Bellville police office called 'dirty cop'

The Mansfield, Ohio News Journal by Mark Caudill - September 5, 2008

MANSFIELD, OHIO — Richland County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Tunnell had a term for Bellville police Officer Maurice King III. “He is what is commonly referred to as a dirty cop,” Tunnell said in his opening statement. “He broke the law.” King, 32, of 3555 Possum Run Road, faces 11 counts, including four felonies. His trial began Thursday before Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese. “We disagree with everything that was said by the state,” defense attorney Cassandra Mayer said in her opening. “The state will fail to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt.” King is accused of three counts of attempted receiving stolen property and one count of possessing criminal tools, as well as seven misdemeanors. “This case is about attempt, engaging in conduct which, if successful, would result in the commission of a criminal offense,” Tunnell said. “To attempt a crime counts just as much as committing a crime.” Two confidential informants worked with police on the case. In December, one of the informants, a longtime acquaintance of King, was caught with a stolen motorbike and gun.

“He’s as much a common criminal as he is a survivor,” Tunnell said of the CI. “As he’s considering his options, he tells (former Mansfield police Detective) Eric Bosko that he knows where a dirty cop is.” On Jan. 8, the informant called King and told him he knew of another man who had stolen guns from Cleveland. The two men met with King at his residence two days later. “It’s the defendant who says, ‘Let’s talk figures,’” Tunnell said. “At that point, the act is complete.” Police recorded the conversation. Tunnell said King arranged to buy four guns for $700 but later hesitated because he didn’t know the man with the firearms. “Perhaps most damaging is what he didn’t do,” the assistant prosecutor said. “He does not tell his chief of what occurs, doesn’t report the incident.” Mayer told the jury to consider the sources when those witnesses testified.

“You are going to be hearing from convicted felons. I ask that you consider their credibility,” she said. “Why did they suddenly want to help the police? Was it to help themselves? These ulterior motives go very far toward determining their credibility.” Police searched King’s residence on Jan. 15. He reportedly refused to give a taped statement. “He is as dirty a cop as he is guilty,” Tunnell said. King, who joined the Bellville Police Department in 2000, is suspended without pay. His recent performance evaluations were exemplary. His personnel file also included numerous letters of commendation. The trial will resume in DeWeese’s court, and could end as soon as Friday.