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

A 'dumb mistake' by the accused helps prosecutors close the Bob McClancy Murder

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', compromised several death investigations. 

The McClancy murder was solved, mainly because of 'a dumb mistake' by the accused'--described in the outline below, and Mclancy's stepson alerting the authorities of what he had discovered in a computer given to him by Martha Ann... (the case had been dismissed in 2006 before it went to trial, because of police mishandling of the evidence).

 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 Attorney Matthew Rogers, Former 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, and most likely have been 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 (logging trail) routes available to continue back to urban areas--used mainly by hikers and off-road vehicles.

The operators the local resident refers to that he encountered, 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.

Former MCSD deputy Eddie "hands" Manning fails to sway jurors

Former MCSD's "Predator with a Badge" was "fired" by the new Administration, caught on video planting evidence

U.S.Federal Court 9/23/2016--jury rules in favor of 2 former MCSD deputies who were fired by the new administration.

In the federal job discrimination lawsuit filed last year (2015), by three former MCSD deputies, Manning was the only one who received "0" compensation--Doug Brannon was awarded 50K, and "Crowbar" Miller just under 7K.

Doug Brannon, along with his former partner James Patrick Henry, made national headlines in the Dawson vs Monroe County Sheriff lawsuit--see the U.S. District Court in Knoxville Case 3:13­cv­00240--Judge James Curwood Witt had earlier described their actions as "egregious, illegal, and abhorrent." 

The last *contact I had with former deputy Manning was in mid-summer 2014, during a visit to the Coker Creek Davis Store, (now called Williams Mountain Market). 

After pumping gas and entering the store, I noticed a lively round-table discussion in the dining area--it centered around who was going to win the 2014 Sheriff's race, Randy White or incumbent Sheriff Bill Bivens.

My prediction, which was meant to be clearly heard, was that "Randy White was going to Win." There was a MCSD Sheriff's deputy present who heard this--the nameplate on his shirt was,  E Manning. 

Soon after getting back on the road,  the Sheriff's Dept. SUV which had been parked outside the store was now just inches from the rear of my vehicle. For the next 4 miles, the SUV kept "riding" my rear bumper.  The "slow chase" continued until I turned into my driveway.  Needless to say, this is a tactic which is often used as a "road rage" ploy, and can lead to a serious and dangerous situation.

* Former chief deputy Bryan Graves had been advised of at least one other similar incident. A call placed to Graves on 8/26/2013 alerted him to an incident which had a carbon-copy type M.O. (modus operandi)--which started in Tellico Plains, and lasted for 8 miles.

If "hands" Manning would chase a motorist for merely exercising their first amendment right of  (free-speech, voicing an opinion), and was fired in-part for planting evidence,  it's possible that he was 'at times' acting in violation under "color of law" while employed by the MCSD. 

Section 242 of Title 18 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

The new Jones/White administration should take a firm stand against police officer misconduct--posing as fake attorneys, planting evidence,  selling schedule  class III narcotics,  use of a firearm during the commission of a felony,  civil rights violations,  and other by-gone era tactics should be strictly prohibited.

by MP

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.

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.

Guns & Badges Scandal: How Bivens' Supporters Seized Upon A 'Guilt by Association'

'In-cahoots' with a former Isbell 'crony' may be the worst decision Sheriff Tommy "Whitey" Jones ever made--"We are judged by the company we keep"

POST A SIGN-GET A BADGE

It's as if the lines had become blurred--was the SDS gun store part of the the Monroe County Sheriff's Dept, did SDS take advantage of Sheriff Tommy Jones' lack of experience? One senior law enforcement official said that "Yes, they did take advantage of his inexperience." 

Tommy Jones deals with the first major scandal since he was appointed as Sheriff--a call to TV 6 and 8 in Knoxville exposed what some saw coming over a year ago. Self Defense Solutions appeared to make appointed Sheriff Tommy Jones their own "special darling"... 
Selling a large number of firearms from the evidence room to a business owned by a former Isbell crony raised questions of illegal or unethical transactions...exactly how close were the sheriff's ties to the gun store?...Sheriff Jones was quoted as saying  "We're not in the storage business."  That is one of the most 'absurd' public comments you will ever hear from the head of a law enforcement agency. See http://www.iape.org/  which offers classes, manuals, and guides or PTAC...

