Sheriff Watson Arrested on 6 Felony Charges

Judge Don Ash is picked to preside: the same judge that presided over the Bill Bivens vs Randy White lawsuit in Monroe County

 

Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson was arrested and booked in his own jail last Friday, shortly after returning from a trip to Florida with his family.

The arrest of a county sheriff is a rare event--it's been almost 10 years since former Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long was arrested by the FBI and convicted on money laundering, extortion, and other charges. Long was released from federal prison in 2016, but will serve a monitored 'house arrest' for another 5 years.

After a year long investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a grand jury indicted Watson on 6 felony counts--after getting his prints and mugshot taken, he posted a 30k dollar bond and was released from custody.

Through his attorney Jim Logan, Watson claims he is innocent of the charges and that none of the charges stem from any activity related to the sheriff's dept., or while he was in any official duty as sheriff.

Has Sheriff "Whitey" Jones taken the same course as Hillary Clinton?

Is the MCSD violating federal or state laws--would any other government agency use their web hosting service?

They (Clinton/Jones) both used a website/server outside of the norm of what other government agencies were using--in the case of the current MCSD administration, they have been using a former Monroe County resident for website hosting service.

In this link HERE you will see in detail how Jones continued to maintain a relationship with William Wells, who after being given his walking papers by the county mayor, moved back to Minnesota--and how this arrangement differs from other county government websites, and the possible legal and security issues involved.

The total disregard for cyber-security was one of the biggest scandals of the 2016 presidential election. Hillary thought she would never 'get caught'- but many insiders agree that it was the beginning of the end.

Sheriff Tommy "Whitey" Jones' Inner Circle Under Scrutiny

A Senior member of the MCSD Reserve Officer Program has "packed up, and moved out of town"

It couldn't have come at a worse time for Sheriff "Whitey" Jones. A person who could have shed light on the inner workings of what a reserve officer actually does, has within two months, sold his property and moved out of Monroe County.

An inside source revealed that Don Charest sold his Coker Creek homestead within a week of being on the market. A county land transfer record shows that it was priced low enough for a "quick sale."...

Charest had formerly been in the Tellico Plains Police Reserve under a cloud of controversy, along with former chief Bill Isbell. Former Tellico Plains Mayor Roger Powers felt that both Isbell and Charest lacked transparency and honesty, and he "booted them out." An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury revealed missing or un-accounted money from fundraisers and missing guns--what did Charest do to get a reserve badge from the the current MCSD administration?

Charest has returned from time to time to manage or liquidate his assets at the Madisonville SDS gun store, which he co-owns with Ray Kough. During his visits back to Monroe County, he has stayed in an 'out-of-the-way' cabin in Coker Creek, driving a vehicle not formerly associated with him...

The SDS gun store operators were "giddy with excitement" after Jones was appointed interim Sheriff on 12/9/2014. They even made a webpage for him on their website claiming "they finally had someone they could work with."

Is the Reserve Officer Program a 'Pay To Play' Scheme?

The recent Brian Wormy Hodge case, and newbie Sheriff Jones' handling of the Monroe County Sheriff reserve officer program is in the spotlight.

There are times when the reserve officer program serves a good purpose: like when a retired police officer goes out in the community and checks on elderly residents.

Don Charest

Other times, a reserve officer badge appears to be nothing more than a quid-pro-quo/political payback tool,...case in point: Don Charest, former crony of the disgraced Tellico Plains chief of Police, Bill Isbell.

After being "booted out" of the Tellico Plains Police Dept. along with Isbell in 2010, no other police agency would consider Charest "reserve officer worthy." The 2013 TPPD Chief of Police Jeb Brown, who is and has been in the top echelon of the current MCSD administration serving as Chief Jailer--refused to have anything to do with former Isbell cronies. (Charest was unable to "charm" Jeb Brown into any sort of association.)

No new reserve officer badge, until Charest was able to "worm his way" into current Sheriff, Tommy "Whitey" Jones. 

In the guns & badges video, filmed in the spring of 2016--WVLT's Lauren Davis asks Ray Kough, a partner in a Madisonville TN gun store co-owned by Don Charest if it's the first time they have received guns from the Monroe County Sheriff. Guns from unsolved homicides are supposed to be kept in storage... considering that there is no statute of limitations on murder cases, then, yes there may have been some guns that should have remained in the custody of the sheriff's dept.

