America Can be a Scary Place for Americans

Larissa Nearing’s story is a poignant illustration of what can happen when you are busy living your life.

(SAN DIEGO) - We are a nation of rules and laws, with over 40,000 new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2012, alone. With such a minefield, even for the most sober citizen, it is easy to slide down the rabbit hole. Not see a construction zone sign; it could cost you dearly. Overdrawn at the bank; there are fees and penalties. Recently, in Oklahoma there was a 21 car pileup on an icy street and every driver received a $252 ticket.

Larissa Nearing’s story is a poignant illustration of what can happen when you are busy living your life.

On November 3, 2011, Larissa began what seemed like a routine day. She had taken her baby to daycare in the morning and then went to work.

Around noon, she got an urgent phone call from a neighbor who said her apartment was on fire. She rushed home to find the firefighters wrapping up and learned that the apartment above hers was where the fire originated.

She saw from her doorway all her worldly goods. Many of the items had been wrapped in plastic by the fire department. But she noticed her speakers for her DJ business were not protected.

She tried to enter her apartment since the fire was out and police officers were standing inside her apartment talking. She was prevented from entering and so she asked if they would please protect her speakers. Larissa explained she had a DJ business and this equipment was vital for her livelihood.

The War on Moms: Making
America Safer Courtesy:eastbayexpress.com

There was one officer, Scott Crane, who ignored her pleas for help. She says she never was hostile to the officer, but was just frantic to get her possessions protected from further damage. After several attempts to reason with the officer, she said he spun her around and stated, “You are under arrest for obstruction of justice”. He then proceeded to take her to the back alley away from all the neighbors and witnesses. But the media, about five TV stations and even more news reporters showed up while Larissa was being handcuffed. She kept asking “Why are you arresting me? What have I done wrong? Why won’t you help me? My equipment is worth $20,000. That’s my business. Why are you doing this?” Because of her upbringing she knew not to lose her cool and did not use any language toward the officer that would be deemed inflammatory such as swearing at him. She knew she shouldn’t be getting arrested. "Don’t hit him. Don’t swear. Don’t hit him. Don’t swear," was the mantra ringing in her head.

It seemed the more controlled Larissa was the angrier the officer became. He was rough and at one point her breast came out of her dress and was exposed. Mercifully, another officer came to her rescue and covered her up. Then Officer Crane threw her into the back of the police cruiser. The media was capturing everything on film.

When he put me in his cruiser, he pulled some marijuana out of the trunk & started waving it around. “Is this yours? If it is, you are going away for a long time.” She responded that she was 100% legal and possessed a medical marijuana card issued by the state of California. She had moved to California in order to be legally compliant as she had suffered a severe car injury and marijuana was the safest and best way to ease her pain. He laughed at her. Later she learned that the San Diego Police department officers exaggerated on camera the amount they found. One officer extended his arms outward suggesting a huge amount of pot. When this accusation was made she lost her job. The reality was she only had a small amount, well within the legal limits of California law. Unfortunately, a false accusation has the same repercussions as a true one. Employers don’t care to check out the veracity of these charges. You are guilty even if proven innocent.

The officer took her to the booking area and left her in the squad car. It was a warm Southern California day; around 80 degrees and she asked to have the window cracked for some air. This request was ignored. Over a period of 5 hours she was kept in the back seat of the car handcuffed and on several occasions different officers come out to urge her to talk. She had asked for an attorney but that request too was also denied. One officer had the audacity to suggest to Larissa to keep her legs closed and be a mother. Finally, when the arresting officer returns she is confident that she will be released only to learn that a new charge has been filed; child endangerment. How can there be any child endangerment, especially, since her son was at daycare at the time? At this point, Larissa started to cry and begged the officer to release her one -year- old son to family living in the area. The officer started laughing at her and said, “No, he is going to go to a children’s home”.

The arresting officer, Scott Crane, went off duty and a replacement came and took her out of the cruiser and started explaining to her what was going to happen to her and her son. He explained that someone would be going to get her son and take him to state children’s home. Since she isn’t acting like officer Crane had said, he offered to help her retrieve some vital phone numbers to make some calls.

The arresting officer told his fellow officers that Larissa was acting crazy and abusive. Apparently, the two police reports contradicted themselves. In one report the officer said that Larissa was arrested because she ran into a burning building and he so feared for her life that he had to arrest her and detain her to save her life. And in the other report he stated that she was so abusive with her language and she was verbally assaulting him. There were at least five different cameras rolling at the time of the arrest and there was no evidence found where Larissa had been verbally abusive or cursing the officer.

She was booked in on a felony child endangerment charge with $100,000 in bail. She lost it when she realized she wasn’t going to get out of jail any time soon. Next, they took her DNA because of the felony charge. This was permanently entered into an ever -growing database even if the charges were later dropped. Though she was arrested around 12:30 p.m. it took until 2 a.m. the following day before finally being booked. She believes this was done on purpose in order for her to have to sit in jail until the next Monday. The bail amount was too high for her to meet. Unbeknownst to her, bail had been reduced to $10,000 the following day but she was never notified. She sat in jail needlessly. No doubt this was bad for her but the real injury was to a one-year- old child who had never been away from his mother. What about the psychological damage done to this poor innocent?

Larissa spent 5 days in jail. The arresting officer charged her with 5 counts. One of child endangerment, child neglect, etc. but when she was finally brought before the judge the only charge that stuck was a misdemeanor obstruction and she was released on her own recognizance.

While she was imprisoned her child was tested for drugs and found to be drug free. A friend of a friend was a former district attorney and came to represent Larissa pro bono because he thought this shouldn’t be happening to her. She had been told by child welfare services that once she got out of jail she would be able to see her child, but when she was released the nightmare continued.

A restraining order had been placed on her so she couldn’t see her baby. Larissa was about to get schooled in the world of juvenile court. Juvenile court operates under the preponderance of the evidence. Guilt is not beyond all reasonable doubt. The judge only needs to believe 51% of the evidence is true in order to convict someone.

Larissa went to the detention hearing on Tuesday morning fully expecting to be leaving with her baby. She thought since all charges were dropped except for a misdemeanor of obstruction it would be an automatic return of her child. She walked into the courtroom thinking that she would say, “Here I am” and be given her son back. Instead, the judge decided that Larissa was a bad parent and started the adoption proceedings.

He disregarded the fact that her son tested negative for any drugs or illegal substances. The court- appointed attorney volunteered her for rehab and Larissa said, "Excuse me. Don’t volunteer me for rehab, I want my baby back". She kept firing her court appointed attorney on the record and the judge asked the attorney, "Are you having a problem with your client?" The judge said they would set a date to come back in a month to discuss the case and Larissa respectfully, yet firmly, said, "No. I want my baby back". The court-appointed attorney said this was her only option. And he kept saying to her, "You can’t fire me".

When the original charges were dropped and never made it passed the district attorney’s office, apparently the Child Welfare Services did not care. It seems that Larissa’s one-year-old son was being offered for adoption from the first day he was taken and placed into the system. Even though the original charges of possession and sales, being under the influence and child endangerment were immediately dropped, no one bothered to inform the CWS. The accusation of these crimes is apparently what CWS went with and they didn’t bother to check out if the charges were legitimate.

One of the charges was for neglect because she hadn’t vaccinated her son. In California you don’t have to vaccinate for personal, religious or philosophical beliefs. She didn’t’ vaccinate because of her beliefs. The attorney said she had to vaccinate him. “You don’t understand how they are. If you don’t do what they want you to do you will never see your child again” he threatened. Her child was forcibly vaccinated against her will. He got 8 shots in one day. While under state care, they had to take her son to the emergency room twice. In his mother’s protective custody, he had never required emergency room care. Even though Larissa provided a very stable and safe home for her son, studies suggest that children fair better even in a troubled home over foster care.

Reminiscent of The Salem Witch Trials, it doesn’t matter how good a parent you are. All it takes is one “official” person to accuse you. The ramifications still rise up even today, a year later. People read the initial story; family and strangers alike readily believe the charges because they think the officer is infallible.

Larissa lost her job, her home, her baby for a period of time, her good reputation, her dignity, her money and her family in a matter of minutes. And she still carries the stigma. Even now when she applies for jobs she hopes, “please don’t Google my name”.

