The Blakely Saga and Corruption in General

 The Blakely Saga just keeps going and going and going.  Many of the previous sheriffs just can't understand what they did wrong.  How did things go so badly for them?  Can we all say corruption?  I really don't get the concept that public officials think they are immune from the laws that were established to run our country?

It is actually caused by our brain's hard wiring.  So why does it appear to affect politicians and other elected officials so badly?  Greed maybe?  

It starts at the highest level and trickles down.  Corruption in our United States is worse than it's ever been.  

We are at a point that we expect corruption.  We set back and do nothing because there seems to be nothing we can do.  There is always something we can do.  In some cases, we may have to wait four years for our next vote to count, while other elections can be changed every two years.  Our vote counts and in many cases that is all we can do.

Not all politicians are corrupt but a lot are.  

Corruption is bad and a lot of time the people in positions of power do not care much for those that report it.  On this blog, we did not lie.  Like us or leave us the truth was told.  Was the blog sometimes harsh?  You bet it was.  Many folks seemed to be enamored with corruption while others did what they could to stop it. 

I stepped away from the blog for a while but I am still as steadfast in my role now as I ever was.  

 

The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same

 It has been a while since I have written on the Blog.  I am interested in catching up so what are your thoughts?

I started the Blog in October 2015 so it is only right that I start writing again in the Month of October.

I see there has been a lot of comments since I was last on the Blog.  I have been very busy in my personal life and shut the public out for quite some time.  A lot has changed since way back when.  

I see there is a lot of complaints against Cullman County law enforcement, the courts, and more.  There is a Federal Case that would be an important read should anyone be interested.

It also appears that there has been a lot of murder cases in our county of late.  These tragic incidents are happening more and more across the nation with little to no support for law enforcement.  I am a firm believer in law enforcement and protecting our citizens.  I am also a believer that we have a long way to go to rid corruption in government from the top down.

The key is staying positive and believing that with time things will change for the better.  We have multiple problems that are compounded by current leadership starting at the top.  Previously, we found out we were working with a corrupt Jay Town and would never get anywhere with our endeavor.  Sometimes you can't trust folks to do the right thing.

It still surprises me when folks go into court and swear to tell the truth so help me God and then lie out their behind.  It also makes one wonder how in the world 4,000,000.00 people per month are leaving the workforce, how are these folks making a living?  We are living in times worse than the Carter years.  

It's Been a While

Folks, it's been a while since I last blogged.  We have gone through some crazy times since my last blog.  The COVID virus, a new Chain of Command within the Capitol, and a Democratic-led Senate if you include the vice president, and rest assured you can.  We also have a Democratic-led House.

Morgan County has changed a lot as well.  We have seen a lot of positive accomplishments from the sheriff's office and our county as a whole.

Two of the fears that I have are the economy and the border.  It took a lot for me to come to terms with the new administration.  One thing that helps is to ask yourself what you can do to change the elections.  The answer is not a damn thing.

It is embarrassing that some of our folks from right here at home acted so foolish as to travel to D.C. and got themselves into trouble.

I am well pleased that the SO is working hard on our drug problem here in Morgan County.  We have some serious issues involving illicit drugs as well as prescription drugs.  

If you know of anyone who is dealing, distributing and selling drugs please let someone know.  Drugs destroy a lot of lives around the nation.  Crime is up especially since the crackdown on prescription drugs being given out like candy to whoever wants it instead of who needs it.

I realize it will take time to reestablish my reading base but I have been out of pocket raising two beautiful children. 

I hope that my readers start sharing again.  

Think positive.

Sad State of Affairs

 Folks, our country is in peril.  It doesn't matter what your political affiliation is.  We are in for some hard times.  All we can do is stand back and see what happens next.  I fear that the American citizens will feel the impact far worse than those who we sent to the office to represent us.  

At my age, I would never dream that I would see things happen in our country that I have seen over the past several weeks.

We should not do anything foolish such as storming the Capital, burning buildings or inciting violence,  Those who lie, cheat, and steal will show their true colors eventually.  Sometimes such as these where there isn't a damn thing we can do, sit back and watch the fireworks and what is done to destroy our civil rights, open borders, and disband law enforcement.  Why sit back?  What are your options?

Everybody Look What's Going Down

 It's been a long time since we have been able to blog. Someone was smart enough to take the blog down. Let's try it again.

