The Llano Ledger


Newsletter Text V54

This Website Is Full. Starting With The December 25, 2000 Newsletter, All Future Editions Will Be Posted In The Llano Ledger 2, Found By Clicking http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2.

Publisher's Note: This website is over 80% full. To conserve space the Lawson Deposition is continued in the Llano Ledger 2 and can be found by clicking http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2. T.C. August 18, 2000.

*************August 21, 2000****************

Look out. Ole' J.P. and the "Boys" are again after your wallet. Our illustrious County Judge and his cronies on the Commissioners' Court are proposing a 13.9% increase in tax revenues. Dodgen, Steuven, Kinney, and Tucker are for the proposal. Faulkner was conveniently absent. ... Little doubt, however, he wouldn't have gone along. After all, County "leadership" walks in lock-step, -- screwing a gullible citizenry every chance it gets. A public hearing is scheduled for August 28 at 1:00PM.

The proposed County operating budget is $7,359,579. ... Wouldn't want any leeches on the government teat to go hungry, would we? See the proposed pay increases published recently for our dear County officials? The "Judge" and his cronies on the Commissioners' Court, after the charade of a public hearing, will indeed vote themselves $1000 raises. They'll also "take care" of the 4 Justices of the Peace similarly. "His Honor", the County "Judge", will receive $33,000 yearly. His pals on the Commissioners' Court $29,000. The Justices of the Peace will draw the same.

Readers should clearly understand these "jobs" are indeed part-time and include generous benefits, -- courtesy of looted taxpayers. The Sheriff will receive a $1000 raise to $30,000 yearly. ... Government employment is certainly one sector of the economy where incompetence and dereliction of duty are well-rewarded. No? Apparently, the "Judge" and the Commissioners' Court are still playing games with the Precinct 2 Constable position. The Constable will apparently receive $82, -- that's right $82, for the new fiscal year. Readers will recall an earlier Newsletter devoted to the shafting of Pct2 Constable Bob Cowart by the County Judge and Commissioners' Court in an effort to force the resignation of a duly elected official.

Readers are reminded Precinct 2 is home to JP2 Lanny "The Cop" Stephenson, the "Queen" of the Second Precinct. The proposed increase for "Her Majesty's" expenses is $15,449. In contrast, JP1 is $3,583, JP3 is $272. JP4 is indeed a decrease ($1,089). Interesting, isn't it? The total expenses of "Her Majesty's" office amount to $101,557. The "Queen" gets whatever the "Queen" wants. After all, the Second Precinct is the cash cow for the County. Justice? What the hell's that? A full listing of proposed pay increases is available at the County Clerk's office.

Not to be outdone, LISD Superintendent of Schools Jack Patton will loot taxpayers an additional $2 million for the new fiscal year, bringing the budget up to an outrageous $17,704,903. This inept governmental bureaucrat is disingenuously crowing about a two cent drop in the tax rate. The drop in the rate, however, is due to an outrageous increase in property appraisals. -- Most of you, in fact, will be paying more as a result, despite the drop to $1.65/$100. Enjoy the shaft. You've earned it. Your silence is indeed golden, -- to corrupt and abusive bureaucrats.

Ever wonder what it might be like to be convicted of a crime you did not commit? Unjustly incarcerated in the Texas Criminal Justice System for 10 years? Roy Wayne Criner, 35, certainly does. Having lost approximately one third of his life to an outrageously flawed system, Criner was freed Tuesday morning, August 15.

Having been falsely accused and convicted of the rape of 16-year-old Deanna Oggs, Criner was exonerated due to DNA evidence excluding his involvement in this horrific crime. Ogg had been beaten, raped, and murdered. Her body was recovered in September 1986 in New Caney approximately 20 miles from Houston.

Criner had originally been charged with murder. The charge, however, was dropped due to a lack of evidence. An Aggravated Sexual Assault charge was filed, however, and he was subsequently falsely convicted and sentenced to 99 years in 1990. In 1992, the 9th Court of Appeals in Beaumont threw out the conviction for insufficient evidence. Criner was free for two years until the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the lower court and reinstated the conviction in 1994, returning him to prison.

Interestingly, in 1997, DNA testing determined semen taken from Ms. Ogg did NOT match Criner. Outrageously, the Court of Criminal Appeals, however, did not throw out the conviction. Arrogantly inventing scenarios of Criner's possible "involvement" in the crime, no action was taken. Fascists on the Right should be appalled. After all, they espouse "strict constructionist" interpretation of law and indeed condemn judges for "legislating" from the bench. Yet, in this case they were curiously and gutlessly silent.

Additional testing was done recently on a cigarette butt found at the scene of the crime. DNA on the butt did NOT match Criner. It did reveal, however, the cigarette had been smoked by both the victim and the unknown assailant who raped her.

