The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V21
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*****************December 20, 1999***************
Before finally addressing the jail study in this edition, there are
several other issues that require brief discussion. The last edition
elicited two long, articulate, well-written snail-mail letters. Sadly,
both were unsigned with no return address. Had they properly identified
themselves and granted permission, both would have been published. The
writers should fully understand I've been aware of all their
allegations for quite some time, -- prior in fact to the launch of _The
Ledger nearly 9 months ago. Sadly, "Ligon's Law" and its still existent
vestiges are common knowledge in this County. ... While prevalent in
Nazi Germany, certainly inappropriate and unacceptable here.
Both writers' allegations involve prosecutors, the Sheriff's Department
(both current and former incumbents), Llano County as well as Llano
city officials, corrupt local attorneys and other business owners, as
well as other powerful figures in the community. ... A virtual "Who's
Who". Both letter writers should understand these allegations are
indeed well-known, and have been and will continue to be carefully
investigated by this publication. They have not been published because
quite frankly I can't prove them, -- yet. I do indeed believe them to
be true. Although repeatedly heard from numerous sources, allegations
aren't proof. -- They're just allegations.
Sadly, both letter writers are indicative of a much greater problem
in our community. Each has direct knowledge of criminal and unethical
behavior, but is unwilling to talk on the record, -- and too frightened
to submit signed material for publication. Telling me something I
already know isn't helpful unless you're willing to stand behind it and
allow publication. More pointedly, it's unreasonable to expect change
by hurling anonymous allegations without providing even a signature or
return address.
This writer has willingly placed himself in considerable physical and
legal jeopardy launching this publication. Harassment and physical lack
go with the territory and are to be expected from an unfunded
publication that targets and exposes corrupt and abusive officials.
What is intolerable, however, is letter writers who don't even have the
guts to sign their material and provide a return address. The lack of
courage is stunning. Although angry about receiving unsigned material,
I do, however, appreciate the feedback from both writers. The substance
of their thinking is indeed widespread in this County.
Exposure of corruption and abuse isn't rocket science. It's
accomplished by courageous people willing to stand up and share what
they know publicly, -- simply because it's the right thing to do.
Readers should clearly understand media does NOT have the investigative
Gestapo power of law enforcement or prosecutor's offices. While the
Open Records Act is indeed useful, the power it provides is quite
limited and nowhere near that of a subpoena. While the power of media
is limited, enormous pressure can indeed be placed on our officials.
Since no one apparently has the guts to talk on the record, it's time
to ratchet up the pressure on several of our illustrious officials
who've decided to run for re-election.
For some time, I've sat on quite a bit of material regarding the
jail-rapes. Regular readers will recall the Sheriff earlier reneged on
an agreed upon jail-rapes interview after reading Tina Wisdom's letter
on this website. Since the Sheriff and District Attorney have formally
announced their intention to seek re-election, the voters are entitled
to a better understanding of the scandal and what went on in the jail.
Next year, excerpts from the deposition of Sheriff Nathan Garrett
by Austin attorney Iris Jones will be published. In addition, most if
not all of a summary judgement order by United States District Judge
Sam Sparks will also be presented to readers. It will indeed provide
interesting insight into how the jail was being managed by some of our
community's most stellar citizens. If one of the readers would
generously donate the cost of procuring a copy of trial testimony, I
would certainly be quite willing to publish it as well.
The people have the right to know. In addition to the violence of
the sexual assaults, a terrible injustice was done to at least two
former inmates in regard to how the jail-rapes were handled by our
officials. Oatman, Garrett, Ligon, Dodgen, and others are at the center
of this outrageous travesty of justice. Sadly, the best interests of
several of our "favorite sons" came before the principle of justice.
Regarding this writer and publication, our officials should clearly
understand any attempt at intimidation, harassment, or worse will
result in the immediate publication of all credible material gathered
over the last nine months related to this scandal as well as others.
Any interference by officials would also immediately result in the
raising of germane First Amendment issues necessitating resolution in
the courts. More importantly, the legal process of "discovery" would be
quickly used to lay bare the deeply-rooted cancerous corruption in this
County. _The Ledger will remain online regardless. Supporters have
offered the use of their computers. Publication will continue even if I
have to leave the County to access other public computers to do so, or
have someone else do it for me should I lose my liberty or worse.
Hardball? You bet. One way or the other, things ARE going to change in
this County regardless of the personal consequences to this writer. At
the very least, next year should be very interesting.
Sadly, one local family has been particularly aggrieved by prosecutors,
the Sheriff's Department as well as several of Llano's prominent
families. The needless death of a loved one through indirect egregious
abuse of authority and power is unacceptable in the United States. This
family is aware of this publication and is apparently unwilling to step
forward with direct information for whatever the reason. Should that
change, this publication will present their story in its entirety on
_The Ledger website regardless of the personal consequences to this
writer.