There seem to be things going on that should come out in Cullman. We previously blogged about the Chief of Police for the City of Cullman. He has done some favors for a God Child that he should have left well enough alone. Ah! But it's not just the chief. There is plenty of dirty work going around. The DA and others are also involved. We happened upon a Federal filing on PACER that is mighty interesting and will be posted on the blog for our readers to decide for themselves what is going on.

The current case we are working on pertains to Donly Koshowsky. It appears that he has gotten the same treatment as many others in Cullman. Cases Cullman was told to stop what they were doing. All the judges have recused themselves. The chief of police should do the same as well as the DAs. That won't happen. They desire to throw the book at Donly because he dared to challenge their authority.

There is much more to come.

The Blog is Open And Live

 We are getting a lot of complaints that folks cannot access the blog.  Tell me is it working?

Federal agents raid homes of Backpage website founders

Cindy McCain is an advocate for stopping prostitution and human trafficking.  Help us help her to keep women and children safe.  Why would people get involved in such conduct?  Like Ashley Madison, these sites have long tentacles that affect all of us.  Yes, Folks.  It happens right here in Alabama.



So! What does this have to do with the price of eggs in China?  A lot.  People here in Alabama are often caught in these traps. 



Folks, be careful out there these things often come home to roost. 

Do I have a deal for you

 Folks, it makes no sense that Donly was charged with Contempt of Court as similar cases have been in through the years in Cullman County.  Not to mention multiple other charges within a very short timeframe.  Interference is a serious issue and to charge one without the other is outrageous as in this case and is overkill.  Unless there is a driving force that may not be providing the entire story in this case.  I believe there is a driving force, it starts with Godfather and Goddaughter.  Something that should not have played a part in law enforcement.  Thank you, Chief Culpepper.  

How does it happen that a man lives his whole life being a law-abiding citizen and then overnight he turns into a misdemeanor criminal?  You want out of this thing?  Let me strike a deal with you young fellow.  I will drop all these charges if you will sign this one little bitty document for me?   Now! Just sign here and all your problems will go away.  One misdemeanor erases all the other wrongs you have committed.  Did we mention that all Donly has to do is agree not to sue Cullman County?  Why on earth would that be in the document?  Somebody needs to take a serious look at this entire case.

You can bet one way or another Donly will be punished.  Donly has already been accosted in the Cullman County Jail.  Don't worry he should be OK in the general population right?  No harm no foul.  What if he gets a couple of concussions?  Makes a man stronger right?

This is about throwing a man under the table or in a pit and letting him rot in hell.  Is this what the Chief and all of the arrests are about?   Get rid of the problem for the Chief's Godchild.  Oh! Wait.  Why not let him out and arrest him again?  Is there a plan in place to arrest him again to help out another agency?  Then that agency can go to court and say see how bad this man is.  If you want to see things the way they really are wait until Donly has his day in court.  This man doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning his cases in Cullman County.  

My question is why the heck would you charge Donly in April with a crime when the Godchild should have been charged at the same time for the same thing.  

Let me explain.  The Chief is a shifty guy (in my opinion) he has Donly arrested for the April incident because a very important event was coming up that could be concerning to his Godchild.  That couldn't possibly happen, could it?  He had to make sure everything was in the right place at the right time. 

There are some very serious issues that go way beyond the arrests.  Even the chief admitted that both parties have issues.  But this thing goes way past those issues.  People should lose their jobs after what I have listened to on audio, videos, and documents.

 

Contempt of Court - Fair and Equal Treatment for All

 I'm still reading and what I find is incredulous.  So! contempt of court along with many other charges against Donly abound.  What does a guy do?  Donly and his family especially one in particular have suffered serious Civil rights issues and more?  Why does one person gets arrested and jailed while the other little piggy goes wee wee wee all the way home?  Sometimes it isn't what you know but who you know.  

The more documents we read the crazier this thing gets.  I read documents from another agency on this issue and I just want to ask them if they have lost their minds.  Safety and security are of utmost concern.  There are grave concerns that need to be addressed.  

From what I read this case is 50 50 but it sure as hell isn't being treated as 50 50.  Chief, it sounds like the good ole boy network and the information you may have refused to look at has fallen right at your feet.  If I am wrong about what is going on with Donly I will apologize to every elected official in Cullman County.

The Chief told me recently that he stands by his officers.  Folks, I didn't say anything about the officers.  What I am saying is that poop rolls downhill.  The issue as a rule starts at the top.  Our county was built on trust.  We trust that our government operates in an honest order fashion with justice for all.  We are the people.  We trust you to treat us equally within the color of law.  We do not accept the good ole boy network in our system.

