Lessons Learned Since the 911 Attacks

The National Counter Terrorism Center is at the forefront of homeland security to prevent domestic and foreign acts of violence against the United States. Listen to this fact filled conversation (Why the NCTC was created) by the former deputy Director of the CIA and the NCTC Director on what we should be thinking about to address the primary threats. 

The NCTC is an information hub: made up of over a 1,000 members who fused together the operational strategy which  led to the capture of Osama Bin Laden, and since then has prevented several terrorist plots. New measures now provide more in-depth sharing of information to provide analysis of critical threats.

Some of the 911 terrorists scouted areas near the tri-state area--in Cherokee County NC, and Polk County TN asking seemingly tourist-type questions during their numerous intelligence gathering trips. 
Foreign agents often pose as 'diplomats' -- as was reported by a nearby *resident who spoke with a person driving an SUV with tinted windows (in one of the most desolate no-outlet back-roads around) saying he/or they were from the Atlanta Office of the Russian Consulate and were 'lost', trying to make their way to Knoxville. The group may have been scouting secluded areas without cell phone coverage for secret meetings. No cell-phone reception means their location cannot be 'pinged' by cell phone towers.

* In a later conversation with the elderly gentleman his level of education was obvious: I said,  "you are a former state department guy" to which he said, "how did you know that?" ... it was just a guess...the way he imitated the Russian dialect clearly showed his linguistic skills were above average. 

Growth in Tourism Linked to Charles Hall

The continuing growth of tourism in Tellico Plains has Charles Hall written all over it. The area has become an international destination for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and nature lovers.

It began when he appeared before a Congressional House Committee which funded the construction of the the Cherohala Skyway- a multi million dollar road project which connects Robbinsville, North Carolina and Tellico Plains.

The town's public library was another project directly linked to him and other civic leaders--we thank Charles and his family for his legacy and his outstanding leadership as well as the local business community which enriches the quality of life and attracts newcomers to come and visit, enjoy, and often make Tellico Plains their new home. Be sure to stop by the Charles Hall Museum.

Russ 'Barney' Parks Is Out as Tellico Plains Police Chief

Misconduct Allegations Include "Being in a Sexual Relationship with an Informant" -- Scandal Creates A Near Collapse of Law-Enforcement

Update: Former Chief Russell Parks was indicted and booked into the Monroe County Jail on 7/11/2019-- Back in February Parks' daughter had access to his phone, she read revealing text messages, then tells her step-mother who called Mayor Patrick Hawkins, who then called District Attorney Stephen Crump and the TBI began an investigation.

A surprising turn of events since Parks booked numerous people in the same jail where his mugshot was taken.
He was charged with a Class E Felony since the value of the property or services obtained was more than ($500) dollars--the indictment includes missing funds in the amount of ($840) dollars which was allegedly used for sexual favors from a confidential informant. 

A couple of weeks after his arrest, he pleaded 'not guilty' at the first court hearing--if found guilty, he may be classified as a 'convicted felon' for the rest of his life.
In the TPPD general information-page it was stated that "Understanding that the laws have a spirit, as well as a letter, thus giving our officers latitude." It's unclear as to whether this meant that Parks felt he could interpret the law to justify his actions.

Eyewitnesses report that upon learning of what had transpired back in February, Parks' wife became enraged, dragged him out of his patrol car in the Police Dept. parking lot, and gave him a 'bare knuckle ass-whoopin'...

Initially, Parks' quick departure raised eyebrows: we now know his actions created a crisis and even the possibility of a lawsuit--it's not uncommon for confidential informants in similar circumstances to sue a police department claiming 'abuse of power'... 

A well-placed local resident said back when the scandal first broke, "there are more serious allegations involved and added, he's done as a police officer, and lucky if he doesn't wind up in jail." 

Parks' second in command, former TPPD Lt. Jason Crowder is out as well--he has taken a 'rent-a-cop' (security guard) job in a residential community.

If Federal funds or 'instruments used in interstate commerce' (a cell phone or computer), are used in a crime, the FBI usually gets involved--last March, a Virginia State Trooper was found guilty on several federal charges including soliciting sex from an informant, bribery, theft of federal funds, lying to the FBI, and destroying evidence. More from WVVA.

This is Tellico Plains' second police chief scandal: in 2012 there was a state comptroller investigation on former police chief Bill Isbell, a 'darling' of the private Coker Creek facebook users group: Where Did The Money Go?

The Tellico Plains city council advertised for a 'new police chief' and within a few days, four applied for the job. The unanimous choice was to get back former chief of police Jeb Brown in the chief's position, he was the clear favorite...many see it as step in the right direction for the city moving forward, one city local resident said-- "it's like Sheriff Taylor is back in town."

Chief Brown was recently asked, did Parks pass on any pertinent information about mass casualty threats with a deadly weapon by a recent move/in drifter who is a frequent flea market vendor? Brown said no he wasn't informed, and said, " Parks had been charmed and had become friends with the guy." ...a clear lapse of judgement, considering the guy had initially bragged that he owned a 'Thompson' sub-machine gun... Information by a credible witness in the Tellico Plains Flea Market portrays the drifter as a malcontent and prone to violence...This is the sort of person Parks 'cozied' up to?

We Buy Land and Homes-Scam Alert

We Buy Land and Homes posters have recently sprung up in the south end of the county--here's what to keep in mind to avoid getting ripped off or worse. In the video below, a lien or 'caveat' against property is shown to be like an expensive 'virus' which must be removed before a sale to a 'real' buyer can be finalized. 
The 'seller' failed to read a 'subject-to' clause in the contract--watch the video.

• An average individual in desperate need of cash may become a target of recent move-in smooth talking 'predators'... who are thrilled to profit from anyone's 'down and out' financial situation.
•  'Equity Skimming' is one of the most common ways used to rip you off -- it starts by the seller transferring the deed to the 'buyer'.
• At times, all the victim needs is a 'short term' loan leaving the original mortgage intact--after you receive a quick 'payment'...you may be notified to make payments to the alleged 'buyer' instead of the mortgage company you were formerly making payments to--the buyer who now has the deed to the property, may rent out the property instead of moving in--and now is getting money from you and the renter.
• The equity in your home can now be used to get 'home equity' loans or other forms of financing--or they can re-sell the property without paying off the outstanding mortgage.
• The scammer ultimately stops making payments on the mortgage, and allows the property to go into foreclosure since they never assumed liability for the mortgage.
• Another version of the scam is the buyer makes a verbal offer for your property and you accept it--a few days later you get a formal written contract--because you believe it is the same offer you agreed to, you simply sign on the dotted line without reading the 'fine print'--eventually you discover that the written contract is not the same as the verbal agreement--now you are entangled in a legal battle for months or years.
• There are several other ways 'fly by night' scammers use to cheat victims--a scammer in 2008 posed as an heir to a fortune and even convinced some area cops to 'retire' because he had promised them high paying security guard jobs--as it turned out, the 'smooth talking' drifter was a prison escapee from Michigan...who had used several 'promise to purchase' land agreements during a cross-country escapade, until he was finally captured in Arizona.