The arresting officer not only put her son’s life in a horrible position, he also further punished her by issuing a citation, suspending her driver’s license. He turned her over to DMV in the attempt to permanently revoke her driver’s license because he said she was a drug addict. A year later Larissa still shakes with fear reflecting back on these events.

When trying to get her driver’s license restored, the doctor at the DMV couldn’t believe why she was being stripped of her license. “What the hell happened here?” he asked. “First, we rarely see this and second, when we do, it is for things like severe dementia, Alzheimer’s cases or people who are extremely old. What did you do to make this officer so angry at you”? After the physical she then had to go into an interview with another staff member. Larissa said to herself, “Thank God, my driver’s history is spotless”. Off the record, the interviewer asked, “Can you please tell me what happened? Why is this officer trying to revoke your license for being a drug addict? What is going on here? The Supreme Court has already said you can’t lose your license for using medical marijuana. This was the first person to really shed some light on her situation. It was this person’s opinion that some police officers don’t like the marijuana laws and they go out of their way to harass people over the laws they don’t agree with and try to cause them problems. He said he had seen this happen frequently as a form of retaliation by the police.

Do they remove children when parents have a beer in the refrigerator or Vodka in the cupboard? What about possession of legally prescribed, mind-altering, psychotropic medications or tobacco? All of these substances can be much more problematic and sometimes lethal, yet they don’t carry the same stigma.

She had a court-appointed attorney but she knew she would have to get the best attorney possible. Her court-appointed attorney said she was guilty. He condemned her for calling the officer of the law a liar. He berated her and said, “That’s fine, we will put him on the stand and it will be your word against his and we’ll see who people believe”. Her son would be gone in 6 months if she didn’t jump through their hoops.

In cases such as these, the courts work with the drug rehabilitation program and everyone is ordered to go. She was to be there 5 days a week from 7 am to 2 pm. She was to drug test every single day. She would not be allowed to use medical marijuana even though it was legal in California and she resided in California, it was not federally allowed. If her urine test had even one problem, it would be considered a violation and she would be considered non-compliant. If she was two minutes late for rehab Mon- Fri by 7:00 a.m. , she would be deemed non-compliant. Larissa asked, “Aren’t you going to give me an evaluation before you say I need intense treatment?” “No”, was the response. “We won’t give you an evaluation for at least the first month. “ Larissa did anything she could possibly do to show them she was a fit mother. She provided 30 character references. CWS refused to present even one of her character references to the judge and told her in and e:mail that the fact that she was a good and responsible mother was nothing new.

Larissa, with all her troubles, was blessed with an intellect and a heart of a fighter. Having the wherewithal in knowing that she needed a very good attorney she took to social networks. She found Shawn McMillian by frantically sending e:mails. From Shawn McMillan she was put in contact with Art La Cilento because Shawn McMillan didn’t do CWS cases. Art La Cilento had also been Octomom’s attorney. He has a 98% success rate. What is the difference in courts today, sadly, is not whether someone is guilty or not, but rather, if one can afford to retain an effective attorney. Even though Larissa didn’t have much money, she had enough to pay him. She says it was worth every penny. She got her baby back but even that was not without its struggles.

When Larissa walked into court with Mr. La Cilento the entire court shifted in tone. Larissa could feel the cold stares being shot in her direction. It was one of few highlights in an otherwise horrific experience. CWS court was offering plea bargains. Her new attorney kept saying, “Do you want your baby today? You can just concede and just say that you left your marijuana out where your son could get it.” Larissa said, “No, I never did.” She refused to take the plea bargain even though her attorney was very powerful and intimidating. And even though her heart ached to get her child back, she said to her attorney, “I’m innocent” and he said, “Then you don’t want your baby. You don’t understand how these people work, Larissa. You’re not going to get your kid back. You’re working on a time clock. The time clock is ticking”. She was in tears and kept insisting, “No, Art. I refuse. I will take them to trial. I will take them to trial. We will go to trial.” They were using her child like a carrot being dangled before her. She felt like a Greyhound chasing the rabbit. Because she didn’t plead guilty at the 6 weeks juncture the courts dragged the process out until 13 weeks before they released her child to her. But she never admitted to something she did not do. This is the gift that she can give her child; a mother who stands firm and holds to principle. Courage does not mean you don’t have fear.

They kept her baby 13 weeks; Thanksgiving, Christmas and his second birthday. A year later he still has problems going to bed at night. Being taken from his mother at such a young age a psychologist told Larissa was worse because he had no concept of time. It was worse for him because it seemed like an eternity. He would take naps and have to wake up when she wasn’t there. He wasn’t used to that. He used to be very secure and had no fear. After the incident he is more fearful. He used to climb up on anything and jump off. He doesn’t act like that anymore. Larissa says, “He is still my angel baby. I used to be able to take him into his room, lie him down and pat his bottom 3 times and walk out and he’d go to sleep. Now it takes me almost an hour of rubbing his back and he hangs on to me before he goes to sleep to this day. He just hangs on to me. I can tell a difference in him”.

Until last year Toni Samanie was a standard-issue grandmother and mother. She lived life like most ordinary citizens. She worked in a successful sales environment and brought enthusiasm and a win/win attitude to the customers she helped. Then tragedy struck her most regular of families and she lost her 38 year-old son-in-law due to poly-pharmacy. She also has an orphan disease which has enabled her to see the fallacy behind the idea that doctors and pharmaceutical companies are straining day and night to "cure" people like her. Once married to a physician she has had a special view of the medical fraternity from within.

Always an avid reader especially with regard to American History. Having been reared near Manassas' Bull-Run and Fredericksburg, VA she has a fondness for Civil War History and West Point War Strategy. Coincidentally, she is the daughter and step-daughter of two Marines who fought in the Korean War. She grew up in the small civilian town of Quantico, Virginia surrounded by the Marine military base and Navy hospital. She has always viewed the soldiers in her family, as well as other soldiers, with high regard.

As a teenager in the late 60's-early 70s she grew up in a time of civil unrest. "Question authority was de rigueur by most all American youth. Occupy Wall Street is very reminiscent of those formative, yet troubled years.

So, now that the rose-colored glasses have been crushed she is coming to write about the criminal activity of the pharmaceutical industry and to help others be enlightened before it is too late for them. She does not have any formal education in writing but comes with the strength and passion of a soldier.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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StevenMok April 13, 2021 3:22 pm (Pacific time)

Really enjoyed reading the post.

Susan Cooper July 11, 2014 7:10 am (Pacific time)

And this officer should be charged under Title 18 Sect 241 of Fed law along with anyone else who knew he did not bring her into the police station for speedy booking.

Everett Herring June 30, 2014 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

This woman can and should sue the officer personally under Title 42 section 1983 of the US Code. She has a case.

Jacob June 18, 2013 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Man I needed this article. Just thinking about giving up my idea of going to law school, but after watching movies like "Puncture" and reading articles like this I realize how defenseless people are against our government and corporate greed.

Amen to that...

chrisso February 26, 2013 3:44 am (Pacific time)

males, at least, aren't allowed to have children anymore. Not allowed to raise my sons the way i see fit- YOU raise them. And you support them, too. Do it your way- I'm a drone. Not my problem. (just an example)

Mark Are February 26, 2013 1:40 am (Pacific time)

And they wonder why we want to keep our guns. I'll tell you why, because the day is coming we are simply going to shoot cops like Scott and sleep like a baby that night. What a low life piece of human crap.

Toby February 24, 2013 5:59 pm (Pacific time)

I would love to see Scott Crane tortured mercilessly and beaten half to death along with the filth from CWS. People like these are worthy of such treatment.

Ken February 24, 2013 2:38 pm (Pacific time)

The government is always like this. I grew up as a ward of the state (NC) and I saw first hand how stupid, criminal, lazy and corrupt most government swine are. What amazes me is that people, right and left, will give away their power to the state for some perceived benefit ("security," or welfare) and are then surprised when they get stomped on. The government is ALWAYS like this: Everywhere, in every time. The only solution is to keep it very small, and strictly controlled. You want security? Arm yourselves. You want to help your neighbor? Then help them. Our attempts get some government bureaucracy to take care of things like this is what has made us vulnerable to an army of meddling, psychopathic, control freaks with badges and guns. -Ken Laser Guided Loogie

Mac February 24, 2013 1:56 am (Pacific time)

Police are getting out of line. It is a recurring story throughout history. Check out the Irish Republican Army. See how they dealt with corrupt, abusive, police.If you're gonna make an omlet, you have to break some eggs. If you're not willing to fight and die and sacrifice enough, they will continue their abuses. I was in the US Army. I knew two army guys who were connected with terrorist cells in Europe who may have been involved in two incidents that killed 104 people and injured 265 in one 24-hour period. They went scott free. I know how corrupt these bastards can be.

