Latest news with #Willing
Herald Sun
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Tracy Linford and Mick Willing firm as favourites in race for Victoria's police chief job
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Victoria's new top cop is odds-on to be a woman. Sources with knowledge of the race to become Victoria Police's next chief commissioner believe two candidates – Tracy Linford and Mick Willing – are the top contenders. It can also be revealed that the outgoing Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson has been interviewed for the chief commissioner role. Mr Paterson was told in February the Allan government would not be reappointing him. An announcement on Victoria's chief commissioner is set to be made as early as next week. Deputy Commissioner Linford, who has been on leave from the Queensland Police service, cut her teeth as a Victorian cop. As a detective in Victoria, Ms Linford rose through the ranks to become an assistant commissioner before leaving for Queensland in 2015. During her time there, Ms Linford has headed up intelligence, counter-terrorism and major events portfolios. Her other experience in her 37-year career includes general duties, investigations and countering serious organised crime. Ms Linford, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2014, has been on leave from Queensland's force. 'She's a good person and good copper. Very astute and she fights for what she believes in,' a source said. If Ms Linford wins the position, she will be Victoria's second woman to become chief. Former chief commissioner Christine Nixon was Victoria's first female top cop from 2001 to 2009. Another veteran cop, former NSW deputy commissioner Mick Willing, is being touted as a contender. Mr Willing's 31-year law enforcement career came to a sudden end in 2022 when his new boss, NSW Commissioner Karen Webb, tore up his contract. He had been considered former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian's 'preferred candidate' for commissioner before she resigned her post. It's understood Mr Willing is keen to make a comeback to policing after time away from law enforcement helping first responders deal with mental health issues. Mr Willing has also spoken openly about his own demons after his career ended. Pundits say a star performer from the federal police was asked to apply but declined. Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who has spent her 23-years with the feds, has managed the national security portfolio since 2024. Prior to her promotion, Ms Barrett headed the AFP's counter-terrorism and special investigations, including foreign interference and espionage. Although several serving Victorian cops have put up their hand to lead the force, none is considered likely to get the nod. The Allan government's committee will make a recommendation to Police Minister Anthony Carbines. The Victoria Police Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Victoria Police Act for a five-year term. Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent is expected to leave the force soon after a permanent chief is named. Mr Nugent replaced Chief Commissioner Shane Patton in February, who was informed his contract would not be renewed after rank and file police members took a vote of no confidence in him. Mr Patton took leave after being told of the government's decision not to reappoint him. His contract expires on June 30. Mr Nugent, who left Emergency Management Victoria to take the acting role at Victoria Police, opted out of applying to lead the force after less than two months in the seat.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-FAA worker from Kona charged in child porn case
A 55-year-old former Federal Aviation Administration employee pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations that he received and possessed child pornography involving kids under the age of 12, according to federal court records. Vernon M. Grow, a former transportation specialist for the FAA stationed at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and two counts of possession. Grow worked for the FAA between 2015 and 2023. In February 2022, Grow allegedly 'did knowingly receive child pornography, ' according to an indictment secured April 24. On Sept. 21, 2021, on two devices, a phone and a hard drive, Grow allegedly possessed images of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom A. Trader and has a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to detain Grow without bail until trial. He is being held at the Federal Detention Center, Honolulu, until his detention hearing. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Federal agents allegedly found the illegal material in September 2022 on Grow's Samsung Galaxy Note 10 phone and on a Seagate external hard drive. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Slack is prosecuting the case. Grow is being represented by the office of the Federal Public Defender. Since 1978, federal law prohibits the production, distribution, importation, reception or possession of any image of child pornography. Violations of the federal law are punishable by between a decade and life in prison. Grow's not-guilty plea came 18 days after a was ordered held without bail after he allegedly admitted to collecting child pornography because of 'an addiction ' he has to feed to avoid abusing children. Joshua Kapunahele Wil ling pleaded guilty to three state counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault in 2018 after he confessed to sexually assaulting a girl for four years starting when she was 7 years old. On April 3, Willing allegedly told agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that from August until January he downloaded hours of child pornography, according to a federal criminal complaint. Willing allegedly admitted to FBI agents that he knows child pornography is illegal, but he downloaded and watched child pornography on his mobile phone. He admitted to having 'an addiction ' to child pornography he must feed to avoid abusing children, according to federal court records.