DON G. CHAREST

...When interim Sheriff Tommy Jones was appointed as  Sheriff by the board of commissioners on 12/9/2014--the Madisonville, TN gun store owners of Self-Defense Solutions immediately went on a "charm offensive" showering him with congratulatory 'high fives', and posting a "Congrats Tommy" sign on Hwy 411--Tommy soon developed a close relationship with Don Charest, part-owner of the store, who was again handed a reserve-officer badge, just like in the Tellico Plains-Bill Isbell days.

An appearance of impropriety: former police chief Bill Isbell and the former head of the civilian Tellico Plains police force, (Don Charest), had been terminated at the same time by Mayor Roger Powers--former Mayor Powers was faced with a 'failure of trust issue' with Isbell and Charest, which later involved an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, over missing money from police fundraisers, guns, and drugs.

News 8 reporters asked co-owner of Self Defense Solutions store Ray Kough, if this was the first time they bought guns from the Sheriff: watch video and see if you think he answered truthfully.

A former Sheriff in Westmoreland County was charged with giving pay to play police badges to political cronies in ex-change for political contributions--one of the people who received a reserve officer badge, showed it to a state trooper after being pulled over for speeding--the state trooper added a charge of impersonating a deputy sheriff.

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. 

MCSD Training: 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 Monroe County 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?"

Former MCSD Cops 'Doug E fresh' Brannon & Pat Henry

Fake Lawyer Scandal--Their Actions Described as: "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."

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."

Knoxville News media set to help 'botch' another death investigation

*Major Blunders in high-profile investigations get Bivens booted out of office in 2014.

It appears as if the 'news hungry' out-of-town news media was set to help influence another jury pool in Monroe County's latest death investigation(s). 

Lt. Tonia Norwood went beyond MCSD Public Comments Policy in the October 15, 2013 issue of the Daily News Express--see 'Talkin Tonia' at bottom of post. 

Perhaps, residents from rural Tennessee counties are presumed to be ignorant and gullible to 'city slicker' media outlets...Oh well, let's say for the sake of argument, that is pretty far-fetched...however, can a pattern of irresponsible pre-trial media bias be shown?

Kathy Bookout death news

The most recent example, last week-end's death of Kathy Bookout. WATE's Jim Smith quotes Sheriff Bill Bivens: "With all cases we want to make certain we don't compromise the case, so it's better sometimes we say less."

The next line: Sheriff Bivens says the murder was premeditated. Who was at fault for reporting this seemingly contradicting statement?

Premeditated murder (someone who plans to carry out the crime while knowing it is against the law) is a much more serious offense than other types of murder, and dealt with more harshly than a murder by someone who lost their temper in the heat of the moment. See for yourself the different types of murder categories, which are tried in a courtroom, in a judicial proceeding--not in a media-frenzy tabloid news article. 

Jim Miller case Solved

In the the Jim Miller murder investigation 3 years ago, the same news outlet claimed the case had been solved before the trial even started!..."Investigators say they have solved the months-long mystery of who shot Monroe County Election Commission chairman Jim Miller before setting his body on fire in the trunk of his car."



Lt. 'Talkin' Tonia Norwood may have been unaware of Sheriff Bivens' Public disclosures policy, or had her own agenda. It's as if Norwood was acting as the (PIO) of the Monroe County Sheriff's Dept... Captain Jennifer Bledsoe is the Public Information Officer of the MCSD.
In the October 15, 2013 DNE, Norwood makes numerous comments about the Kathy Bookout death investigation.
"Bookout reportedly told Norwood" ... "Parker then said, according to Norwood" ... "Norwood reported" ... "Norwood said Parker intentionally shot and killed Bookout."

Update: 10/21/2013 Judge Reed Dixon ruled that James Parker Ray must have a mental evaluation to see if he is fit to stand trial. This may temporarily put an end to any new hearsay comments about Parker, at least until the medical evaluation has taken it's course.