As we have already harped on most officials do the right thing so we will leave that alone. A few bad apples are all it takes to rot the entire lot.  There are also frivolous lawsuits.  I have seen the evidence in these cases.  It is outrageous the stories some people make up in their minds.  Even when there is evidence that shows the truth.  We can only hope that the courts throw out the BS lawsuits and fine the people who file them.

Please forgive the typos.  It has been a long week as we have more damage on some of our property in Florida.  We are juggling a lot of fires but Donly and his issues along with others concerned in this issue need a voice.

It's Been a Long Day

 We have read and detailed each and every piece of evidence that I believe will help Donly resolve his issues.  It is a damn shame that people will use their positions of power to target someone.  That is what we believe happened here.  

My question to the Chief of Police is who is the person in uniform bashing a head in on video in the city police parking lot?  Is that?  Nah.  It couldn't be.

I can't understand what the heck is going on here.  Well!  Maybe I can.  Maybe the Chief was just trying to help out a friend or a God Child or both.  That doesn't make it right.  There is some evidence we plan to start posting early next week.  There is also highly sensitive information that will never be published here.  Those in the know will understand why.

Why and how desperate are those who did this.  Do I believe Donly is as pure as the driven snow?  Hell no, I don't.  What I do believe is that you can only push a person so far before they break.  Imagine someone trying to take away the most important things in life.  Imagine being arrested multiple times because you are fighting for something you love so much that the arrests don't matter.  What if you were not the only one arrested multiple times for the same reasons?  

It is hard to fight those in authority.  It is ugly.  It can be dangerous.  It can cause an illicit person to get warrants, conduct arrests, and give you pure hell.  I've seen this a few times in my life I even heard a divorce attorney make comments to a client to do whatever you can to get them arrested.  If you can't win legally why would you conduct yourself as a street fighter just to win?  Is it an ego thing?  How does one sleep at night?  Does God have special heaven for those who play to win just to have another victory under your belt?  Tomorrow morning look in the mirror and see what is looking back at you.

 

Most Officials Try To Do The Right Thing

 What we found when running the blog from October 2015 - 2018 is that most officials in law enforcement want to do the right thing.  We believe that a few are just downright dirty.  Others may have been deceived by an unscrupulous person or loved one they really care about and their vision or professionalism is set aside to help.  

The DA and the Judges can only see what is placed in front of them.  I know from experience what can happen when someone has a vendetta against you.   

We realize how multiple arrests may look when not put in perspective that is why we believe the judges have all recused themselves from Donly's case.  

We have lots of documents that we are going through to show how things may not be as they seem.  In our opinion, it was wrong of Chief Culpepper to get involved with a person who happens to be his Godchild that has repeatedly attested that he/she is the Chief's Godchild.  It appears that this may not be the first time that someone has thrown interference for someone close to the chief.  

In today's society, we must work in unity and in the best interest of all.  Our servicemen and women work hard to protect us every single day.  Our law enforcement is the best in the world and has improved beyond belief especially in the State of Alabama due to recent changes in the laws.  We need our law enforcement now more than ever.  We need to be able to count on them to serve and protect us.  Law enforcement today faces more challenges than ever before and they need our support.  We support our law enforcement completely but once in a blue moon there may be issues that need to be addressed.

Unfortunately, some people like to brag about how close they are with people in positions of power.  I explained to the chief that I am just a plain old citizen but I know how to file complaints when I believe there are those who are being railroaded.  The DOJ is very busy right now but somebody needs to see documents, videos, and audios of interaction that may have violated Donly's rights.

We will never mention other's names on this blog but we will discuss the disparaging way that we believe has caused a lot of Donly's problems that may not have been released to those who make decisions.

The Cullman City Magistrate Said What? Hail to The Chief..

 I have told you a little about Donly Koshowsky who sits in the Cullman County Jail as I write this blog.  At one point Donly was threatened at gunpoint by his previous ex-father-in-law at the city police parking lot (a safe zone) for drop off and pick up.  Donly was told by the ex-father-in-law that he would blow his “faggot brains out.”  Donly received a police report from the incident.  The city told Donly the judge refused to allow a warrant for the father-in-law.  Now let me get this straight... This guy pulls a gun on Donly in the Chief of Police’s parking lot, the gun is in the guy's car, there is video, and nobody can get a warrant for this guy?

I'm not saying the magistrate is a Fibber Mcgee but I can't believe that in hearing all the evidence the judge would have denied a warrant that would have protected Donly is this situation.  

