1A CONTROL # 15-6-36 102714, Monday 1300 hours Sheriff Richard Roundtree met with members of Internal Affairs and advised that an individual, Brandon Paquette, had recently been arrested by our agency for Possession of Steroids with Intent to Distribute. Paquette later gave a statement indicating that he had been selling steroids to deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Roundtree stated that Paquette submitted to a polygraph examination by GBI SA Randy McMahan and did not exhibit signs of deception. Sheriff Roundtree advised that he has made a formal request with GBI and ‘SAC Pat Morgan to conduct a criminal investigation into this matter. Sheriff Roundtree stated that since the allegation was criminal in nature, Internal Affairs would not start an administrative investigation until GBI concluded their investigation. Sheriff Roundtree advised that Lt. Allan Rollins would assist GBI with obtaining personnel files but, would not be privy to the investigation. 032315, Monday 0900 hours Internal Affairs was advised that GBI had completed their investigation and had turned the case over to District Attorney Ashley Wright. 061015, 1300 hours Chief Pat Clayton met with Internal Affairs and advised that DA Wright had not concluded her review but had relinquished the GBI findings to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office to start our administrative investigation. Sgt. Rahn and other members of Internal Affairs incorporated by reference the details of the GBI investigation reports. Some of the information is HIPPA protected and thus cannot be released without the consent of GBl/affected individuals. Paquette was arrested on 102214 for Possession of Steroids with Intent to Distribute. Paquette consented to an interview on 102414 with RCSO Set. Jason Vinson and Lt. David Bourbo. Paquette stated he is concerned because he was he told he would be bonded out today if he works with “yall”. In that interview he advised that he was or had supplied RCSO deputies with illegal steroids. During that interview Paquette stated he supplied the following current employees with RCSO: = Joel Danko ~ sold steroids to him from 2004-2010 on at least two different occasions, the last time being 4 years ago,= Mark Chestang- sold him 1 bottle of Trenbolone and 1 bottle of Testosterone for $60 each. This allegedly took place at Paquette’s residence. - Larry Bracken- sold to him from 2004 to the present approximately 5 times, the last time being 3 to 4 months prior to Paquette’s arrest. On that occasion, he alleges he sold him 4 bottles of Testosterone for $60 each. This allegedly took place at Paquette’s residence. ~ Julio Concepcion- sold to him from 2012 to the present. The last time was in front of the Narcotics office on a Sunday approximately 4 weeks prior to Paquette’s arrest. The last time he stated he purchased 2 bottles of Testosterone and 2 bottles of Equipoise for $60 each, = _ Ricky Palocsik ~ sold to him the past 5-6 years. He advised that the last transaction took place when Palocsik completed a damaged vehicle report for Paquette. Paquette stated that the report was fraudulent and he gave Palocsik 2 bottles of Testosterone. (The report was completed on 042214. Case # 14-084138). = Matt Perkins- advised he first sold to him in 2004 or 2005. He stated that he has purchased on 4 separate occasions from - Jose Ortiz- advised that he sold to Ortiz 3-6 months prior to his arrest. He sold him 1 bottle of Testosterone and it took place at Paquette’s residence on Pennsylvania Ave. - David Sward- advised that he sold to him around 2003-2004 and he purchased 1 bottle of Testosterone and 1 bottle of Deca Durabolin. Paquette advised he did not have any more names. Paquette stated he received prescriptions from Dr. Rita Udom and would have them filled at Duncan Pharmacy. The time frame was 2003-2004. (Inv. Note Udom was shut down after a raid June 19, 2002 and could not have provided Paquette with a prescription). He advised that the steroids seized from the residence were supplied to him by David Hough. During the interview, Lt. Bourbo began asking about certain individuals. Lt. Bourbo asked if he sold to William Jarrett, and Paquette stated “yes”. Lt. Bourbo asked if he sold to Ty Hester, and Paquette stated “no”. Lt. Bourbo then asked if he knew anyone that sold steroids to Hester. Paquette stated Jarrett bought steroids to give to Hester. Paquette advised he made a list after he was arrested of people he had supplied steroids. He advised that he would have to contact his wife for the names. The following names were on his list that he did not previously mention: - PJ Hambrick ~ met him through his brother when they both worked as Bail Bondsmen and began selling to him in 2003 and last sold to him between 2007-2010. Sold him 1 bottle of Testosterone and 1 bottle of Winstrol. - Greg Meagher — between 2004-2010 gave him 100 “D-Ball” tabs. = Joey Michau ~ advised he did not directly deal with Michau but gave it to Mike Swint who provided it to Michau. 