Cleveland Police Department: Faggots Don’t Deserve to Wear Pants

Posted by Kevin Farrell on Feb 1, 2012 in Crime | 88 comments

Jonathan Simcox and Steven Ondo in pants, despite the wishes of the CPD.

A gay couple is suing the Cleveland, Ohio Police Department for, among other things, unlawful arrest, violent assault, public humiliation, and denying the couple pants.

Jonathan Simcox and his partner Steven Ondo claim that a police officer out of uniform stopped the couple on the street in the middle of a lover’s spat before throwing them on the ground and punching them in the face until they were covered in blood. The two men were arrested, but later released after being found not guilty of committing any crime.

About a week later, things got worse. Fox8 reports:

The men said after they were released from jail, they were told no charges were being filed against them. About a week later, the men were upstairs sleeping inside their home when they heard a loud banging outside their front door.

According to the lawsuit, “6 or 7 members of the SWAT/and or Warrant Team” were on a sweep that day. Ondo and Simcox said officers then informed them they were wanted on a warrant that was issued for, “assaulting a peace officer.”

“The officer in the glasses grabbed me by my shirt, and punched me twice in the face, after he punched me, he threw me up against the wall,” said Simcox.

Simcox says at the time of the arrest, he and his partner were wearing only underwear and t-shirts. When Simcox’s brother asked police if he could get them some pants and shoes, one of the officers allegedly responded by saying, “You can go get them shoes, but faggots don’t deserve to wear pants in jail.”

The lawsuit states that the men were ordered to stand outside in their front lawn for five to 10 minutes while they were publicly humiliated.

Ondo and Simcox were taken to jail and according to the lawsuit for, “at least one whole day their repeated requests for pants were denied.”

Shame on you, Cleveland PD. Shame and lawsuits!

Seeing as how the couple has already been found not guilty, it sounds like the Cleveland police responsible for this hateful episode will soon be coughing up a fat wad of cash.

What do YOU think? Do faggots deserve to wear pants?

Laurie Edwards

I can’t imagine this ends well for anybody, but the answer here is lots of money and the cops involved in any way lose their jobs and pensions.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2XUSLKHYDHAFG3UDSVYEQ3URSM rancor4boi

When is the public going to rise up against this sort of police brutality? Police abuse seems to be on the rise, with shell-shocked former soldiers joining police forces in droves.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1707535635 Jerry Equality Gannon

This has nothing to do with Soldiers, so pull your head out before you make ignorant comments. This has everything to do with hate and ignorance, and an inequality in America that must be fixed.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2XUSLKHYDHAFG3UDSVYEQ3URSM rancor4boi

I have nothing against soldiers, just those who haven’t been treated for PTSD who think they can use the same abusive tactics against US citizens that they used against Iraqi insurgents.

You haven’t read the numerous stories of former soldiers turned cops who have abused citizens? Google it; it’s becoming quite widespread.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002491621775 Devin DiGiovanni

It’s just unfathomable that police officers who are sworn to protect the public get away with this kind of shit. It’s downright scary.
http://www.facebook.com/saje.williams Saje Williams

Are they saying that gay men should wear kilts? But seriously, this is a bunch of crap. Is there a single minority group that hasn’t seen a major uptick in police harassment and abuse? Was this a matter of a bunch of cops eager to prove they weren’t in the least bit interested in having gay sex with one another? Or just a bunch of narrow minded juvenile bigots with no oversight or supervision being allowed to run amok to the lasting detriment of their community? When we the taxpayers grow tired of paying for the crimes of their public servants?

http://www.facebook.com/DorothySnarker Amy Mcgraw-pate

all men with nice calves should wear kilts.

asshats, on the other hand, should NOT wear badges.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000155872736 Daniel J McEwen

Doesn’t this qualify as harassment? I think it’s gone beyond humiliation into criminal behavior, which, honestly, I think was true from the time they got punched in the face.
Isaac Burrough

The Effing Gay Games will be held in this city in 2014! This is insanity!!!