Editor: I just wrote about Bobby Sands this week. Yours is the comment of the day in my humble opinion.

abinico warez February 23, 2013 9:55 pm (Pacific time)

This is why they are called pigs.

broke by the system February 23, 2013 9:44 pm (Pacific time)

There's BIG federal monies out there for all the psychopathic run agencies to tap into-just need a steady stream of vulnerable mothers and children. ALL officers of the courts are in on it and work the taxpayers over for those 'grants' and fed funding. Really sickening to know they are ALL profiting off the victims's backs, children's misery and the taxpayers get it coming and going with all the crooked works done in the dark.

Archie1954 February 23, 2013 7:34 pm (Pacific time)

This woman unfortunately sounds like a victim, thinks like a victim and allowed herself to be treated like a victim. If the media recorded everything than perhaps she should liaise with them and get the evidence she requires to sue the ass off the police department. She also has the right to lodge a complaint with the judicial authorities to request an investigation of her whole ordeal. If she doesn't do these things she will be a victim.

Andrea February 23, 2013 5:49 pm (Pacific time)

Comment about what? This is something it happens in US since day one

Magnus the Destroyer February 23, 2013 3:42 pm (Pacific time)

This illegitimate corporate government better clean up its act or else we the people will do it for them. Enough is enough.

David February 23, 2013 9:02 am (Pacific time)

Where was dad during this encounter? Or brother? Husband?

Tim February 15, 2013 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

I hope she gets a good attorney and sues the police dept., the arresting officer, the dept. of human services and all the other corrupt officials and employees involved in this abuse. The "authorities" always think and act like they are above the law and that's disgusting. I'm glad this woman fought, didn't give in and finally won custody of her son back... it's truly sad that she had to... I hope that scumbag officer meets his karmic reckoning sometime soon - and on live TV - even better!

Toni Samanie February 7, 2013 5:30 am (Pacific time)

Re: Realist's comments. You don't have to like the article but you have your facts wrong. First, I used Larissa's name at the time I met her and she shared her story. A quick Google search of "Larissa Nearing" and you will easily find plenty of articles where both names are used. It is not a crime or a coverup to have a name change. Second, I have a copy of the police report. Funny how you are an expert on how much pot was found. It was 150 grams which is about 5 ozs. In California a person with a medical marijuana card is allowed 8 ozs. When you mentioned bias, I am pondering just what is yours.

ReallyRealistic February 5, 2013 10:05 am (Pacific time)

Re: Realist's comment below, I don't know what kind of warped reality you live in but it sure isn't the real world!

billy February 4, 2013 9:53 pm (Pacific time)

I am outraged. can you please set up a time to speak with me Larissa? more on me here billyzero.com - my 800 number is there. I am not selling anything. just father of 3, new to California. and don't like what's happening on this planet. mainly this type of stuff.

Hawk February 4, 2013 8:16 pm (Pacific time)

She didn't ask the police to have the speakers, just to cover them so that they were safe. As far as the child endangerment, my sister had some problems years ago, she was told that the school psychologist wanted her son to get some testing done, this was near the end of the school year, and she asked if it was ok to wait until their family vacation was over. They had already paid for their room, and there was no emergency about the testing, it was to see what they might do for her son as a next step in treatment. They said OK, but the next day child services showed up at her door claiming she "refused" to have her child tested so they would be checking on her and possibly taking him away. Luckily the person that came was willing to listen and believe what my sister told her and he was tested after their vacation. Could have turned out very badly without that woman's intervention.

daveHEART February 4, 2013 4:14 pm (Pacific time)

we outnumber them, folks. you need to start banding together, forming little communities, like the crips n bloods and other gangs, to protect yourselves from the biggest thug gang out there....the government.

Justin February 4, 2013 11:16 am (Pacific time)

well, i'm sure this was a horrible experience, but honestly, i think having the child vaccinated was the right thing to do. it will definitely make him better off down the road.

Realist February 4, 2013 5:17 am (Pacific time)

Too bad the story is nothing but sensationalist tripe used by an unschooled writer and a mom with an agenda. Mom neglects to mention that the pot was kept in a cooler, that the cooler was found by the cop on the floor when he grabbed it to put it under the ceiling fan to catch water. That even without the pot in it, leaving a cooler on the floor where a small child can crawl into it can be almost as dangerous as leaving them ready access to a fridge in the backyard. Mom and author neglect to mention the amount of the marijuana she had which exceeded the legal definition of "personal use". The simple fact is that even if the fire was out, there would have still been water damage which leads to danger from electricity and it is not uncommon to be unable to reenter your apartment for up to 2 days after a fire while things dry out. That the author used the mom's maiden name was little more than a ploy to keep people from being able to research the article from less biased sources thus attempting to ensure that only one version of the story (hers) was available for making an opinion. Isn't that the kind of trick people gripe about mainstream media sources doing?

Editor: Marijuana can not hurt children, they could crawl around in it every day and there would be zero impact.

Alexander February 4, 2013 4:54 am (Pacific time)

Forget POT, it's rubbish. The best thing is Zappers, they WORKS! And they can't ARREST you for using ZAPPERS! Ha ha ha!

Alexander February 4, 2013 4:52 am (Pacific time)

Scott Crane is the MOST EVIL SHITBAG I ever READ about, he's not a REAL cop, he's a F*CKING PIECE OF SHIT THUG!!!!!!!!!

Larissa Nearing Danielli February 3, 2013 11:00 pm (Pacific time)

My maiden name is Nearing. Salem News is not trying to hide facts. I went from my married name back to my maiden name...Hope that clears up the name issue.

Editor: Thanks for clearing that up Larissa.

Osman February 3, 2013 6:45 pm (Pacific time)

Some of you amerıcans are savages, and more often than not, it seems to be of people who carry weapons who become deranged and lunatic.. when have you have seen a firefighter or nurse destroy common values of society? it is people with weapons and sunglasses who distance themselves from humans because they forget what it is to be human From the other side of the world: i wish you good morning nevermind the country i am writing from, you wouldn't know it probably.. so many of your humans are in prison, so much gmos in your food, so much flouride in your waters, aluminum in your air, Desentisized law enforcement 'officers', bank obeying government officials... gmo companies in your fdas damn you have some serious problems at hand....

Greggory wlotzka February 3, 2013 4:02 pm (Pacific time)

American law enforcement it pathetic. This is why im glad to be canadian

DJ: Canadian law enforcement is not without its corruption, particularly the RCMP. But it's much cleaner up here because we don't elect law enforcement people.

Daniel Costalis February 3, 2013 2:57 pm (Pacific time)

Wow. Admittedly changed the persons name, and even laughing at someone who called them out because your post has 3400 Facebook views? This isn't journalism. You should be ashamed. By changing the name, you just make it harder for anyone to validate your facts.

Gloria February 3, 2013 12:25 pm (Pacific time)

and I'm certain this is his Facebook Profile!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/scott.crane.129 (Via his activity on the San Diego Police Officers Association FB page)

jesss February 3, 2013 1:10 am (Pacific time)

uhh can mihail's comment be deleted please.

Editor: It is now deleted, thanks.

kayewolf February 2, 2013 8:10 am (Pacific time)

1. San Diego -- near a war zone called the Mexican border. 2. Cops hate women on drugs. They don't care if you have a "card" or not. Anyone in California can get a card for $35, no valid medical condition requierd. 3. Had she documented her beliefs against vaccinations? We've been homeschooling for 10-years and have yet to have an incident with DCS because we file our annual statements 4. Was she a jerk at the scene? Did she show identification proving that those were indeed her speakers, or were the cops just supposed to take her word on it? Too many unknowns to take sides based on what is presented. I hope she sues and wins, but that's because I dislike authority.

KPatterns January 29, 2013 7:47 pm (Pacific time)

1776 will rise again very soon and this corrupt gov't will face the true justice of their peers. There are no laws, false authorities, kings or queens that can hold us back. We are relentless, stronger, and more intelligent than they will ever be. That is all.

