Remember When Rick Thompson...

...helped a Florence department head kill a young man and hide the body? That was the story for years and it had so much detail that you would believe there had to be truth to it. Except there wasn't an ounce of fact in the tale. When the case was finally solved, it was a local drug dealer who had killed the youth.

Remember when a Littleville teen killed a young McDonald's manager over a girl and made it look like robbery? This young man lived under that cloud for years until two serial killers were revealed to have robbed the small Muscle Shoals store.

Remember when a Florence City Council member gave his brother-in-law a plum job manufactured just for him? Even this blog published that little tidbit. The problem was the incompetent man may have been a friend to the council member, but he wasn't married to the elected official's sister. Did we eat crow over that one!

These memories are prompted by a question we recently received. Wasn't Lauderdale County district attorney Chris Connolly actually on the cabin cruiser involved in the Shoal Creek boat crash? That's how these stories morph into such a mountain of speculation and untruths. 

We're guessing Chris Connolly at this point is wondering why he ever wanted to be a district attorney in an area that could properly be called an idiocracy. 

Red Nails It Again...

In Defense of Chris Connolly

The past week has seen two accusations of misconduct against Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly. Both accusations have come from the court of Facebook.

We have not always agreed with D.A. Connolly; however, we have never found him to be unethical in any way. Those accusing Chris now seem to have as much understanding of the law as Shoalanda does of Zen Buddhism. 

Some have brought up a recent case in which Kathleen Emma Boggus was granted youthful offender status. How is Connolly responsible for that? He and former judge Mike Jones (who was assisting) fought against it. If you have problems with this allegedly wanton young woman receiving that status, you should contact Judge Gil Self who made the decision.

That brings us to the June 8th boat crash on Shoal Creek. How is Connolly responsible for a report issued by Lt. Chad Pate? 

The process is not hard to understand:

1. A man kills another man in a Florence poker game. Florence police detectives investigate, then file a report with the district attorney's office.

2. A sex offender rapes and kills a Center Star woman, Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies investigate, then file their report.

3. Two vessels collide on Shoal Creek, killing passengers. Alabama Marine Police investigates, then files its report with D.A. Connolly's office.

Unless new witnesses come forward, the district attorney's office simply uses the initial reports to make its case in the boating deaths. The district attorney has only what Lt. Pate has recorded. If something has been omitted, how is he to know? If something has been falsified, how is he to know?

If anything has been omitted or falsified, look to the Alabama Marine Police, not the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office.

****

We'll add that a boat's registration can't be illegally changed anymore than your motor vehicle's can. It's recorded not only at the local courthouse, but also in Montgomery. We're pretty sure that the whole state isn't in cahoots to cover up any shenanigans with the cabin cruiser or the speed boat. 

So theoretically, someone could lie about being the cabin cruiser's operator, but not about being its owner. As Dr. Walt Duncan once said, it's not rocket surgery.

The Shoals Gains Three New Republicans?

Lauderdale County district attorney Chris Connolly, commissioner Fay Parker, and circuit court clerk Missy Hibbett are changing parties. Bippity, boppity, boo--they're now Republicans.

We have no problem with that...if they really mean it. Parker says he has problems with the Democratic positions on abortion and gun control. First we're pretty sure the Lauderdale County Commission will never be called upon to vote on either. Second we have to wonder if Parker wants more babies to grow up to be either shooters or shot at?

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And what of that infamous Dem Roger Bedford? You rarely saw an ad for Bedford that didn't focus on guns, hunting, etc. Should we expect him to join the Republican ranks in order to again "serve the people?" How about Billy Underwood? He's going to feel lonely.

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Have you ever looked at candidate comparison charts? These usually ask candidates their views on ten or so hot button issues. It usually boils down to the individual voter being unable to find the perfect candidate who agrees with him/her completely. The voter is then forced to decide which issues are really important.

The wise voter votes for the candidate--not the party.

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A new head of Florence-Lauderdale tourism by Thursday? We eagerly await the name...and the salary.



Shoalanda

Shoals Prosecution: They Can Preach It Either Way

A young preacher, badly in need of a job, sat before a church board. A member asked the aspiring applicant, "How do you feel about divorce and remarriage?" Without hesitation, the young preacher replied, "Just tell me how you feel. I can preach it either way."

Preaching it either way seems to be popular with local district attorneys. Yes, we realize not all cases are slam dunks; accepting a plea is often preferable to what could be unfavorable results in a jury trial. It's also preferable in many sexual abuse/rape trials in which the victim is young and testifying against the abuser is extremely traumatic.

