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Retired El Dorado County deputy sheriff Donald Philip Atkinson, 50, of El Dorado Hills was arrested in Nevada Thursday morning on 44 counts embezzlement, fraud, forgery, perjury, grand theft and theft from an “elder or dependent adult.”
Bail was set by Judge Daniel B. Proud at $1 milion, according to the arrest warrant.
The charges were announced March 8 in a joint press release by state Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson.
Atkinson had been president of the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
“An investigation by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office with the assistance from the AG’s office showed Atkinson falsified official documents, including Fair Political Practice Commission forms, submitted forged documents to the DSA and claimed checks were written for charitable purposes but pocketed the money,” the press release stated.
Among the “charitable purposes” was money the DSA collected to send when officers were killed in the line of duty elsewhere, according to deputy DA James Clinchard.
Altogether “falsified records” indicated checks for “more than $20,000 were written for charitable purposes, including a donation for families of four murdered Oakland police officers,” according to the press release.
“None of the named organizations and individuals received donations from either Atkinson or the DSA,” the press release stated.
Harris and Pierson also said Atkinson “used DSA funds to open bank accounts in his name and submitted forged documents to the DSA to justify payments to him and his companies.”
The investigation was made at the request of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department.
Atkinson embezzled more than $300,000 over six years.
According to the 11-page criminal complaint filed by Harris’ office in El Dorado County Superior Court March 6 the embezzlement took place between Jan. 1, 2005 and June 30, 2011.
Count 1 alleges $295,195 embezzled from the El Dorado County DSA.
Count 3 alleges he took “property of a value exceeding $65,000″ from Liselotte Holzer, an “elder or dependent adult.” The felony charges in this count are “theft, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, and identity theft.”
The elder theft involved the victim loaning Atkinson $100,000 to purchase a photography business from a man with cancer. “Atkinson had falsified information in the contract he signed and bank records indicate that none of the victim’s funds were spent for the purpose Atkinson had claimed,” according to the press release.
Harris and Pierson said, “Several checks drawn from the DSA general fund and signed by Atkinson were used to pay rent for an apartment occupied by a woman with whom he was in a relationship.”
Several of the counts against him include the word “counterfeiting” bills to be paid by the DSA.
In a final section of the complaint called “jurisdictional clauses,” it is noted that a number of counts were “commenced by the defendant … in Nevada .. and were consummated in El Dorado County.
Count 3, the elder theft allegation “occurred in El Dorado and Los Angeles counties.
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Ken SteersMarch 08, 2012 - 3:32 pm
Well, I'm not for the death penalty. So I guess 20 years in a cage next to his newest BFF will have to suffice.
Oh BrotherMarch 08, 2012 - 3:52 pm
Disappointing to say the least.
Walking TallMarch 08, 2012 - 4:30 pm
"Do the crime, do the time"
scott willsonMarch 08, 2012 - 8:55 pm
I knew Don professionally for many years. He was a good cop and fellow workers respected his job professionalism. This being said, it really does not matter, if he is found guilty of the crimes charged. Anyone in the position entrusted as a Deputy Sheriff to protect the public, being entrusted with funds from members of their Department, sceaming an elderly woman out of money, and stealing money which was to be sent to family members of slain officers is the epitome of a dirty cop. His actions, if found to be true of these many accusations, speak for themselves. Justice will pervail and if the determination is of guilt, I hope the judge administers the most severe prison sentence by law. There is absolutely no excuse for his alledged actions. His actions, if true, tarnish the badge the rest of us wear and have worn. When I was in the academy, recruits were warned about "the 3 B's" (booze, babes, and bucks). Thirty years later the saying still holds true. I hope Atkinson enjoys his recent retirement. Those actions digust me.
