Local Video Activist Arrested after RPD Officer claims Harassment

David Vara, a.k.a. Davy V., a local video producer whose work includes RPD Exposed and Badges of Dishonor, was arrested after being charged with aggravated harassment on March 26. Rochester Police Officer Thomas Rodriguez filed the charge, after he received Vara's latest video in the mail. The video was mailed to the Patrol Section
Office in which Rodriguez works. Presently, Vara is out on $350 bail and will appear in city court Tuesday April 6th at 9:30am.

Throughout the past year, Vara has mailed the video to several Police Officers, including Officer Rodriguez, and to Mayor Johnson and Chief of Police Robert Duffy. He showed Indymedia reporters letters from Mayor Johnson and Police Chief Duffy acknowledging the receipt of the video and thanking Vara for sharing his views. The Video RPD: Badgesof Dishonor, Corruption and Murder, deals with the 2002 police shooting of 14-year-old Craig Heard as well as other
controversial incidents involving the use of force. Vara told Indymedia reporters that he was motivated to make the video to put a spotlight on the police in the aftermath of
what he calls the "execution" of Craig Heard.




Vara explained that the conduct of Officer Rodriguez and several other officers were depicted in the video. "Officer Rodriguez was not the main focus, nor the only one featured in my documentary." Vara said.




In the police statement filed by Rodriguez, he states "I
feel that the person making the tape is making a point to annoy and harass me and that their actions will not stop,". The statement goes on to say that Vara's "actions have caused me to be extremely
annoyed and I want him arrested."




"My point in sending this video to all the officers involved as well as the officials was to create an awareness that they are being watched and that people are documenting."




Though the video does not deal with Vara's personal dealings with the police, he was won two successful lawsuits against the RPD in cases dealing with Police Brutality.




Vara believes that the charges filed against him are retaliation by Officer Rodriguez for publicizing police misconduct. He's convinced he hasn't violated any laws and was exercising his rights as a citizen. Vara is encouraging anyone interested in his case to come to court Tuesday April 6 at 9:30 at the Hall of Justice in Downtown Rochester.