A plea should never have been acceptable in the case of white supremacist Shaun Shapley. Shapley had a long record of drug use, assault, abuse of women, attacks on minorities, frivolous lawsuits, and...rape of his two stepdaughters. Psychologists have long theorized those who hate those of another race also hold women in low regard.

After killing the younger stepdaughter by strangulation, he attempted to cover up his crime by shooting her and testifying he was attempting to prevent her suicide. Yet, there were several who could have testified of the stepdaughter's claims of sexual abuse; DNA evidence proved Shapley was the father of the older stepdaughter's two children.

How was this man ever offered a plea of only 25 years? In Chris Connolly's own words:

At the hearing in which Shapley pleaded guilty, Connolly told Jones that if the case had gone to trial he would have presented evidence that Shapley was attempting to sexually assault Bragg when she died. “She made the statement prior to her death that the next time he attempted to sexually assault her, she was going to stop it,” Connolly said. “We expect the evidence would have shown that when she attempted to stop him, he strangled her.”

Considering Shaun Shapley's record for frivolous lawsuits, we may infer this will not be his only appeal. Appeals cost the state money--Read: Appeals cost you and me money. No, we don't expect Shapley to win any appeals. We do expect him to be released from prison in 2033 at the age of 70. Conceivably he could enjoy many free years--years that his stepdaughter Jennifer Helen Bragg will never enjoy.

Shapley's conviction counts as a win for Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly. It was hardly a win for those who knew and loved Jennifer.



Read more about Shaun Shapley: Murder in Lexington

Shoalanda

Bama Fact Check?/Santa Back at North Pole

Have you visited the website Bama Fact Check? Here's a blurb in their own words:

Bama Fact Check aims to provide readers with regular investigations into the statements of state and local politicians and public figures. The statements of highest priority will be the policy ideas of political figures rather than their negative campaign advertisements or off-the-cuff remarks. Staff members hope to continue this endeavor throughout the general election and indefinitely. The project’s goal rests on a fundamental tenet of journalism and democracy: to provide society with the information it needs to be free and self-governing.

Each political statement researched by Bama Fact Check will receive a “Truth Rating” from a group of staff members. The ratings will range from five, meaning the statement is completely true, to zero, meaning the statement is void of any truth whatsoever.

The site states that Alabama politics will take front stage, but local politics will also be in the mix. We plan to regularly ask questions and hope all of you will as well: Link

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We're sure you know Santa managed to make his yearly rounds Friday night, but for those who want the juicy details of his release from Lauderdale custody, here's a report from J.J. Ray:

Santa was in court on the twenty third and as expected both Grinches were there. DA Chris Connolly failed in his effort to establish the illegal alien status of the bearded man. The report from Riverbend was read into the record and stated that the man though a little quirky was perfectly sane. There was no law against a person stopping to take a rest while exercising his reindeer.

A local vet testified that the reindeer in question were in remarkable condition given their age. One of the females was expecting though he didn't know the name. After hearing testimony and on a motion from Attorney Janice Keeton. Judge Medley ordered the defendant Kris Kringle was sane and free to go about his business, whatever that was.

Rhea Fulmer Michael Tays was furious and reminded the Judge that she was a Republican and there was another election coming up in six years. Judge Medley ignored the comment and left the court room. The DA would not comment stating he had to do some Christmas shopping. As Ms. Tays was pressed for a comment she uttered a profanity and left. The children are safe for tonight.

A footnote to this drama, my wife and I actually met Santa some years ago in upstate New York at a rest area. He was taking two of his reindeer to a vet. One of the reindeer was a baby and quite playful. Apparently the larger one was the mother because she was not too happy with my wife. He was a very jolly and cordial man. Santa actually gave his card to my wife who at the time was a non-believer. She has had the Christmas spirit ever since.

Merry Christmas to all.

J.J.



Shoalanda

Saving Santa

Saving Santa

By J.J. Ray

Local attorney and Zip City resident Janice Keeton has agreed to represent Santa. He appeared before Republican Judge Carol Medley this morning. Judge Medley set bond at $100.00, which was immediately posted by some local citizens. Sheriff Ronnie Willis was chided for using the combined SWAT Teams from Muscle Shoals and Florence to affect the arrest as they were training in the Zip City community.

The eight reindeer have been placed in protective custody and have gone on an apparent hunger strike because of the loss of their owner. Keeton referred to the arrest of the portly old soul as, “A travesty of justice by Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer and nothing more than headline grabbing by Chris Smith”. Sheriff Willis had no comment at this time as he was still yawning.

Judge Medley has ordered a competency hearing for the purported Santa and is going to settle the case before Christmas Eve. District Attorney Chris Connolly notified the press that he would personally undertake the prosecution of this case. He stated in an interview that, “The county and nation has to be protected form usurpers like this because in my opinion there is no such person as Santa Claus and on top of that he is probably a Republican. I am sure the Attorney General Eric Holder will send some help down from Washington. There is also a possibility that this person could be an 'Illegal Alien'”.

Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer stated in an interview that it was her sworn duty to protect the county from trash like this. Apparently the SWAT team could not locate any reflective cones to put around the sleigh as Commissioner Fulmer had ordered them locked up to keep them away from the EMA director lest he once again use them for something other than county business.

One of the arresting officers said at the scene, “This was a huge and smelly mess”, speaking of the debris left by the eight reindeer. He also stated that he could not understand the constant smile on the face of Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer as the cuffs were placed on Santa. He related the smile as “Grinch Like”.

Here’s hoping that Attorney Keeton can affect a resolution of this case soon as the days are getting short before Christmas Eve. I will report from the Trial as it progresses.

*****

There seems to be several new Christmas songs out this year. Here are some we predict will become classics:

Please Unwrap Me, Santa by Thelma & the Thongs

Viagra on the Niagara by Chuck Lansdell with backup by Hugh Hefner

Oh, Traffic Cone, Oh, Traffic Cone by Rhea & the Commissioners

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It's going to be cold for the next few days; please remember to bring in your pets or provide them with warm bedding and drinkable water.


Shoalanda

Nathan Johnson Not Best Choice for Cherokee Judge?

NATHAN JOHNSON: WELCOME TO CHEROKEE

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

Nathan Johnson told a few people that he has ties to Cherokee. The ties are with Mignon Willis. Nathan is Mignon’s sister's lawyer. Nathan is handling a child support case for Mignon’s sister. Nathan, there are no secrets in Cherokee. Also, could Nathan Johnson’s hiring cost the City of Cherokee a lot of money? Rumors are floating around that Nathan is akin to one of the police officers. If so, every case the officer has will have to be handled by another judge. Way to go City Council Members Glover, Mason, Malone, and Franks. They were in such a hurry to fire and hire someone they did not do a proper back ground. Now this could cost the city a lot of money.

(More from C. R. Tomorrow)

*****

As Cherokee Turns Part II

A Guest Commentary By

J. J. Ray

Gee-Whiz, Holy-Cow, Batman, the circus has come to Cherokee. Do the citizens even care that they have become the laughing stock of North Alabama, maybe Alabama as a whole or perhaps the nation. No, I think the former governor of Illinois has a lock on that. There is little doubt; tickets must be sold at the next event. If it weren’t so funny, it would be tragic. From the accounts, I have read and the citizens I have interviewed personally most are shell shocked that their elected officials now resemble circus folk. Primarily the clowns. There seems to be little doubt they have no use for the law and have become vigilantes dispensing justice that they decide on in secret. Sounds more like Dr. Death meets Eric Holder--now that could be a movie.

The soap opera in Cherokee probably would get better ratings than Days of Our Lives. All that is missing is Stefano DiMera, his son and the Victor Kiriakis bunch. Surely, the Hatfields and McCoys will be jealous that they have been upstaged by the “Burger King Four” as C.R. refers to them, quite well actually. Has anyone explained to them about:

Section 36-25A-1 — Purpose; short title

a) It is the policy of this state that the deliberative process of governmental bodies shall be open to the public during meetings as defined in Section 36-25A-2(6). Except for executive sessions permitted in Section 36-25A-7(a) or as otherwise expressly provided by other federal or state statutes, all meetings of a governmental body shall be open to the public and no meetings of a governmental body may be held without providing notice pursuant to the requirements of Section 36-25A-3. No executive sessions are required by this chapter to be held under any circumstances. Electronic communications shall not be utilized to circumvent any of the provisions of this chapter.

(b) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Alabama Open Meetings Act”

There is actually a manual called “The Alabama Open Meetings Act No. 2005-40” which is available online and a Power Point Presentation to teach you what it is all about and they are free. No need to try and find someone to sign a check or is there anyone that Perhaps you believe you are above the law “Bad Mistake”. If I am not wrong, that’s what happened to Richard Nixon and that person with the bad hairdo, Jimmy “The Bull” Traficant. He just got out of Federal Prison.

Maybe the Attorney General should be contacted but Mr. King has problems of his own. There is of course a DA in Colbert County but I’m told that he is pro McCoy. Therefore, he would have to recuse himself. There is Chris Connolly in Lauderdale County but he is or was supposed to be prosecuting the Mayor of Leighton. “Whats up with that Mr. Connolly?"

