Parole officers 'salvageable'; firings halted

CARSON CITY -- A hearing officer has reinstated two state parole and probation officers who were fired after a dangerous confrontation with a North Las Vegas Police officer who was ready to shoot them if they made a false move.

Hearing Officer John Graves recommended a 25-day suspension for Kenneth Wheaton and 20 days for Mack Travis. Graves said both men were "solid peace officers." He said they were repentant for their conduct and were "salvageable."

Wheaton and Travis engaged in name calling and threats with officer Charles Jenkins III, who was detaining them at gunpoint on Nov. 12, 1997.

The two officers were on a break that night when they tried to enter "The Bishop's Wife Boutique" in North Las Vegas, where Wheaton wanted to buy a mattress. They were armed and had heavy coats. One was wearing a ski cap and dark glasses.

Four women were inside the boutique planning an event. The door was locked and Wheaton knocked on the window trying to gain entry. The women were afraid and refused to open the door. He then identified himself and showed his badge. Travis also displayed his badge and in the process the women saw his gun.

There was more conversation and the women got down on the floor, to protect themselves. One called 911 and Jenkins responded.

With his gun drawn, Jenkins ordered the two to put their hands behind their heads and lock their fingers. Wheaton and Travis identified themselves as parole and probation officers and did not obey Jenkins' command. There are different versions of what ensued. But there was a lot of swearing and racial epithets. All three men are black.

Jenkins had his finger on the trigger of his gun during this confrontation. When more police officers arrived, the situation calmed as the identities of Wheaton and Travis was established.

Both men had no prior disciplinary actions in their jobs and had been rated good officers. But they were accused of misusing their weapons, abusing a peace officer, endangering themselves, using threatening language and disgraceful personal conduct.

The state hearing officer said there have been cases of more serious misconduct within the agency that have been dealt with short of firing.

Graves said disciplinary action is warranted in the misuse of the badge by the officers at the boutique.

"The profanity used by employees (Travis and Wheaton) was unusual, racial and provocative," Graves said. "Clearly Travis and Wheaton were disrespectful to Jenkins, and also, clearly, did not follow his orders."

Travis, the hearing officer said, was less confrontational. The two were never arrested.

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