http://www.facebook.com/thomas.robert.miller Tom Miller

I would push for a total boycott and relocate the Gay Games somewhere more friendly. San Diego is nice ANY time of the year!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Torbet/516763421 Mike Torbet

This was clearly a hate crime committed by the cops. Not only should they be sued and fired but they should do at least 25 to life in prison.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MCE5RUJRDHT7BUS4PIAKLB2XXI Russel

I completely agree. The amount of police brutality against the LGBT community these days is atrocious and needs to be stopped as soon as possible. It seems like bigoted officers think they are above the very law they vow to uphold.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Robyn-Venessa-Mazy/1303224949 Robyn Venessa Mazy

happened for years since before the civil war

http://www.facebook.com/rabblesthebinx Brian Frang

Hell, as bad as things are, they’re still a lot better than they were. Just a few years ago, no one would have even cared.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Robyn-Venessa-Mazy/1303224949 Robyn Venessa Mazy

true true – at least the public is taking a stance, and the civil war for lgbt equal rights will happen and the citizens will eventually become protected as well. it took black at least 150 years and still fighting expect more fighting for this

http://www.facebook.com/wolfgangpwnz Wolfgang Damien Von Zennishion

Who do you go to when the police are the ones illegally beating the crap out of you?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=303800583 Guy Stridsigne

Internal Affairs..

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=853214878 Raymond Weaver

I want to be able to choose whether or not I wear pants, thank you. Sue Cleveland P.D.’s ass off.
http://www.facebook.com/kobblestones Ravens Perch

I think every officer involved should be fired and never allowed to work in law enforcement again (anywhere), then fined and then imprisoned (with no pants) – and to top it off make them wear tight pink t-shirts with the words FAG on the front and back in very big letters…if they refuse to comply …for each day …they get and extra year…
http://www.facebook.com/kobblestones Ravens Perch

I think every officer involved should be fired and never allowed to work in law enforcement again (anywhere), then fined and then imprisoned (with no pants) – and to top it off make them wear tight pink t-shirts with the words FAG on the front and back in very big letters…if they refuse to comply …for each day …they get and extra year…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Royce-Earnest-Jr/515733979 Royce Earnest Jr

This is one of the main reasons I hate cops.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Geoff-Ackerman/1173162702 Geoff Ackerman

As a Clevelander, I am shocked, appaled, and embarassed. This is not the way Cleveland really is, and Im sorry these two gentlemen had to go through this. I would also recommend that, if the lawsuit doesnt work out, they contact Denis Kusinich, Democrat Rep from Cleveland
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2BW3O5RYEM62JOFWL74WNNKELI Mary Beth

when are the police going to remember that we are their employers we are the ones that pay our taxes that pay their wages they work for us to uphold the law not to be above the law
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5814133 Shawn Hartt

The Cleveland police department should be ashamed of itself! The purpose is to protect the peace and the people while upholding the law, NOT beating citizens senseless for being gay then denying them pants…Nothing but a pack of wild jerks with badges if you ask me, perhaps they need to start following the law or fear the wrath of being dragged to jail without pants themselves…
Prominent Prozac

Hopefully they don’t let this drop. People, gay or not, need to address this BS upfront.

Police to NOT get to pick and choose, time to get their asses back in line..
vrodd92

sue their asses off,and they should be charged with unlawful arrest,harrasment,and charged with a hate crime,then fired and jailed,i hope you guys get a shit ton of money and justice
Anonymous

Cleveland, OHIO.. thought it was Cleveland Tennessee there for a second
http://profile.yahoo.com/R666G7Q6DI5SKD7RI3I2I7VHNM Liam

It looks like some of the Cleveland Police Department don’t deserve OXYGEN!
Roxanne DeBord

Horrible, horrible! THe police force should be utterly ashamed and forced to apologize and pay these guys an obscene amount of money. NO One should be treated this way.
http://www.facebook.com/nik.yanchar Nik Yanchar