We now have West Enders and East Enders to make news, humor or sadness depending on where you live. My suggestion would be to find an independent prosecutor like Kenneth Star, invite the media and you would truly have a three-ring circus. Then Cherokee could build a Burger King, “Wait they already voted that down or maybe it was Hardees”. Whatever, I’ve never seen folks that fear prosperity as much as the bunch in Cherokee.

Let’s sum up the activities as reported, there is vigilantism, nepotism, usurping the mayors authority, and last but not least violations of the "Alabama Open Meetings Act”. Wow Batman now that is many goings-on. Folks, if you do not start conducting city business lawfully and with common sense, you will end up like “Iron City”. Oops did I say Iron City, actually, it died.

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What's up with this: We see the TotallyDecatur newspaper chose a gentleman from Franklin County for its man-on-the-street view of the floundering rail car plant. Nothing wrong with Franklin County views--it's just that only Lauderdale and Colbert are paying the extra two cents tax per gallon of gasoline to fund the project. Perhaps the honchos from Decatur weren't aware of that...

Shoalanda

A Tale of Two Accessories to Murder

In 2005, Joe Jones stood outside a store and watched for customers as a second man robbed, shot, and killed the clerk. Jones then took the gun used in the crime to the home he shared with his mother and hid it in his bedroom. Joe Jones admitted these facts under questioning of both the police and, at his trial, the Lauderdale County District Attorney.

In 1998, John Smith drove to a business on the request of his brother. Smith claimed he waited in his truck as his younger sibling entered to ask for money supposedly owned him. When his brother exited the building, he was carrying a broken knife and soaked with blood stains. Smith, under the influence of alcohol, then drove his brother to a bar where they both spent the money the younger brother had stolen from the man he killed. Forensics could not disprove Smith's story during his trial, an account that the man still adamantly claims is true.

Which man was charged with and indicted for Felony Murder and which for Capital Murder?

Before you answer that question, let us state that no one here thinks any of the four young men involved in these two murders is an angel. We also think it's a strong possibility that John Smith was and is lying when he stated he did not enter the business where his brother admitted killing the proprietor; however, since there was no evidence connecting him to the actual killing, we cannot be sure of his guilt. We cannot in good conscience unequivocally link him to the murder as some members of the victim's family have.

The above accounts are cited to prove that justice isn't equal for everyone. Over six years separated these Lauderdale County murders, as well as the election of a new District Attorney. Steve Graham asked for and received an indictment of Capital Murder for John Smith, who is in reality Eric Boyd. A jury convicted Boyd of the lesser charge of Felony Murder, allowing him to be paroled at some point. Chris Connolly stated it could not be proved that Joe Jones had murderous intent; a jury did convict Jones, who is in reality Duwon Jones, of Felony Murder, allowing an admitted participant in the murder to be eligible for parole.

Now Duwon Jones' partner in crime has been afforded a new trial. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has stated errors on the part of both Chris Connolly and Judge Mike Jones in referencing David Riley's juvenile record.

No, justice is never equal. Neither Duwon Jones nor David Riley deserves to see the free world again.

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Sources report that David Saccocci, the Littleville police officer arrested Saturday after an 11 hour standoff is a Rhode Island native and a 1997 graduate of Burrillville High School. He, along with his wife, and young daughter have been Colbert County residents for a short period of time.

The source further states that Saccocci has been charged with making terrorist threats due to statements made in the presence of his estranged wife's family. He also threatened to kill himself before being overcome with tear gas and taken to a local hospital.

The area needs more police officers--just not ones like David Saccocci. Not only will Littleville remember this incident for years to come, unfortunately so will his daughter.


Shoalanda

Are All Murders Equal?

Before you answer yes to the question posed in today's topic, let us consider some different scenarios. A man kills his daughter's attacker, a second man kills his wife's boyfriend, a third kills an acquaintance in a drunken brawl, and a fourth kills a stranger for the cash in his pocket. Are all four murders equal? At least in Alabama, the fourth murder could possibly be the only one designated a capital crime. Yet even murders where a second crime is involved are not always prosecuted as capital offenses--think Shaun Shapley who murdered his stepdaughter during an attempted rape.

Alabama is one of only a handful of states that will sentence a white collar criminal to prison, yet will not consider premeditation grounds for capital charges. Our legal system is indeed an enigma.

Obviously, a district attorney, no matter how air-tight the case, is not guaranteed a guilty verdict. Plea bargains may look good in almost any capital case. Like Shaun Shapley, Kenneth Bradford Strickland pleaded guilty to a lesser offense in the 2007 death of Rusty Earnest. Until now, many of the facts concerning Earnest's murder have gone unpublished.

Rusty Earnest was a friend to many in the Shoals area, as well as Loretto and Athens where he had family. Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly called the Strickland murder case one of the strangest he had ever prosecuted. Join us tomorrow as we begin our look at Rusty Earnest's life and death.