1 bottle of Testosterone and 1 bottle of Deca Durabolin.On October 27", 2014 Paquette submitted to a polygraph examination administered by GBI SA Randy McMahon. Paquette was not present with his attorney, but Lt. Bourbo accompanied Paquette. (Inv. Note: at this point Sheriff Roundtree had turned the investigation over to GBI). SA McMahon concluded that Paquette did not show signs of deception during relevant questions. The scope of the exam was not in reference to the names on the list but if he provided to Richmond County Law Enforcement officers. Paquette missed two scheduled interview appointments on 103114 and 110514 with GBI. After the second interview SA Morgan contacted his attorney, Peter Johnson, who stated Paquette was “pissed off” that his brother was in jail and he would not cooperate with Law Enforcement in reference to the investigation ‘Sgt. Rahn examined the phone records provided by GBI for Paquette’s phone. Sgt. Rahn noted phone contact was made between Paquette and some members of the RCSO. Sgt. Rahn observed no text messages between Paquette and members of RCSO involving the purchasing or obtaining steroids from him. Paquette was interviewed by GB! on 121014, Paquette statement was similar to the one he gave RCSO, except for the following discrepancies: - Paquette advised GBI that he did not deal directly with Ortiz but sold to Concepcion who gave to Ortiz, He had advised the RCSO that he sold directly to Ortiz at his residence on Pennsylvania Ave. - Paquette stated to GBI that he did a direct hand to hand deal with Michau in Gym Ratz Nutrition store. In the interview with RCSO, he advised that he sold to Swint who in turn provided it to Michau, - Paquette advised GBI that he provided Sward steroids from 2004-2010. In the interview with RCSO he advised he sold to him one time in 2003-2004. - Paquette was asked if there were any other deputies either past or present that he had provided illegal steroids, and he advised that the only other current employee he supplied was Deputy Jeff Johnson. Paquette indicated that the transactions occurred between 2004-2010.The following is a synopsis of the investigative summaries conducted by GBI on RCSO current employees. JOEL DANKO (On November 18", 2014, GBI met with Inv. Joel Danko at approximately 1025 hours. Danko advised that he met Paquette in 1999. GBI informed Danko that Paquette alleged he sold him steroids on two separate occasions. Paquette stated that on both occasions Danko was in uniform and driving his patrol vehicle. Danko stated that was not true. He did admit to meeting with Paquette but it was while he was employed by Bridgestone not the RCSO and it was only one time. Danko advised he was buying some type of enhancer or booster and he was not sure if it was illegal at the time and it was in an unlabeled bottle. Danko advised the last time he used any substances was in 2002 and he was not employed with RCSO. Danko also advised that he bought substances/supplements in the past from GNC that were at one time legal, but were later banned. Danko stated Paquette was the only person he had purchased substances. Danko informed GBI that he had previously distanced himself from the Paquette brothers because they were constantly getting into fights. After Brandon Paquette’s arrest, Danko and his wife were also victims of Terroristic Threats by Ryan Paquette. Ryan Paquette was arrested for the offense by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. PHILLIP HAMBRICK On November 18", 2014, GBI met with Sgt. Hambrick at approximately 1300 hours. Hambrick stated he met Paquette about 12 years ago through his brother Patrick Paquette. GBI informed Hambrick that Paquette alleged he sold him steroids from 2004-2010. Hambrick admitted that he received steroids from Paquette on two occasions. He stated the dates were in 2004 and then later in 2005 or 2006. On one occasion, he received some yellow in color tablets that he believed to be Winstrol and the other occasion he received an injectable liquid he believe to be Testosterone or Equipoise. Hambrick stated this was the only times he obtained anything from Paquette. MATT PERKINS (On