I tend to trust most local government employees and officials but I am aware that one Magistrate in Cullman was arrested and fired for manipulating a warrant or something to that effect.  Though I realize that all magistrates are not bad I just have a hard time believing that any judge was involved in knowingly allowing a man to hold a gun on another man in the City Police parking lot “safe zone” and doing nothing.

You see folks - Donly has made himself heard in Cullman for concerns he has regarding a very sensitive matter.  I can't say I would not have done the same if every time I turned around I was being arrested for a misdemeanor.  Sometimes it's all about building a case.  My question is why have all the judges recused themselves? 

It sounds like the ex-daddy-in-law has a hard-on for Donly and somebody is trying to help out within the city of Cullman.  If ex-daddy-in-law can't get him one way maybe he can get him for suing him in civil court both in Cullman and Tuscaloosa Counties.  Sue for what?  How about allegedly taking things from the material home that belonged to him and his wife.  So why file two suits? Oh! By the way...  Did you know a lot of the stuff that has been claimed stolen was given to others and there are affidavits that prove it?

Arrests made, keep Donly in jail, the more the merrier, have fun with someone's rights.  I was asked by the Chief of Police today if I know how bad this guy is.  The answer is no, but I understand there are some videos that show there is more than one side to every story.  Most folks do not rack up 9, 10, or 11 misdemeanors unless they are desperate and worried.  Maybe he is desperately worried about a loved one.  The videos, text, and audio that I am concerned with are making me believe that this guy wants to be heard.  He believes nobody cares to listen to him so he has acted up, cursed a few cops, and maybe been disrespectful.  

In my opinion and according to the text and explicit pictures I've seen he should be worried. A man holds a gun on me ? I kinda take that seriously.  What is behind all of this?  What's the motivation?  I had a  conversation with Chief Culpepper today and it sounds like, according to him, Donly is a bad guy.  

What I know is that Donly served in the Marines (thank you for your service Donly) and received an honorable discharge.  Donly should have a voice, let his evidence be seen, let him show you what he has been through.  After seeing a text from a pimp and one of his Donly's family members, I am dang sure concerned.  I am concerned about that and a lot of the data I have seen.  Once all of the information is revealed to the courts - then maybe Donly can get a fair shake.

I was born and raised in Cullman County. I love the county but sometimes you see things that just don't sound right.  I have that feeling about what is going on  and with the City Police Chief. 

It's Been A Long Time -

 It has been a long time since I felt the need to post a blog.  I am at that point that inquiring minds want to know if there is some injustice going on involving a man who now sits in the Cullman County Jail with no bond.  I do not dare mention his name as I believe he has gone through enough BS.  It is possible in today's society to set people up?  Is it possible to have people set up?  Is it possible to set someone up if you are high profile and your precious God Child is being hurt in your opinion?  Will you pay for security even if you know there is no threat?  My question is how far will people in power go to hurt someone who may not be a danger to anyone.  I have multiple documents, audio, and video that makes me think I smell some very dirty people.  

I do not believe the Department of Justice likes dirty cops, dirty attorneys, dirty judges, sheriffs, or any other law enforcement that believes they are above the law.

We have more here than we did with the previous sheriff of Morgan County.

We are proud to announce that as grim as this story is it does not involve the Cullman County Sheriffs Office and jail.  We believe that the City Police Chief is up to his ears in this mess.  That's what happens when you get comfortable in your position and believe you are above the law.  Why have all the judges in Cullman County recused themselves from this cluster kiss?

Jay Town's Down Fall Part 1. Jaw Dropping Photos

Blogger Comments:  Folks, its been a long time since I blogged.  Sometimes you have to close the book upon finishing the last chapter.  However, it is important that you read for your self the reasons why I believe very little has been done to corrupt cops in the state of Alabama.

The FBI investigators in North Alabama did a fantastic job investigating corruption.  The cards were against them.  Between Jay Town and Jeff Session we were in a no win situation.


https://banbalch.com/2020/07/13/towns-downfall-part-1/

In The Event Blakely is Convicted

Who's going to fill Blakely's shoes in the event that he is found guilty of a felony? It won't be the long term sidekick that he vouched for from Morgan County.  That sheriff is long gone.

If you happen to be in Huntsville you may see her working off community service.

He (Blakely) taught her all the tricks of the trade.  Another sheriff done gone.

Those were the days

How Many Sheriff's Has the AG and The Fed's Busted?

