Former Napa police dispatcher investigated

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Authorities offer few details of fraud probe

Sunday, February 15, 2009

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

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Loan shark sent to jail

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No charge in September incident

Drug bust at Fuller Park

Woman arrested for suspected vehicle theft

Napa police confirm that they are investigating felony fraud allegations against a former Napa police dispatcher.

Detectives with the Napa Police Department are conducting the probe and their findings will be turned over to the state attorney general’s office for prosecution, according to Napa Police Cmdr. Steve Potter.

Because no charges have yet been filed, Potter said they will not release the name of the former dispatcher or any details of possible criminal charges.

“She is not a sworn peace officer,” he added.

Potter said the accusations against the civilian employee came to light in late November 2008.

“The information was brought forth to us by her co-workers, associates and friends,” Potter said. “We believe there are multiple victims.”

Potter said the woman, who had worked for the Napa Police Department for about four years, resigned from her job as a dispatcher in late January.

“When we forward our investigation to the state attorney general’s office, it will be up to them after they review the case to determine if and what criminal charges will be filed against her,” Potter said. “If the attorney general’s office decides to file criminal charges, I have no idea how long that will take.”

Potter said although the case will be filed with the state attorney general’s office, “typically these cases are tried in the local courts,” he said.

Potter said the woman is still living in Napa. “We have no reason to believe, even though she is under investigation, she is a flight risk.”

50 comment(s)

steph wrote on Feb 15, 2009 12:30 AM:

" Sorry, but I think this is not yet a story worth publishing.

We don't know who, and we really don't know what.

So, what's the story? "

napamouth wrote on Feb 15, 2009 1:01 AM:

" This is front page news? What's the point of reporting a story with no arrest, no names, no substance? I'd better do some checking. Maybe I'm one of the (alleged) "multiple victims!" But how would I even know?

Geez, wake up NVR and give us something worth reading with our morning coffee. "

crusherfan wrote on Feb 15, 2009 6:24 AM:

" Someone is accused of some wrong doing but we cant tell you who or what.
Great article. I am glad I read it. "

napafree wrote on Feb 15, 2009 7:23 AM:

" Well this is interesting... "Because no charges have yet been filed, Potter said they will not release the name of the former dispatcher or any details of possible criminal charges"
Nothing like a little favoritism. Since when has any Napa official ever let a little detail like no charges being filed stop them from telling the whole town about someone being investigated? "

shgirl wrote on Feb 15, 2009 8:18 AM:

" a little more information would be nice...fraud for what? "

localmama wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:47 AM:

" OK that was a whole lot of nothing.......no information given as to what the charges are. Why even report on this? "

misfit wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Filler! "

amelia wrote on Feb 15, 2009 10:03 AM:

" This is crap. What's the point of this article. I'm sure that person who is being investigated is thinking about becoming a flight risk just by this article. "

Dwayne wrote on Feb 15, 2009 10:04 AM:

" Shhhhhh you guys......

This is bait, and is part of an undercover strawberry vendor operation... NPD is so on top of big cases like this...

If only they'd gone after the peanut butter caper instead.... "

danfromnapa wrote on Feb 15, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Journalism,
who?
what?
where?
when?
why?

wow........ "

jgw wrote on Feb 15, 2009 11:52 AM:

" There are many people out there that know who this is because we live in a small community and many of us were very close to the situation. It is my belief she has committed fraud and lied to many people including my family who did nothing but try to help and support her because of what she was supposedly going through. This article, although not saying much, has been long awaited by many of us who feel shocked and betrayed that someone could do what we feel she has done to so many good people. I'm confident that the name and further details will be made available soon because I have faith in our justice system. "

napan79 wrote on Feb 15, 2009 12:24 PM:

" NVR where is the who, want, when,where???? There is no point to this story! A lot of your stories lately have no point or you don't even know what the story is supposed to mean. "

mofosheee wrote on Feb 15, 2009 12:44 PM:

" Filler and Crap you say?

When there is really nothing to report they fill the pages with the "drama" of drug using and wife abuser Barry Bonds and his BS.

Be patient, this could be newsworthy! "

db76 wrote on Feb 15, 2009 12:52 PM:

" This article is exactly why I don't buy the NVR. It's a whole lotta nothing. "

shgirl wrote on Feb 15, 2009 1:40 PM:

" i agree with napafree! i hate to bash the nvr, but i am pretty disappointed in your coverage of this newsworthy event. when someone does something as blatantly disgusting and fraudulent as this, (in my opinion) they have waived their right to have their name and actions protected. seriously, i am guessing the person in question is friends with someone at the register. "

sunny wrote on Feb 15, 2009 2:15 PM:

" I'm curious why the investigation will be forwarded to the state for possible charges and not the county district attorney? "

jt wrote on Feb 15, 2009 2:51 PM:

" an anomaly. a fraudulent dispatcher going to court for fraud.