ZenShaman January 28, 2013 6:43 pm (Pacific time)

my children were also stolen from me. i understand the pain. at times it threatens my sanity. we are living in a nightmare.

kelly January 28, 2013 4:40 pm (Pacific time)

I am so disgusted with our government officials. This has been going on to long. She has the right to have her son up to date on shots.. since when did the government lay down with any of us n give us these children. I am so tired of them controlling everything in life. Cops are on a power trip n someone needs to stop this.. Obama instead of fighting over seas, FIX OUR DAM COUNTRY, THEN JUST MAYBE WE WONT HAVE SO MANY ISSUES. HEARING MORE AND MORE PUBLIC OF THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY INVOLVING LAW ENFORCEMENT. THIS COP IS LUCKY IT WASN'T MY KID VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYTH THE LORD.. TOOTH FOR A TOOTH EYE FOR AN EYE BLOOD SHED TEAR FOR A BLOOD SHED TEAR. I HOPE U HAVE NO CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN... KARMA WILL COME BACK TO U TEN FOLD, SO IF U HAVE CHILDREN WATCH THEM AT ALL TIMES YOU LOUSY PIECE OF SHIT.... INTERESTING HOW THE STATE CAN DECLARE ONE UNFIT... WHAT ABOUT THE STATE NOT BEING FIT THEMSELVES.. HOW DARE YOU.. Larissa I am so sorry you have experienced this.. THERE IS ONLY A FEW THINGS IN LIFE A MOTHER SHOULD EXPERIENCE HAVING A CHILD AND SHOULD BE A HAPPY JOURNEY. THIS POOR WOMEN HAS TWO IMPORTANT DAYS THE DAY SHE HAD HER SON AND THE DAY THAT DIRTY COP RIPPED HIM FROM DAYCARE..... BULLSHIT FUCKED UP LAWYER WANTING U TO PLEA TO SOMETHING THAT ISN'T TRUE, HOWEVER MORE THAN HALF THE ATTORNEYS DO THAT SHIT ANYWAY....

Lisa Vunk January 28, 2013 4:12 pm (Pacific time)

Kudos to you for covering this story!!! I am a single mother from Martha's Vineyard, MA who had similar archetype different details happen to me. I tried getting anyone to cover it because I was astounded at just how incredibly unjust the entire experience was...and still is...although I am finally turning it around..but that won't get me 3 years of my son's childhood back!!! I was accused of random "neglect" which is a very broad term and I was arrested for asking the officer what law I was breaking. He did not like it when, while having my arm grabbed forcefully, I stated that I would be happy to abide by his request and get off the porch of the restaurant...where I had been dancing-SOBER...only if he would let go of my arm because he was hurting me. He got enraged when I reminded him that,"Power requires the need for Integrity to be used to protect and to serve..not to be used to torture or force another into compliance." Needless to say I was beaten which they call resisting arrest and charged with disorderly conduct right in front of my 6 1/2 year old son who was given to my mother, an ex-DCF agent and illegally at that because she was not a licensed social worker and had never even gone to college. She then proceeded to take my child and put me in a psychiatric hospital based on a 13 year old diagnosis I had not been medicated for for in 0ver 7 years. My neglect was nothing more than a battle of belief systems in natural parenting, holistic medicine, and my spiritual practice. My son is now 9 and he and I have suffered more physical abuse and injustice than anything I was allegedly accused of. My mistake was putting him in public school and advocating for his needs without succumbing to their desires to manage his gifts as disease and refusing to drug him. The school members do not like when you remind them that they work for you and when you make more work for them because almost everything is ass backwards in the "educational" system which is nothing more than indoctrination. Do not even get me going about the corruption and how that system is nothing more than the "legal" kidnapping/mining of our children for the state for federal funds...and worse. Ex-Senator Nancy Schaeffer lost her senate seat and her life for trying to uncover just how high-up the corruption went and some even darker issues. Her and her husband were found dead in the living room murdered each with a shot to the back of the neck. The ,mainstream press called it a double suicide but it was a clear message of what would happen to anyone else who tried to find out. Research the Boy's Town, Larry King, and the Franklin Federal Credit Union. The story has the same themes. I have a whole playlist devoted to this massive, deplorable, unspeakable system.

Editor: Thanks for your comment Lisa, we did recently write about the Boys Town sex scandal and Larry King: America's Greatest Child Sex Scandal: Boys Town in Lincoln, Nebraska

Anonymous January 27, 2013 5:56 pm (Pacific time)

@Truth Seeker: what kind of drugs are you on? You claim she was on probation for DUI's and for this issue and in a database? Obviously, you can't read. She was found 100% INNOCENT. Also, she was not in any trouble for DUI's and certainly not on probation, parole, or anything else your delusional mind can think to make up. Stop telling lies. You are part of the problem and what's wrong with this world.

tonyc January 27, 2013 12:46 pm (Pacific time)

cops die God laughs

L January 27, 2013 6:54 am (Pacific time)

What can we do about this. I'm glad word is getting out but an action needs to be organized and taken.

Anonymous January 27, 2013 5:40 am (Pacific time)

Even if I had a prescription to marijuana, I would still panic about my cooler full of pot. ESPECIALLY if I came home and police and firefighters were swarming the area. "Stereo equipment?" C'mon now. ALSO: Just because I think she is embellishing her story to the media NOW, doesn't mean I think the officer was doing his job. He clearly went out of his way to target this woman. It just shows how mistrusting humans are. Of course a small group of random Joes off the street are going to believe of police officer over an "alleged drug-abusing" mother. Systems don't work, and pretending like they do will never fix anything.

ElectricSpoon January 27, 2013 1:07 am (Pacific time)

Editor please remove my accidental spam. Please and thank you. I cam e here via Facebook. The story is really getting out. Kudos from Mississippi!

Editor: I think that problem was at my end, thanks!

ElectricSpoon January 27, 2013 12:38 am (Pacific time)

Really Truth Seeker? How many news stories went out saying those Duke University students raped that black girl and it turns out she lied? A guy wears a uniform and badge and you think he's incapabale of lying to cover his actions? Wehn he goes home at night and sheds that uniform he's no different than you or me. He's still human and like you, prone to err as it is our nature. Try considering both sides of a story before accusing anyone of a slant with your slanted opinion.

ElectricSpoon January 27, 2013 12:38 am (Pacific time)

JUST BECAUSE IT'S ON THE INTERNET DOESN'T MAKE IT TRUE. Please google and see how many more stories are out there. 20 articles calling her a criminal vs this one article calling her a victim. Hmmmm. Hypocrite much Truth Seeker? How many news stories went out saying those Duke University students raped that black girl and it turns out she lied? A guy wears a uniform and badge and you think he's incapabale of lying to cover his actions? Wehn he goes home at night and sheds that uniform he's no different than you or me. He's still human and like you, prone to err as it is our nature. Try considering both sides of a story before accusing anyone of a slant with your slanted opinion.

Truth Seeker January 27, 2013 12:22 am (Pacific time)

Oh I understand exactly "how ridiculous this story is"...

Editor: This individual has been posting under different names in an attempt to make their viewpoint seem diverse, when it is not. This individual's comments will no longer be accepted.

Truth Seeker January 26, 2013 9:36 pm (Pacific time)

The criminal's name is plastered all over real news outlets. All you have to do is google Larissa, San Diego, and drug addict. Your justification for using a fake name is so the cop won't do a drive by shooting?? Umm...don't you think the cop who arrested her knows her last name? What you don't seem to understand is that since she is on probation (for her multiple DUI's plus this issue) her current address is in the National database. He doesn't need to google. Hahaha. The reason you won't use her real name is because this story is a work of fiction based on a similar events. You say "you guys" as if I am a police officer. I am a law abiding woman, hard working business owner, with a son and now a grandson of my own. As a tax payer, I have the utmost respect for the crap cops have to put up with in their line of work. I just dislike how stories are written with a slant and don't believe just because it's on the Internet it's truth. When I read your article and sensed BS, then googled the fake name that came up, and only your article showed up it, I knew your piece was a work of fiction and google Larissa, San Diego, and druggie. Sure enough she punched the cop and was found with a cooler full of pot. That much pot left out in the living room is a danger to a curious child. I hope she learned something from the drug counseling and turns her life around. The only point I was trying to make to all the people that commented here is: JUST BECAUSE IT'S ON THE INTERNET DOESN'T MAKE IT TRUE. Please google and see how many more stories are out there. 20 articles calling her a criminal vs this one article calling her a victim. Hmmmm.