I Got A Drinking Problem

https://www.decaturdaily.com/news/limestone_county/sheriff-blakely-seeks-to-exclude-gambling-drinking-testimony-from-jury/article_d006a9dc-fc57-5260-b0cf-9ea398125a62.html

Sheriff Blakely seeks to exclude gambling, drinking testimony from jury

• By Eric Fleischauer Metro Editor
 
• 18 hrs 
  
• Blakely
• 
  
  
  

Corrected - Psychologist: Murder defendant competent to stand trial

By Eric Fleischauer Metro Editor

• BLOGGER COMMENTS:  Readers of the Blog know this story well.  We know that this murder need not have happened, except for the local justice system, and especially a certain local judge who is running  UNOPPOSED for reelection this fall, that refused to grant a restraining order to keep him away from Kay Letson Stevens.  You remember the rest of the story where our brave and resourceful, sheriff, armed with only a bottle of whiskey, defied the law enforcement officials who had ACTUAL  JURISDICTION of the situation, served shots to this known alcoholic, and enticed him to join her in an unaccompanied ride to the jail with a pit stop at his 'daddy's).  How sweet.  How unprofessional.

• Roger Dale Stevens, charged with capital murder in the 2015 shooting and beating death of his ex-wife, is “more at peace now than (I) ever was,” he said in a recent psychological evaluation that concluded he is competent to stand trial

Stevens, now 68, is charged with capital murder in the shooting and beating death of Kay Letson Stevens on Nov. 14, 2015, two days after their divorce was finalized. He allegedly chased her into the Corner Bakery and Eatery, which she co-owned, shot her, and beat her head against a concrete curb.

• The report from the court-ordered mental evaluation, conducted by forensic psychologist Steve Rubenzer, was filed in the Morgan County Circuit Court this week.
• Rubenzer reported that he inquired as to Stevens’ mood during the evaluation.
  “Fine,” Stevens responded, according to the report. “I’ve come to terms with my fate — things don’t agitate me like they used to.”
  Rubenzer wrote that Stevens reported no thoughts of suicide, although he noted that two days after the shooting, he “told staff he would be better off dead.”
  Up until his arrest, Stevens told the psychologist, he had no periods of sobriety “since very young” and he drank a half pint to a pint of whiskey daily, despite requests by his wife and daughter that he cut down on his consumption. He said he was working 16 hours per day as a truck driver before his arrest.

  He identified the worst thing that ever happened to him in his life as his current situation
• MORE BLOGGER COMMENTS:  That's the worse thing that ever happened to you in your life?  Just wait until you are a guest to one of the most overcrowded, gang-run, and violent prison systems in America.  And give a thought to the worst thing that happened to Kay Letson Stevens was the day you killed her
• 
  
• 
  
• 

From Channel 48:

BLOGGER COMMENTS:  Wow!  Possible 99 years.  Just amazing.  I think it was defrauding the little old lady that done it.  Funny that Steven Ziaja (remember him?), Steenson's partner-in-crime got off with not a slap on the wrist but a pat on his cheeks.  As an inmate-with-privileges at the Cullman County lockup,  he continued his life and business outside the walls without even an ankle bracelet.
Of course, Steenson is a career criminal and Ziaja a mere crooked cop   I guess that makes the difference or maybe it's who you used to sleep with.

Former Decatur car dealer could face life in prison for defrauding victims

A Morgan County jury decided there were factors that made the charges in his guilty plea even worse  Here's the link: 

link  https://www.waff.com/video/2020/02/07/former-decatur-car-dealer-could-face-life-prison-defrauding-victims/

And here's the story:

DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - A Morgan County jury decided a former Decatur car dealership owner deserves a harsher sentence.

Gregory Ray Steenson, 50, may face life in prison now.

A Morgan County jury decided there were factors that made the charges in his guilty plea even worse.

Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson says Steenson defrauded victims out of more than $134,000.

Anderson says the jury found four aggravating factors stemming from “Steenson’s fraudulent business practices in his role as an owner and operator of Performance Auto Sales on Point Mallard Parkway.”

Steenson pleaded guilty to first-degree and second-degree theft and possession of a forged instrument.

Anderson says the jury’s finding of aggravating factors means Steenson can receive a sentence higher than those set forth in the Alabama Sentencing Guidelines.Steenson could face a maximum sentence of 99 years or life.

His sentencing hearing is set for April 29.

What's Next?

