Former Policeman Charged With Taking Money From Hispanic Motorists
Last updated Thursday, September 8, 2005 10:04 PM CDT in News
By Ron Wood
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE -- A former Elm Springs police officer has been formally charged with aggravated robbery for allegedly extorting money from Hispanic drivers.
Washington County prosecutors say Timothy Lee Payne was in uniform and driving an Elm Springs police car when he stopped several Hispanic motorists and allowed the drivers to go free only after paying him a "roadside fine."
The felony information filed against Payne says he stopped Sergio Herrera on Arkansas 112 in Tontitown on July 30 using his police cruiser and armed with a pistol. After Herrera told Payne he did not have a driver's license, Payne allegedly took $200 in cash from him and drove away. No ticket was issued nor receipt given and the money was kept by Payne, prosecutors said.
Herrera later reported the incident to police.
The case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police.
Sgt. Steven Coppinger, a member of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division, interviewed Payne on Aug. 15. Payne first denied collecting cash, then admitted his actions after undergoing a polygraph examination, according to an arrest affidavit.
Arraignment is set for Oct. 3 in Washington County Circuit Court.
Payne may face additional charges related to two incidents in Benton County, one involving Herrera and the other involving Herrera's cousin, Eddie Ricardo Herrera.
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