Securing Information: Lessons learned from the Snowden leaks

NSA has released a detailed account of what classified data Edward Snowden was able to remove and just how he was able to pull off what is now considered to be one of the greatest leaks of classified information.

The documents that Snowden leaked, the Powerpoint slides and other classified documents were stored in the NSA's internal website so analysts with top-secret clearance could read them online.

This type of 'information sharing' was implemented after the 911 attacks—When Secret Information is shared, analysts are more likely to 'connect the dots'.

Because of Snowden's leaks, the way that information is shared in the NSA has seen several security upgrades. NSA Public Information Officer Lonnie Anderson will not disclose how Snowden was able to remove data from his work-station, since it is part of ongoing criminal investigation.

One of the post media leaks counter measures has been that sensitive information access is in two-person control areas. This will make it impossible for analysts with privileged access to work and move about anonymously on NSA computers.

The NSA will now be tagging data with 'identifiers' so that higher ups in the agency are able to decide which data system analysts are able to see, the information that systems analysts are able to see will have the handling of that information monitored and recorded. Other counter-measures that are now in use remain classified and will be continually upgraded and improved upon to secure NSA data.

Fugitive Edward Snowden may have unwittingly dissed the Russians

Snowden Update 8/1/2013  Edward Snowden is granted permission to leave the airport, gets a one year conditional asylum to live in the Soviet Union.

Update 8/6/2013 Former NSA Chief Michael Hayden says Edward Snowden has become a 'global hacker darling', and hackers were likely to respond with cyber-terror attacks if Snowden is apprehended and brought back to the U.S.

Former NSA Chief Michael Hayden

In his first public appearance since he left Hong Kong, Edward Snowden appeared on 7/12/2013 in Moscow, inside a closed-off area at the Sheremetyevo airport... A throng of reporters eagerly waited for details on his latest strategy. Appearing gaunt, in what seemed 'a shirt much too large', his brief press conference was drowned out (at times) by airport flight schedule announcements coming through the overhead loudspeakers.

Snowden claimed that he had "left paradise" 4 weeks ago...without any mention of gratitude or recognition for Russian hospitality--no doubt this fugitive from justice has more training in computer science than in International Relations. 

What consisted of a short, somewhat rambling speech, Snowden did not appear to be well-coached by his support network--quoted in his prepared statement ..." 'I believe' that the legal means to stay in Russia safely, to attempt to move to Latin America, is to request asylum in the Russian Federation." ..... "I can only at this time, formally accept...Ahhhhh, 'I suppose' legally accept, Ahhhh, asylum in Russia because of the limitations on my ability to travel."

Snowden asked for asylum in Russia 'again', a request he had previously withdrawn because of the conditions set forth by Russian president Putin in order to consider granting him asylum. 

With his U.S. passport canceled and his name on a No-Fly list--Snowden appears to cornered, in this 'real life' game of chess.
On June 9, 2013 The Guardian identified Snowden as the source behind the leaked details of the U.S surveillance program. At this time, his whistle-blowing quest has hit the wall of reality.

Don Charest wanted to join Tellico PD Reserve again--Request DENIED

Tellico Plains Chief of Police Jeb Brown revealed today that Monroe County resident Don Charest (former chief Isbell's buddy), recently tried to join the Volunteer Tellico Plains Police Dept. Reserve--The offer for his service was unequivocally denied. Chief Brown added that former chief Isbell's tenure will not be erased from the public's memory.

 Don Charest

UPDATE: Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury report--Cash, Guns, and Drugs missing --or unaccounted for, while Isbell was chief of police.
Whether or or not Coker Creek resident Don Charest ever officially served in the All-Volunteer Tellico Plains Police Dept. Reserve, or in what capacity, is unclear--former Tellico Plains Mayor Roger Powers claims that "he never put him on the reserve." Listen to former Mayor Powers for yourself--HERE

Anyone who is an active member in a police dept. can get E-Plates on their personal vehicle(s)--in Tennessee Emergency plates have a white background and display EMERGENCY below the alpha-numeric tag... Come to think of it, having E-plates on a personal vehicle would have been terrific 'bling' for Charest, who is a partner in a Gun Store business in Madisonville TN..