Editor: Exactly how many deaths has marijuana caused? Right, none in all of history. I appreciate your self-description and it in part explains why you don't understand how ridiculous this story is. No worries, I know plenty of people who will defend police to no end right or wrong. We are used to it. But common sense and families still win the argument at the end of the day. Since marijuana is nearly legal, and is in many cases, it seems perverse to break up a family over it. I Googled your suggestion and here is what I found... these articles by including the word 'druggie' just for your benefit, nothing comes back to change the story:

OB Woman Re-United With Her Son After Going Through Government Wringer - OB Rag

Petition The President of the United States Stop Destroying Families - change.org

Ocean Beach Woman Seeks to Reclaim Child From CPS - San Diego Reader

Ocean Beach Apartment Fire Victim Speaks Out on Arrest - San Diego Reader

I have seen coolers that could not hold more pot than a medical patient is allowed to possess. "A cooler full" is very poor writing and frankly, it is totally undefined. This story about gross police abuse of power, make no mistake. Do you think they want to outlaw sunflower seeds next?

Truth Seeker January 26, 2013 6:35 pm (Pacific time)

What kind of news agency uses a fake name - one that doesn't want you to google and find the TRUTH about the incident. You'll post the cop's name but not the criminal's name?

Several. You obviously don't understand that the cop is a paid public servant. The victim is not. All media protects identities, especially when the agency shows its colors the way this one has. We don't want the cop doing a drive by on this girl's home you know? From what we know about Mr. Crane, anything seems possible. You guys should require 4-year degrees for your officers and you should not stand up for the bad ones, and from what we know, this is the worst possible type of 'officer' to use on the street.

Anonymous January 26, 2013 5:55 pm (Pacific time)

I would SUE THE SH@# OUTTA EVERYBODY INVOLVED!!!

Robinn K. United States Marshal January 26, 2013 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

Is United States marshal I know a thing or two about this story. The attending officer that made Larissa life a living nightmare. Evidently the officer Scott Crane does not know the meaning of humanitarian, this officer took upon himself to totally destroy this woman, when the fire department gave the okay for her to enter her apartment to retain her things and protect the things that were unprotected, all along the officer Scott Crane was there and heard the conversation between the fire marshal and her. One Thing I Can Say about Officer Scott Crane that he graduated top of his class in being an asshole. This young mother has had her and her children's life turned upside down due to the thoughtlessness of officers Scott Crane any others that attended him. This woman has gone through more trouble and heartache that anyone should endure. And as far as the court system in San Diego and the corrupt judges that have no business being on the bench at all in any shape clear manner need to have a legal inquiry about themselves and other judges that are on remarkably crooked that who has cops on their side protecting them, what ever the judges say is the golden word. I'm not just pointing out San Diego, but many many other states and cities, towns are on the take as well. It's a shame that these people can play with other people's lives, that never had been in trouble before, not even a speeding ticket. For most legal systems it seems that people are being repeatedly victimize, this also includes children's services, welfare, and any other services provided to the people of our United States. There's an old saying if you don't ask they don't tell you anything you want or need to know. Remember people, these are people that took a training course no longer than nine weeks, that can also make your life a living nightmare in one day for no reason. But I honestly and truly believe for every fiber of my body that this officer and his cronies should be on suspended leave without pay, and for her to file a lawsuit against the officers that were attending the situation, for the judge that condemned her, the daycare that was very uninformed on what happened, and children's services among others. For her sake and many others don't let officials of any kind push you around or put you in the background on the back burner. People with power do not care about what they call the peons, but it's as peons that put them there. So next time you vote for officer of the court to be a judge make sure he's the one you want. And for any other services that you may need to go through, for 399 you can check their background to. And remember please remember this if there's something you do not understand, or they don't give you the information always asked for their case manager and ask that question or questions, because when you asked them a seriously need to oblige you with the answer. And as far as this victim and many others please retain an attorney that knows his business...... and sue them, don't worry if you don't have the money to retain an attorney because most attorneys will work pro bono on the continuance that they get paid at the end of settlement. Robinn K. United States Federal Marshal

Editor: Thanks for dropping by.

Truth Seeker January 26, 2013 5:19 pm (Pacific time)

This article is complete BS! Right down to her name. She was arrested for having a COOLER FULL of pot. Here's a news article from a reputable news agency. FYI: Reclaim America has deleted the article from their Facebook page after I posted the true news source. http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2011/nov/03/ocean-beach-apartment-damaged-fire/ SAN DIEGO — An apartment building in Ocean Beach was damaged by a fire Thursday that was later determined to be accidental. Firefighters were called to the El Dorado apartment complex on Cape May Avenue near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at 11:40 a.m., Metro Arson Strike Team fire Captain Mike Merriken said. When they arrived they found smoke coming from an upstairs unit at the two-story building, Merriken said. Firefighters entered the apartment and found the kitchen on fire. The flames were quickly extinguished and contained to the kitchen, Merriken said. Investigators determined that the fire was caused by plastic buckets that had been put on the stove. The resident told investigators that he placed the containers there to warm them up and then forgot them and left. He was about five miles away when he realized what he had done and returned, Merriken said. Damage to the unit as well as two below it that were damaged by water was estimated at about $85,000, Merriken said. In a related incident, a woman who lives in one of those downstairs units was arrested after struggling with police, Lt. Andra Brown said. Firefighters had gone into her home after the blaze was out to assess the damage and found water coming from an electric ceiling fan. One of them grabbed a cooler to collect the water and found it was full of marijuana, Brown said. The resident then came home and demanded to be let inside her home. When an officer refused her entry due to the danger she fought with him, Brown said. She was taken into custody on charges of obstruction and child endangerment. She was identified as 31-year-old Larissa (name omitted), Brown said.(name omitted) had a prescription for the marijuana, the lieutenant said.

Editor: If we wanted to name this individual we would have.

LM January 26, 2013 5:00 pm (Pacific time)

What a great fairytale. Full of sensationalism! How about you just state the facts and not inject your emotions and assumptions into the story? No? Too hard?

dave January 26, 2013 3:11 pm (Pacific time)

Do you idiots really believe this bs story?

Critic January 26, 2013 2:16 pm (Pacific time)

Perhaps if the spelling and use of proper tenses throughout the article were correct the piece would seem credible. Please, this is an op-Ed style written "news" article that injects opinion and fails to prove that any of the facts are legitimate. Nice try.

Editor: This story is receiving insane view numbers, there are 3,400 Facebook 'likes' and we are quite pleased with the success of it, what were you saying again? Oh never mind.

Mark January 26, 2013 1:50 pm (Pacific time)

Someone in a mask should follow and meet up with that Scott Crane in a Back alley on his Days off and lay a Fucking Beating on that little Prick so Bad they can't Identify him in the hospital,worthless Human being,He's Nothing without his Badge and the Law behind him...a real tough guy pushing around women!! Time to Rebel People! Lets have an annual Punch a Cop in the Face day!

Jen January 26, 2013 1:43 pm (Pacific time)

Editor: Yes we know Jen

Phartz January 26, 2013 11:55 am (Pacific time)

This story has more holes than swiss cheese.

John January 26, 2013 10:19 am (Pacific time)

Who do we kill?

HappyAmerican January 26, 2013 10:19 am (Pacific time)

Good for her drug addict child abusing ass justice was serve

disgusted by blind ignorance January 26, 2013 8:24 am (Pacific time)

MY comment is blocked but Shaun can use the word FAG and noone blocks his/hers. What a joke. Must be a page run by homophobes.

Editor: These are all approved by living people and sometimes it takes longer than we wish, trust me we are not homophobes, thanks.

Brandie January 26, 2013 7:51 am (Pacific time)

Shaun - Only a hypocrite like you would say "Lord God in Heaven fight for the oppressed" in one sentence and then use the word "fag" in the next. Typical hypocritical person CLAIMING to be "a good Christian" then out of the other side of your mouth spewing the judgment and hatred "YOUR GOD" preaches against. Oh, and BTW you sound absolutely bat-shit-crazy - with your "in these last days; biblically speaking; tribulation period" crap. Is the world coming to an end again? I thought we debunked that AGAIN after we all woke up the day after 12-21-12?

jORfgen January 26, 2013 4:44 am (Pacific time)

LOCK and LOAD, people. It's coming.