A book of course.  The whistleblower has been busy for the past few months healing from a broken ankle.  That doesn't mean the wheels haven't been turning.  There is a lot to write about and things the public has a right to know.  One thing is for sure a lot of people that were trusted lied their asses off about their involvement in the schenes and got away with it.

We have a lot to say about some of these folks who tried but failed to destroy Morgan County's good name.  It may appear to some that there was no justice here but we don't believe that.  The real justice is the fact that it is going to be a long time before anybody forgets the names of those involved or their part in the saga.

A lot of folks believe that if they had been a regular criminal such as Steenson, for example, they would have gotten a lot more time.  That may be true but people are going to forget about Steenson long before they forget about criminal law enforcement officers or sheriffs.

We should be thanking those who took actions to remove the corrupt from public office and those who worked at the SO who put the interest of their Oath of Office before their loyalty to a corrupt sheriff.

Stay tuned.

Seems To Be All Over But The Crying But Wait There's More

Wow! This story is a must-read for sure.  Steenson pleaded guilty to two felonies and instead of going to prison he will continue to reside in the Morgan County Jail.  Maybe due to overcrowding within the prison system. Or, maybe it's because of Steenson in facing additional charges.  Steenson deserves his punishment and so do the other liars and thieves involved.  The true victims, in this case, are the honest investors who may never see a dime of the hard-earned money they invested.  I became good friends with some of the "real" investors and I can tell you they were screwed by Title Mart.  Yet, daily I see their kindness and honesty.

Steenson

https://www.decaturdaily.com/news/local/former-priceville-partners-owner-pleads-guilty-to-felonies/article_696d847f-593d-5131-9c8c-5269c730d2ee.html

Former Priceville Partners owner pleads guilty to 2 felonies

• By Marian Accardi Staff Writer
 
• 9 hrs ago
• • A former owner of Priceville Partners LLC, the same bankrupt business that caused legal problems for former Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin, on Monday pleaded guilty to two felonies.
    In a plea agreement with the Alabama Securities Commission, Greg Steenson, 50, of Decatur, was sentenced to 15 years for one felony count of securities fraud and one felony count of financial exploitation of an elderly person. The sentences will run concurrently with each other and with the sentence in another pending case, according to Circuit Judge Charles Elliott’s order.
    Steenson will serve a split sentence of two years in the Department of Corrections and, after that, he will be placed on probation for five years

Expunged

While Warden Leon Bradley is celebrating the expungement of his charge brought on by our previous sheriff the sheriff is performing community service for her bad deeds.  What could be better?  Congratulations Leon for a job well done.  You fought the corrupt law and you won...

It's been a while

It's been a while since my last post.  Lots of things are going on.  I have been sporting a broken foot for three months that still hasn't healed.  On the other hand, lots of positive things are happening.  Our beach house repairs have really come together.  We are almost finished with the repairs caused by Hurrican Michael. 

The blog doesn't seem as important since we have gotten rid of some of the rot that was like cancer.  Hopefully, that will never happen again. 

Please share your thoughts with me.

Time Passes and Passes and Passes.........

BLOGGER COMMENTS:   This is ridiculous.  John puts in perspective.  But it's still stupid.

What happened since Mike Hubbard was sentenced?

By John Archibald | jarchibald@al.com

This is an opinion column.

Three years, five months and ten days. A long time.

That’s how long it has been since former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard – the man we used to call the most powerful politician in Alabama and the guy who’s still treated like it -- was sentenced to four years in prison for 12 felony violations of the state ethics laws.

A lot has happened since July 8, 2016.

Some 30 million acres of land in the U.S. has gone up in flames in wildfires. Poof. That’s almost as big as the whole state of Mississippi.

Donald Trump was elected president. And Hillary Clinton wasn’t. A lot has happened. And a lot hasn’t.

Mike Hubbard hasn’t gone to jail, as the Alabama Supreme Court ponders the merits of his appeal.

Some folks, like one I see in the mirror every day, think Alabama’s high court is simply searching for a way to spin it to make setting him free sound like justice instead of preferential treatment. Because time drags on. And a lot has happened.

Sixty-five people across America were put to death for their crimes. Tom Brady has thrown for 7.1 miles since Mike Hubbard was sentenced. Fidget spinners came and blessedly went. The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted something about politics.

The national debt has grown by more than $3 trillion, which comes to about $13,000 per taxpayer. A trillion is a hard number to get your head around for a lot of reasons. One is that there’s only about $1.5 trillion in U.S. circulation at any given time. It’s a lot.