Sheriff Jones Comments on Pending Litigation--Really?

After returning from a federal court hearing, Sheriff Jones shares his comments and prognostications with the local media

Sheriff Tommy Jones

Although Sheriff Jones has generally steered clear from major blunders, this time, he faces a tough quagmire--which he has made increasingly worse for himself and Brian "Wormy" Hodge... Update--Revision of Hodge's bond conditions DENIED, and the court ruling mentions two of the conditions back in February: there was to be "no contact" between Hodge directly or indirectly with any person who is or may be a witness or a victim in the investigation or prosecution. Which begs the question, was the request for the modification of the "firearm restriction" a plea to basically withdraw the entirety of the bond conditions, and, why did Jones want to hire a man who wasn't allowed to have any contact with him or anyone else in the sheriff's dept? read and discover that the plea was in essence "an exercise in futility"... more on the update in the Monroe Buzz HERE. 

In the recent Advocate&Democrat news article on April 23, 2017, Jones' comments on the 'vote buying' federal indictment against Hodge have "raised eyebrows" on his ability to perform under difficult situations.

The most shocking comment (in part) was that "if Hodge is guilty, he'll need to go to jail." Jones will soon realize it's not up to him to come up with a simplistic solution to make this 'go away.' Even if "Wormy" is found guilty, he may not automatically face prison time. Prosecutors and his attorney could come up with a 'plea deal' strategy in exchange for information that has not yet been revealed.

Sheriff Jones, obviously did not have the advice of a good attorney--turning into what seems to be, a "chatty kathy doll" may have violated several judicial guidelines--he is due to meet with FBI officials soon to answer questions.

Model Rule 3.6 and Extrajudicial Statements about Pending Matters
“Substantial Likelihood of Materially Prejudicing a Proceeding”

Model Rule 3.6(a) states the fundamental principle that determines when public statements regarding pending matters are permitted and prohibited:

A lawyer who is participating or has participated in the investigation or litigation of a matter shall not make an extrajudicial statement that the lawyer knows or reasonably should know will be disseminated by means of public communication and will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in the matter.

This standard also likely governs dissemination of court pleadings, transcripts, and the like to the media without further comment. See Pa. Informal Op. 96-45 (June 21, 1996).

Model Rule 3.6(a) “sets forth a basic general prohibition against a lawyer’s making statements that the lawyer knows or should know will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding.” Model Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 3.6 cmt. [3]. In doing so, Model Rule 3.6 attempts to strike a balance between “protecting the right to a fair trial and safeguarding the right of free expression.” Model Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 3.6 cmt. [1].

Hidden Forest Service Campground: A Crime Haven with a View

Bromen's SUV used in getaway

The fallout from the "Missing Minnesota girl" unfolds 

it's now known that Jon Bromen, the "wanted criminal" who kept Claire Cooney and her mother for 10 days in an "out of the way" forest service campground in Monroe County, was caught because of a "dead battery" which forced him to leave his campsite and walk down Hwy 68 seeking help.

Why did the trio go un-noticed for a week and a half by Forest Service Law Enforcement? The District USFS ranger would have noticed "something wasn't right" if he had taken the time to drive in one of the secluded campground areas just off Joe Brown Rd. The same USFS campground area that a drifter from Alabama made his base of operations for several weeks. 

A man, woman, and child living in their vehicle in one of the coldest weeks of the year: you can bet would have raised a "red flag" for experienced USFS Agent Shawn Reece--who likely would have immediately gotten on the radio and called Monroe County Sheriff Dispatch for a 10-29 check on the vehicle and it's occupants. That's "IF" he had driven in the secluded campground areas--which have become less and less user-friendly over the past few years; it's almost as if they hope that the  large pot-holes on the road, the garbage, and lack of mowing will discourage use of this facility. 

If not for Scott Williams, who recognized the wandering Minnesotans on Hwy 68--the case may have had a sad outcome. See how Bromen was captured HERE

Missing girl found near Coker Creek Welcome Center

Claire Cooney kept hidden for a week in a Forest Service campground behind the Coker Creek Welcome Center 

Brian Cooney hadn't seen his daughter Claire for over a month. On Sunday her non-custodial mother, along with her "wanted fugitive" traveling companion, and 6 yr. old Claire were spotted walking on Hwy 68 by an alert store owner. It's now presumed they were walking because there was a "BOLO" (be on the lookout) for their vehicle bearing a Minnesota license plate, or had car trouble with their vehicle--regardless, it's likely they were on a typical Sunday walk, and had planned to return to their campsite.

