EDITORIAL | Uncensored Voice of Monroe County:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in Monroe County, a video is worth a thousand excuses.
As the "Tomcat" Jones AI meme clip circulates—mocking Sheriff Tommy Jones’ satire-drenched demand for "only good comments"—the real story isn't the comedy. It’s the tragedy of a District Attorney’s office that has become a cheering section for the very man it's supposed to oversee.
As the "Tomcat" Jones AI meme clip circulates—mocking Sheriff Tommy Jones’ satire-drenched demand for "only good comments"—the real story isn't the comedy. It’s the tragedy of a District Attorney’s office that has become a cheering section for the very man it's supposed to oversee.
Last fall, the Monroe County Justice Center hit a new low. When the Medical Examiner (ME) had the professional courage to upgrade the Pastor Lester Isbill death from a "Natural" death ruling to a Homicide, Sheriff Jones didn't respond with a detective’s file. He responded with an unauthorized 'grilling' of the medical examiner.
In a move of staggering hubris, the Tomcat "grilled" the ME on the phone and blasted the footage to WATE, WBIR, and WVLT and local news outlets... By turning a forensic investigation into a news spectacle, Jones sent a clear message: In this county, science is subordinate to the Sheriff. In any other jurisdiction, cornering a medical expert to force a narrative change is called witness intimidation.
The Hatchett Honeymoon:
The irony of Hatchett’s silence is found in how he got the job. Voters rejected the "Biden-esque" appointment of Shari Tayloe—the hand-picked successor meant to protect the Steve Crump legacy. Hatchett won because he promised a "New Era."
But the "New Era" looks a lot like the old one, just with better PR. By failing to charge the Sheriff with obstruction for his Fall media stunt, DA Stephen Hatchett didn't just drop the ball; he handed it back to the Tomcat and told him to keep playing. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17s2dxGDSh/Jones
The Bottom Line:
The Tomcat loves Hatchett because Hatchett provides the one thing a Sheriff like Jones needs most: Invisibility. While the county faces a $4 million deficit and families wait for justice, the Sheriff is busy playing TV star and demanding "good comments." And why shouldn't he? When you have a DA who treats Homicide rulings like suggestions and ignores blatant witness intimidation, you don't need to follow the law. You are the law.
As long as Hatchett continues to treat the MCSO like a protected kingdom, Monroe County isn't being served by a "New Era" of justice. We're just being served the same old cronyism, now with a fresh coat of paint and a $multi-million price tag.