On Monday, August 14, the "outstanding" Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 18-0, recommending a pardon for Criner. Especially noteworthy, however, since this Board is no more than a rubber stamp for a thoroughly corrupt criminal justice system. The Governor, in his magnanimity, signed the pardon Tuesday, August 15. Particularly stunning as well, since the Governor has a well-established track record of accepting and defending an outrageously corrupt court system.

More pointedly, can't confuse ole' George with the truth, can we? This time, however, the Governor to his credit apparently temporarily removed his head from a bodily orifice seldom seeing the light of day. Go, George, go. Amazing how incontrovertible evidence can often but not always elicit a flash of brilliance even from brain-dead officials, isn't it?

All joking aside, when the hell will the people finally demand a change in sovereign immunity statutes that protect and coddle corrupt and abusive officials? When will rogue police officers and "prosecutors" be held criminally responsible for false imprisonment of innocent citizens? The same can be asked of corrupt "judges".

At the very least, why are victims of the criminal "justice" system such as Roy Criner prevented from suing the State for false incarceration? According to his attorney, Michael Charlton, Criner may be able to collect $25,000 from a State fund established to pay those falsely convicted. ... Mighty generous of the State, no?

Adding insult to injury, Criner was hauled into State District Judge Mike Mayes' court for a final hearing cuffed and bound in chains. Nothing quite like enlightened law enforcement and prison officials, is there? After all, why miss one final opportunity to abuse an innocent man?

The Judge put on quite a show, however. Disingenuously comparing Criner to Washington and Lincoln, "His Honor" pompously proclaimed "Undaunted men and women have triumphed over adversity." "Imprisoned for 10 years for a crime he did not commit, we have Roy Wayne Criner," cackled the "Judge". In his infinite "wisdom" Mr. Mayes further admonished the victim "refrain from anger and bitterness." ... Astute, "Judge", damned insightful. -- Solomon would have been proud.

Clearly impressed with himself, the "Judge" further quoted the Bible, Magna Carta, and other documents demonstrating to all the "wisdom" of his years of experience. Undaunted, Mr. Mayes shamelessly crowed "Your triumph this day is not so much shown in the freedom you have earned, but by the character that you will reveal in the days to come." Hey "Judge", wake up. Criner didn't "earn" his freedom, he had it stripped by fascists in law enforcement and "prosecutors" hell-bent to convict someone, anyone. -- Regardless of guilt or innocence.

Outrageously lost in the mix is the fact Ms. Oggs' assailant remains at large. Who has, or will be, his next victim? The "Judge" carefully warned those opposed to Criner's release not to take revenge. He had already been allegedly threatened by members of the Ogg family and had worn a bullet-resistant vest to court. The "Judge" also warned Criner's family not to harbor "resentment" against his false imprisonment. Hey "Judge", it wasn't your sorry ass locked up 10 years for a crime you did not commit. Wake up. What planet do you live on, sir? Most pointedly, why the hell aren't you leading the charge for changes in sovereign immunity statutes so that this man, and others like him, can at least be partially financially compensated for the atrocity committed against them in the name of the people by the State? (Sources for quotes and background: Associated Press, Dallas Morning News, ABCNews.com.)
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Unknown until recently, there has indeed been intensive activity going on behind the scenes between the General Services Commission and Llano County officials in regard to an overcharge complaint filed against Llano County Judge J.P. Dodgen by this publication. Consider the following letter from the General Services Commission received August 19, 2000:

General Services Commission
P.O. Box 13047
Austin, Tx. 78711-3047

August 15, 2000

Mr. Tim Chorney
Publisher
The Llano Ledger
Rt.2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, TX 78609

RE: OVERCHARGES COMPLAINT-LLANO COUNTY JUDGE

Dear Mr. Chorney:

Enclosed is my letter to Ms. Mabray, Llano County Attorney, as well as a copy of the letter she sent me. If the charges are not adjusted, let me know and I'll send you everything that I have in my files.

I apologize that the turnaround is so long, I am a one-person section, and I am frequently out of town or in meetings. I will be working on the LISD complaint early next week.

If you have any questions, or need further assistance, please feel free to contact me at 512-475-2497, or at hadassah.schloss@gsc.state.tx.us.

Sincerely,

Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Administrator
Enclosures
***********************************

The following e-mail was sent in response August 21, 2000:

Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Administrator
General Services Commission
P.O. Box 13047
Austin, Tx. 78711-3047

Re: August 15, 2000 Letter

Dear Ms. Schloss:

In response to your letter of August 15, 2000, thank you for taking action on the June 6, 2000 overcharges complaint filed against Llano County Judge J.P. Dodgen. I'm deeply grateful. Kindly be advised, however, the original complaint was indeed snail-mailed, not e-mailed as asserted in your letter of August 15, 2000 to the County Attorney. Should you need a copy, I would be more than willing to provide one.