The secluded area where the trio was camping for several days has long been a favorite spot for drifters and gold-panners--and, has become a breeding ground for crime and illegal activities-- Claire was kept there for a week without Forest Service Agent Shawn Reece being aware that a "wanted fugitive," Claire, and her mother were in his jurisdiction.
About 3 years ago, a drifter from Alabama made the same secluded campground area near the Welcome Center his base of operations, see Peeping Tom Arrested.

The trio likely (did) visit-as told by P.I. Renee Brewer, the Coker Creek Welcome Center, but did not raise any suspicion--this facility, founded by Don Charest  (made up of almost 100% recent Northern move-ins), welcomes newcomers--especially couples with a school age child... Did the staff ignore the missing child posters?...In 2005, during time of the disappearance/search for Franny Graham, who lived just across the road, no missing person's posters were seen in or around the Welcome Center--in fact, the newly hired contract facility postal worker at the time (Barbara Coleman), said she wasn't told about Franny's disappearance, even 6 months after she started...How could this be?...Well you see, bad publicity is "bad for tourism and land sales."

While the trio traveled through middle TN, they attracted the attention of an alert store owner,--when they arrived in Monroe county, another alert store owner from (Williams Mountain Market) recognized the group from a missing person flyer. 

Claire's natural blond hair had been dyed black, and with make-up, looked older  

Making Monroe County 'Safe Again', MCSD on Dateline NBC

In a series of 'botched' death investigations over the past decade, the successful resolution of the Bob McClancy case marks a turning point

MCSD Capt. Travis Jones

Being profiled on a Dateline NBC episode, especially a 2 hour episode was a head-turner...over the past decade, suspicious deaths were common... 
At times, it seemed like MSNBC reporter Keith Morrison was conducting a "deposition" on Det. Travis Jones, who was clearly uncomfortable with some of the questions. Lack of training, and at times, a disregard for standard 'law enforcement guidelines' during the 8 years of former Sheriff Bivens, compromised several death investigations. The McClancy murder was solved, (even though it had been dismissed in 2006) mainly because of 'a dumb mistake' by the accused.' However, don't hold your breath on other  'cold case investigations' by the recently (2014) elected District Attorney, Stephen Crump.

See a brief outline below of the McClancy death investigation. If you watched the Dateline episode, you may notice striking similarities in the suspicious death of Charlie Young--in a 45 minute narrative, Charlie's son describes what he has uncovered about his father's death--watch Marvin Young Victim of Corruption.

Among the major players in the Secrets in the Smoky Mountains episode were MCSD Captain Travis Jones, VA investigator Nate Landkammer, and from the 10th Judicial District Prosecutor's Office-Cindy Schemel and Mac McCoin. 

A brief outline of the Dateline 'Secrets in the Smoky Mountains' 

• in 2006, Capt. Jones becomes suspicious that he has a 'staged death investigation' and not an apparent suicide.
• Pictures found on a digital camera show several poses of the victim, as if the perpetrator was deciding which photo would best serve to disguise his crime.
• The initial indictment of 'negligent homicide' was dismissed in court because Captain Jones failed to get a warrant for the camera.
• Martha Ann and Chuck Kaczmarczyk were preparing to lessen their storage items, so they could travel the world--Now comes the biggest mistake of their criminal enterprise: Martha Ann gives her adopted son Sean a desktop computer, which had the same incriminating pictures on a file folder--(several posed pictures of Bob McClancy, before his alleged 'suicide' was reported on a 911 call back in 2006).
• Sean sees the pictures and calls Martha...she quickly realizes how damaging the pictures could be and tells Sean: "For God's sakes, Delete those Pictures." ...Sean becomes suspicious that his dad's death was not a suicide.
• Sean now has the pictures, and they are legally his, because Martha Ann gave him the computer.
• The prosecutor's office re-opens the case--although prosecutors generally steer clear from cases which have been dismissed--the fact that the victim was a retired cop from Florida, may have played a significant role in re-opening the investigation. And, the Feds were involved... building a case of Social Security Fraud and other charges. It would have been terrible 'PR' for the DA's Office to stand-by and 'do nothing'...
•  In 2016, Chuck and Martha Ann received lengthy prison sentences. 