I’m from Cleveland, and I have to say….it doesn’t surprise me whatsoever
vrodd92

do not let this get swept under the rug,keep it alive,and do not stop do not give up till these ass holes are fired and you have alot of cash
Ruth Avi

“Relax, Sokka! Where we’re going, we don’t need any pants!”
But in all seriousness, what that officer did was detestable and he should be locked up for at least a few years. And there was not a single piece of evidence against the guys. They were left covered in bruises, maybe broken bones, and there was obviously not a scratch on the officer. Ohio court system: how thick couldja get?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Lyuba-Allenivna-Tereshchenko/100002084180724 Lyuba Allenivna Tereshchenko

F*cking mudaki police.
Anonymous

I can’t believe that they were even able to orchestrate that travesty. Hopefully when they get fired and discharged for what they’ve done they get to do it in a pants-less ceremony. O.o
http://www.facebook.com/thomas.robert.miller Tom Miller

We can surely hope so.”Peace Officers”? I think old guard KGB more like it. That or something much worse, Republicans.
http://www.facebook.com/rswarts416 Robert Equality Swarts

Daniel,

This qualifies for more than harassment. It is painfully obvious that they were targeted with such brute force because of their sexual orientation. It is a hate crime.
Anonymous

Meanwhile those same cops are having sex with under-age girls behind their wives back or, better still, are being service by some of those “Fa**ots” they hate, behind an old building or in an alley somewhere, or smoking pot they confiscated or sniffing some other drugs they confiscated…Goddamned hypocritical jerks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=630050104 Jeremy Hodder

WoW guess the criminals already run the country. what is everyone else to do? those cops deserve to lose their jobs and be publicly shamed as well. i hope that couple sue for a lot and get even more.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1306859175 Jerry Ferraccio

My question is: how do we help them bring this situation to justice? Who do I call, where do I write, how do I contribute to punishing this hate crime?
Scott Jensen

Shame on you Cleveland PD.
I can’t wait to see those officers loose their jobs, their kids go without shoes and pants so they can explain it was some gay persons fault. And I can’t wait for the city to caugh up some serious cash to buy these two guys off. I hope it costs the city a years worth of police pensions.
I’m know, I can be revengeful, hateful and angry. But seriously, sometimes people just need to pay. And it needs to be public.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1664732393 Jim Self

Cleveland- are you just going to sit by and let this happen? It’s going to continue if we don’t take a stand……. Where’s a good rebel when you need one!
http://www.facebook.com/dyancey David Yancey

Well, they’re both cute enough that I wouldn’t mind seeing them without pants. But, that’s taking it way, way too far.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=303800583 Guy Stridsigne

I officially think you are my least favorite person in the world.

This is what you take away from this?? Really?? It doesn’t matter if they are the two ugliest individuals in the state of Ohio, this was a disgusting display.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001055600053 Kim Wills Scott

Everyone deserves pants. It’s basic human dignity. If the person you’re arresting isn’t actively trying to assault you or escape, let them put on some pants.

I truly do hope any and all police officers who would engage in hate crimes such as these would be fired and permanently barred from working in law enforcement, as well as being prosecuted for their actions. These are people who should be held to the highest standard; they are completely aware of all the laws and have taken an oath to uphold them, and to protect the public.
http://www.facebook.com/compton.katherine Katherine Compton

What kind of crap is this? All officers involved should be reprimamnded, loered rank and these two men should have full rights in suing officers and city officials!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000162336903 Doug Shoemaker

More bigotry from our “lovely” mid-west! I hope these young man sue as much as they can against these disgusting officers. The officers should be charged with a hate crime as well and given jail time.
Hannah Christesnon

This kinda shit makes me sick! Seriously those cops deserve WAY more than having to pay a fine. I agree with Mike they should get some time. What I don’t understand is why people have such a problem with gay and lesbian people. They are people, they have the right to love just like any straight person does. Homosexuality is here and its here to stay… people need to just get over it already. But I guess that is what the US is becoming as soon as one problem is “solved” another one has to take its spot. Examples being African American people, then it was Women’s rights and now it’s this. Why can’t people just love each other, maybe not love but tolerate each other. This world sucks!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-David/100000260657237 Michael David

Legal action is needed , not sure if this is the whole story or not , but if true I would hope they get legal representation that will bankrupt the city and state. If the comment was made that officer should lose his job. This pisses me off to no end if true.
Kathleen O’Neill

I am not a lawsuit happy person; I don’t think suing is the answer to everything. But here, it’s the only language these bullies will understand.