Robert MoccioMarch 10, 2012 - 4:16 pm
Scott, Bad apples can be found in every organization. Unfortunately, the organization is always a snapshot of its leadership! When I went through the Orange County Sheriff's Academy in 1983, the Code of Ethics was the standard that law enforcement officials were to meet. In my many years of being part of EDSO, I cannot recall ever seeing the Code of Ethics displayed or promoted in that organization, this incident and the many others that may have been overlooked does not surprise me in any way. Where there is smoke, there is fire! I hope EDSO can clean up the generations of business as usual, the tax payers deserve more. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and the relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession . . . law enforcement. Aloha
1036-FrankMarch 10, 2012 - 6:00 pm
Bob, who has retired to the former Sandwitch Isles, and who knows I am sure, as a mid 1980's hire at EDSO that three was hardly anyone from the rank of Sgt. and above who knew what the Code of Ethics was unless it was Clueless Jim Watson reading it from a manual. If Bob would only write about the early days of Fast Freddy, " Korrupt Kollar" and "Captain Corruption" Turdkilson and their antics just in Tahoe alone it would make some very good reading.
DrewMarch 08, 2012 - 9:07 pm
Don is the sweetest, kindest, and most honest person I know. And I would trust him with my life on any day of the week. I'm not too familiar with his actions in the past years. But I DO know that who ever is pressing this mess against him isn't right in the head. God is love.
Hatchet JackMarch 11, 2012 - 1:32 pm
I worked with him and thought I could trust him as well. Don't keep your head in the sand. He DID this to all of us!! I am still in shock, but nothing from EDSO surprises me anymore.
TinaMarch 08, 2012 - 10:44 pm
I don't feel the least bit sorry for this dude. We'd lived in El Dorado County for 19 years which was long enough to know how jaded the sherrifs department can be. They hammer people for stupid piddley things that larger places like Sac county can't be bothered with and shoot and kill mentally ill people and people with half a handcuff on calling it a weapon. We are so happy to no longer live there anymore!
Hatchet JackMarch 11, 2012 - 5:48 pm
Tina, You might think twice about a handcuff as a weapon if you were smacked in the face with the free and open cuff by some ghetto rat on drugs. It could put your eyes out, kill you, or at least open your face up and you'd be leaking all over the place. Don't sit in your safe little house and pretend to know what they are up against. You haven't earned that.
scott willsonMarch 08, 2012 - 10:57 pm
Tina, People like you miss the entire point and then you attack an entire agency by making such blanketed, general statements. This is why I mentioned that his actions, if found to be true, tarnish the badge (image) of all of law enforcement because people like you write such blanketed statements attacking an entire agency. You seem to know so much of how law enforcement should work that I think you should put on a gun belt and hit the bricks! Let me know in about 2 years how you feel.
TinaMarch 09, 2012 - 8:58 am
Scott - Obviously Frank and Walking Tall know what I'm talking about. And I know you know what I'm talking about too, but you'd just prefer to stick your head in the sand. I happen to be one of the most upstanding, moral citizens you will ever meet, but there have been things that have happened close to me that relate to how crappy the sheriffs department there is run, not to mention the other stories that get published that we all know about. You may be a decent cop, but you need dig your head out and look around you.
Hatchet JackMarch 11, 2012 - 5:51 pm
Well said Scott. I know you from up here as we were next door agencies.
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 6:32 am
One can only wonder what went wrong and why he crossed the line and ruined a career and left a broken family behind. There did seem to be a lack of moral behaivor and conscious and he had a problem with women that was well known. There are some that can't resist temptation and he was one. With that said, there are a lot of other bad apples that, so far, have escaped the D.A. and A.G. and the most blatant was the former appointed Sheriff who was living out of state, and the one who ran for sheriff as a Captain and a few other Good ol' Boys who should be sitting in the cell next to Don, it is well past time for the cleanup that the newly elected Sheriff promised no matter what agency does it. This shows how it can be done and why once a line is crossed action is called for.
Underserved taxpayerMarch 09, 2012 - 6:40 am
Wow! His $90,0000 per year pension at age 50 was not enough?
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 6:46 am
Reading the story this slime ball stoke from the children of fallen officers, as well as stealing from the elderly. He has disgraced his office and what it stands for. This is real and this system will need to be changed. With Merchado, Atkinson and Alarcon exposed recently I see a change. If you are taking advantage of the system there seems to be a possibly slight chance at least that you'll be caught. I hear tell that more is coming including a Grand Jury investigation of a sitting supervisor. But most of the responsibility falls on the DA and not the Sheriff.
citizenMarch 09, 2012 - 8:12 am
Only ONE supervisor to be investigated?