Officer Shoots Suspect During Burglary at His Home

Prayer is the Best Way to meet the Lord... but, Trespassing and Stealing is Faster

An early morning shooting of a burglary suspect on 12/9/2016, has sent one man to the morgue.

Although the incident is still under investigation, only the name of the alleged suspect has been revealed. Regardless of the circumstances, any death is tragic to friends and relatives of the decedent.
However, those who know the deputy and heard his account of what took place believe he acted in self-defense, and that his character is above reproach.

Almost a Tragedy: Gas Station Roof Collapse Linked to Incompetence and Cost-Cutting

Update 12/14/2016: the 'debris' of the roof canopy collapse was removed and business is back to normal. 

The "culprit" behind the original installation of the gas pumps and roof canopy has been identified as Danny Baker of Baker Oil Company in Lenoir City, TN--during a phone interview, they admitted to hiring and paying a sub-contractor to do  the work.

The cause of many construction disasters is often negligence, incompetence, and the total disregard for public safety... in this mishap there are two obvious clues: In nearby Athens TN where EF-2 winds wreaked havoc, many buildings next to or near gas pumps were destroyed, but none of the gas station canopies collapsed--in this roof collapse, there is no visible damage to the building--only the single post holding the canopy above the gas pumps failed.
Pastor Williams recently bought the business from Gary Davis, who owned the building since it was built back in 2001.
The heavy steel-frame canopy was attached by a single steel post, which sheared off it's ground level tack-weld mount--on 11/28/2016.

Moscow on the Nantahala

Foreign agents could be scouting rural routes to and from large urban areas. According to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, there are over 100 Russian spies operating in the U.S.

The road shown in the video is not just secluded, it's 'beyond secluded'--some residents who have lived in the area over 20 years have never driven past the 'no outlet' sign.

An elderly gentleman who lives about ten miles from the nearest paved road said foreign diplomats were recently spotted wandering in the area, supposedly looking for a short-cut through the woods...go figure.

When you consider that over half of all foreign diplomats also serve as 'intelligence gatherers' or 'spies', it's a reasonable cause for concern. 
The 'no outlet' sign at the entrance of this rural road is merely to discourage traffic: there are two routes available to continue back to urban areas.

The operators driving through may have had prior mapping and knowledge of the area, and understood the value of a secluded area for meetings, dead-drops, and cell-phone towers' inability to 'ping' the location of cell phones...if one assumes that, oh!...no way it's not possible--that's exactly the mindset that potential foreign adversaries would like you to have.

Drug Trafficking is the Most Virulent Form of Domestic Terrorism

How the Sheriff in a nearby county became the number 1 drug-kingpin, money launderer, drug-addict, and embezzler of public funds

Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in America.  Few places have been hit harder than Tennessee and Kentucky--both are states that have been ravaged by addiction to meth-amphetamine, oxycodone, and prescription pain-pills.

Case-in-point, Whitley County, Kentucky: a place where the similarities to Monroe County, TN are an almost daily reminder posted in the local tabloid--in which over half of the daily content covers drug-busts, scams, and disintegration of the social fabric--directly related to aberrant lifestyles…

former sheriff Lawrence Hodge

In Whitley County, matters were made worse when the man suspected of being at the center of the drug trade was the county's top law enforcement officer, Sheriff Lawrence Hodge—who by all accounts had become “un-touchable”… 

Both the FBI and the state police had tried building a case, but Hodge had become very insulated,  and they couldn't penetrate his inner circle of drug-dealers, crooked attorneys and politicians...there was fear of what Hodge might do if anyone co-operated with federal authorities or the state police.

Hodge had been elected with the promise he would 'clean things up' – but early in his tenure there were rumors that “the Sheriff had gone bad.”  ATF special agent Todd E. Tremaine recalls that Hodge began taking pay-offs from drug-dealers and extorting money from defendants. He also developed a serious drug habit.  Authorities were able to bring charges against Hodge from an undercover investigation by two reporters from the local newspaper, who suspected Hodge may have an incriminating "paper trail," which led them to the sheriff's office evidence log.

Hodge was finally snared by the long arm of the law, click on video, "When Cops Go Bad" --he eventually pleaded guilty in federal court to extortion, distributing drugs, and money laundering—he was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison...and in 2013, state charges added another 17 years which included multiple counts of abuse of the public trust and 3 counts of tampering with evidence.