Firefighter Rip Esselstyn on Plant-Based Diet

While it may be difficult to imagine that a Firehouse would be a place to find an all-vegan group...think again! Ten years ago Austin, Texas--firefighter Rip Esselstyn convinced his buddies to switch to an all-plant based diet--he is now a best selling author and the creator of the Engine 2 Diet, which follows a vegan menu. Rip's latest book is titled "My Beef with Meat." 
The book aims to educate people so they can make an informed decision about their most important asset, which is their health.

In a recent interview with Charlie Rose Rip said his biggest beef with meat was "Well, several things."

He added that his biggest beef with meat was "the disconnect between what people think is healthy and what we actually know to be healthy."

Some facts you may not be aware of about eating meat

• Chicken has the same amount of cholesterol as red meat
• Fish has more cholesterol than red meat or chicken
• One egg yolk has the same amount of cholesterol as two Burger-King Whoppers
• It clogs arteries
• Contributes to Obesity
• It fuels cancer
• Trashes the environment
• One glass of whole-milk has the same amount of saturated fat as four slices of bacon, and two times the calories

Christ Wins lawsuit against Bivens in Federal Court

A Knoxville TN federal jury awards retired firefighter Christ Didymus Thomas $330.00 in compensatory damages for the unlawful search of his residence and seizure of his property. Since 2008, thousands of dollars worth of items seized by the MPD, have been returned to Thomas. 

Police chief Gregg Breeden

Court records show that on on February 22, 2008, Mark Sircy, a local telephone company employee, went to the home of the plaintiff, Christ Didymus Thomas (a recent move-in from Florida) for what presumably was a routine residential installation at the Windchase subdivision., in Madisonville TN.

During the service installation, the phone service employee and Thomas engaged in conversation. Thomas told Sircy of his religious beliefs, including his religious use of marijuana. Sircy told Thomas about his uncle who he said grows marijuana.

According to the plaintiff (Thomas) he writes in that--- "I have the Deposition of the accused informant, Mark Sircy, by Madisonville cop, James D. Bivens, and the Bivens deposition. There was, as you could see, never an informant. Sircy denied Bivens statement and states he even went to the police department to complain they had lied about his involvement in their illegal activities against me. I am certain you could also check with Mark. He'll tell you the truth.

It was all a lie created by the Monroe Sheriff's Dept and the Madisonville Police Dept. Bivens including the Police Chief.. It was a broad based conspiracy which included many legal officials and the DA.  I was warned by another news agency, Bivens has more than once, lied on the stand to steal and jail innocent folks so they can steal their property. Judge Dixon allows him to lie and get away with his lying allegations. If you have access to a fax,  should you desire, I could fax you the Sircy and Bivens depositions for your review."

Thomas

Sircy claimed that Thomas had given him a bag which contained a bud of marijuana. Upon leaving the residence Sircy contacted a friend at the Madisonville TN police dept., Captain Dan Russell. Sircy did not tell Russell who gave him the marijuana. 
Sircy testified that he did not talk to Det. Bivens at the time he contacted Captain Russell, nor did he, at any time, talk to Det. Bivens about marijuana allegedly obtained from the plaintiff or how he obtained it.

Based on hearsay the phone company installer had told Captain Russell, the defendant, Det. James Bivens went to the General Sessions Court of Monroe County and filled out an affidavit in support of his application for a search warrant...U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Phillips upheld an earlier state court ruling which declared the search warrant was invalid, because Bivens had made false statements in the application for the search warrant.

In an interview with the Monroe County Buzz in 2008, Thomas said he had legally changed his name from William Burton Thomas to Christ Didymus Thomas after experiencing a religious transformation. "Thomas said he used marijuana or 'incense' as he called it, for religious purposes, citing the Biblical book of Genesis where God created grass and every herb-yielding seed, and saw that it was good."