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 8:04 am
There is a percveption that the D.A. only want to go after the " Small Fry" in the rotten pool of corruption that has plagued this county. There is a slight sign that this may change because the people have had enough. Only actions will show which way this is going. For those of us who said for years that the Good ol' Boys were a corrupt criminal bunch who need jail cells, there has not been a lot of prosecutions seen. We have seen them retire out before they could be fired or indicted. The new Sheriff came in promising a cleannup and so far has failed to do much of anything in a year. This arrest could either be the fall guy or the start of something overdue for years.
Walking TallMarch 09, 2012 - 8:23 am
Agree and disagree Ken, but the Sheriff has the duty to clean his house as he said he would, not just turn his head and let them walk out with their retirement. The GOB's had all better retire soon as most have and the wanna-bees had better take notice and then there's the Supervisor and Mayor all of the house of cards are falling. Sex-gate and Diploma-gate members may also fall soon and then maybe just maybe that cancer will be gone from a great Sheriff's Department However some recent promotions has everyone wondering if this is just more of the same old stuff and quid-pro-quo at it's best. All remains something to watch and see if it's true and can be trusted.
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 8:59 am
The "New" Sheriff has failed to learn from the mistakes of the past and is busy making his own. The idea to let the GOB's retire out at 90% pensions is rewarding them for their actions, not punishing them. The recent promotions are filling in the bad with the same or worse in some cases. There was one good opportunity for the Sheriff to do what he said he would, now a year has passed and he looks like he is failing in the most important task there was, which was the strict cleanup of the department, that once was an honorable place. This falls on his shoulders, not the D.A. who is unpredictable and seems to operate by political considerations.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 9:00 am
I purposefully stay out of the day to day happenings of our County employees. I have my own company to run. In any case there seems to be a house cleaning county wide. Citizen, I personally know of only 1 Supervisor under a Grand Jury investigation. Do you know more?
citizenMarch 09, 2012 - 9:39 am
The question went to "ought to be investigated" r/t "will be investigated". Even ONE would be useful. I hope your information is correct.
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 9:08 am
Which supervisor is under the Grand Jury investigation?
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 9:10 am
I'll let the MD write the story.
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 9:33 am
Nobody has the nerve to provide the name of the board of stupidvisor?
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 9:34 am
MD keeps deleating my request what are they trying to hide? The TRUTH?
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 9:35 am
What is MD trying to hide by not devulging the name of the BOS?
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 9:39 am
Don't let up. Call your "stupidvisor" love it! And ask them directly. If they lie to you, you'll know the truth soon enough
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 9:54 am
The truth does always prevail. ie: corruption in the EDC sheriff office, corrupt mayor, corrupt board of stupidvisor, etc. The people of EDC are sick of these good ole boys and they are crumbling quicker than a stack of stinky cheese.They have a few major CURRENT federal lawsuits one by EDC female deputies and one by a private citizen for excessive force/assault and battery to be heard by a jury trial at the end of 2012 against two corrupt EDC bailiffs. D'Agostoni needs to sweep house big time these crooks are making him look bad very bad.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 10:40 am
Well the Atkison fella for example. Stealing from orphans and the elderly. He is/was/has me political allies that worked closely with him. what do they know? Why did he think that he was above the law? Actually it's so disgusting it's scary.
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 10:40 am
Adios to poor Don Juan, he had the women, the stolen money, the houses, and now they are gone. His train was running out of track and the crash was expected by all who knew. There are others in the county and out of state who need this lesson, more then a few. Buenas Suerte, Don Juan!
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 10:49 am
All of the good ole boys think they are abov the law. They are being caught one by one and being held accountable. Sniff sniff I smell victory to people of El Dorado County!
AnnaMarch 09, 2012 - 11:04 am
How would the MD know about a secret investigation of the Grand Jury? The grand jury operates in secret and all testimony is confidential. The grand jury makes recommendations, through publication of a final report, usually published at the end of June each year. For many reasons it would be wrong for the MD to comment about an ongoing investigation or to let others commit the crime of disclosing that information. But how would they even know? How does Ken Steers know? Did he buy access to the government with his many campaign contributions?