November 18”, 2014, GBI met with Inv. Perkins at approximately 1545 hours. GBI informed Perkins that Paquette alleged he sold steroids to him in 2004 or 2005. Perkins denied the allegation and stated he did not even know Paquette. Perkins was asked why Paquette would make the allegations and Perkins advised that Paquette was close friends with Dodaro, former RCSO officer, and they did not get along.TY HESTER On December 4", 2014 GBI met with Inv. Hester at approximately 1230 hours. Paquette alleges that he sold steroids to Deputy William Jarrett who informed Paquette they were for Hester. Hester denied the allegations and advised he never received any steroids from him directly or indirectly. GREG MEAGHER On December 4", 2014, GBI met with Sgt. Meagher at approximately 1250 hours. GBI informed Meagher that Paquette alleges he had given him 100 “D Ball” tablets between 2004 to 2010. Meagher stated he has known the family for a long time and worked with their father in the ast. Meagher denied the allegation. JOSEPH MICAU On December 10", 2014, GBI met with Michau at approximately 1120 hours. Michau advised he never purchased steroids from Paquette. He was acquaintances with Paquette and only knew him from working out at the same gym. Michau never obtained steroids from Paquette through Swint. LARRY BRACKEN On December 10", 2014, GBI met with Bracken at approximately 1402 hours. Bracken stated he never obtained steroids from Paquette. Bracken is friends with the Paquette’s and have been for many years. Bracken explained that he had called and texted Paquette but the contact was in reference to getting his son a job. Bracken has been to Paquette’s residence once but it was after he and his wife went out to eat with Paquette and his wife, MARK CHESTANG On December 10", 2014 GBI, met with Chestang at approximately 1430 hours. Chestang stated he has never obtained illegal steroids from Paquette. Chestang advised he knows the Paquette’s and acknowledged having phone contact with Paquette. Chestang stated the phone contact was because they were friends and not for purchasing or obtaining steroids. WILLIAM JARRETT ‘On December 10", 2014, GBI met with Jarrett at approximately 1510 hours. Jarrett advised that he has known the Paquette’s for 20 years. Jarrett stated that he had never obtained illegal steroids from Paquette. Jarrett also denied getting steroids from Paquette to give to other people. The phone contact he had with Paquette was strictly due to their friendship.JOSE ORTIZ On December 17", 2014, GBI met with Ortiz at approximately 1051 hours. Ortiz never purchased any illegal steroids from Paquette. Ortiz has never been to his residence and his first meeting with Paquette was when he was arrested. RICHARD PALOCSIK On January 7", 2014, GBI met with Palocsik at approximately 0955 hours. Palocsik was advised of the allegations made against him specifically that Paquette had been selling steroids to him for the last 4 to 5 years, and Palocsik had completed a false damaged vehicle report in exchange for steroids. Palocsik stated that was not true and denied getting steroids or anything else from Paquette. Palocsik did advise that he completed a damaged vehicle report for Paquette but denied knowing it had false information. Palocsik did admit to having phone contact with Paquette because they were friends, JULIO CONCEPCION On January 7", 2014 GBI met with Concepcion at approximately 1035 hours. GBI informed Concepcion that Paquette alleged he sold him steroids from 2012 to the present. The last being 4 weeks prior to his arrest, he sold him 2 bottles of Equipoise and 2 bottles of Testosterone for $60 each. Concepcion denied getting anything from Paquette and denied taking Ortiz to his house to obtain steroids. Concepcion advised that he did have phone contact with Paquette but that was because they were friends. TIM RZASA On March 3", 2015, GBI met with Rzasa at approximately 1000 hours. GBI informed Rzasa that Paquette alleged he supplied Rzasa with steroids from 2004 to 2010. (Inv. Note, Rzasa’s name was mentioned at the end of the GBI interview, when Paquette was asked if he had dealt with any other deputies, including ones no longer employed with RCSO). Rzasa stated he never received or purchased steroids from Paquette. Rzasa advised that he previously arrested Brandon and Ryan Paquette for Disorderly Conduct for fighting outside a bar. This occurred between 1997-2003 JEFF JOHNSON On March 3", 2015 GBI met with Johnson at approximately 1025 hours. GBI informed Johnson that Paquette alleged he sold him steroids from 2004-2010. Johnson