Did you know: Almost one in ten residents of Alabama Death Rows was convicted in the counties of Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin.

Shoalanda

"Our Goal...Was to Convict Everett Gamble of a Felony"

The above statement was made by Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly. Just why is Everett Carter Gamble such a danger to the general population that Connolly was determined to convict him of a felony?

Carter Gamble is a Florence native, a family man who resides with his wife Willa in Windsor Heights, a United States Postal worker, and until last March, a man who had never had a serious brush with the law. In fact, Gamble is related by marriage to a former Florence police chief--not the sort of chap one would expect the District Attorney's office to be hellbent on convicting of a felony.

However, last March 21st Gamble suffered a serious lapse in judgment. A 27 year-old male owed Gamble a sizable amount of money, and the 59 year-old Gamble had not been able to collect it. Arming himself with an unloaded handgun, Gamble visited the younger man at this home in Northwood Hills. There the debtor and his wife attacked Gamble with a baseball bat. Both men were injured, but Gamble required extended treatment in Huntsville.

Gamble was initially charged with attempted first degree robbery and third degree assault, but on the advice of his attorney, chose to take a best interest plea, admitting to the third degree assault charge, for which he will receive probation.

Obviously, Everett Carter Gamble, now 60, made a bad choice--a terrible choice. Did Gamble deserve to be convicted of a felony? What of the younger man and his wife? Why were no charges filed against them? What are the missing facts here? Did Gamble's relationship to a former police chief sway the county prosecutor's office?

Do we think Gamble acted in a totally unacceptable manner? Yes. Do we think he deserved to be convicted of a felony? No.


What's up with this: We hear the town of Cherokee is now sponsoring wrestling matches. Think any felony convictions will come out of this latest incident?

Shoalanda

Who Murdered Little Miss Sunbeam's Killer? - Part V

Judge Mike Suttle took the charges of prosecutorial misconduct in the Donald Darling murder trial so seriously that he ordered a jury trial in the matter; however, the Lauderdale District Attorney's office appealed the ruling and won. Now, Darling was to face a second trial for the murder of Wilburn May Jr.

By May 2004, Darling had been released on bond, and Lauderdale District Attorney Steve Graham had resigned. Graham's successor, then Republican Billy Jackson, knew the Darling family socially and recused his office from the second trial. Even Judge Suttle's role was questioned due to his announced support of Darling's defense attorney Chris Connolly, Jackson's Democratic opponent in the upcoming election. Suttle refused to step down and presided over Darling's second trial, now moved to Decatur.

During the trial, the defense team introduced evidence that included an alibi for Darling and accusations against one of May's ex-wives as well as a known drug associate who had not been seen since May's murder. On July 23, 2004, a Morgan County jury found Donald Wayne Darling II not guilty of the murder of Junior May. Suttle then authorized protection for the Darling family as they left the courthouse due to alleged threats from the May family. Darling himself spoke of his relief to have an unencumbered future.

What did Donald Darling do with his freedom? Less than four months later, the now 20 year-old Darling was accused of attempting to break into a condom vending machine at a Central Heights mini-mart. He pleaded innocent to the misdemeanor charge. Two years later, Darling was arrested for breaking into a convenience store to steal cigarettes; a short time later an intoxicated Darling was arrested by an observant off-duty deputy immediately after breaking into a truck in the Central community.

Do Darling's post acquittal criminal actions indicate he was in reality guilty of killing Junior May? They certainly indicate Donald Wayne Darling II placed little value on his freedom. As for who did murder Little Miss Sunbeam's killer, one of the strangest cases in Shoals crime history is still officially open.


What's up with this: Does Parker Griffith morphing from Democrat to Republican cancel out Billy Jackson changing his affiliation from Republican to Democrat?

Shoalanda

Who Murdered Little Miss Sunbeam's Killer? - Part III

Family members found the body of Wilburn May Jr. lying in his hospital bed on the morning of February 26, 2001; a single gunshot wound to the chest was circled in dried blood. May, 45 years old and a known drug dealer, had many enemies--some of them due to his role in the death of the former Little Miss Sunbeam Marie Burns, but after a four month investigation, the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department had found every lead to be a dead end. By the end of June 2001, the reward in the case totalled $16,000.00; but the first real break came from a Madison County law enforcement officer.

Donald Wayne Darling II (pictured) was seventeen years old and lived less than a mile from Wilburn May Jr. on County Road 15 in the Central community. Now Darling was an inmate at Three Springs School, a Madison alternative correctional facility for juveniles where he had been held since May 1. According to authorities, Darling told a roommate he had killed May. When Lauderdale Investigator Jr. Witt visited with Darling at the school in mid-July, the teenager denied the charges, but admitted he had bought drugs from May twice in the past. Witt was convinced that Donald Wayne Darling had killed Junior May and secured a search warrant for his Central Heights home. Investigators were secretive concerning their finds, but immediately requested a warrant for Darling's arrest.