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 11:44 am
Anna, Where would one go to buy access. I can say that I have no relationship with this guy Alarcon or Merchado. Which one do you snuggle up to?
scott willsonMarch 09, 2012 - 11:29 am
Frank, As I said people start to blanket so many others with accusations. So if you have viable accusations bring them forward to the District Attorney Office, the Attorney General's Office, and/or the Sacramento FBI Office. If you actually do not know the information directly then point these offices in the direction of the people who do know and where the proof is. Otherwise you are merely spouting off which appears you just don't care for certain people. One bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 11:50 am
Scott, Yes by far the system is filled by fantastic people. But you yourself know that this is the tip of the iceberg. I think that right before our eyes and under our noses the new leaders are fixing things. How else did all these endictments come about. But there are more and then there's the trials...
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 12:14 pm
The Good Ol' Boys are well known as to who they are, what they have done, and what was covered up. Many were named in one of two lawsuits filed in the last few years. The new Sheriff was advised to place them on leave pending their investigations, this was not done. Several retired at full pension, 90%. The new Sheriff was advised to either call for the Grand Jury to investigate or call in an outside agency. To date, I am not sure if this was done. Advice can be taken or rejected. If the Grand Jury continues the foot dragging and lack of indictments, then perhaps a federal agency can be involved, but the D.A. and Sheriff should try to solve some of these issues at a local level first to regain the confidence of the people and employees.
Jim RiordanMarch 09, 2012 - 2:24 pm
1036 Frank, It is very easy to speculate on what the Sheriff was advised to do or not do, since it is all hearsay. In my opinion this Sheriff has already proven that he is much more of a lawman than a politician and I believe he will continue to be. The grand jury in this county may well be, as you mentioned, footdraggers and based on past inactions could be considered by others to be totally useless. The new Sheriff however is no footdragger and is running a far tighter ship than those who came before. My Dad told me when I was a youth, "the mills of the Gods grind slowly but exceedingly fine." If this Sheriff had run in and blindly fired all whom you or others did not like, we could have lost a few good men and be fighting wrongful terminations from the GOBS even if they were indeed RIGHTFUL terminations. I don't know. Give Sheriff John some more time and support. Write to him. Become involved and then see what you think. Frankly I see many good things happening. Join the Posse and you may learn first hand some of the good things that are happening. The deputies patrolling my area think a whole lot of the new Sheriff. Perhaps his only real enemies are the crooks who no longer frequent our County since there are now more armed citizens thanks to a Sheriff who believes in issuing CCWs to properly trained, honest citzens. If there are indeed some "bad 'ole boys" left, my guess is they are, or will be, on their way out. If Sheriff John had listened to everyone who thought that every person they considered to be a GOB was a bad guy and, immediately fired them, this Sheriff would have cost the County plenty in lawsuits. I believe if there are still some bad apples in the organization, as there are in every organization that contains humans, they will be dealt with firmly but fairly, and when the time is right. I have confidence that he will recognize that time and take appropriate action.
John StevensMarch 09, 2012 - 3:18 pm
It was the good work of our DA and his investigator's that resulted in Atkinson's arrest. The sheriff's deptarment submitted the case - how could he not - Atkinson violated the trust of his fellow officers in the DSA. It is also the good work of our DA in pursuing the Alarcon issue. From here it looks like the DA is the one cleaning house. I would like to know the current status of the sexual harrassment cases that were filed at the beginning stages of the campaign. It is not uncommon knowledge that one of the plaintiffs was/is Atkinson's girlfriend at the time (yes, this was while he was the president of the DSA) and the mother of one his children. Was it her apartment that he was using the stolen funds to pay the rent? About 8 years ago, when Nutting ran for election, re-election to the Board of Supervisors (I can't keep track anymore) Atkinson was the president of the DSA and very active in organizing the DSA's support for Nutting. Nutting lost that race. However, the corrupt connections are long standing. Too bad Alarcon is so preoccupied pretending he has not committed any crimes as this would make one heck of a YouTube video. Only a few hours left for another candidate, any one please, to file to run for Supervisor on the June ballot.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 6:32 pm
John, I'm in Texas hunting. Did Claire McNeil file? I heard rumblings. Also the Grand Jury had it's budget cut in half a couple of months ago by the BOS's. It's going to be hard to do their job with no funding. And the timing is uncanny...
