The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V111
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Writer's Labor.
**************Continuation Of September 4, 2001 Newsletter***************
Readers are advised, the Disposition Report clearly indicates the
defendant pleaded Not Guilty. The Report further indicates a Guilty
disposition of the charge. It does NOT, however, indicate there was any
plea bargain. Both Ms. White and the "Judge" claim the defendant made
such an agreement with the County Attorney. "His Honor" apparently
thinking he was conducting court screamed "Listen to the women" in his
office. I heatedly informed him no one in his office including the
"Judge" himself had any credibility and access to records was sought.
Both White and Nobles then asserted the County Attorney intended to
send the paperwork to JP2. Both further claimed it would be forwarded
to this publication. The County Attorney is apparently asserting the
defendant indeed made a plea bargain. If so, dear Ole' Cheryll should
quickly provide a copy. Readers are reminded the defendant claims no
such agreement exists. Regardless, the irregularities and inaccuracies
in Cause #23173 would likely have resulted in a dismissal of charges
anywhere else but here in Llano County.
Although Mr. Nobles had no direct knowledge of the Cause either as a
former Deputy or the current JP2 incumbent, he agreed to discuss the
issues raised in the letter sent to him requesting access to all
germane documents. In regard to the discrepancy of the location, Nobles
made little of the inaccuracy of where the alleged offense occurred. He
argued there was no 203B seeking to get the Commissioner to reinforce
his story. This writer saw a 203B sign several weeks ago. Regardless,
203 A certainly exists and is at the intersection of Coronado and 1431,
approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the intersection of 1431 and 261.
The defendant strongly asserts he was stopped at Coronado and 1431, --
a considerable distance from the intersection of 1431 and 261 as
originally claimed by both LCRA officers.
Apparently, inaccuracy means little to the "Judge", who so easily
dismissed the discrepancy. Ms. White interjected law enforcement is not
always held accountable for inaccuracies. While I can certainly
understand if an officer commits a simple mistake like not getting the
make or model of a vehicle right, if he or she gets the plate number
incorrectly, however, that is indeed another matter. I repeated myself
twice. Nobles remained silent, not responding. He did assure me he
would not have directed a second ticket be written to correct an
earlier mistake. He agreed it would be unethical. He could not say,
however, whether or not doing so would be illegal. Interesting, isn't
it?
"His Honor" disingenuously continued to argue the location and the
supposed absence of a 203B attempting to enlist the aid of his crony,
the Commissioner. Faulkner wisely remained silent. This writer walked
the highway and saw the sign several weeks ago. Regardless, its
existence or present lack thereof is irrelevant since the defendant has
strongly asserted the officers stopped him at 203A, the intersection of
Coronado and 1431. When "His Honor" wouldn't move on and couldn't
accept the fact he had lost on the location issue, this writer
pointedly remarked to both men: "If you can't dazzle 'em with
brilliance, baffle 'em with BS." -- And bullshit it was. Interestingly,
neither had a response. I further remarked I was not there to retry the
case, but to resolve glaring discrepancies in the paperwork. When Ole'
Keith realized there was to be no intimidation, he got up and left the
room, not to be seen for the rest of the festivities.
Regarding the discrepancy of No Driver's License on one ticket and not
on the other, it was dismissed by both Nobles and White as due to the
alleged fact the officers may not have had that information when the
corrected ticket was issued. Their assertion rings hollow, however, as
readers are reminded the original ticket had been tampered with to read
so AFTER it had already been issued.
Nobles and White assert Cause #23080 Speeding was mistakenly sent
to the defendant and claim paperwork clarifying the mistake was also
sent to him. Readers are reminded Mr. Lewis claims to have not received
any such document. Regarding radically different itemized expenses on
both billing sheets for the stop sign fine, Ms. White asserts that was
done because the initial payment of $50 was not enough to cover the
expenses. In addition, both the "Judge" and Ms. White claim the $25
"Time Payment" is not interest but mandated by state statute. As
pointed out to the "Judge", it still amounts to legalized loansharking.
Breakdown of the fee: the state received $12.50, Llano County $10 of
it, and $2.50 went to a court building fund.
Nobles stated the funds were desperately needed for building repairs.
This writer quickly pointed out to "His Honor" repair to JP2 facilities
would have not been required had the Commissioners followed Harvey
Klee's proposal to consolidate all four offices into one. Nobles
unprofessionally replied he had had prior contact with Klee and
apparently didn't personally care for him. Klee had unsuccessfully run
against Duane's predecessor and had actively sought the appointment
when Stephenson "retired". Readers are reminded Klee is an attorney
with years of experience and would have cleaned up JP2. ... Can't have
that, now, can we, Boys?
Nobles asserts LCRA officers in fact had, and continue to have,
jurisdiction as Texas peace officers. He further asserted one of the
officers is now confined to a wheelchair. While this writer certainly
does not want any officer to be disabled in any way and is highly
supportive of police who properly conduct themselves, the officer's
current condition is irrelevant to the present issue. What we have here
at the very least are egregious discrepancies in the paperwork.
Why should an outrageous example of kangaroo justice be dismissed
simply because an officer is now disabled? What about justice, "Judge"?