Hodge will be eligible for parole on November 8, 2024

Former Isbell Crony/Reserve Deputy Caught on Dash-Cam

Seen while parked at the bottom entrance of a private drive, as if he was 'lying in wait'--on the afternoon of 6/24/2016--(TN tag E-54498)... A Sheriff's cap was also visible hanging on the headrest of the passenger seat. The former Isbell/Era MCSD reserve deputy in question, Don Charest, fled after he was spotted...

Although he was never a "career" police officer, he had previously served as a reserve officer with the Tellico Plains Police Dept., under the disgraced chief of police Bill Isbell-- Charest and Isbell were 'booted' from any association with the TPPD--Former Mayor Roger Powers felt a lack of trust amid those in charge, and was forced to 'clean house'--this later involved an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

Charest was again able to 'don' (no pun intended), a reserve officer badge 4 years after the Isbell era ended; when he was able to 'worm his way' into the good graces of the newly appointed Sheriff, Tommy "Whitey" Jones.

Orlando Shooter: A Violent 'Sexual Identity Crisis' Unveiled

The perpetrator behind the worst terrorist mass murder since 911, may have been ashamed of his own sexual orientation; not what Isis expected...

Through the years, stories of wanna-be 'tough guys' who target gays on a Friday night with violence or hateful rhetoric, have occurred in cities and rural areas--as it turns out, some of the most vocal anti-gay offenders have themselves been gay, dealing with an un-resolved sexual identity crisis.

Authorities in Orlando, Florida revealed that Omar Mateen had at times, used a gay 'dating app' and as a teen-ager, had asked a male friend out on a date.

The beautiful ex-wife of Mateen, Sitora Yusifiy--has no doubt that he suffered with an unresolved struggle in regards to his sexual orientation, and other psychological issues as well. 

Patrons at the Pulse Nightclub claim they remember seeing Mateen there, who on a number of occasions had to be thrown out, because after consuming alcahol, became loud and belligerent.

"Whitey" Jones Legacy: Theater of the Absurd

Former Sheriff Bivens "Owns" Whitey Jones at recent commission meeting: "I know where each of the handguns went" said Bivens

If the Whitey Jones duo assumed Monroe Countians were all "gullible country bumpkins," they had a rude awakening last Friday from Bill Bivens.

As seen in the BUZZ, former Sheriff Bivens blasted Tommy Jones and Randy White for making an "untrue statement"  to the county commission on Tuesday, regarding "lost or misplaced weapons, and it had nothing to do with my administration."

In regards to several expensive Glock handguns which the current sheriff's administration claims are "missing" Bivens says he had Tommy Jones/Randy White sign-off as part of the inventory they received.

Bivens said "I know where each of the handguns went, because when I left office, I gave all the MCSD guns, including the 12 so-called "missing ones" to the new administration, "including each of the guns' serial numbers, and to what employee each gun was assigned."

Report Firearms Theft or Loss

Any Federal Firearms Licensee who has knowledge of the theft or loss of any firearms from their inventory must report such theft or loss within 48 hours of discovery to ATF and to the local law enforcement agency. (Regulations at 27 CFR § 478.39a and implementing section 923(g)(6) require that the report of theft or loss be made by telephone and in writing to ATF).

Fallen MCSD K-9 Vigor: was he needlessly put in harm's way?

Failure to call off the night-time search comprised the safety of all involved

The recent tragic death of police canine “Vigor” while on duty, chasing a local wanted fugitive raises serious leadership concerns. 

Vigor, along with his partner/handler Sgt. (BJ) Bill Johnson, had dealt with hundreds if not thousands of incidents, in Monroe County and in Iraq, that put them both in extreme life-threatening situations. It's ironic that Vigor died chasing a low-level thug/repeat offender, who could have been captured using the same (deception tactics/diversion), used to capture John Irons. 

BJ and Vigor performed traffic stops as part of their day-to-day operations—traffic stops rank among one of the most dangerous duties in a police officer's job description...
In the (I-75) corridor (used by drug-traffickers, human traffickers, and possible international terrorists), the MCSD drug-interdiction task force faces a much more 'elite and dangerous' type of criminal than the unsophisticated/local hoodlum (Doug Ellis) being chased during the (night-time in the woods) man-hunt, which led to Vigor's death by drowning in the Tellico River.