Underserved taxpayerMarch 10, 2012 - 8:13 am
You hunting Mountain Lion? Please post up a picture....
AnnaMarch 09, 2012 - 3:46 pm
I don' know any of these people Mr. Steers, however you have indicated time again that you have supported candidates. I guess it would be the thousands you donated to Vern's campaign. You and your friends speak of the good ole boys, what club do you all belong to? Let me guess, the rich Republican Club. It is written all your posts, no matter what story you chime in on. And then there is the fact that you are a very mean guy who likes to demean anyone who disagrees with your posts, week after week.
1036-FrankMarch 09, 2012 - 4:27 pm
The new Sheriff, was given the benefit of the doubt for awhile. JD asked many people inside the Dept. and out for advice and he was given an ear full by former Sheriff's, the former and current admin and rank and file all the way down the line. He earned the right to have it his way and take what advice he wanted and reject that which he disagreed with. The result was not a house cleaning, we all hoped it would be, people were not placed on leave pending investigation like they should of been, in my opinion, and the result was several were allowed to walk with 90% pensions near and above 10k per month, was this fair? Was this what John promised? I don't think his campaign speeches match his actions, yet. Maybe they will or he will start the house cleaning, the arrest of Don A, is an isolated incident becuase he wasn't part of the GOB machine, he was aginst it, his were personal problems and choices and it is a sad ending and a seseless waste.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 4:27 pm
I also have horns and a tail Anna. And sparks fly put my arse when I fart. At least that's what I hear people say who don't know me. To be honest you don't come off all that warm and fuzzy. Where you a Lacey lover? Or just bitter in general?
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 4:45 pm
Anna, Does a man who embessles money from orphaned children to pay for his GF apartment more to your liking? Are you actually trying to defend that?
AnnaMarch 09, 2012 - 6:52 pm
Nope, just tired of how you pull everyone into the conversation, you know the ones you can't stand and the ones you and your friends are trying to destroy, like the Sheriff and such. Are you hunting people in Texas?????
AnnaMarch 09, 2012 - 6:55 pm
TO KS: For your information sir, Vern was the first politician that we ever donated money to for a political campaign. We wanted Lacey out. We are not happy with what the D.A. has been doing, like ignoring all the medical pot shops in our county.
Walking TallMarch 09, 2012 - 7:37 pm
Well here we are in the thirteenth month of "Day One, I'll clean house with a new broom" and we have only seen paid retirements, twenty five positions lost never to be brought back, major promotions starting with his brother-in law and "many more to come as I build my team". The inability to preform the duties of Sheriff are widely seen and those who do the work are told we will outsource your positions to a TSA type of security force of non trained citizens. At what cost to the county when sued, but give him more time and we will see more of the same because OJT is really a hard learning curve. The GOB's still have his ear as they have been given new promotions and a promise of a return of rank taken as soon as the heat wears off. Sounds like Barker has not left but is still behind those who he promoted, now JD is being led by him to fail.
Ken SteersMarch 09, 2012 - 7:39 pm
Poor Anna, I actually like our Sheriff. The BOS as well as the DA are working n the illegal businesses in this county. I'm sorry if your friends keep committing felonies. I think your loyalties like you judgement is misplaced. And as far as pulling you into a conversation, I've been polite to confer with you. I don't care who you are yet you continue to insult me.
Walking TallMarch 09, 2012 - 7:39 pm
Only one supervisor's name mentioned here shouldn't be too hard to fill in the blanks, now should it.
123abcMarch 09, 2012 - 8:10 pm
Hellllooo don't forget to put on your calendar the upcoming federal lawsuits against the EDC sheriff's department and the good ole boys in 2012!! It's open to the public federal court building downtown Sacramento. Bring your popcorn it's going to be an awesome good show a real trial in front of 12 jurors to expose the sob good ole boys and a real judge not a black robed thugs like Proud and Wagoner whom as we all know and remember was publicly admonished in 2011 for judicial canon violations !!!! OUCH EDC corruption continues in front of the bench and behind the bench in the BOS office and at the District Attorneys office etc., etc. Grand Jury investigates BOS re: Ron Briggs omg what did he do NOW?? Scandal, scandal, scandal.