They give a bad name to people who really do become part of law enforcement because they want to protect the public, not because they want to flex their muscles and enjoy having some power.

I hope they are taken to the cleaners, law enforcement officers who would do this are too warped for sensitivity training or any other form of rehab.
http://www.facebook.com/Dyl26 Dylan S

That is disgusting, hope those officers are under bars, I really feel sorry for this couple for having to go through this unnecessary harassment.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ADGFXHRT6BWD7OWDDYRYYW3KME Jamie

I hope they sue the Pants right off them!!! No one should be treated this way, are we living in Nazi Germany??????
http://profile.yahoo.com/2T77QHOM46ILEF4VWFRXWOBN3E Terry

Do I detect a smirk on the face of the fox news anchor woman right before she introduces the piece? I may be wrong as I am not seeing this in HD, but it does appear as though she starts to smile.
Anonymous

sue the living hell out of them individually and the department and city! Outrageous!! DOJ, are you reading this???? Federal Hate Crimes Statue applies here….The FBI needs to investigate this! Damn, this crap has to cease!
http://www.facebook.com/arsonfly Celso DeJesus II

They deserve to be fired and be subjected to the same amount of jail time a civilian would be subjected to if they were to break into somebody’s house and assault them.
Kevin Webb

hope they got pictures of their injuries. Do we know if an internal investigation was ever done?
http://www.facebook.com/jeramy.watson1 Jeramy Watson

sounds like the CPD won’t be getting any pants either…seeing as they are getting the pants sued right off of them!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000035047164 Gus Anderson

Typical *cop* game of **capture the fag**.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Dylan-Keirn/100001228293970 Dylan Keirn

Why does humanity continually give me reason to doubt the existence of common sense?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=306000454 Jessica Van Essen

i hope they have a very good lawyer and a great judge. sadly most crap like this that happens gets excused because the judges and other people involved with upholding the law and protecting innocent are friends with the offending officers. They just excuse the bad behavior and let them off scott free.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Charles-Marcee/1609892827 Charles Marcee

No. No pants for the gays. Make them run around naked for my viewing pleasure =]
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=683150191 Vincent Milligan

I hope everyone of those cops are fired with no pensions and that the department and the individual officers have to cough up a huge wad of cash. Like in the millions!
http://www.facebook.com/websjust Justin

As a gay male, Emergency Dispatcher, and Emergency Responder, I can safely say that I have never encountered this, I can see where this could very easily happen as a lot of uniforms are very single minded with multiple things! I have to say that I am very saddened to see this story and have nothing but great thoughts for the guys involved, would also like to add that I hope each and EVERY one of these Officers get back what they gave! Hate crime at its best! Really baffles me how someone of the law, who is suppose to be fighting hate crime turns around and does it themselves! Good Luck in your case and healing process guys!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1343043522 Paul Disastro

I’m so ashamed of my city frequently, but this is the final straw.
http://www.facebook.com/heather.richardsonlutz Heather Richardson

wow i really dont know what to say…. police officers are supposed to protect you not do this…
Anonymous

I think I agree with the SWAT guy. I too would like to see more pants-less gay men.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001429209152 Shay Summer

Sadly, this why you can’t trust cops. They are biased and use their “power” against normal people. It’s outrageous and out of control. This needs to STOP. ALL of the men involved should be fired and not be given squat. This is HORRIBLE.
Sean T Poindexter

Not just a wad of cash, but prison time as well. At the very least, Cleveland PD will have a couple of opening in their SWAT team soon.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Liz-Querusio/39602018 Liz Querusio

Not in my bed.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002005545301 Jeremy Neill

