The Llano Ledger


Newsletter Text V111

Accessing The Llano Ledger Website Without Generously Providing Financial Assistance To This Publication Not Only Denies Desperately Needed Funds For Investigative Expenses, But Amounts To Theft Of This 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