Taking Darling into custody the next day, Lauderdale County assigned Doug Evans to prosecute the teenager. The Assistant District Attorney immediately requested an upgrade in Darling's charges--now Donald Wayne Darling was accused of capital murder in the killing of Wilburn May Jr. Evans based the new charges on accusations that Darling had also stolen drugs at the time of the killing, a killing the prosecution believed to be the result of a gang initiation. Darling defense attorneys offered a different scenario, but District Judge Deborah Bell Paseur now ordered Donald Wayne Darling held without bail.

Darling spent almost two years in the Lauderdale County Detention Center awaiting trial, while defense attorneys Jenny Behel and Chris Connolly filed various motions and maintained that Jr. Witt had illegally questioned Darling, setting the stage for what was to become a lengthy battle of words--not the least of which were prosecutorial misconduct. In the mean time, was the real killer still out there?


What's up with this: The Decatur Daily has reported that Florence teacher Jason Lyn Gasque has pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual harassment of a student. The TimesDaily? Well, they have so many more important issues to cover...

Shoalanda

Billy Jackson Has Grown Donkey Ears

Perhaps we should call him Bottom...it seems the former Republican District Attorney is now sporting long ears and referring to himself as a Democrat. To what end?

From 2002 until 2004, Billy Jackson served as Lauderdale County District Attorney, but lost his appointed position to Democrat Chris Connolly in the next general election. Later, Gov. Bob Riley asked Jackson to consider running as a Republican for State Senate District 1; however, Jackson demurred due to the demands of his private law practice.

Now, Billy Jackson has announced that he, like Willson Jenkins, will seek the position of Family Court judge. Perhaps those who have informed us Jimmy Sandlin will renege on his promise not to seek re-election were mistaken, and Jackson calculates his best chance will be as a Democrat? Perhaps there are other reasons?

If Jimmy Sandlin does run for a second term, the anti-Sandlin vote could be evenly split between Jackson and Jenkins--not a happy prognostication. In any event, Jackson's entry into the fray almost assures a runoff in the Democratic primary. Any Republicans left out there?

Photo by Matt McKean


Will Rogers: "I'm not a member of any organized political party. I'm a Democrat."

Shoalanda

Those Must Have Been Some Love Letters

John Celetti, formerly of Florence, is not a lucky man, either in money or love. In 2005, the then 55 year-old Celetti worked for Net Related, an Internet service provider. The company closed abruptly in February of that year, leaving Celetti and 44 co-workers without a job and owing them a paycheck for 80 hours of work. Celetti complained to several local and state agencies, among them the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office which refused to act in the case . Unfortunately, little could be done under the circumstances; whether Celetti harbors hard feelings about the 2005 incident or not, he certainly has plenty to say about a more recent event involving Lauderdale authorities.

In October 2008, John Celetti was living in a rented home and dating Judy Lynn Ray. After a disagreement, Ray set fire to the Hough Road home and stole Celetti's automobile in which to make her escape. Judy Lynn Ray was later traced to her mother's home in Hampton, Mississippi, and returned to Florence to face charges. Since March 17th, she has been held in the Lauderdale Detention Center on a $55,000.00 bond.

The state originally charged Ray with first degree arson and first degree theft; however, earlier this week, Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly allowed Judy Lynn Ray to plead guilty to third degree arson and the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Ray is now free with time served and probation, and John Celetti has made his displeasure with Connolly's actions well known.

Just why did Chris Connolly allow Ray to plead to such lesser charges? It seems that during the five month period between the fire and Judy Lynn Ray's arrest, John Celetti not only knew the whereabouts of his former girlfriend, he had been writing her love letters in which he begged her to return to him. Connolly stated that Ray's defense attorney Vickie Willard would have used the letters in her client's defense.

John Celetti, who now lives in Danville in Morgan County, states that he's heartbroken by Chris Connolly's actions. After all, he states, the love letters were merely an attempt to lure Judy Lynn Ray back to Lauderdale County to face the charges he brought against her. Really, Mr. Celetti? Wouldn't it have been easier to have simply provided the authorities with Ms. Ray's address in Mississippi? At least this case proves that the Internet and e-mail have not completely replaced the old-fashioned, hand-written billet-doux.


Notice: Tomorrow's Fire Prevention Month activities at Lowe's in Florence have been canceled due to the possibility of extreme weather. Morris Lentz will announce a new time for the program at a later date.