“To serve and protect”
http://www.facebook.com/tommyboyz8 T Brad Tutton

KILL THE OFFICERS! FIRE THEM AND TAKE AWAY ANY PENSIONS FOR THIS IF YOU DON’T KILL THEM. ALSO, THE OFFICERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF THEIR RETIREMENT, NOT TAXPAYERS!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/tommyboyz8 T Brad Tutton

And the police wonder why citizens are going to carry weapons. NEVER LET THEM TAKE THE GUNS FROM CITIZENS… or straight AND gay alike will deal with this even more like they are the KGB… NRA ALL THE WAY!
http://twitter.com/bloodybreesteak Bree

These stories make me fear cops, these people are supposed to be protecting folks.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Drago-Harley/100002506646115 Drago Harley

I think this is worth $100,000 for each of the guys — and the firing of every cop involved. Because of the Unions, the cops will have nothing bad happen to them and will not be discouraged from doing this again.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=887180542 Michael Blank

I hope we get an update on this. Disgusting how people abuse their power
http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Welter/1547873217 Robert Welter

The City of Cleveland has supported the LGBT community for a long time now. I suspect this story is either greatly exaggerated, or there is more to it than reported here.
http://www.facebook.com/mrichmond2089 Michael Richmond

@ MIKE TORBET

YES i Agree 25 to life in prison Without PANTS~
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NGZFKQ7WS3KB3JCHMN3EDPPEO4 David

The sweep needs to be done within the CPD. At least these two boys will be able to pay cash for a nice house when this is over. I hope they leave Cleveland.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=303800583 Guy Stridsigne

You disgust me…
http://www.facebook.com/rabblesthebinx Brian Frang

Anyone else find it ironic that this is a Fox exclusive?
George O’Connor

This is just blind, stupid, ugly hatred and if the account given by Ondo and Simcox is even slightly embellished by either of them it’s worse than reprehensible that two Cleveland cops would target them and brutalize them worse than they would terrorists planting a bomb. There are just no words for this kind of brutality. And a whole PD backs these “officers” up with a second go-round of this crap???
I hope they get a ton of cash and the two unnamed cops can’t find work as dog catchers!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688236750 Craig Knox

Sue boys! And let’s going shopping when you own their asses
Anonymous

If one has negative contact with the police, one would be well advised to install surveillance cameras. For extra fun: two systems, one of which is concealed to avoid “loss” of the DVR, etc.
http://profile.yahoo.com/L23V4E5IGW4JFIAM4ZHU6MJKQ4 latinyid31

I hope the Cleveland PD is sued back into the Stone Age, that these two used the money to move, and that all gay folk move from that state to somewhere that actually DESERVES them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002282692637 Oj Van Wy

Malfeseance, abuse of a public trust, degradation of the police dept. Aggravated assault and battery. Hate! The should do time!
http://www.facebook.com/amie.nogrady Amie Nogrady

And people wonder why cops are referred to as “pigs”. Actually, I am offended by the reference since our piggy friends are proven to be intelligent and possess great reasoning skills. Perhaps to insult the porcine community, we should start calling them “cops”.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002282692637 Oj Van Wy

I lived in Cleveland for 10+ years and never heard of anything like this happening. It is a very diverse community and this type of thing would be considered an isolated incident. Given that there is a formal lawsuit and the charges are listed, I can’t see it as being untrue either. The victims deserve everything they’re asking for. The officers should be fired and their faces made public on fb and yt so they are never hired in a position where they can violate a public trust again. They should do time for the crime!
http://www.facebook.com/howella09 Andrew Howell

OH HELL NO!! I’M FROM CLEVELAND AND NOW I LIVE IN BALTIMORE AND THIS MAKES ME BEYOND WORDS P I S S E D!!
http://www.facebook.com/howella09 Andrew Howell

OH HELL NO!! I’M FROM CLEVELAND AND NOW I LIVE IN BALTIMORE AND THIS MAKES ME BEYOND WORDS P I S S E D!!
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