Coastey January 26, 2013 4:43 am (Pacific time)

Well, how many of you with posts voted for the President? Leadership is not HIS dream it's ours! This is NT a dream but of things to come! Stand-up for what's right we did it in the 60's when there was riots, burning, killing. For those young readers read the raised and fall of the Nazis and how Hitler manipulated the people!Equality and freedom, I will die for!

Brian Tucker January 26, 2013 2:52 am (Pacific time)

These sad tales are all too common and sadder still will only increase in frequency as federal, state, and local governments continue to expand. Reduced revenues and budget cuts will exacerbate these problems by driving all decent people into the private sector. We can already see it in the BATFE, all the remaining managers have no moral compass, they will do anything to enhance their personal power. This will spread to every agency and department in every level of government until they are completely changed into gangs of thugs that no decent person will tolerate. The only practical solution is to roll back the expansion before it is too late.

Weareallscrewed January 26, 2013 2:10 am (Pacific time)

What happens to the cop when this is all said and done? (Nothing!) Police have too much power and can ruin your lives just for spite. Most people don't believe this until it happens to them.

Childless Mother January 26, 2013 2:05 am (Pacific time)

I had a very, very similar situation. I -couldn't- afford a good attorney, and I ended up losing my child, permanently, based on allegations made by his father (who raped me) and his new step-mother who had been in his life for only four months. It's horrible when a prosecutor can want to let something go, but the DHS bulldogs your life into the ground and a judge sees you as guilty from the very beginning.

Jane January 26, 2013 1:07 am (Pacific time)

What is going on in San Diego? http://laprensa-sandiego.org/featured/north-county-residents-denounce-sheriffs-for-attack-on-youth-with-down-syndrome/

Robert Hawk January 25, 2013 11:33 pm (Pacific time)

This is bull shit what they did to this poor family

Destroyer of Idiots January 25, 2013 11:08 pm (Pacific time)

Don't you just wish that Anonymous would find the cop that did this and ruin the guy's life? I personally don't like Marijuana but I sure as hell wouldn't abuse my position as an officer of the law to abuse people who NEED it. I'm also going into law enforcement. I hope I won't bump into any of these dirty cops, because I'd gladly ruin their lives , on a legal level.

Shaun January 25, 2013 8:27 pm (Pacific time)

Lord God in Heaven fight for the oppressed. God bless our law enforcement officers across this Nation, but this Cop sounds like a fag ho hates women. I pray she sues, and wins BIG! I bless our troops and law enforcement, but in these last days (Biblically speaking), it will be "us against them" during the Tribulation period. Because ALL military and police will take orders from the Ant-Christ.

Mookie January 25, 2013 8:13 pm (Pacific time)

The cop will reap what he sowed.

C.Gay January 25, 2013 7:32 pm (Pacific time)

When are the people in this State and Country going to realize that the Police are not to protect you but to protect the Government, What is the difference between the Nazi SS and the Police and IRS in this Country, non any of them can break your door in at anytime, and for no reason.

C.Gay January 25, 2013 7:30 pm (Pacific time)

I think the bad guys are wearing badges now. I think the Arresting Police officer should be imprisoned for doing the things he did and All the People in Charge at the CWS

MH Snider January 25, 2013 7:06 pm (Pacific time)

We cannot change things by voting, if you still think that is possible you are an idiot. We only have one way remaining to us to take back our country and restore our Constitution and that is Revolution. If done right it can be done without bloodshed, but if we wait until the government finishes disarming the public it will be to late and we will have sealed our childrens and grandchildrens fates. It's time to wake the hell up and take back our country, via the 2nd American Revolution.

mar January 25, 2013 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

that's the building that houses the entire county...

Living with mobsters with badges January 25, 2013 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

I wish I can say I don't understand what you're saying, bug I understand too well, the hell you had to endure and it's a travesty that the very system put in place to protect us, instead abuse their power to ruin people's lives, this is my ordeal with the Suffolk County Police DepartmentL
SET UP?
by Dianne Melendez on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 11:27pm ·

Among the perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences of one the most beautiful places in New York lies a secret that only the accused can understand. This is right out of a Stepford Wives" movie, but is happening right in our backyard and has been for a long time.

I'm referring to the corruption that takes place in our family courts everyday that puts precedence of money and assets over our most precious commodity. "Our children". Our children are sold out everyday by corrupt judges and law guardians and then use the local police to carry out their dirty work of getting the undesired out the way. The end result is broken dysfunctional extended families, ruined lives, careers, and futures and the court system clogged up by these self serving individuals who only care about themselves and their wallets. I can't comprehend how people can sleep at night knowing they are pimping out our children to the most prosperous parent not necessarily the best one.

My ordeal began many years ago before I even realized I was being set up by the police.

In 2004, I was arrested for fighting which was written up as a violation, since it was my 1st offense, I was the only one arrested although there were blows on both sides.

In 2005, almost a whole year later and I was almost done with my year of probation, I was jumped by 3 women on my block, I defended myself and when the police were called, I was the only one arrested of about 10 people who were involved in the incident.

In 2006, I separated from my husband and lived with my mother and the girls were with me. On occasion, they stayed over their dad's place to spend time with him. I welcomed their time with their father, however, the girls were used to sleeping with us in our bed and without me there, I really wasn't comfortable with the idea that the girls were sleeping with their father in his bed. So they were with their father and I got a feeling that I didn't like, almost uneasy. I decided to go across the street and check it out for myself. When I got upstairs to my bedroom, they were in my bed with their father and he was in his underwear. I told the girls to get dressed and come with me. John reacted very agitated and threatened to have me arrested tonight if I didn’t back off. He started to get in my face as he always did and we started a shoving match. The police were called and again I was the only one arrested. Why weren’t the police concerned with 2 girls sleeping in one bed with their father and him in his underwear?

I stayed out of trouble until this year… when my ordeal began yet again.

But this time, it was done maliciously because they wanted “fresh” arrests to use against me. My mother had some squatters break into her home and move in, we called the police at least 40 times with complaints of drug use, prostitution, beating the children, and lewd behavior to name a few.

In May 2010, I woke up to a loud thump and realized it was one of the squatters, Maria Melendez, beating the children. The beating continued until I couldn’t take it anymore, so I called CPS. In the recording it says if the crime is occurring now, call the local police, so that’s what I did. When the police arrived, they acted more agitated at me for calling than at the abuser. They came spoke to us for 15 minutes and left. Soon after they left, my daughter Alyssa called me and asked if I wanted to see the puppies so I went across the street to play with the puppies with my daughter Alyssa. After about half an hour, I had to go and take a shower, I was meeting a friend, so I went back home and jumped in the shower. Shortly afterwards, about 15-20 minutes, I heard voices in the living room. My mom came in the bathroom to tell me that the police were in my living-room and wanted to talk to me. My mom told them I would be right out but they were already hostile to me making remarks like I better get out there and stuff like that. When I got to the living room they said that Maria Melendez was alleging that I smacked her in the face and left a mark. I told them I was across the street with my daughter playing with the puppies and had 2 witnesses to attest to that, my mother and daughter Alyssa plus phone records but they didn’t want to hear any of that. Then the female police officer starts to yell at me, I remained calm the whole time…I think they were trying to get me to act out so they can say I was acting disorderly. It was pretty obvious; they were looking for a reason to arrest me, even using an arrest from over 6 years ago against me. When I finally had a chance to check on e-courts, I realized that they each rap sheet a mile long, whey wasn’t that used against any of them??? They were targeting me, but why??? The only thing going on that made any sense was my divorce and custody was going to be decided soon, so they needed something to make me look violent and unfit and this was it.

05/30/2010- I woke up with a bad feeling something was going to happen that day, so I called my mother and told her to take advantage of the sales and buy a video camera to start getting these bastards on tape... Of course, she didn’t listen and later that day my daughter Krystal was jumped by Maria Melendez and Dominique Scaggs, when I found out I ran over then and immediately got on the police about all the times we called them in the past and their non-responsiveness to these criminals and the end result, my baby was hurt. The police officer came over to me and started to try to put the cuffs on me.. I asked him what he was doing; he said I violated an order of protection. I told him I wasn’t served with any order of protection and that I was in the middle of the street. He kept coming at me; again I asked why he was trying to put the cuffs on me, this time he said I was acting disorderly... I wasn’t cursing, I wasn’t raising my voice, and I was pointing out their screw up and the ramifications. He continued to come at me and his partner started to manhandle me as well. The 2 officers, Frank Mignone and Chris Kuwalski started to be brutal and abusive to me. My neighbors were standing around in disbelief, this is something you would normally see in a third world country, not in Medford Long Island. Anyway, they finally arrested me and processed me with the charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. They held me overnight and kept me asking them, why they were holding me, they wouldn’t answer. This continued all night until the next day when were all sent in the same wagon to Central Islip and they put me in the same cell with these two witches who just assaulted my daughter the day before. Trust me it took every ounce of restraint to keep from beating the hell out of these bitches. I also would like to point out that Mr. Melendez when he showed up at the scene required 5 police officers to hold him back because he actually went after these two women, but he wasn’t arrested. Instead, he was warned by his friend, Alejandro Sanchez to chill out because they were thinking of arresting him.

