UPDATE: WCPD Officer Pleads No Contest to Beating Woman with Baseball Bat in Richmond

Bennett posts about Walnut Creek Officer Thompson on September 8, 2014, then on September 23 addresses Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, then on September 27, 2014 someone murders five of his relatives

UPDATE: WCPD Officer Pleads No Contest to Beating Woman with Baseball Bat in Richmond

SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 16:21 PM · 55 COMMENTS

A Walnut Creek police officer pleaded no contest in a Martinez courtroom this afternoon to charges that he donned a mask and beat a woman with a baseball bat in Richmond last month.

Gregory Thompson, a 54-year-old Martinez resident and 30-year Walnut Creek police veteran, entered the no contest pleas in Contra Costa County Superior Court to charges of felony assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, felony vandalism and being armed in the commission of the crimes.

Dressed in a suit and tie, Thompson appeared out of custody next to his attorney in court today, weeks after bailing out of county jail in Richmond following his Aug. 16 arrest.

Thompson refused to answer questions from reporters outside the courtroom this morning and left in a waiting car.

Deputy District Attorney Barry Grove said prosecutors will ask for a one-year county jail sentence for Thompson but that he could face up to five years in state prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Grove said Thompson went to his father’s vacant home on Clinton Avenue in Richmond in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, knowing that the house had been burglarized recently, according to Grove.

When he saw an unknown woman walking near the home, he believed she was an intruder, donned a ski mask and “he took the law into his own hands and beat her with a baseball bat,” Grove said.

The woman’s car had run out of gas and she was walking in the area when Thompson attacked, prosecutors said.

Richmond police received several reports around 2 a.m. on Aug. 16 of a woman screaming and a man with a bat in the 4000 block of Clinton Avenue.

As officers arrived on the scene, witnesses pointed out Thompson, who was sitting nearby in his parked car. He wasn’t wearing his police uniform or in a patrol car at the time, police said.

Officers approached the suspect and noticed a mask lying on the car’s floorboard. A search of the car turned up a baseball bat, two guns and zip ties, police said.

The victim, who had been hiding in the bushes until police arrived, was taken to a hospital for injuries suffered in the beating and is expected to recover.

Police last month were attempting to locate a second woman who was apparently wounded when she stepped in to try to stop the attack. An off-duty firefighter also witnessed part of the attack, according to Grove.

Thompson, who identified himself as a police officer, was arrested, taken to county jail and released on bail the following day.

Walnut Creek police have said Thompson was put on paid administrative leave soon after his arrest and that the department is conducting its own investigation.

He was working most recently as a patrol officer, according to Walnut Creek police Capt. Mark Perlite.

Walnut Creek police officials were not immediately available this afternoon to comment on Thompson’s employment status.

Cartman September 8, 2014 at 4:47 PM: Boil him.
Jesse September 8, 2014 at 5:00 PM: He retired from WCPD on Friday.
Smile WC September 8, 2014 at 5:01 PM: Good time to retire.
GV pilot September 8, 2014 at 5:04 PM: Typical
Dorothy September 8, 2014 at 5:17 PM: Good grief. At least he isn’t trying to say he’s innocent.
really September 8, 2014 at 5:19 PM: He retired with a pension?
The Theorist September 8, 2014 at 5:20 PM: B__$H!7 … Double check his DNA against the database. Check all unsolved cases. His “story” stinks. If he wasn’t interrupted, she would have been hog tied and gagged in his trunk and dumped (alive/dead) who knows where after being brutally beaten and raped.
The zip ties give it away. IF he was just exacting some vigilante justice… what was he going to do? Zip tie them and leave them for police? Nope, they could still get away and identify him. Zip tie them and wait for police? Nope, he risks what happened, being arrested.
Let hope it’s thoroughly (properly) investigated and his blue shield doesn’t get him a free pass like in Concord, you know, in the interest of justice.
bumper morgan September 8, 2014 at 5:21 PM: He did the right thing. Took responsibility for his actions.
Julio September 8, 2014 at 5:44 PM: He could care less. He has his pension guaranteed. It should be taken away permanently. Paid administrated leave should be eliminated. After an officer is cleared he can get back pay. These guys have to be stopped. They are not above the law any more than these football or baseball players.
Anonymous September 8, 2014 at 5:53 PM: What an embarassment to the good police officers out there!
Saint September 8, 2014 at 5:53 PM: Since they have been taking away the Crown Vic’s and giving them soccer mom SUV’s to drive, I think all the cop’s are pissed off.
Sick Of It September 8, 2014 at 5:53 PM: Just for chits and giggles I’d like to know the whole story, no matter how twisted, how far over the line he must have “a reason”.