advised he never received or purchased steroids from Paquette.GBI requested the deputies named by Paquette to voluntarily submit to a drug screening. The testing was performed by LabCorp. Alll tests of the employees were normal or cleared by a physician, ‘Sgt. Rahn noted that GBI on January 12", 2015, attempted to speak with Paquette’s wife, Christina Paquette in reference to this incident. According to Paquette his wife had witnessed transactions between Paquette and Deputies with RCSO. Christina Paquette advised GBI she did not want to be involved with her husband’s situation, and as such did not want to provide any information. ‘Sgt. Rahn observed that on February 4", 2015, GBI spoke with Patrick Paquette to determine if he could provide any information. Patrick Paquette is Ryan and Brandon Paquette’s brother. He has also been identified as being friends with numerous Deputies with the RCSO. Patrick Paquette knew of the allegations against his brother, but he did not know he was selling steroids. He also denied having any knowledge of deputies with RCSO being involved with steroids. Also noted was GBI conducted an interview via phone with Michael Dodaro on March 4", 2015. Dodaro never assisted Paquette in developing the list of Deputies that had received steroids from Paquette. Dodaro asked Paquette, which Deputies were involved but Paquette would not confirm any names, Dodaro advised that he had never seen Paquette distribute steroids or Testosterone to any deputies. On the below listed dates and times, the following deputies were interviewed at 400 Walton way, in the Internal Affairs office by the below referenced investigators. All were provided their Internal Affairs Investigation Notification form before the interview started, All were read their Garrity Rights, advised that they understood their rights, and signed the form. Both forms were placed into the case file. The following is a brief synopsis of these interviews: 061815, Thursday 1330 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) ‘Sgt. Hambrick advised he has known the Paquette family for years to include Brandon Paquette. Set. Rahn advised Sgt. Hambrick of the allegations from Paquette. Sgt. Hambrick stated it was not accurate that he was supplied steroids from Paquette from 2004-2010, He also stated he did not work with Patrick Paquette as a Bail Bondsman as stated by Brandon Paquette. Sgt. Hambrick advised he purchased two times from Paquette. The first time was 2004 and then again in 2005 or 2006. On the first occasion, Sgt. Hambrick purchased yellow tablets with no markings. He stated he did not know what they were exactly and they were to help him cut weight. On the other occasion, he bought an injectable liquid but did not believe it was Testosterone. Sgt. Hambrick stated he believed the injectable was Equipoise. He could not recall how much he paid for either substance. Sgt. Hambrick also could not advise if the substances were illegal at the time, Sgt. Hambrick advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested.1500 hours (interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Inv. Danko stated that he knows the Paquette family and has probably known Brandon Paquette since 1999. inv. Danko met him while working out at the gym. Danko was advised of the allegations brought forth by Paquette. Danko stated he only purchased one time from Paquette and that was when he was employed by Bridgestone. He advised that was the only time he purchased anything from Paquette. On that occasion, Inv. Danko purchased what he believed was some type of enhancer or booster and he was not sure if the substance was illegal at the time, The bottle did not have a label on it and he could not recall how much he had paid for it. Danko was adamant he was not employed at RCSO at this time. Danko advised that he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 061915, Friday 1105 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Set. Chestang advised he was familiar with the allegation brought against him. Sgt. Chestang did know Paquette but he did not purchase any steroids from him. Sgt. Chestang did have phone contact with Paquette. It was in reference to purchasing a vehicle from him and about a female they both knew. Sgt. Chestang advised no conversations were in reference to purchasing steroids from Paquette. See copy in case file. Sgt. Chestang advised that he would submit to. an Administrative Polygraph if requested, 1400 hours (Interviewed by Set. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Inv. Concepcion advised he was familiar with the allegations brought against him. Inv. Concepcion knew Paquette through his old partner, Michael Dodaro. Inv. Concepcion denied purchasing any illegal steroids from Paquette. Inv. Concepcion denied ever getting steroids for Ortiz or introducing him to Paquette. Inv. Concepcion stated no phone calls or texts from him had anything to do with steroids, Most of their conversations had to deal with Dodaro’s Personal issues. Inv. Concepcion did not know why Paquette would implicate him in this Incident. Inv. Concepcion advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested062215, Monday 0900 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Cpl. Bracken stated he has known the Paquette family for years. Cpl. Bracken was advised of the allegations against him. Cpl. Bracken denied ever purchasing any illegal steroids from him. Cpl. Bracken advised he has never been at his residence in his patrol vehicle. Cpl. Bracken stated he has never purchased steroids from Paquette to give to other people. Cpl. Bracken stated he does have phone contact with Paquette but none of that was for obtaining any illegal steroids. Cpl. Bracken advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 1300 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Set. Meagher was advised of the allegations brought forth by Paquette. Sgt. Meagher stated he hhas never received any illegal steroids from Paquette. Sgt. Meagher advised he knows the Paquette family and has for years. ‘Sgt. Meagher advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 1435 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. Belser) Inv. Perkins was advised of the allegation against him by Paquette. Inv. Perkins denied ever purchasing or receiving anything illegal from Paquette. Inv. Perkins stated he knows of Paquette but has never officially met him. Inv. Perkins stated he believes his name was brought into this by Dodaro because of personal issues between the two. An anonymous tip came in after Dodaro left the RCSO about Dodaro possibly purchasing prescription pills illegally. Inv. Perkins was assigned the complaint but could not confirm this allegation. Inv. Perkins did not know if that was motive for his name being brought into the investigation. Inv. Perkins advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 1510 hours (interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Inv. Hester was advised of the allegations brought about by Paquette. Inv. Hester advised that he has never directly or indirectly received any steroids from Paquette. Inv. Hester has never had any conversations with Paquette about obtaining illegal steroids, Inv. Hester advised he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested.1605 hours (interviewed by Sat. Belser and Sgt. McDaniel) Inv. Ortiz was advised of the allegations brought about by Paquette. Ortiz stated he has never Purchased anything from Paquette. Ortiz advised that he never even met Paquette until he was arrested. Inv. Ortiz advised that he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested, 062315, Tuesday 0900 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. McDaniel and Sgt Blesler) During the interview, Deputy Jarrett made the following statements: Deputy Jarrett knew the Paquette family for several years to include Brandon Paquette. Deputy Jarrett never received or purchased steroids from Brandon Paquette but does have a friendship with him. Deputy Jarret never received steroids from Paquette to give to any other person. Deputy Jarrett stated he does not have a patrol car assigned to him being that he works at the courthouse. Deputy Jarrett stated he never went to Brandon Paquette’s home in a patrol vehicle. Deputy Jarrett stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 1120 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. McDaniel and Sgt. Belser) During the interview, Deputy Johnson made the following statements: Deputy Johnson never received or purchased steroids from Brandon Paquette. Deputy Johnson is familiar with the Paquette’s due to his family being in Law Enforcement for the last several years. Deputy Johnson stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. 