TinaMarch 10, 2012 - 12:55 am
To 123abc: Did both Proud and Wagoner get in trouble for that?
Walking TallMarch 10, 2012 - 7:34 am
Wrong supervisor but they all need investigating and a clean report made if there is such a thing and as the elections are upon us maybe replaced, we can only hope that we get an honest BOS someday.
WFGMarch 10, 2012 - 8:20 am
Its really hard to swallow anything 10-36 Frank says. Or should I say Larry Hennick? Larry is still bitter over his massive voter let down of 3k county wide votes in his 8 or 9th run for sheriff. I'm just guessing he has some sort of bi-polar destiny to be elected to something? Go back to "your" early retirement in lu of termination Larry, take a chill pill and let our sheriff do the job we elected him to do. Do I need to elaborate?
1036-FrankMarch 10, 2012 - 8:35 am
Funny how certain people think this writer is Larry Hennick, I can assure them it is not, though I knew Larry and I respected his effort to run against the Neves GOB machine in 2002. Had he won then many things would of been different. That election was his one good shot, but he is entitled to run if he wants as are all qualified citizens of the county. What I see now at EDSO is exactly what other writers have said. The Gob's are being allowed to retire out on their terms and choosing. My feeling is a termination is better if done before someone runs off with a 90% retirement. It looks like the federal court will be the venue for some Gob's to receive some justice, because here in the county the Grand Jury has failed to act and the big fish got away.
BobMarch 10, 2012 - 11:56 am
Let's just say-more then "likely" every county agency within El Dorado has their little "secrets." However, one would hope for more from an agency based on ethics and moral values. Unfortunately, this has "not" been the case with the sheriff's department. Alot of immoral and unethical behavior has occurred within that agency-alot has been in the rumor mill-some known, some hidden and some because it is illegal brought to the public attention. The problem in the past has been that if your behavior does "not" affect your job then "have at it." There has been use of cell phones, take home cars you name it for certain people with the ability to use for their own, behind the scene dirty, little games-such as cheating, lying and infidelity. But, management has looked at this as "okay" and why? Because it was "not" done while working and sometimes it was-but those guys/gals well, luck be on their side-they were never caught or they were protected. And this all started way before the current administration. There needs to be "alot" more rules and alot more stringent structure for these folks. You do "any" act whether illegal or not of immorality or unethical standing and you "are" gone--out the door-no retirement-nothing. Start having this kind of reality and you'll see change.
Hatchet JackMarch 10, 2012 - 12:46 pm
EEEEHHHHHEEEEEhhhhhehehehehe This corrupt county never ceases to amaze me. For God's sake Atkinson! HOW could you do this to the people who respected you and backed you as a partner. I was one of them. I trusted you!! You and one other. You deserve what you get now.
LeslieMarch 10, 2012 - 5:20 pm
There are many comments here but not many facts. If you have facts pertinent to this, or any other criminal matter, report them. If you do not, speculation and supposition are just opinions. If the allegations are true, it is a sad and serious situation for all involved, and should be dealt with inside the criminal justice system. The job that officers are required to do takes a toll that very few outside of the field understand. That is no excuse for misbehavior, law enforcement officers are and must be held to a higher standard. But until we know all of the facts, we are not in a position to judge. My condolences to EDSO, it's employees and the citizens it serves. I am very sad for you all.
"held to a higher standard"March 10, 2012 - 5:36 pm
Causing others to Stumble... “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." Cut it off - Jesus says that it would be better for us to enter the kingdom of heaven an amputee than to enter hell with all of our limbs. Therefore, if one of our members causes us to sin, we should cut it off. Now, Jesus DOESN'T mean this literally, but he's definitely trying to show us the importance of the purity of our actions as they relate to our bodies.