Shoalanda

Shoals Defense Attorneys Have to Love Troy King

We'll be the first to say that Troy King has many good points; we're just not sure his merits outweigh his faults. Certainly we're thankful to the Alabama Attorney General (pictured with his assistant) for stepping in when local District Attorneys drop the ball, or at least refuse to catch it, as with Chris Connolly in the Keith McGuire rape case. We also had serious doubts that a Federal investigation of King would continue after Republican Alice Martin left office. Apparently the probe is not only continuing, it's heating up.

If Troy King is guilty of all the charges the Federal government seeks to bring against him, we hope he is promptly removed from office. If he is innocent in some trumped-up witch hunt, we hope he will be able to prove both his good intentions and legal basis for any actions that have been questioned. The problem is King is using our money to defend himself against these charges.

It has not been that long ago that Troy King set a cap of $45.00 an hour for court-appointed defense attorneys. Many in the Shoals area, as well as across the state, voiced their shock at the rate, a rate well below that of other states. Now, King has retained the Birmingham firm of Bradley, Arant, Boult, and Cummings to assist in his defense. The high profile firm, formerly known as Bradley, Arant, Rose, & White, has been dubbed by many as "Brashly Arrogant." Indeed, at $300.00 an hour, a certain amount of brashness is to be expected.

In case you missed that amount in the previous paragraph, that was $300.00 an hour of taxpayer's money King will be paying these hotshot lawyers to defend him against ethics violations. If you don't have a calculator handy, that amounts to $255.00 an hour more than King has previously stated defense attorneys are worth.

It's entirely possible Troy King will have left office before the probe is concluded. If King should choose to run again before the probe has ended, we hope everyone will remember his $300.00 an hour legal counsel as they mark their ballots.


What's up with this: Check out TKtheAG on Twitter. We thought it was a well done spoof at first, but several in the know assure us it's real.

Shoalanda

Prosecutorial Misconduct - Even in the Shoals

Most of us have heard the term prosecutorial misconduct even if we tend to consider it just typical defense attorney rhetoric; however, this past week the term has been featured in almost any newspaper we peruse. From former Governor Don Siegelman's accusations of misconduct leading to his felony conviction to accounts of the first murder trial of Decatur's Daniel Wade Moore, we've seen how pervasive such accusations have become. Perhaps like sexual child molestation, the term has not become more ubiquitous, but only the reporting of such.

Currently we have Siegelman and Huntsville businessman Alex Latifi hurling charges of prosecutorial misconduct against Florence's Alice Martin, while Martin investigates Alabama Attorney General Troy King for similar charges, while King investigates county family court judges including Lauderdale's Jimmy Sandlin (or not--depending on whom answers the phone in Montgomery). Is there an honest individual still out there or is our anthem now victory at any price?

Before we say such things only happen in other places, let's take a look at the Shoals. Our March 10, 2009, column concerned Lauderdale County's Judge Mike Jones. Jones recently recused himself in the Keith McGuire rape case on the grounds that he had worked in civic projects with the defendant's father, Lexington Mayor Bobby McGuire. Yet, only weeks later, Jones refused to recuse himself in the Allen Wilson assault trial. Wilson's attorney had twice asked for the jurist's recusal on the grounds that his client had been an avid supporter of former judicial candidate Alice Martin.

Jones has been no stranger to such controversy, once failing to declare a mistrial in the capital murder trial of Nathan Boyd. In October 2000, Boyd faced a possible death sentence for the murder of restaurant owner Danny Sledge. During his trial, Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans (pictured above) withheld information concerning the testimony of a prosecution witness. Both Boyd defense attorneys, Tim Case and Jean Darby, immediately requested a mistrial, but Judge Jones refused to consider that option and immediately ruled against them.

Three years later, Evans was again accused of prosecutorial misconduct, this time causing a mistrial in the capital murder trial of Donald Wayne Darling. Darling's story is the stuff of pulp fiction and deserving of a movie of the week. Here we will just say that at the time of Darling's first trial, now District Attorney Christopher Connolly called Evan's actions "outrageous prosecutorial conduct." Needless to say, Connolly refused to retain the assistant district attorney during his administration, but Doug Evans now works for District Attorney Joey Rushing in Franklin County.

After reading this, will any of us sleep more securely tonight. I somehow doubt it.

When Is It Assault in Alabama?

Anyone familiar with the laws of the great State of Alabama know that our judicial code is capricious. Not only do we have the second longest state constitution, our capital murder statute has the most addenda of any state.