remember, what they might refer to as fraud in napa is often referred to in other cities as small claims court. "

pb wrote on Feb 15, 2009 4:01 PM:

" I also know who this article is referring to. From a different perspective, one could view this as a softening to a blow for something that will soon be brought to light. It could even be that in that circle of those of us who know what this is about, there has been a pressure for something to begin to surface. Due to how investigations go, not everything can be stated at this point. This article lets those that were wronged know that an investigation has begun and that it is being turned over to the right legal entity to pursue further. I don't feel it's about the NVR not reporting something in it's fullest-but a prelude-possibly something they have been asked to publish-a response to the part of the public that has been harmed and is waiting on behalf of the PD to at least inform them that something is forthcoming. I know many details of this story and I can only imagine that the PD's phones have begun to ring. The NVR is a vehicle and I don't think they should be blamed. It's a very sad and disturbing story and one that will surface in due time. I do sympathize with the curious ones, having the advantage of knowing what this is about, but the whole story will be known soon enough. The one involved here most likely will be accused of major fraud, with many people having been affected in some way. And this person is not a vicious person, but one that obviously has emotional problems and sadly, has a family that will be affected as well. All in all, it's a serious and sad situation and I'm sure that everyone involved in bringing it to light, is doing their best. "

matt68 wrote on Feb 15, 2009 5:24 PM:

" sammy: It goes to the AG so there os no perceived conflict of interest.

JT: If you only knew. "

shgirl wrote on Feb 15, 2009 6:26 PM:

" pb: you are right. thank you. "

sunny wrote on Feb 15, 2009 6:40 PM:

" I do remember a fundraiser, of sorts, a few months ago. I was ready to contribute but never read where to conribute. This of course, hopefully, is something different.

matt68, I'm sunny, not sammy. No big deal tho. "

mhnapavalley wrote on Feb 15, 2009 8:18 PM:

" I've started to respond to this article numerous times but can't seem to find the right words to say. Those of us who know what's going on are still in shock as what this person has done. Many of us are mad, angry, hurt, disappointed and sad. For those of you who don't know what is going on, please be patient. After the details are printed you too will be saddened and disgusted. It's really quite unbelievable and I haven't heard of anything like this happening in our caring community. I'm confident the NVR wants to print all the details just as much as you want to read them. "

pernodboi wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:09 PM:

" The suspense! Please someone hint! "

ruiz94558 wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:26 PM:

" ok.....and the point was???? what was the point of wasting this spot or space??? "

redredwine wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:42 PM:

" I just hope it's not what I think it is???!!! NVR please tell us more!!!!! "

candlelight wrote on Feb 15, 2009 10:25 PM:

" I think the biggest complaint about this story is its lack of substance. I appreciate the comments from those who know what this refers to, but the Register should not be a means to "soften the blow" of bad news. The Register should not be the Napa P.D.'s publicity arm.

The job of the local newspaper is not to start conjecture about who, what, why, when and how -- it's to clear that up for the community. That is why this article is so misguided. The role of the press is to inform, not to confuse. "

Mr. Feasor wrote on Feb 15, 2009 10:30 PM:

" I'm with you redredwine.

I did a little googling with some key words and I hope it's not what I think it is...

Otherwise, a young mother with genuine health problems is being implicated by NVR-fueled speculation. It needs to be clarified whether or not the person my search revealed is actually the person who is the subject of this matter.

Otherwise, this poor woman will be yet another victim of this matter. "

pernodboi wrote on Feb 16, 2009 12:02 AM:

" So... Ms. Dorgan - whats up - why the obvious murky news story? I am now more curious about why this story was published than what is was about.

Not up to your normal high standards - which has me suspicious. "

starling wrote on Feb 16, 2009 5:09 AM:

" This story, or what there is of it, and some posters comments is ringing a bell in my head. Within the past year, maybe alittle longer back, a woman in Nevada faked cancer and solicited money, lodging, food, rides, etc., from quite a few caring souls. She was convicted for fraud an alot of people were really hurt. She obviously had alot of emotional problems which later came out in court. Anyway, I sincerely hope whoever this is didn't do that but it sure sounds like it. "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Feb 16, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Starling - I'm sure more will come out soon. I think you are on the right track. "

NapaPeeps2 wrote on Feb 16, 2009 9:55 AM:

" Mr Freasor.....maybe the so called mother with "genuine health problems" isnt so genuine??? Starling seems to be on to something here. "

write1 wrote on Feb 16, 2009 10:53 AM:

" Something about a log versus a splinter is coming to mind...or maybe stone throwing and glass houses. Though many may feel deep pain from this story's unfolding (as for this article, it is really a titillating non-story lacking in any substantial news) the abrasive nature of some of the comments are unlikely to relieve the anger, relieve the hurt of the wounded parties. Perhaps compassion and forgiveness can lead the way. "

checkursix wrote on Feb 16, 2009 1:44 PM:

" Why did NVR call her a "Former Napa Police dispatcher'? Wasn't she really an employee of the City of Napa? I thought the dispatch center was a city/county dispatch center. She could just as easily been labeled a "Napa Fire dispatcher", a "Napa Sheriff dispatcher". How come Napa PD has to take the black eye? "

Two Cents wrote on Feb 16, 2009 2:14 PM:

" Im really not sure why the post police wont put this through... I simply made a reference to an article in the register back in Oct about a police dispatcher... anyone has the ability to use google or advance archive search...
Just wondering if there's any correlation... not accusing or suggesting... just curious...
Plenty of other bloggers on this have done MORE than just suggest... "

Two Cents wrote on Feb 16, 2009 3:47 PM:

" Wow.. is it a coincidence that now that my post actually went through, they remove the link to the article I was referencing from back in Oct.??
Real slick NVR.... "

NapaPeeps2 wrote on Feb 16, 2009 4:25 PM:

" I bet if you people keep posting blogs on what you think it is, you will know by what doesn't get posted in here. Napa is full of smart people. "

Mr. Feasor wrote on Feb 16, 2009 8:09 PM:

" I have to compliment the NVR mods for maintaining discretion in this matter; I think my question has been answered.

As per my other posts, I am a big fan of letting the facts bear out in the court forum (as opposed to the speculation-based media forum).

I may have further thoughts once the ultimate facts of this story come to light. But in the meantime, I shall remain mum. "

Two Cents wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:19 PM:

" Starling, you are definitely on the right track, spot on, actually..
This is a very small town... chances are, you know someone who knows someone who knows her.
Some quick google work gave me a name, and then a mutual friend confirmed what "jgw" and "pb" already alluded to. This is actually old news... been a long time coming..
Very sad indeed... hopefully the Register will soon be able to report the facts, and her name, as more people than thought have probably been affected by her. ' "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Feb 17, 2009 7:16 AM:

" When is the Register going forward with the whole story for everyone else to read?

Two Cents: Yes, quite sad. I know the person and it's just a shock to me. "

psoren wrote on Feb 17, 2009 11:37 AM:

" Innocent until proven guilty... or have you all forgotten that you still live in the United States of America? "

sharp wrote on Feb 17, 2009 1:37 PM:

" Some of us have all the proof we need and more, but it will all come out soon enough. "

bmxdad wrote on Feb 17, 2009 9:52 PM:

" With very little detective skills, it's tough NOT to know who the subject of the article is. "

phishy wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:49 PM:

" Well I just hope that the person you are talking about reads this....
I head of this story over 2years ago. I was going though Kemo and radiation at the time and the things this person was able to do so soon after treament was unbelievable at that time and I found it hard to believe and at the same time felt bad for feeling that way twords a stranger. Today I am again going through treament and to find out that this is being investiagted make me feel better. I am angery on so many levels it is hard to name them all however perhaps the person could spend just 24 hours with me and see if they still want to make a mockery of this terrible illness "

bmxdad wrote on Feb 19, 2009 9:25 PM:

" Wow!!! This has so many similarities. Very weird!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/19/national/a131012S49.DTL "

tomhansen wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:14 AM:

" a tempest in a teapot...w/o any details, this is a non-newsworthy outing. tsk tsk.
i could write blather like this all day for free, if so compelled. how many are not surprised this non-story was composed, much less printed? "

Bauhausfan wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:15 AM:

" Not being in the "loop" on this small town story, I find this "story" to be a completely idiotic wast of time. Not to mention it should be laughable that anyone would consider it journalism and have their name attached to it, let alone publish it.

Judging by the comments it is quite clear what this is about. So the Register essentially acted as a gossip rag and spread the story even further. Not that it wouldn't have but I didn't think that was a job of journalism. "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Feb 20, 2009 7:35 AM:

" Thanks bmxdad. I agree with gridlore there as well. "

Canon wrote on Feb 20, 2009 7:50 PM:

" I have contemplated responding to this article for a few days. I also know who this article is referring to and also know a number of the people she took advantage of . I have also run through all of the emotions from disbelief, frustration, disappointment, anger, you name it, I've probably felt it, especially after you discover a friend has betrayed you. However, after reading Phishy's post, I could not hold back my comments. There are people out there who are truly suffering from this disease and her fraud is a mockery and a slap in the face to all of those people. She not only has hurt the people she defrauded but she has also hurt beyond words all of those who have truly suffered from this disease or who have watched a family member or dear friend battle this disease and lose it. It is not something anyone takes lightly. I know the justice system will prevail and she will pay for all of the damage and fraud she has done. "

Baraki wrote on Feb 21, 2009 4:57 PM:

" I = victim

Oh well. We'll see what happens. "

napaao wrote on Feb 23, 2009 2:09 PM:

" I can write a better story than this in my column on my website! "

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