News briefs for February 22, 2005

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005 | 9:15 a.m.

Arbitrator upholds officer's firing

An arbitrator earlier this month upheld Sheriff Bill Young's decision to fire a Metro Police officer after an investigation determined he lied, the department said.

Officer Jeremy Krough was found to have participated in conduct unbecoming an officer, lying about excessive force incidents and falsifying reports.

Krough and three other officers were accused of getting T-shirts made that said "BDRT," which officials said meant "Big Dogs Run Together" and "Baby's Daddy Removal Team." The second meaning was suspected of being a reference to the shooting in 2003 of Orlando Barlow, a babysitter who was surrendering to police when an officer shot and killed him.

Krough was also accused, along with another officer, of imporperly using their Taser guns on suspects and lying about it. A sergeant, lieutenant and captain were also accused of neglect of duty in connection with the incidents.

Bill would help homeowners

The Assembly unanimously passed a bill Monday aimed at helping homeowners who need to recover damages from residential contractors.

Contractors pay yearly fees into the Recovery Fund, operated by the State Contractors Board, which pays out up to $30,000 to each homeowner who claims damages against a residential contractor. Assembly Bill 34 would increase the total amount of money available for payments to $400,000. The current total is $200,000.