“Retired” AKA receiving a 30 year pension, medical and COLA huh?

This stinks to high hell. As a firm supporter of Law Enforcement this guy doesn’t need jail time as much as the community needs his pension distributed to a worthy cause.
Coggins Square September 8, 2014 at 5:59 PM: This is so shocking. I met Officer Thompson many years ago, and found him to be a very friendly and caring person, and dedicated police officer. In fact, I think he actually used to be a D.A.R.E. officer but I could be mistaken. Also, 30 years with one department is a long time.
mary September 8, 2014 at 6:17 PM: a year in county jail?? Jesus why not just slap his hands and take his bat away from him!!??? he deserves at least 5 years!! and to pay her off – NOT the taxpayers!!!
Harassed Family September 8, 2014 at 6:34 PM: Greg Thompson has in the past verbally harassed my family. Calls, complaints to the police department were not acknowledged. While I am so glad he should his true self and no one can suffer from him anymore, I am so sorry for that woman. Today is a good day.
Anon September 8, 2014 at 6:52 PM: Am sure she will have a very good civil lawsuit against him…
Cautiously Informed September 8, 2014 at 6:56 PM: Julio,
Guaranteed pension for someone who commits a crime? Not quite. The system is crazy, but not that crazy.
Blink September 8, 2014 at 7:09 PM: Sick sick sick…..that he retires with pension….sick
If criminal activity that should forfeit pension….
Pete Bennett September 8, 2014 at 7:19 PM: Hey Greg,

Remember me from Dallimonte’s bar? You know when where I used to sing Karaoke every Friday, where my Karaoke DJ Friend Ian Lotta Scott suddenly died in 2011 in one what I told the FBI was suspicious, seems you, Kenny B, former San Francisco Police Officer Lt. David Oberhoffer (Ret), and numerous other cops hung out.

I wanted to let you know I’ve been blogging and I know that Randy W. hangs there, as is did someone connected to Peter Branagh, and several BART officers now deceased.

My best bet is you, and others rigged the PG&E Gas Explosion along with Benny Chetcuti Jr. Chris Butler, Commander Wielsch and others.

Since you live near Virginia Hills Martinez which is where you tried to attack me last summer when I reminded you that it was the same cops all along for me going back to 2001 where my attorneys offices burned down.

Seems like to me there is a plethora of events on my blogs linked to you and other Walnut Creek Officers.

First Greg, tell me if you know Alicia Driscoll as you’d be the right age to have dated her. I knew and who ever investigated her case knows I knew her.

http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/04/mary-alicia-driscoll-murder-
suicide-i.html
Mr Benny Chetcuti Jr.
http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/03/benny-chetcuti-jr-walnut-creek-real.html

The Black Mercedes leads to you and I know that now, that leads to the my 2011 hit and run that leads to the death of Gary Collins who leads to attorneys connected to several deaths connected to Chris Butler.

http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/04/kaitlyn-brittany-stand-oct-24-1988-may.html

You covered your name at Dallimonte’s as Greg Fish but once your picture appeared in the news I realized the connections.

http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-cnet-players-coconspirators-and.html

Did you steal my laptop just 1/4 mile from WCPD then return it to me after you copied the same Data with PG&E?

http://gaspipelineexplosions.blogspot.com/2014/09/125×125.html

This was another Murder of my attorney’s brother in law – 2012 – Oberhoffer has copies of my divorce files which means you might have your own copies.
http://gaspipelineexplosions.blogspot.com/2014/09/murder-by-accident-nathaniel-greenan.html

http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-cnet-players-coconspirators-and.html
Investor Fraud Summit but isn’t Rossmoor WCPD Jurisdiction – how come you weren’t invited?

http://cnetscandal.blogspot.com/2014/08/investor-fraud-summit-walnut-creek.html

Pete Bennett
Homeless (Nov 2010 to 2014)
Walnut Creek CA 94596
P: (510) 460-5641

PS: You cost me a contract worth $500,000, my offices, family and my inheritance but
Pete Bennett September 8, 2014 at 7:24 PM: Folks this is the real story – we have thirty years of Arson cases with numerous murders – you better check his house for my computers, systems and legal documents as several of my clients have died since 2010 when I was forced to flea the area over death threats.

