Police Lieutenant Ralph Shrader served a jail sentence and now faces disciplinary action following his conviction on misdemeanor stalking charges. A jury found Shrader guilty of stalking his now ex-wife Lisa Shrader. The judge withheld adjudication, a formal finding of guilt despite requests from the prosecutors. "He should not be a law enforcement officer anymore," said Assistant State Attorney Hope Pattey. The judge sentenced Shrader to 30 days in jail and 11 months of probation. During his incarceration, Shrader was suspended and was relieved of duty requiring him to turn in his badge, gun and other equipment. However, Shrader was suspended with pay so he continues to receive his salary of $86,000 per year.
The police recently completed an internal investigation based on a complaint filed by lawyer Mark McCann who is involved in a relationship with Lisa Shrader. The internal investigation concluded that Shrader violated the department's general orders on several grounds based on his criminal conviction for stalking. The investigator has also re-opened a prior investigation related to prior allegations of stalking by Shrader. The investigator indicated that the investigation of the prior stalking allegations was conducted by someone who was a friend of Shrader and that the file appeared to be missing such items as witness statements and other evidence that should have appeared in the case file.
Under Florida stalking law, a prosecutor must prove the accused repeatedly, willfully and maliciously harassed the victim explained Florida stalking defense lawyer John Musca. "Harassing conduct is basically behavior that is directed toward the victim which causes substantial emotional distress and has no legitimate purpose," said Musca. "Certain types of conduct constitute aggravated stalking with more severe penalties," said Musca. "Basically, this amounts to threats of bodily harm that result in a reasonable fear of bodily injury by the victim, his or her child, parent or spouse."
When your freedom, your reputation, and your permanent criminal records are at stake, you want Musca Law on your side. They can handle the defense of all aggravated stalking crimes, State or Federal. If you have been charged with a stalking crime, contact Musca Law to schedule a free confidential consultation with an experienced Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer.