Gov. Robert Bentley pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and resigned from office after a very odd relationship with a staff member. Matt Hart, the prosecutor who became the bane of Hubbard’s existence and took Bentley’s plea, became a defense lawyer.

Roy Moore had to leave the Supreme Court for a second time, after a suspension by the court of the judiciary. He ran for the U.S. Senate and lost to Doug Jones. Now they are both running again, along with the former attorney general of the United States and the former football coach who warned Alabama fans to “fear the thumb.” A lot has happened.

Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford served eight years and eight months of his bribery conviction, and was released just in time for him to die near his family.

Alabama won a national championship in football and lost two other cracks at it. Jalen Hurts left Alabama, and became a Heisman finalist. Tua Tagovailoa likely played out his entire college career in the time since Hubbard was sentenced. Auburn went to the Final Four in basketball.

Gene Wilder died, and Arnold Palmer. So did Tom Petty and Mary Tyler Moore and Chuck Berry. That list goes on and on. Kids who started college that fall are one semester from graduation. If they went to class.

In 2016 everybody had headphones attached to their iPhones. Now they don’t. Babies born during Mike Hubbard’s trial can now walk, and run, and talk, and operate YouTube. Goat yoga – inexplicably -- became a thing.

Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy. And so did Radio Shack. And Sears and Claire’s and Brookstone and on and on.

Half the people died – spoiler alert -- in Avengers: Infinity War, and almost all of them came back – spoiler alert -- in Avengers: Endgame. Between the two they made $4.7 billion at the box office. Which is just a little more than the amount of the Jefferson County Bankruptcy in 2013 that was aided and abetted by corruption. A lot has happened since Mike Hubbard was sentenced.

And one thing hasn’t.

Mike Hubbard has not gone to jail.

The Attorney General's Anti-Corruption Crusade Continues

BLOGGER COMMENTS:  Last September the media reported that District Judge Douglas Patterson was under investigation by the AG's office.  No other information was provided at that time.  Today, the hammer fell.  It's another case of "use of official position or office for personal gain", one which I'm afraid is all too prevalent around here.

LIMESTONE COUNTY JUDGE ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

A Limestone County District judge is out of jail on bond after being indicted on multiple charges. Stephen Young with the Limestone County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WAAY 31 Judge Douglas Patterson was booked into the Limestone County Jail around 8:30 this morning.

The arrest stems from grand jury indictments and is being handled by the Alabama Attorney General's office. Patterson is charged with use of official position or office for personal gain, financial exploitation of the elderly 1st degree, and theft 3rd degree. 

Judge Patterson bonded out of jail around 9 a.m. on a $30,000 bond.

And here's his picture:  Yuk!

 

Just wait til the MCSO gets the scanner.....

BLOGGER COMMENTS:  and when that scanner catches the left-behind insiders, the leeches that feed off others' miseries, and the dumb-dumbs who don'r know any better, there may be some red faces in high places.

Morgan sheriff: Jail contraband investigation results in Decatur woman's arrest

• By Marian Accardi Staff Writer
 

An inmate's effort to have contraband cellphones and drugs brought into the Morgan County Jail led to an undercover operation that resulted in a Decatur woman's arrest and highlighted what authorities say is an ongoing issue. 

The investigation began several weeks ago and involved jail staff and other agents of the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, according to Mike Swafford, office spokesman.

“An inmate propositioned a corrections officer, who handled it correctly by notifying investigators,” Swafford said.

During the undercover portion of the operation, Marquita Laneice Gary, 25, of Decatur, met with an investigator posing as a jailer on two occasions, Swafford said.

The first time, she brought $500 for the “jailer" as payment, Swafford said in a news release. During the second meeting Monday, Gary brought four cellphones, the synthetic narcotic spice and alprazolam, or Xanax, Swafford said. Gary was taken into custody after the second meeting, he said.

During further investigation, agents recovered more spice and alprazolam, a quantity of crack cocaine and a pistol from her residence, Swafford said. Jail records listed her address as 407 14th Ave. N.W.

Gary was charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-cocaine, Swafford said. Gary remained in Morgan County Jail on Tuesday with bail set at $11,000.

The contraband issue is “not growing, but an ongoing issue any facility faces, that we continue to combat,” Swafford said.

In June, for example, the office’s Drug Task Force arrested two people that authorities say collaborated in coordinating the delivery of drugs into the Morgan County Jail through drops made outside and inside the jail.