► Check his emails for connections to Attorney’s suing PG&E, Kinder Morgan and TWA Flight 800 but send a real bomb squad to sniff for C-4 Explosives that smell like Chris Butler and Commander Wielsch.

► The Plaintiff’s Winners Circle ◄
FBI is well informed – get ready
LONG FORGOTTEN
There was an arson / murder next to my house in 1979 (est),
Caldecott Tunnel (1982)
Oakland Fire (1991)
Mauzy Bldg (1982)
Cabbage Patch (1979)
TWA Flight (1995)
Lynchings (2) (1986)

http://gaspipelineexplosions.blogspot.com/2014/05/walnut-creek-domestic-terrorism-unit-wc.html
Rob September 8, 2014 at 7:41 PM: Give this guy his bat and put him in an elevator with Ray Rice – leave the camera rolling and charge for the event – and then drop the elevator from 20 stories up at the end..
Dr Doc PhD September 8, 2014 at 7:49 PM: #19 and #20 is a guy who shows up at Walnut Creek with paranoid and delusional rants and raves.

I recall it was a $1 million loss a few weeks ago. Reminder: You have to keep your stories straight to have any credibility. Nyuk. Nyuk. Nyuk.

One burger short of a Happy Meal?

Black helicopters!
Does that burger taste funny? Better check !!!
Look both ways before crossing street.
Beware of 4-door sedans with dark tinted windows.
Note men in three-piece suits and dark sunglasses.
PH dad September 8, 2014 at 7:57 PM: Uh Mayor,

I think someone is off their meds…
Alex Jones September 8, 2014 at 8:07 PM: As anyone ever seen Pete Bennett and TinFoiler at the same time? I’m guessing not!
Elwood September 8, 2014 at 8:22 PM: Pete Bennett is a bull goose loony!
Tom September 8, 2014 at 8:26 PM: If you plead “no contest”, you can’t be sued in a civil lawsuit.

I don’t know if cops lose their pension in CA if convicted of a felony, but they will retire (over being fired) to try to lock it in. If he’s eligible, forfeiture proceedings.

Pete Bennett………..thanks for sharing. I wish you well.
joebob September 8, 2014 at 9:05 PM: Paid administrative leave??? Is that the WCPD response to an off-duty officer beating an innocent woman with a bat? No wonder cops are out of control. The system covers for them.
Anonymous September 8, 2014 at 9:12 PM: He will get his pension. Being convicted of a felony applies as far as CalPERS is concerned when the act occurred and when the felony conviction occurs forward. He retired right away so he will get his pension which with his years of service should be 90% of final compensation.
HEY BONILLA AND DESAULNIER September 8, 2014 at 11:01 PM: How about crafting a new law that wipes out TAX-PAYER PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE—or at least recover every f’king cent—when public servants are found to break THE LAW? Why should MY TAX DOLLARS provide for paid time off time and time again??????????????????????????????????
Cracky McGee September 9, 2014 at 4:34 AM: And this is why I want to move to Canada
GetTheFactsStraight September 9, 2014 at 5:33 AM: Tom is wrong. A no contest plea can be used against you in a civil suit and actually introduced to a jury if you plead no contest to a felony. A no contest plea has the exact same consequences as a guilty plea in a felony. In a misdemeanor case, a no contest plea may not be later introduced to a jury as an admission of responsibility. Either way, such a plea does not prevent you from being sued.
captain obvious September 9, 2014 at 6:05 AM: Don’t know you but Thank you for 30 years of service. Too bad it ended how it did. Enjoy retirement. Thank you for doing what 99% of people don’t do by not dragging out the legal process.
Mee September 9, 2014 at 6:19 AM: @Above- A year in county jail? Has he been sentenced already? Just asking.
shadowblade September 9, 2014 at 6:45 AM: GetTheFactsStraight #31

Mostly correct. A guilty plea admits wrongdoing, and can be used against a defendant in a civil trial. The no contest plea places the burden of proof on the plaintiff in a civil trial.

In criminal trials, the guilty and the no contest pleas carry the same weight.
@ Tom September 9, 2014 at 6:51 AM: When you plead “no contest” , that plea cannot be used against you as an admission of guilt if a civil proceeding arises out of the same conduct from which the criminal prosecution was based.

If pleading “No Contest” prevented you from being sued than everyone would do it and there would be no lawsuits.