What the hell's that, right, Duane? Does it even matter, "Your Honor"?
When are corrupt and abusive officers finally going to be held
accountable in the same fashion as defendants who are their victims?
... If we intend to continue executing people who kill police officers,
when the hell are we going to execute police officers who wantonly and
needlessly kill in the performance of their "duties"? Equal justice
demands it. Yet, our corrupt and abusive "jurists" continue to protect
their own and shamelessly shit on the Constitution. Seldom are abusive
officers prosecuted for anything, -- they're shielded.
Regarding the jurisdiction of LCRA officers and according to
Nobles, a decision, however, has been made by LCRA officials to wisely
restrict them to LCRA property. The "Judge" also claims the total cost
of $274.25 for the alleged stop sign offense is indeed reasonable and
conforms to state guidelines. Ms. White asserts costs are going to rise
even higher. Interesting, isn't it? The "Judge" pointed out people
running stop signs at the intersection of 1431 and 29 have resulted in
numerous deaths. "His Honor" is right. Running stop signs indeed is a
serious offense and needs to be properly dealt with. The alleged
offense, however, did NOT occur THERE, if in fact at all. More to the
point, a serious question remains whether or not the fine imposed was
proper and met with state requirements.
Ms. White strongly asserted there was NO deferred adjudication in the
case. When pressed to explain why the defendant's driving record came
up clean, she dumped the discrepancy on LCRA. "His Honor" challenged
the absence of any violations, sarcastically referencing an earlier
DWI. Hey Duane? There's been nothing in the last three years, has
there? You've been pointedly asked for confirmation that that was in
fact true, but couldn't answer. Readers are advised this writer
presented the "Judge" with the records return.
Indeed, there were no violations in the last three years. ... Well
within the time of the charges disputed in the letter to "His Majesty".
He would not share information on paperwork in his possession, however,
and had cattily refused to allow me to hold the document, folding it to
indicate one unintelligible sentence. When I asked what the hell it
meant, he had no answer. He asserted only he as JP had a right to see
the information. What a sick crock of crap, "Judge". Wake up, sir.
You're making a buffoon of yourself. More pointedly, your fitness for
office is severely questioned by your erratic behavior.
When confronted with the impropriety and irrelevance of bringing up a
much earlier DWI, dear Ole' Duane quickly agreed everyone deserves
equal treatment. No matter their background. Is that right, "Judge"? If
so, why the hell did you even bring it up? Readers can make up their
own minds regarding the fitness and qualifications of Mr. Nobles to sit
in judgment of anyone. The "Judge", however, was reminded this
publication routinely deals with victims whose past is far from
sterling. Not supposed to matter in our system of "justice",
theoretically. As demonstrated by Mr. Nobles, it obviously does. Should
any of you highly supportive of fascist officers be tempted to remain
indifferent, who's next? Think it won't happen to you? ... Remove your
head from your ass.
Readers are advised the meeting lasted nearly an hour and a half.
Sadly, Mr. Nobles made a jackass of himself and was extremely angry,
loud, and combative during nearly the entire session. Although an
edition of The Ledger was among the paperwork, the "Judge" claimed to
have not read this "smutty" publication, insisting his wife reads it
for "laughs". Interesting, isn't it? ... Hey, Duane? Want to know
what's truly obscene, sir? ... A gutless former officer who beat the
hell out of a 42-year-old woman with a nightstick while her hands were
cuffed behind her back. Although the woman's name was mentioned to "His
Honor", the "jurist" had no response. Fascinating, isn't it? When
further pressed for alleged inaccuracies in this publication and
supposed distortion of information provided by "His Honor" during rides
given earlier to this writer, Nobles could state none. When offered
unlimited unedited space to respond here, he declined.
He questioned the completeness of the "investigation" done by this
publication and was caustically reminded this writer indeed had sent a
letter to him requesting access to all germane documents to complete
the investigation. "His Majesty" could not respond. -- When directly
and pointedly confronted with truth, our gutless officials never have a
response. Never. What the hell did he think I was doing at his office?
Ludicrously, he asked why this writer would not leave his predecessor,
Lanny Stephenson, in peace. ... Hey, Duane? It's the egregious
corruption and abuse, you jackass.
When asked about Ms. Stephenson's practice of handing out one hundred
dollar bills to Llano County Deputies at Christmas, surprisingly, he
confirmed this was true. Interesting, isn't it? He pointedly asked
where I thought the funds came from? From the taxpayers, who else? The
"Judge" claimed it indeed came from other legitimate sources and that
his dear predecessor from the goodness of her heart would personally
add to it if there wasn't enough money. He further asked if there was
anything wrong with her act of "kindness" to her officers. This writer
quickly responded the practice at the very least is unethical. Readers
are reminded the judiciary is required to be independent from law
enforcement. Not in bed with them. Not so in Llano County, apparently.
How the hell else could our corrupt and abusive officials maintain the
cash flow into County coffers and their own pockets? Impartiality? What
the hell's that? Right, Duane? Corrupt and abusive officers are always
"right", aren't they, sir?