Coker Creek Goldfest move marks the End of an Era

Update 2018: Sanford Gray's widow (Esther Gray), and daughter, (Marylu Atchley) almost sold the Coker Creek Village Property to a buyer from East, TN. -- The real estate deal that had been in the works for months did not go through, the buyer backed out of the deal. 

There was a 'falling out' with the Coker Creek Goldfest organizers back in 2012, also known as the Autumn Goldfest--since then, the historic 'Goldfest' (which was used to fund worthy causes), has been held nearby, in a much less desirable location: overlooking propane tanks and metal storage units. 
The change took place soon after Frank Murphy Jr., died; Murphy and Sanford Gray were the original organizers of the event. On the Coker Creek Village website, there's no mention that the Goldfest organizers were 'booted out' in 2012...

Update 2012: The autumn event of the historic 'Coker Creek Gold Festival' will take place at a new location; on the grounds of the Coker Creek Elementary School on the 13th and 14th of October. The Ruritan Club building (next to the school) will also be used for the event.

It was rumored as far back as 6 weeks ago that a major 'brouhaha' had been brewing between the movers and shakers that like to think they control most of the major happenings on Coker Creek Mountain.

The Gold Fest's founders (Frank Murphy Jr. and Sanford Gray) have passed on (R.I.P.).
You may hear more than one version as to why the event relocated: the most likely scenario is that the heirs of the Coker Creek Village property did not wish to continue to have the event take place on their property.

Another version claims the reason for moving the event to the Coker Creek Elementary School was a "mutual decision."... However, an insider who did not wish to be identified provided the following details:

• The Ruritan president was given the option of having the event at the usual Coker Creek Village location this year, but he was advised it would be the last time--they would have to find another location.
• Negotiations broke down and the Ruritaners decided to move the event this year--without having long range plans--it appears it was a case of 'if they dont' want us, we'll move now.' " No way to appease Mr. Pease..."
• The Ruritaners contend that a document signed by Sanford Grey bequeathed the use of the Coker Creek Village property in perpetuity for the yearly 2 day Goldfest event, but they did not wish to pursue the matter in court. It is unclear even if such a document exists, how enforceable it would be in a legal stand-off.                                                                                                                                            

Murder victim and Coker Creek resident Franny Graham was a regular at the Ruritan Club gatherings. Some Ruritan members are also linked to the Coker Creek Welcome Center.

Had the Ruritaners accepted the offer to hold the event at the usual Coker Creek Village location this year, it would have given them ample time to come up with more than just one option for long term planning and future use.

The 94 plus acres that makes up the main property of Coker Creek Village is likely the most valuable parcel of land in Coker Creek. (Location, location, location.)
The Murphy Clan (who at one time owned the Coker Creek Village property) has nothing that compares...even with the thousands of acres they still own in Coker Creek.
The End of an Era in the Goldfest location is a significant event...it means that the Murphy Clan and their 'hangers on' were not the arbiters of a major decision.

Man who did a Peter Pan from Bald River Falls 'slipped'

As we now have learned, the incident on July 28, 2012, that took almost two hours of emergency ops involving Forest Service, Rescue Squad, EMS, and MCSD., led to the death of Monroe County resident Ralph Ray Jr., of Ten Mile. The Forest Service incident commander confirmed that the accident victim had made it to the top ledge, but slipped and fell before he could direct his dive towards a spot away from rocks and boulders.

The MCSD confirmed that Ralph Ray Jr., age 46, Mans Hollow Road, died on the following day-- July 29, 2012 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Climbing the falls is extremely dangerous, nevertheless, many visitors to the area still do it--and will likely continue to do it despite the recent tragedy. The initial call requested the Rescue Squad to assist a subject which had been trapped under a rock for ten minutes, at Bald River Falls. After getting the still unresponsive victim out from under the rock, a person on scene started CPR in a futile attempt to save the victim's life: it took a while for first responders to arrive on scene from Madisonville, which is a good 30+ mile distance.

To add to the confusion, one of the first responders unknowingly had an 'open mic' on his HT (handie talkie), which kept the radio repeater jammed up for a short time. All in all, it was a great example how well local agencies can work together in an emergency situation.