Former chief-deputy DA working the other side of the fence

The aftermath of what some saw as a 'Bebb-clone' in the making

Stephen Hatchett, former chief deputy DA under former DA Stephen Bebb, has taken a job in the Public Defender's Office.

Stephen Hatchett

It was clear from the start in 2014; Hatchett wasn't ready to take over the reins of his former boss—it was as if a 'not ready for prime-time' halo followed him at every turn during the district attorney's race—if a day passed, and he didn't stick his 'foot in his mouth'--the day was considered a major success.

Signs that he lacked the maturity of his opponent were evident from the start: major blunders included posting family pictures on his election website; any experienced LEO would never do that--why on earth would someone who was vying for the position of District Attorney, Sheriff, or Judge be flashing personal family information, which can at a later time be used against them...? Is being a Prosecutor a Dangerous Job? see The Crime Report

Then he proposed that since “Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely” he would, if elected, stay on for only 2 terms.

Okay let's see, one term as DA is 8 years, two terms is 16—at what point, by his own admission, would he begin to feel a 'temptation' to engage in less than ethical conduct?...would it start after 3 years, 10 years...simply put, it was a ridiculous argument to propose.
Former DA Bebb, who Hatchett defended to the end, resigned before his first term ended, under intense scrutiny by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Former drug-task force member Eric Allman, who was among the first to raise concerns as to whether the head of Bebb's Drug task force (Mike Hall) was using drugs--claims he was 'grilled on the carpet' by then assistant district attorney Stephen Hatchett. 

The final straw came during the week that DA Bebb was accused of assault by Cindy Schemel, then, an assistant district attorney (and now serving as chief deputy DA)--Hatchett appeared on the local news saying the assault allegation was "just politics" and money should not be spent on an investigation.

His opponent in the race Steve Crump fired back with, “I agree with my opponent that Stephen Bebb is entitled to every presumption of innocence, however, an alleged victim is entitled to fair treatment and protection as well--I am disappointed that my opponent would publicly attack an alleged crime victim in the media before the facts have been heard or the investigation is even completed.”

A couple of days after the alleged assault incident, Schemel and Bebb worked out their differences, without a nasty court battle--Hatchett immediately did a (flip-flop) with an angry write-in to the Cleveland Daily Banner, claiming there should be an investigation in the alleged assault incident.

Forensic Linguistics plays important role in solving TN 'FaceBook Murders'

Judge John Kerry Blackwood, who has tried high profile cases throughout Tennessee, called this case the most bizarre thing that he has seen in his career as a judge. During the Christian-Newsom case, Judge Blackwood publicly scolded D A Randy Nichols, see DA Nichols gets an 'ass chewing' from Judge Blackwood.

What started as a feud in social media by local Mountain City TN residents, resulted in the brutal slaying of a married couple, and lengthy prison sentences for four others.
An elaborate scheme of deception was uncovered through careful examination of the family's computer, phone messages, and texts.

Authorities were able to show that a fake profile on social media, described as a 'Chris' was actually Jenelle Potter, the daughter of Barbara and Marvin Potter--who were both convicted in the murders along with Jenelle and her boyfriend Jamie Curd.

Catch the entire episode on ABC's 20/20, before your next hateful text message puts you in a spot that you will forever regret.

Forensic Linguistics, and careful analysis of 'ironic repetition' in emails and text messages played a major role in solving this case and many others--Journal of the Humanities--Legal questions involve language, for instance, who wrote a ransom note--What is the meaning of a phrase in a contract?...To understand Law, one must understand language.

The Ultimate Prepper: Call Near or Far Without a Phone

Robert Durst joins list of "Suspects that Talk to Themselves"

Robert Durst

Is there a 'reasonable expectation' of privacy while in a public restroom?

When Robert Durst was heard during the making of an HBO documentary saying that he "killed them all" during a bathroom break... he provided law enforcement enough to get himself arrested last Saturday.

In United States vs. Hill, the U.S Court of Appeals in the Eight Circuit recently held that under some circumstances, there is no continuing Fourth Amendment right to privacy in a public restroom...

"As a result of investigative leads and additional evidence that has come to light in the past year, investigators have identified Robert Durst as the person responsible for Susan Berman's death," Los Angeles Police said in a statement.

Special Agent William Hagmaier describes how in the homicide investigation of Federal Judge Robert Vance, investigators were able to get permission from the court to glean information from Walter Leroy Moody who 'at times' talked to himself. 