The amount of blatant ignorance of the law that people state as fact is simply amazing to me. If you don’t know, keep your mouth shut.
Anon September 9, 2014 at 9:06 AM: If he is guilty NO RETIREMENT FUNDS.
clg September 9, 2014 at 9:32 AM: @Pete Bennett
Mr. Bennett you sound like you need to dry out.
I wish you the best, but please get the help you need before you harm someone or yourself.
Anon September 9, 2014 at 9:55 AM: Curious as to why he stuck around at the scene of the crime…the news reported when Richmond PD showed up, he was sitting in his car, and the victim was hiding in a bush. Kind of weird he did not leave the scene after he attacked her. Anyone know the answer to this?
@captain obvious September 9, 2014 at 10:12 AM: Are you kidding me, this piece of crap deserves nothing. No thanks, no praise, no honor. He pissed on his badge and every badge of every good officer out there. Just like the church has some bad priests the police also has their scum. He does not represent the whole force. Put him in with the general population for at least five years. Im sure he had many charma points he needs to payoff.
Tom September 9, 2014 at 10:22 AM: I stand corrected. I understand how “no contest” works. I believe people plead “no contest” from the advice of their attorney, to try to avoid a civil lawsuit. There’s a difference.

This is what I’ve been told by people in the legal profession, and I believe it’s correct. This is a blog, not a court of law.

Thank you for correcting me…….
All the painters out there September 9, 2014 at 10:32 AM: All the people posting here are painters…they paint this guy with the brush of damnation. Out of the woodwork you come, cop bashing. They are all evil.

Look. This guy “manned up” and admitted his sins. Most other high and mighty, sports celebrities, and your common gang member..all plead NOT GUILTY. This didn’t happen . He basically said “I DID IT”.

No pension? Why? So YOU go through your job for 30 years, whatever that job is. You get drunk (evil you!) and kill someone, or hurt someone in a wreck. Yes, you are wrong. Look at the recent DUI crashes reported here on Claycord. Yes you should go to prison. But does that give anyone the right to erase forever your past earnings? How about let’s just seize your property, home, car, bank account, and throw you in a hole.

This is America. Guilty until proven…and “cruel and unusual punishment” shall not be imposed.

This guy stupidly nutted up one night, likely out of frustration from being repeatedly victimized..and he “lost it” and did the unthinkable.

Yes. He should go to jail..and he’s forever ruined his name, and gave all his law enforcement brethren a black eye. This “feeds” you painters who ooze out of the woodwork.

Let the man pay his penalty and suffer the consequences. But we don’t crucify him. Leave that to ISIS.
Again September 9, 2014 at 10:43 AM: Dr.DocPhd, I sincerely hope you’re not a cop and making fun of a person who could possibly be mentally ill? There are hundreds of people who suffer from mental illness in many forms for many reasons, and if you are a representative paid for by the city of Walnut Creek then you should be completely ashamed of yourself. Your statement is equivalent to a student being bullied and also makes you and the Walnut Creek police department look pretty bad. Kind of supports that this particular police officer thought he could take the law into his own hands, you feel that way too?
jtkatec September 9, 2014 at 12:15 PM: Why would a police office take such a violent action? Beating a woman with a baseball bat? He’s an officer of the law, why won’t he just call the officer’s of that jurisdiction, tell them he’s also a police officer and has reason to believe a woman just burglarized his father’s house?. Or he could have just made a citizen’s arrest.

The actions he took do not sound like the actions of a rational person.
Princes September 9, 2014 at 3:05 PM: @ captain obvious # 39. You don’t know what your talking about . Be nice and look at your self in the mirrow. Maybe with all the hate you have they should lock you up. He is the most respectful police officer you ever meet. I will always be so proud of him for the amazing job he has Done for the walnut creek police department.
Captain Obvious September 9, 2014 at 4:43 PM: @#39. 30 years of service as a Officer, Deputy, Corrections Officer etc is not an easy task for any HUMAN. Show me proof that this wasn’t an isolated incident and I might change my tune.

30 years experience and he stays at the scene with the evidence? Yes he snapped and yes he should no longer be a cop. Does he deserve the pension he earned over the last 30 years…. ofcourse. He didn’t rape or kill anyone and until someone shows me proof this is his normal pattern………
Gregory September 9, 2014 at 5:38 PM: what is the point of beating someone while wearing a mask? to be anonymous. if you wanted to protect YOUR property, do you not agree that it would be best to let the person that you are protecting YOUR property against know that that is YOUR property and these are the consequences for over stepping YOUR boundaries?

what i see is not protection, its a very creepy and confusing assault.

to be fair, i also have zip ties in my vehicle. They make working on tge engine a lot easier in a pinch.
Gus September 9, 2014 at 6:17 PM: Princes, you are aware he just pleaded no contest to beating a woman who ran out of gas and was looking for help with a bat, right?