The next day, I found out that I was looking at 2 felony charges of assaulting 2 police officers when I was in front of the judge. Until then, I thought I was looking at disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. I sat in Riverhead for 3 days until it was time to see the judge again. This time, my appointed attorney, suggested I plead guilty, even though, he knew I was innocent because it’s very hard to beat the Suffolk County Police. So now I am on probation for 3 years, and have a record because of what?? What did I do so terrible to deserve this? The other girls Maria Melendez and Dominique Scaggs were looking at multiple dockets, Dominque alone had up to 10 dockets as of last month and Maria had about 5 dockets in court. I just recently found out that Dominique got 3 years probation for all those crimes, just like I did… this is nonsense. Please can someone tell me where is the justice here?

I believed in the US constitution and the rights it allowed us as Americans until I moved to Medford, Long Island. Here the 6th precinct protect the guilty and sabotage the victims further victimizing an already damaged person… So, I’m writing this to get the story out of the corruption that is lived and witnessed everyday by victims of domestic violence, wrongful accusations or just being on the bad side of an already corrupt precinct.. these individuals promised to serve and protect with honesty and integrity but all they’ve done is protect abusers, thieves, and drug abusers and scrutinize the people who are working to try to catch these individuals.

I leave you with this thought… I only wish and pray that these individuals who are inflicting so much injustice, grief, and heartache on innocent people unjustly get back exactly what they are doing to others ten fold and why not? Now that’s what I call justice.

187 on a SDPD January 25, 2013 4:44 pm (Pacific time)

Someday Scott Crane will get...

Jack January 25, 2013 4:32 pm (Pacific time)

Her only mistake was moving to the Peoples' Republic Of California.

carla January 25, 2013 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

SHAME ON YOU SAN DIEGO POLICE,THUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Revere January 21, 2013 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

These Jack Booted thugs, have been empowered by all of the Anti American Legislation that has been passed - Ie - Patriot Act - NDAA and The AntiAmerican - Nazi TSA , HomeLand Security THugs. All of this for the totally Bogus War on Terrorism - Now we law abiding citizens are the terrorists And the dumb ass Congressmen and Senators that passed all these Anti-American Bills , don't realize that they will also be arrested without due process. What happened to this young lady needs to be made into a documentary - Michael Moore where in the hell are you? Any Jury in America would allow a Huge settlement for damages to be paid to this lady. That cop needs to be physiolgically evaluated , fired and then jailed

Mike Latoris January 15, 2013 9:56 pm (Pacific time)

Le6 the gun grabbers start their game. We are keeping lists of people like the officer and judge in Larissa's case. God help them.

Silas' Daddy January 15, 2013 4:39 am (Pacific time)

I am Silas' father, or as Si says..."MY DADDY".....and I must say that I was raised to believe that a crime is defined as: any action that takes away from the rights or dignity of others; and, or damages the personaly property of others. My question, still unanswered by, the justice system in SD County, and the "officials" who govern the great state of California, Is: What crime did Larissa, a hardworking mother, business owner and taxpayer, who doesnt lie, cheat or steal, stands up for society and our rights, actually do that would be considered a crime? Here let me answer....NOT A DAMN THING! She was a victim, our baby boy was a victim, and the salt in the wound for me was that these pricks, who are payed by the taxed wages of the rest of society, didnt bother to notify the father... ME...mistake number? Unfortunately, i had to find out long after the incodent like most of todays readers...the web. Although Larissa and I were experiencing technical difficulties, i.e. financial constraints so I was obligated to work out of state (Texas) with the union. If you are familiar with union jobs (IBEW) you know that its 7 days a week, 12 to 16 hrs a day, on the road, city to city, for months onon end. So, not only was Larissa working, she was having to be mommy and daddy, cook, clean, and tend to the childrens every need, alone. No family nearby. Now, thankfully, I know shes a wonderful, perfect mother, and she knew how important it is for a child to atleast be able to talk to his daddy every night before bedtime. Waking up after night 2 of no call from my baby boy, i called and called...nothing. Nobody had heard from her....so, after work, in front of my laptop, and the colorful letters of google starring at me, i figured what the hell, L a r i s.....you got it....there was the mother of our child, pictured in handcuffs, on the web, with an original posting time, merely a couple hours after the time of incident. Two days later I thanked google for doing CWS' job and notifying me of my sons location. What ground the salt into that wound, is when i called the "facility" that our son was being held hostage at, the caseworker, now my son caught a case, informed me that i would not be able to spend my own money to fly back, bail him out, and allow hm to feel somewhat safe again with me. So, without rambling on as much as id really like, i just want to say to those "officials" and officer Scott Crane of the SDPD, who committed the crimes that day that took away from the rights and dignity of Larissa and our son, our innocent baby boy Silas, and his big brother Justus....id like to say to you people Fuck You! Bullys that hide behind corrupt structure, amounting to merely cowards, Fuck You! Not only only do you have a pissed off mother, you got a daddy to deal with too. I will stand with Larissa and do what it takes in every sense of your own law to make sure those of you that actually committed the crimes that day, become an example for the cowards who want to follow in your footsteps. I apologize to my Lovely Larissa,and to the Sweat Lady Toni who made time for this, and to any readers i offended with my foul language. I feel it has been well deserved for me to say how i truely feel about those that are hied to protect and serve...or is it....to punish and enslave?

Editor: Thanks for your comment.

Draco January 15, 2013 12:56 am (Pacific time)

She's a marijuana junkie.

Editor: Dude you're not even clever.

Anonymous January 14, 2013 4:52 pm (Pacific time)

If I were a taxpayer in San Diego I would be LIVID that idiots like Scott Crane even had a badge, and will cost the taxpayers millions on a well deserved lawsuit settlement. He should have to pay that money himself. As a taxpayer I would be livid that some idiot as idiotic as Scott Crane would commit such ignorant abuses ofd his power whele cameras rolled. I would be livid that an idiot like got was carrying a gun. I am not a lawyer, but if a rogue cop can't be prosecuted for perjury than we have no justice system. None. Also, if no prosecution, maybe his filmed rogue actions and conflicting testimony would be grounds for another great settlement. Also, what about criminal charges when a man allows a woman's breast to fall out on camera? Rape? Sexual assault? When messing with a child, pedophilia charges? Let not stone go unturned stoning that idiot. Watch the news, this won't be the last rogue action that idiot commits.

David McElroy January 14, 2013 12:28 pm (Pacific time)

God bless Larissa Nearing and her little boy. Police do not exist to "protect and serve" the public, but the system of evil predators who act under color of law to control and exploit us for profit and pleasure.

jbw January 14, 2013 11:39 am (Pacific time)

Cops will ALWAYS lie. It is what they do, it is endemic in their 'culture'. They CANNOT be prosecuted for lying in court! So, if you wind up in court, you are ALREADY at a severe disadvantage. Poor Larissa...as much as you possibly CAN, A V O I D cops at ALL costs in ANY situation...Do NOT attract their attention by disobeying traffic laws. Do NOT call 911 for situations that you, yourself, can handle...ie. have a gun in your home in case of break-ins...Look out for your neighbors too...NEVER, EVER 'TRUST' A LEO!!!

Anonymous January 14, 2013 10:23 am (Pacific time)

f*ck california idiots

Editor: Yeah that's really productive.

Al January 14, 2013 9:50 am (Pacific time)

Enough is enough, when are we going to fight back. I will not take any abuse, we are both going down because I will defend myself using lethal force. Period. This is the reason they want our guns, so that we cannot fight back. This entire episode is not acceptable. Period.