LeslieMarch 11, 2012 - 6:40 am
Dear held to a....whatever. Mark 9:42 shows your complete ignorance. If you truly understood, you would use Corinthians 2:5. 5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
JustMarch 10, 2012 - 8:59 pm
How in the heck did he "get out of jail" temporarily???????? With having a million in bail?
justice InsiderMarch 11, 2012 - 7:31 am
Relax, he is still in jail. due to the nature and his previous employment with EDSO as is customary within the law enforcement community he will be held in an undisclosed facility outside El Dorado County.
Walking TallMarch 11, 2012 - 7:40 am
Transfered out of this county to Sacramento county so the DOJ and AG can deal with him away from this corrupt filled GOB system and cover ups,at least he waived the extradition process and let the justice system move forward. As far as the federal cases we can only hope that justice is swift and those responsible are delt with and this mess can be put behind us all, true the GOB's have started to leave but been replaced by a new in house group that learned from their actions and seem to be rewarded by the new Sheriff. If all you do is allow the activity to continue and promote more of the same it will always exist and in the minds of those who won't do the same we loose them as they won't stay. Too bad the promises made were not and never will be followed up upon and this system of old is allowed to continue.Do as you say and say what you do and then you will truly be judged fairly.
123abcMarch 11, 2012 - 11:35 am
Do you want to see/hear the court jury trials at the federal court house downtown Sacramento in 2012 against El Dorado County sherriff's office? Come one come all to see the GOB get exposed for who and what they truly are? Is Ron Briggs the Board of Supervisor on the chopping block with the grand jury? How awesome is it see to see EDC going down in flames and get their bumm exposed and burned for what they have being doing for years to the citizens of EDC. What's that saying pay back is a "b" ? lol
123abcMarch 11, 2012 - 11:40 am
Thank goodness it got transferred out of EDC to SAC so as to truly have these criminals held accountable. If it stayed in EDC current black robe thugs Proud and Wagoner (who was publicly admonished in 2011 for judicial misconduct/violations) would let this guy walk with a slap on the wrist and money in their pockets for being bought off and twisting the judicial system that they are so accustomed of doing.
123abcMarch 11, 2012 - 11:43 am
Hey Rafferty why do you keep deleting the posts? The truth hurts?
JustMarch 11, 2012 - 8:19 pm
WHY did he get out of jail "for free" without posting his 100,000 bail??? EDSO Jail Log said he was on a "temporary release"........... EXPLAIN THIS!!!!
TinaMarch 12, 2012 - 12:05 am
Dear "Hatchet Jack" - It's official...you're an idiot. There is no good reason on God's green earth that DEADLY force should be used on a person weilding half a handcuff. Yes, shoot him I'm the arm or leg I can see, but otherwise it's overkill. No need to be a smug bastard about my opinion, but then again the only two people that did respond to my comments where cops being assholes, which makes my case regarding law enforcement in this county.
Ret-VetMarch 14, 2012 - 8:37 pm
IMHO, EDC Law Enforcement is now in the hands of hot-headed, armed thugs with little or no respect for the rights of the citizens they have sworn to protect. D'Agostini and his brother-in-law's first term will likely be their last.
TinaMarch 12, 2012 - 12:22 am
*correction: IN not I'M
wish i could sayMarch 12, 2012 - 6:45 pm
Hey.,.....white flower.....no comments yet ???!!!!
123abcMarch 12, 2012 - 7:13 pm
Right on Tina cops in El Dorado County are "a" holes. That is why EDC sheriff's office is being sued not only by their own female deputies but also by citizens of EDC who were assaulted, battered, arrested and physically injured by EDC sheriff deputies. Federal Court lawsuits are going to a jury trial in 2012 to expose these sob's for who they truly are good ole boy CRIMINALS!! I invite you to personally attend and see them go down in flames.
TinaMarch 12, 2012 - 11:12 pm
To 123abc: Thank you for your comments....I appreciate it. When and exactly where in 2012 will this trial be?
Walking TallMarch 12, 2012 - 7:40 pm
Gotten away with this way too long
Walking TallMarch 13, 2012 - 6:40 am
Once caught fess up and move on then the pain and hurt will be gone, labor over it and it will only get worse.