1300 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. Belser) During the interview, Investigator Rzasa made the following statements: Investigator Rzasa Is familiar with both Brandon Paquette and his brother Ryan Paquette. Investigator Rzasa never received or purchased steroids from Brandon Paquette. Investigator Rzasa recalled that he arrested both Brandon and Ryan Paquette in the past. This was when he was a traffic car and was before 2004. Investigator Rzasa has had no contact with the Paquettes. Investigator Rzasa is familiar with Patrick Paquette due to him being a Reserve Deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Investigator Rzasa stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. Sgt. Rahn was able to confirm that Inv. Rzasa arrested both Brandon and Ryan Paquette on 062400 and charged them with Disorderly Conduct. See printout in case file.1400 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. McDaniel and Sgt. Belser) During the interview, Deputy Sward made the following statements: Deputy Sward never purchased steroids from Brandon Paquette and only met him on two occasions. Deputy Sward once met Brandon Paquette at either Powerhouse or Omni Gym. On another occasion, Brandon Paquette introduced him to his brother Ryan Paquette. Those meetings occurred between 2002 and 2003, Deputy Sward stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested, 1520 hours {Interviewed by Sgt. McDaniel and Sgt. Belser) During the interview, Deputy Michau made the following statements: Deputy Michau never purchased or received steroids from Brandon Paquette. Deputy Michau use to work out at the same gym as Brandon Paquette. Deputy Michau never received or purchased steroids for anyone else. Deputy Michau stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested 062415, Wednesday 1540 hours (Interviewed by Sgt. Rahn and Sgt. McDaniel) Deputy Palocsik advised he knew of the allegations brought against him Paquette. Palocsik stated does know Paquette and met him through his brother, Patrick Paquette, and he also lived next to him while he was living in Huntington Apartments. Deputy Palocsik did complete a damaged vehicle report for Paquette, but he did not know the report was false and he was not given steroids in exchange for the report. Deputy Palocsik did have phone contact with Paquette, but none were involving purchasing or obtaining steroids from him. Deputy Palocsik never received steroids from Paquette. Deputy Palocsik did not knowingly falsify this incident report. Deputy Palocsik has completed other incident reports for complainants that were similar to this incident. Deputy Palocsik has been to calls where the incidents occurred at different locations or the owners didn’t know how the damage happened. Deputy Palocsik looked at the damage and he did not have any reason to not believe Paquette’s statement on how it occurred was false. Deputy Palocsik stated he would submit to an Administrative Polygraph if requested. On June 26", 2015 Internal Affairs began to administer polygraphs. Sheriff Roundtree brought in an outside Polygraph Examiner, Johnny Hartley. Each of the interviewees were asked specific and direct questions concerning if they had obtained steroids or any other illegal substance from Paquette, had met Paquette to obtain steroids for anyone else, or completed a report to obtain illegal steroids.Deputy Mike Swint submitted his resignation before the investigation began. During the course of the investigation, but before Sheriff Roundtree reviewed this report, Set Hambrick and Inv. Perkins tendered their resignations. Based upon the totality of available facts, the following conclusions of facts are reached regarding the alleged complaint. Joel Danko — Not Sustained Mark Chestang - Undetermined Larry Bracken- Undetermined Julio Concepcion- Undetermined Ricky Palocsik — Undetermined Matt Perkins- Undetermined (Resigned) David Sward- Undetermined Phillip Hambrick ~ Undetermined (Resigned) Greg Meagher - Undetermined Joey Michau - Not Sustained Jeff Johnson ~ Undetermined Tim Rzasa - Not Sustained William Jarrett ~ Undetermined Ty Hester — Not Sustained Jose Ortiz — Not Sustained GBI requested the deputies named by Paquette to voluntarily submit to a drug screening. The testing was performed by LabCorp. Alll tests of the employees were normal or cleared by a physician, Investigations against employees will conclude with one of the following findings: Sustained - The investigation revealed the employee acted inappropriately or ina manner not consistent with policy Not Sustained - The investigation revealed the employee did not act inappropriately or in a manner not consistent with policy‘ Undetermined - The investigation did not reveal sufficient evidence to support a finding of sustained or not sustained Policy Failure - The incident did occur, but there was an omission of policy or the established policy was insufficient or ineffective. In these instances, the policy will be revised