The former Sheriff Bivens' Era: Equal Opportunity Incompetency

It made no difference whether the victim was a long-time local or a recent move-in

The bungling in the death investigations of Troy Green, Jim Miller, Chester Millsaps, Charlie Young (and others), is likely one of the darkest chapters in former Sheriff Bill Bivens' legacy.

Former cops planned a come-back in 2016

A 78 year old former Florida native who knew Charlie Young since Charlie was 16 years old, recalls the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

"The only thing they had was the testimony of his wife, that she supposedly had gone to town and came back and found him laying on the ground, in the floor of the kitchen, blood all over the place...she had a 'boyfriend' at the time, the guy she eventually married."

Charlie's friend mentions the stark contrast in the homicide investigation performed in the death of Harkey Yates, which was done by the (TBI) Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as the lead agency.

"They never did an autopsy on Charlie when he died--even though it was an un-attended death, (supposedly, no one around)...Harkey died in the basement down there in his shop...they did an autopsy on Harkey, why didn't they do Charlie?"

No 'crocodile tears' shed for 'Doug (e) fresh' Brannon or Pat Henry

Doug Brannon, with his partner James Patrick Henry: "egregious, illegal, and abhorrent"

Former MCSD Doug Brannon  

Brannon testified that he agreed working with Patrick Henry, who was accused of impersonating an attorney, but denies participating in the "illusion." See how Brannon denies knowledge of "misdeeds" by Monroe County Sheriff's Detectives in the Dawson case--see page 12 in the appeal of State of Tennessee v. Jessica Kennedy HERE

Former MCSD James Patrick Henry

Doug Brannon, along with his former partner James Patrick Henry, received national attention in a ruling which Tennessee Supreme Court Justice James Curwood Witt described their actions as "egregious, illegal, and abhorrent...so egregious that it profoundly interfered with the defendant's right to counsel under state and federal constitutions." Dawson claims he was framed

Hatch Act Unit of the OSC on Randy White

Update: Randy White and Tommy Jones Jr. trade places--Randy is now the chief-deputy and Jones is the Sheriff. The switcheroo is possibly a tactical pre-arranged plan to be implemented only if Randy was ruled ineligible to be Sheriff.

Randy White-served about 43 days as Sheriff

A lawyer from the OSC on Randy White's activities after the election was voided:
"The activity that he is engaged in (appearing before the POST Commission while still employed in some capacity by the MCSD) would not be a 'Hatch Act Prohibited Activity' because, there is not an election at issue, so it's not like he is currently running for election--he's trying to get their decision reversed in terms of his ineligibility, so we wouldn't be able to argue that it's for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election--because the election is over--he's just trying to convince them that he is not ineligible to be Sheriff."

What if 2 or 3 months prior to the 2016 election White holds the chief-deputy position while running for the Sheriff position?
"The Hatch Act would prohibit him from running for office only if his salary was 100% federally funded-the law changed a couple of years ago, now in terms of the candidacy prohibition, it's only if the salary is 100% federally funded."

Sheriff Tommy "Whitey" Jones: the 'Great White Hope' of Monroe County

Tommy Jones is chosen by Monroe County Commissioners to be Sheriff until 2016, admits  "there's a lot of doubt right now" 

In a packed courtroom last night, the Monroe County Commission picked Tommy Jones Jr. for the number one law-enforcement position in Monroe County. Jones openly admitted that "there's a lot of doubt right now" and hoped to re-build trust, after landing a job he never even dreamed he would have 2 months ago.

It could be a time of great beginnings, only time will tell--even for those that felt the decision to appoint Tommy Jones Jr. as Sheriff was not in the best interest of the county, Tommy Jr. deserves the time to show 'what he is made of'...will he be a 'patsy' to special interests groups, just so he can stay in power come 2016...will he pass out "reserve deputy badges" as if they were playing cards?

Update 2016: In a "Guns & Badges" news story, he is quoted as saying "We're Not in the Storage Business."  

'au contraire mon ami'...Agencies like the FBI, the TBI, and the District Attorney depend on local county law-enforcement for support and actionable intelligence to accomplish some of their investigative operations, which includes proper handling/chain of custody storage of evidence...What was Tommy Jones Thinkin'...? Experience Counts!

Attorney files assault complaint against DA Bebb

Hatchett shows his true-colors, "if it wasn't for bad sense-he'd have no sense at all"

Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Schemel claims that what started as an altercation, led to a physical assault.