The "Judge" haughtily demands respect for his position and office.
Hey, Duane? Respect is earned, not demanded, you jackass. -- Especially
for a man who was outrageously appointed to JP2 when far better
qualified candidates sought and wanted the job. Our corrupt and abusive
Commissioners' Court, however, wanted a shill easily controlled so the
cash cow represented by JP2 would continue unabated. Indeed, this
writer has NO respect for the judiciary at all levels of government. It
is outrageously corrupt, abusive, self-serving, and continuously shits
on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Sadly, it's a quaint system
based on nobility and titles. Jurists petulantly demand to be treated
like kings and queens. Ole' Duane is a glaring example.
Interestingly, "His Honor" was quite angry this writer sent an
e-mailed copy of this publication's letter to him to the Attorney
General (and other state officials including our apparently corrupt and
abusive District Attorney). Tough, isn't it? ... Never let 'em see you
sweat, Duane. Never. All joking aside and despite the fact the Attorney
General has been virtually worthless to date regarding problems in
Llano County, it is indeed fascinating at least one County official has
openly expressed discomfort. As I informed "His Honor", all relevant
state officials are now routinely sent copies of all correspondence. --
It's absolutely necessary no official be able to claim ignorance when
an independent criminal investigation finally occurs in this hell-hole
of a county. The problem is much deeper and wider than egregious
stonewalling of the Public Information Act by the schools and hospital.
Precisely why the "Judge" was so concerned with tape recording of our
meeting. ... Care to bet he secretly recorded the meeting himself?
Mr. Nobles asked why this writer did not attend the recent County
public meeting. As pointed out to the "Judge", nothing of substance is
ever discussed out of executive session. Deals are privately
constructed and publicly executed. Public meetings are orchestrated
charades with shills conveniently planted in the best interests of our
officials. The meetings which the County "Judge" and his cronies put on
before enforcing their decision to build an unneeded new Law
Enforcement Center are a glaring example. Readers are reminded County
Judge J.P. Dodgen apparently did not fully honor an earlier Open
Records Request from this publication.
Returning to the present issue and prior to the end of our meeting at
JP2, an identified officer arrived. The "Judge" shook his hand and the
officer went about his business. Never willing to leave well-enough
alone, however, I proceeded to review for the "Judge" the substance of
our meeting for the benefit of the officer. ... It's amazing how fast
word spreads around the law enforcement community. ... Why not take
advantage of a golden opportunity? Just prior to leaving and having
just finished discussing problems with his predecessor, I jovially
mentioned to "His Honor": "Hey, Duane? Haven't heard anything bad about
you yet."
Could see the color drain from the "Judge's" face as he struggled to
maintain control. He firmly stated I could call him anything I liked on
the street, but in his court building he was to be addressed as
"Judge". Desperately stifling a laugh and having all I could do to
maintain a straight face, I firmly said "Sure, Judge, but in all our
correspondence you will be addressed as Mr. Nobles. Have a good day."
"His Honor" was obviously livid, but wisely said nothing as I walked
out the door.
*****Klee's Kaleidoscope*****
Be sure to click on 'Kaleidoscope 2' for Harvey Klee's latest article
on the tax rebate. As always, his material is informative,
entertaining, and well-written. A second article regarding the
education system will be posted shortly.
*****Perfection*****
Typographical errors drive you nuts? Been a problem for many area
publications, including this one. ... Especially since there is no
spell check function in the software provided by Maxpages. Being a
speed reader, it is also extremely difficult to proof-read one's own
material.
Compounding the problem is the limitation of the software itself. After
over two years of effort looking for a way around this perpetually
nagging problem however, a solution has finally been found. ... A
round-about way of finding most errors without use of a proof-reader.
Some of you may have noticed earlier editions being updated. Only
typographical errors are being corrected, however. -- Not substance.
Fortunately, there were far fewer errors than expected. Usually one or
two per edition so far.
... Extremely painful though, for a perfectionist. All joking aside,
typographical accuracy is important and every effort is made to ensure
it.
*****Unbridled Fear*****
As strongly asserted in the last 18 Newsletters, gut-wrenching fear
generated by the Narcotics Enforcement Team is quite impressive. After
all, these Nazi stormtroopers not only outrageously intimidate
defendants and their gutless attorneys, but even innocent third parties
who have suffered at their corrupt and abusive hands.
Recently, a source came forward with allegations regarding the
death of a loved one under exceptionally curious circumstances. Sadly,
the survivor got cold feet.
Most pointedly and quite publicly, how in hell do you expect these
abuses to end if you don't have the guts to stand up and expose them to
the light of day?
Every time a source cowardly runs the other way, the corrupt and
abusive sons of bitches win. Every g-ddamned time. Worse yet, another
nail is driven into the coffin of liberty.
If you don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing, why
should this writer continue to place himself in physical and legal
jeopardy trying to expose the outrageous corruption and abuse?
Despite the lack of financial assistance from a cowardly and
selfish community, the Llano Ledger and Llano Ledger 2 visitor count
stands in excess of 146,500. ... Over two years, now. For what?
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Sep 4, 2001 1:18pm EDT