to see all the paperwork, all the documentation they have on him. That's his right.
Shocking what our government does to it's citizens.. My heart goes out to you.