While most assaults involving only the body (hands, feet, elbows, etc.) are misdemeanors, some specific assaults are felonies. Pictured at right is Rosie Ingram, recently sentenced to serve three years in the State Prison System for inciting an attack on a police officer. We are certainly glad that Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly is on top of this; too bad he wasn't on top of things when murderers Duwon Jones and Shawn Shapley were sentenced.

Ingram and her son committed a felony because the assault occurred on school property and the victim was a police officer. Yes, this sounds good, but let us consider these scenarios:

1. A substitute teacher incurs the wrath of a male student. If he strikes her in class on Friday, he will be tried for a felony. If he encounters her downtown the next day and then strikes her, he will be charged with a misdemeanor.

2. A police officer and an army officer on leave are walking downtown when they see a man harassing his girlfriend; both attempt to intervene. If the boyfriend strikes the police officer in his rage, it is a felony. If he strikes the army officer, it is a misdemeanor.

3. A receptionist in a physician's office is attacked over a billing error. It is a felony. A receptionist in an insurance office is attacked over a mistake in a statement, and it is a misdemeanor.

Yes, in the State's zeal to protect certain individuals in our population, it has done a disservice to others. I would suggest that the law be changed so that each assault is judged on a case by case basis. I'm not holding my breath.


What's up with this: Tonight is First Friday in Florence. We understand there will be more live entertainment than usual. Don't miss it.

We Prosecute Incitement, But Not Murder?

A few weeks ago, a Lauderdale County jury declared it was unable to agree on a verdict in the Rosie Ingram trial. Mrs. Ingram was charged with inciting her son to attack a school enforcement officer by stating, "It will take more than you to get us out of here." The actual attacker, her son, has been convicted of assault and will face his punishment. So, is Mrs. Ingram free to return to her normal walks of life? Apparently not--District Attorney Chris Connolly has stated that he will retry Mrs. Ingram, using our taxpayer dollars to do so.

Certainly, Mr. Connolly is tough on crime as he promised in his election campaign. Or is he? Remember Shaun Shapley, the Lexington man who murdered his stepdaugher Jennifer Helen Bragg? Connolly agreed to a 25 year sentence for Shapley. After all, it saved the taxpayers all that money.

Perhaps Mr. Connolly needs to purchase a dictionary and look up the word "consistent." Jennifer Bragg deserved more.


What's up with this: Judge Leslie Johnson has received six applications for the position of Circuit Court Judge. Some have suggested that Deborah Bell Paseur's is among them. While we hope this isn't the case, how would it affect her retirement pay?

Murder in Lexington - Part III

"I couldn't think of a better place to raise children. We have no crime in this town." - Clint Freeman

When paramedics arrived at the Shapley home on County Road 51, they found Jennifer Bragg lying across the bed in the master bedroom, a gun nearby. Shaun Shapley told of Jennifer's intention to commit suicide and how he had valiantly tried to stop her. When later questioned, Kimberly Shapley admitted to being in a nearby room, unaware of the events that claimed her daughter's life, but insistent on the kind of father Shaun had been to her children.

Upon arrival at ECM Hospital, Jennifer was pronounced dead. Both paramedics and medical personnel at the hospital noted that the gunshot had blown off two of Jennifer's fingers--an unusual wound in a suicide. When Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly became aware of the odd circumstances in Jennifer's death he ordered an autopsy. The results of the post mortem indicated Jennifer died by manual strangulation, not a gun shot wound. Lauderdale County Deputies arrested Shaun Shapley on Monday, February 11th.

Held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on $500,000.00 bail, Shaun Shapley vehemently denied any part in Jennifer's death. Kimberly Shapley stood by her man, requesting he be allowed to attend Jennifer's funeral and listing him as Jennifer's father in the obituaries. Jennifer was buried on Wednesday, February 13th. Two days later Kimberly arrived at Lexington High School to clean out her daughter's locker. Refusing any help, Kimberly Shapley boxed up her daughter's possessions and carted them away without letting anyone else view her daughter's personal effects.

A judge appointed attorney Joseph Daniel to defend Shapley, who was found to be indigent by the court. Unhappy with Daniel, Kimberly Shapley, who had requested funds for funeral expenses in Jennifer's obituary, began selling her possessions in order to retain another attorney. Kimberly Shapley soon contacted Jim Stansell of Rogersville, an attorney known for frequently defending those accused of sex crimes.

For whatever reason, Shapley was not arraigned until November 13th. Stansell spoke for his client and proclaimed him "not guilty." Judge Mike Jones scheduled Shapley's trial for February 9, 2009--a year and two days after Jennifer's murder. As Shaun Shapley left the courtroom in his regulation green jumpsuit he turned to blow kisses at Kimberly Shapley who had come to support him. No one was present on Jennifer Helen Bragg's behalf.