Furthermore, the family should thoroughly understand I cannot do this
alone. While I'm certainly willing to fight for you, you have to be
willing to fight for yourselves. If you foolishly allow fear to silence
your justifiable anger, you only further empower the fascists who run
and "own" this County. The same is true of others who have refused to
courageously stand up and provide information on a variety of other
unrelated abuses. ... Good men and women who remain silent in the face
of injustice are no longer good, -- and they're no longer men and
women.
Over the coming weeks, results of the examination of the jail booking
records will be presented. This week Public Intoxication (PI) and
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) statistics will be covered. While the
records did not contain sufficient data required to produce the
statistics requested of the Sheriff, they nonetheless still provide
useful insight into how local law enforcement operates. Most
importantly, the examination provided a list of former prisoners to
contact and follow-up. The stats cover the period from Jan. 1 to Nov.
10 of this year:
*******************************************************************
Figure 1. Public Intoxication Jan. 1 - Nov. 10.
No. Prisoners 112
Avg. Stay 1.6 days
*******************************************************************
Figure 2. Driving While Intoxicated Jan. 1 -Nov. 10.
No. Prisoners 65
Avg. Stay 6.6 days
*******************************************************************
My, my, my... For a small County, there's a "whole lotta' drinkin'
goin' on", no? ... How many others didn't get caught? In addition,
there was one Intoxicated Assault With Vehicle and two Boating While
Intoxicated (BWI) charges. Intoxicated Assault is when a DWI results in
personal injury. Readers should understand the statistics may be even
greater than listed, since there were numerous inmates jailed on
unidentified writs.
PI and DWI charges have indeed become a cash cow for the County. Having
spoken with a number of former PI's, the charge usually results in at
least one night in jail as well as a $600 fine. -- A handsome piece of
change for the coffers, no? The average incarceration time statistic
for both DWI and PI is a bit skewed since some prisoners have chosen to
"lay out" the fine in jail rather than pay it. Others have been
incarcerated longer than usual because of additional charges, writs,
etc.. The usual jail stay is overnight for both charges.
The problem with PI is one of due process. Inmates are not offered a
breath or blood test even if requested by the offender. The officer's
word is taken as truth. In all fairness to officers, many if not most
PI's deserve exactly what they've received. Others, however, have not.
I've spoken to a number who requested a breath or blood test and were
denied. The best advice to a truly innocent PI is to contest the charge
and demand a jury trial. Sadly, most are in no position to do so for
financial reasons. They can't afford an attorney or time off from work,
hence no justice. In fairness to officers, intoxicated prisoners are no
picnic. As one Deputy remarked recently to me: "You can't deal with
drunks." ... He's right.
Sadly, more than a few PI's have been arrested while doing the "right
thing", -- sleeping it off in their vehicles rather than driving.
Disturbingly, several have told me in the future they'll drive home
intoxicated rather than risk a PI. While there are indeed liability
issues in allowing a PI to sleep it off, there are even greater issues
of public safety involved should they drive while intoxicated and have
a collision. ... Clearly a no-win situation for law enforcement and the
public.
In addition to being extremely dangerous, DWI is expensive. A first
offense will ultimately cost several thousand dollars after fines and
attorney's fees. A felony DWI can cost $15,000 or more according to two
offenders recently spoken to. Worse than the legal ramifications,
should you kill or injure someone, you have to live the rest of your
life with what you've done.
PI's and DWI's I've spoken with accuse law enforcement of aggressively
stalking the clubs, -- to the point of entering the establishments and
looking for intoxicated patrons. Not being much of a drinker and not
having been in any of the clubs recently, I can't confirm this. About
eleven years ago, however, I was in Pardners cold sober, nursing a club
soda early on a Wednesday evening when officers including the Sheriff,
then a Deputy, entered the club. Mr. Garrett remained for approximately
twenty minutes closely observing each patron. I can't confirm such
intimidation occurs presently, but former inmates have alleged it
continues unabated. Clubs have indeed turned into a two-edged sword for
government. Officials love the tax dollars generated from sales tax, as
well as the income from PI and DWI charges. Interesting, no?
A happy Holiday Season to all. Please, please, PLEASE don't drink
and drive. Select a designated driver. Obey all traffic laws. Don't be
a statistic. Be around to enjoy the New Year and Millennium. ...
Christmas should be a time of caring, sharing, and love, -- not
excessive consumption of alcohol. Be safe. Be sensible.
... A gentle reminder: As previously mentioned, the pop-up and
banner advertising belongs to Maxpages. _The Ledger receives no income
from either, and remains non-profit. As always, this publication needs
and appreciates donations from readers. Sadly, no other publication is
willing to challenge corrupt and abusive officials. Readers can expect
continued aggressive, relentless, officious, tireless pursuit of our
most egregious offenders. ... Figuratively speaking, a "take no
prisoners" approach, regardless of whose toes are stepped on, feathers
ruffled, tail feathers plucked, or beak tweaked. Things CAN change in
our community. Be part of it. Help me to help you. Support this
publication.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:30pm EDT