UPDATE 4/10/2014

Hatchett calls resolution "ridiculous"

: A Compromise has been reached Between DA Bebb and ADA Cynthia Schemel--even critics of DA Bebb see it as a "masterful stroke of diplomacy." 
Way to go Coach, Henry Kissinger move over...


As read in the Cleveland Daily Banner Hatchett comment by former chief-deputy Hatchett, "this matter should be investigated fully instead of being swept under the rug." ...Hatchett is doing an 180* flip-flop on his recent comment, which was that the alleged incident was "just politics" and money should not be spent on an investigation--now he is refusing to 'bury the hatchet'--listen to what he said 3 days ago. HERE  and, the 2015 Update.

Furthermore, part of his angry write-in to the CDB, included... "the men and women of the Cleveland Police Dept. deserve to not be used as pawns in political games."...interestingly though, he had no soothing comment or public words of wisdom 4 months ago, when Wes Snyder, the former Cleveland Police Chief resigned, and then tried to un-resign, in one of the worst police scandals anywhere. 
Update 2015: After losing his bid to replace his boss in the race for district attorney in 2014, Hatchett has taken a job in the public defender's office. 

Cleveland Police Dept. Evie West did a fantastic job in handling the Bebb-Schemel incident...in fact, Evie West should be nominated for 'Chief'...the only loser in this event is Steve Hatchett...not to worry Steve, the good news is, that security job you once thought about taking, is still available.

An Insider's view on the Missing Indonesian Flight 370

Given the intense interest into the disappearance of the Indonesian B-777...and a recently received email from a friend...I thought that you all might like to read this short message. I was his First Officer (Co-Pilot) for two or three months prior to my upgrading to Captain in 1995. He and I then served together as Line Check Airman in the B-727 for a number of years. He is an ex-Air Force F-15 pilot and is now either a MD-11 or B-777 Captain for a transport company.

A retired 3-star USAF general said (on Fox News) on the 18th of March 2014 that Boeing received it's last 'ping' from the Malaysian 777, while on the ground in western Pakistan, in a Taliban controlled area, near the Afghanistan border.
While flying between Paris and New Delhi (LFPG-VIPD), we were going to fly right over that area--when talking with Kabul Control, we were told to "OFFSET COURSE 10 NAUTICAL MILES TO THE NORTH, TO AVOID MILITARY AREA."
Having flown this part of the world for the last 3.5 years, I have never been asked to offset that much in that area, EVEN WHILE THE WAR WAS GOING ON.

The 'three star' is General Tom Mclnerney. General Mclnerney has been a Fox News contributor for quite a while. He comes across as an intelligent, sober and connected man. He is always quite measured in his responses and is not one to wander off "into the woods" by trying to make people think that he is knowledgeable about subject matter that he has little understanding of. On two occasions recently, the General has stated unequivocally that the missing B-777 is "on the ground in western Pakistan in a Taliban controlled area."

Extreme Cheapskate, Sex in a Storage Shed: Chief Snyder Resigns

Disgraced Scumbag begs to let him 'Un-resign'--Probe finds that the 'Love Nest' was paid with City Dollars, get-togethers were held during work hours

Once in a while a news-story comes along (no pun intended) that is worthy to be in a Believe it-or Not category, this event is one of those--so shocking, so bizarre, that it makes one think--'From now on, nothing is a surprise.'

Scandals Mar his Legacy

Update 2014: Snyder's actions were illegal, and exposed him to the possibility of being blackmailed.
A surveillance video captured Cleveland TN Chief of Police Wes 'the truth shall set you free' Snyder and a woman in what was described as an apparent 'love nest' at a self-storage facility. The video Shows Snyder spending about 90 minutes (on several episodes) with a woman identified as Sharon Marr, the Executive Director of Mainstreet Cleveland, an organization that promotes the city's downtown district.

Hometown Cleveland had a full update on how Snyder's love nest was uncovered. The owner of the storage facility noticed a horrible stench coming from one of the units and called police. 

'No Screaming Orgasms'

HTC has been covering the CPD for years: "Seems that Police Chief Wes Snyder’s idea of romance is sucking back a bottle of brandy and then banging his girlfriend on the floor of a storage shed. And they say the sensitive types are going out of style."

(An Aside: You remember what the man said, Wes? “One day a

strong wind will blow you away.” My god, sir, what goes around truly does come around, doesn’t it?)