The Morgan County Commission agreed last month to spend $181,000 on two scanners and a metal detector that weren't included in the county’s fiscal 2020 budget. The equipment is to be used to keep contraband out of the jail and reduce liability for body searches. The equipment will be paid for with county reserves.

“It gives us another tool to secure the facility,” Sheriff Ron Puckett said last month. “Hopefully, it will eliminate all contraband in the jail.”

The Drug Task Force has added Peluchi, a K9 deputy, to the force. The golden retriever, certified in narcotics detection, will assist the task force and will be deployed in the Morgan County Jail to guard against illegal contraband, Swafford said last month.

This is the first K9 deputy assigned to the Narcotics Unit and to be regularly used in the jail.

Another Officer Down

Folks, the officer from Huntsville PD who was shot in the heart and died on Friday was the 6th officer to die in the line of duty this year.  Our streets, cities, and towns are full of drug dealers and other criminals.  Our officers place themselves in danger each day to protect us.  It is a shame that in today's society many people favor the criminals over the power of authority.  Our law enforcement men and women work hard to ensure that the citizens are protected from those who are outright criminals or are criminals in sheep's clothing.

Our hearts go out to this officer who did everything right and was fighting to get drugs off the street.

Please support our law enforcement officers.

https://www.decaturdaily.com/news/local/huntsville-police-officer-killed-in-drug-related-shooting/article_8231a2f4-bb94-50dd-a6b7-8fe700b42827.htm

A Thanksgiving Poem - Happy Thanksgiving To All

A Thanksgiving Poem

Paul Laurence Dunbar - 1872-1906

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The sun hath shed its kindly light,
   Our harvesting is gladly o’er
Our fields have felt no killing blight,
   Our bins are filled with goodly store.

From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword
   We have been spared by thy decree,
And now with humble hearts, O Lord,
   We come to pay our thanks to thee.

We feel that had our merits been
   The measure of thy gifts to us,
We erring children, born of sin,
   Might not now be rejoicing thus.

No deed of our hath brought us grace;
   When thou were nigh our sight was dull,
We hid in trembling from thy face,
   But thou, O God, wert merciful.

Thy mighty hand o’er all the land
   Hath still been open to bestow
Those blessings which our wants demand
   From heaven, whence all blessings flow.

Thou hast, with ever watchful eye,
   Looked down on us with holy care,
And from thy storehouse in the sky
   Hast scattered plenty everywhere.

Then lift we up our songs of praise
   To thee, O Father, good and kind;
To thee we consecrate our days;
   Be thine the temple of each mind.

With incense sweet our thanks ascend;
   Before thy works our powers pall;
Though we should strive years without end,
   We could not thank thee for them all.

This poem is in the public domain.

Paul Laurence Dunbar, born in 1872 and the author of numerous collections of poetry and prose, was one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition.

Another police-involved ethics violation

BLOGGER COMMENTS:   Maybe I'm seeing patterns that do really exist, BUT  pastors and ethics violations,  evidence room misuse and ethics violations.  No known connection, as Paul Harvey used to say right before he hinted at one.  Another one has chosen to resign and turned himself in for the arrest but Treherne is both a pastor and evidence misuse.  Seems like there was a similar problem right here in Morgan County.  Remember? 
Alabama deputy arrested on felony ethics charge

Updated Nov 26, 2019;Posted Nov 26, 2019

By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com

A veteran law enforcement officer was arrested Tuesday on felony charges.

Dallas County sheriff’s Sgt. John Treherne is charged with use of office for personal gain and third-degree theft, said District Attorney Michael Jackson. Authorities said Treherne is accused of paying for mechanical work he had done with property that was stored as evidence in a case.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division. Jackson said Treherne’s bond is set at $40,000.

The case was investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation. Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum said the alleged wrongdoing happened under the previous sheriff’s administration. Granthum said he received information about the possible crime and immediately began to investigate. Once they realized there was truth to the information, they summoned SBI to take over.

He said Treherne, who also is a pastor, resigned at 8 a.m. Tuesday after learning that warrants had been issued for his arrest. After resigning, he surrendered to the Dallas County Jail.

Treherne had worked for the Selma Police Department for about 10 years, and the sheriff’s office for 16 years. He said news of his arrest came as a shock to many in the sheriff’s office and beyond. "He’s like a brother to a lot of them,'' he said. “A lot of people are surprised. They’re having a hard time understanding it due to his character in the past. There were no warning signs or anything.”

However, Granthum said, all wrongdoing will be investigated whether it’s a law enforcement officer or not. "This is something that can’t go on,'' he said. “I will not have it.”