Or are you one of those nut jobs who marries guys on death row?

Assaulting a woman with a bat should be attempted murder. I hope she takes his entire pension.
PhilthyPHRESH September 9, 2014 at 6:30 PM: Great work, the police, you guys are doing a great job out here. Thank you.
Dr Doc PhD September 9, 2014 at 8:29 PM: @42

No.. never worked for government. I tune into city council and planning commission meetings because I am an informed citizen.

The Walnut Creek meeting videos are archived. Take a look as #19/20 in action. Go to the August 19 city council video at about 11 minutes into the meeting during public communications.

http://walnutcreek.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=2236

You make up your own mind.
Background September 9, 2014 at 8:37 PM: Pensions nowadays are similar to 401k’s in that most people pay into them in addition to the employer (taxpayer). This is not unlike a company matching a 401 contribution. If a public employee commits a felony while on-duty they can lose their pension. Not an issue in this case.

For background the “victim” in this case was in his father’s backyard (likely to break-in again). This able bodied woman lives 100% on government assistance and happened to be wandering around at 2:00am with no good story why she was there. In addition to be under the influence she and her other friend, who also happened to be wandering around the area at 2:00am, chose to run off when police arrived. And by the time police arrived the assault was long since over. Bottom line is he was protecting his family’s property but went too far. Keep in mind this case would NEVER have been filed if he wasn’t a cop due to a lack of evidence and her inconsistent story. Not for me to say if that’s fair or not since cops should be held to a higher standard. He should never be employed as a cop again and should serve his punishment but this is far from the crime of the century it is made out to be by the media.
Judy September 9, 2014 at 9:05 PM: Isn’t hitting someone with a baseball bat a crime, regardless of circumstances? Or place of employment? You don’t have to be a cop to be arrested. You just have to commit a crime. Hmm.
PhilthyPHRESH September 9, 2014 at 9:05 PM: So didn’t he already have the law in his hands?
JWB September 9, 2014 at 9:20 PM: @ Background

“Pensions nowadays are similar to 401k’s in that most people pay into them in addition to the employer (taxpayer). This is not unlike a company matching a 401 contribution.”

Really you don’t know that there is a huge difference between a Defined Benefit Plan and a Defined Contribution Plan?
@ Background September 10, 2014 at 9:22 AM: I am a big supported of law enforcement and WCPD, but a couple of misstatements in your email. Police still have the traditional defined benefit plan in which the retiree is paid a portion of his salary for life. They may also have a defined contribution plan in which you contribute a portion of your salary and the employer matches it.

A huge misstatement is that your average person would not have been prosecuted for assaulting someone with a baseball bat, particularly at a residence that was NOT their home. No element of self-defense here. It does sound plausible that the woman was a squatter, and I have sympathy for this, as someone who dealt with a squatter next door recently. However, it never occurred to me to go after the squatter with a baseball bat. That is crazy town. I don’t see in this case, how the officer was held to a “higher standard” The charges actually seem a bit lenient. Baseball bat attacks are closer to attempted murder/manslaughter, but possibly part of a plea bargain.
Background September 10, 2014 at 4:22 PM: #55-I agree with you. Re: pensions you are correct however many public employees pay significant portions of their paychecks into their pensions every payday. Doesn’t seem fair to take away “their” money anymore than you would take someone’s contribution into a 401k if they commit a crime. I agree with you on taking the “public” money that is part of their defined benefit when a serious crime is committed (in most cases this taxpayer would be a majority of the pension).

This case wouldn’t have been filed not because he is innocent (I don’t know if he is or not but I suspect not). It wouldn’t have been filed because there are too many inconsistencies and there is very little evidence. The victim says she was attacked on the side of the house but he I’m sure claims the assault was mutual and occurred on or inside the house. Without overwhelming proof the DA normally would not file a case. Just because it’s a crime doesn’t mean your going to be prosecuted. In most cases you won’t be. Sad but true. Only when the case is a slam drunk will it get filed by the DA. This is just reality given the high caseloads. 98% of cases result in a plea bargain on the DA’s terms and never see a jury. This is because they are only the strong cases and everyone knows the justice system would grind to a halt if every case went to a full trial.

The Tracy Rail Yards Union Buster and the Richmond Warehouse ARSON Fire

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CNET Scandal