Kevin January 14, 2013 8:43 am (Pacific time)

It's time to hold all government employees and politicians accountable for their actions! This includes the airline pilots who are knowingly and/or unknowingly chemspraying!

Freedom Lost on 911 January 14, 2013 7:19 am (Pacific time)

I was in the same situation, but the police kindly handed me my belongings, some are bad, but not all.

Ammunition Dump January 14, 2013 6:17 am (Pacific time)

Time to hunt down evil cops, and do the same thing to him as he did to her. Better yet, do this very samething to his wife, or girlfriend and make sure that he watch. Then with a blow to the head, put him to sleep for a few hours.

jim January 14, 2013 6:12 am (Pacific time)

The worse pedophiles on Earth work for Child Protective Services. That is why her kid is messed up, because he was Seviled.

John January 14, 2013 5:55 am (Pacific time)

Scott Crane, wherever you are, who do you think you are? You are a shame to the name of police.You are a shame to the name of American. And I dare say you are a sham to the name human!

runman January 14, 2013 5:10 am (Pacific time)

Stuff em thats it i am now against the goverment and their thugs. Might be time to take the country back.

runman January 14, 2013 5:10 am (Pacific time)

Stuff em thats it i am now against the goverment and their thugs. Might be time to take the country back.

one more downtrodden January 14, 2013 3:29 am (Pacific time)

My stepson lost his son in a situation like this. An ex parte order was filed with lies and we didn't have the money to mount a defense. Our first defense attorney quit on us. The young father was framed for cocain distribution, when he'd never even seen the stuff. All I can think is "Moses." And the system creates another "terroist." Shine Bright.

KANSAS January 11, 2013 9:19 am (Pacific time)

Shame on her neighbors for not rising up in her defense at the time. Meet you neighbors, know them, they might be your most valuable asset someday.

Toni S. January 10, 2013 6:41 pm (Pacific time)

Wanda Duncan, your words humble me. Thank you to everyone who appreciated this real life struggle. Larissa has been bolstered by everyone's support.

frank freeman January 10, 2013 3:00 pm (Pacific time)

This is wrong on so many levels it's hard to know where to begin. As one commentator has pointed out, we need a purge. But we need to purge ourselves as well. We need to purge ourselves of the notion that government is ever a solution for any problem any time, and remind ourselves that government is always a problem. and we need to purge 3 words: respect. believe. obey. don't respect anyone more than they respect us. don't believe anyone more than we believe our own eyes. don't obey anyone any more than that person obeys us. then all these problems magically disappear. it may be anarchy but that is preferable to tyranny.

Wanda Duncan January 10, 2013 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Where do I even begin to describe what I've just read, in regards to this poignant story.

Little did I know at the very beginning of reading this article that it would take me on a journey like no other. I sat here in my chair in complete disbelief over what I was reading with my own two eyes... I found I had to re-read some parts, because I thought surely this couldn't be happening to this woman and her child. But, alas, it sure was happening and the more I read, the more I cried. I had to stop reading at times even, because I felt so distraught over the whole story... how in the world could this happen to such an innocent family I cried. . I honestly didn't want to finish reading, but knew I HAD to. I had to find out if there was a happy ending.. oh, please let there be a happy ending, my heart was crying out. I'm so glad I did continue on reading. I found myself singing with joy upon learning that Larrisa and her son were together again… finally.

It breaks my heart to pieces what both of them had to endure. It seemed so unreal and quite unbelievable at times, like it was a fictional story. But then again, just knowing that it was the truth and very real, made it so more heart wrenching for me.

This is everything that is wrong within our Judicial System! Crooked cops that should never be given a badge to begin with.

I applaud the writer, Toni Samanie, for giving this story the chance to be heard!! She wrote in such a way that felt like she was writing to me personally, which is truly remarkable, I believe. Thank you also to Salem-News for publishing Larrisa and her son’s story!! I will never forget them! Never! Let’s pray that no one has to ever go through what they did.

Editor: I agree and love the way Toni made us hang in suspense when initially reading this article. It looks like Facebook numbers are continuing to climb also, this article is extremely important.

channa January 10, 2013 7:36 am (Pacific time)

I am in tears I cant even believe what us mothers are facing in this country..and the injustice of it

CopCams January 9, 2013 11:53 pm (Pacific time)

https://www.facebook.com/2Sad4U

Cal Davis January 9, 2013 9:59 pm (Pacific time)

I have been living with the Grandmother of Larissa's child for close to four years now. I was at the hopital the evening the child was born. I can only say that I have come to know Larissa somewhat only as the mother of this and one other child. I am not now, nor have I ever been in their company on a day to day basis but I can honestly say that in all the passings we have had over the past couple years, which is actually quite a few, I have yet to witness anything that left any reason to think Larissa is, would or could ever possibly be anything less than a fully competent, capable and caring mother. Knowing her only as I have now came to it has been very sad to read through what she and her child experienced in the the time she was away and living in California. Nice to know you guys are now together, safe, and hopefully back home for long while.

Jasper January 9, 2013 8:39 pm (Pacific time)

This story is so disgusting. We badly need an extremely thorough purging of every police force and government agency in this country. There are far too many terrible people working for the government, and they're actively entrenching themselves via laws and regulations. This is precisely what destroyed the Soviet Union, and it is threatening to destroy America, too.

Anonymous January 9, 2013 6:27 pm (Pacific time)

No children deserve this, no parent deserves this.

Anonymous January 9, 2013 4:57 pm (Pacific time)

This is why ive lost faith in humanity. those cops need their asses kicked and should be ordered to pay for any psychological harm done to this child.

Coral Anika Theill January 9, 2013 9:53 am (Pacific time)

Thank you Salem-News.com and the Toni Samanie for sharing this story. I am happy to hear that the mother and child were finally reunited.

In her book, Necessary Losses, Judith Viorst speaks of a young child's experience of prolonged maternal separation. Separation from the mother gives rise to profound feelings of despair and finally, detachment, as the child becomes apathetic and shuts down loving feelings. If in early childhood, especially during the first six years, we are too deprived of the mother we need and long for, we may sustain an injury equivalent to being doused in oil and set on fire. The pain of such deprivation is unimaginable. The healing is hard and slow. The damage, although not fatal, may be permanent.

I lost my nursing infant and young children while seeking safety and a divorce from my abusive husband in Oregon. I have had no contact with my children for 15 years per Court Order. No letters, phone calls or gifts are allowed either. I understand the pain that the mother in this story felt while being separated from her baby. - Coral Anika Theill, Author, Advocate and Free Lance Reporter, www.coralanikatheill.com

B. Thompson January 8, 2013 5:38 pm (Pacific time)

too bad the officer didn't have to be tested to see that he was fit to do his job. Why do Police officers not take a drug test or an mental evaluation every 6 months to make sure they are FIT to PROTECT the People???

chattel January 8, 2013 3:31 pm (Pacific time)

My personal experiences include: After being found with a small amount of pot, I was sent to evaluation. I was told that my self reported 2 joint per week use qualified me for residential treatment. Because the intake worker shared a hobby of mine, he gave me a break and I was placed in a less punitive program. I would have lost my business and my future if placed in residential treatment. Another experience was when, years ago, a friend had her child placed in state custody. We later learned (from his nurse) that the doctor falsified the test that indicated drug use and provided the State with their continuing justification to intercede. When we took them to court over the right to visit the child while in custody, the Judge mercilessly attacked and humiliated the social worker. The packed courtroom was rolling in the aisles with laughter. The worker looked like he was about to have a heart attack. We later learned that this judge despised DHS. There are great judges out there and he was one of them. Visitation was granted. The child was only supposed to be placed in temporary custody and DHS gave my friend the impression that she would get her child back after completing their program. We later learned from the foster family that received the child that DHS told them that they would be able to adopt the child - they never intended to return the child to the mom. While in foster care, the infant died as a result of negligence on the part of the foster family. The mom and I never recovered. There are other outrageous events in my life that resulted from abuse of authority. I pretty much avoid mentioning them because they are, 1) so outrageous that they seem incredible - I myself find them hard to believe and I experienced them and, 2) people often wrongfully assume that, if someone claims repeated victimization, then they must be doing something wrong. The fact is that people have no idea how corrupt bureacracies tend to be and that the only ones that could hold them accountable are essentially their co-workers in government (and that rarely happens). The fifth estate used to be a threat to the corrupt but that is essentially a part of history (kudos, nevertheless, to SN for the good investigative reporting that they do).

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