An e-mail will be sent shortly to the County Judge inquiring as to whether or not the County will comply with General Services Commission rules regarding copying charges. A copy of the message as well as his response will be forwarded to you.

Regarding Ms. Mabray's letter to you of July 25, 2000, kindly be advised the County Attorney as usual has distorted and misrepresented facts germane to the complaint. Not bothering to confirm her "facts", the County Attorney's "investigation" of the overcharge complaint is sadly lacking. While graciously providing an 8-page copy of the May 22, 2000 Newsletter, she conveniently neglected to include a copy of the earlier May 1, 2000 edition stating precisely what happened in the Judge's office April 28, 2000.

Ms. Mabray claims: "On Tuesday, May 2, 2000, Mr. Chorney appeared in the County Judge's office totally ignoring the Judge's letter of April 25, 2000 which stated that he was to call to set up a time agreeable for him to review the documents contained in the Judge's office." This statement is blatantly false as well as disingenuous. My visit occurred on Friday, April 28, not Tuesday, May 2. The Judge's letter was not "totally ignored". The Judge, being an avid reader of this publication knows damn well this writer has no phone. I appeared at his office to make an appointment with his secretary to review the records. No immediate access to documents, as disingenuously implied by the County Attorney's statement, was sought at that time. Like her crony the Judge, and apparently an avid reader of this publication herself, Ms. Mabray knows damn well the circumstances of the visit as described in the May 1, 2000 Newsletter, but has conveniently chosen to ignore and distort reality to protect her pals.

The County Attorney has disingenuously asserted: "Mr. Chorney inquired about copies and Mrs. Cavanaugh explained that copies of the actual Commissioners' Court documents were available through the County Clerk's Office." Kindly be advised, my immediate interest was in documents possessed by the Judge, -- not the Commissioners' Court. Cavanaugh was well-aware of this fact.

The County Attorney further falsely and disingenuously claims: "The Judge's administrative assistant is Barbara Cavanaugh and while making Mr. Chorney's appointment, she reminded him of the Judge's letter." On the contrary, this writer reminded the administrative assistant, not the other way around as falsely claimed. Worse yet, Cavanaugh was not even aware of the Open Records Request or the nature of the documents sought until informed by this writer.

The County Attorney further claims: "He inquired as to what the cost of the copies would be and he was told the copies would be one dollar per page. Mr. Chorney became vocally and visibly upset and then left the courthouse." Sadly, the statements are again disingenuous, self-serving, and false. Ms. Mabray has conveniently neglected to mention Ms. Cavanaugh did not know the cost of copies. An unidentified County flunky dressed in a maintenance uniform was seated chewing the fat with the administrative assistant, -- at taxpayer expense. The flunky arrogantly asserted the charge was to be $1/copy.

This writer was not "vocally and visibly upset." I had all I could do to stifle a laugh at the Aryan arrogance and ignorance of both County employees. Worse yet, both were outrageously goofing off while securely attached to the taxpayer teat. The County Judge has yet to identify the maintenance worker and why the hell he was gossiping with the administrative assistant instead of doing his job. Ms. Cavanaugh's glaring lack of judgement is stunning. Apparently, the Judge could care less.

Ms. Mabray further asserts: "Between 2:00 and 2:30, Mr. Chorney returned the files to Mrs. Cavanaugh and said that he had completed his project and left the courthouse." Again, the statement is false. The documents were returned to Cavanaugh at 2:45. At no time was the "project" asserted as finished. Repeatedly, it has been clearly stated the investigation of the new Law Enforcement Center has just begun and will continue for months. No further access to judicial records has been sought as of this date for two reasons. First, the overcharge issue has not been resolved. More importantly, the Judge has apparently falsely claimed access had been provided to all records in his possession germane to the April 22, 2000 Open Records Request. I have strong reason, however, to suspect his assertion is not true and am attempting to prove it through other sources.

Ms. Schloss, I am indeed grateful for your efforts to date, -- most of which only came to my attention recently. I appreciate your frustration at dealing with County officials as displayed and expressed in your most recent letter to the County Attorney also dated August 15. Sadly, welcome to the club.

Ms. Mabray's letter of July 25 is quite indicative of the mindset, arrogance, continuous stonewalling, outrageous obfuscation, and intense combativeness of County officials when confronted with aggressive and determined inquiry. Pressure, however, will continue to be firmly applied and ratcheted up.

The substance of Mabray's letter is precisely why no open records complaints will be filed with her office. Sadly and clearly, she is highly selective in her "prosecutions" and "takes care of her own." Furthermore, the County Attorney is certainly a serious part of the problem in this County. Numerous complaints have been brought to my attention regarding her activities as both a public official as well as in her private law practice. Sadly, many have strongly accused her of an egregious conflict of interest, but are unwilling to publicly stand up for fear of reprisal.

Kindly understand several years ago Ms. Mabray was the same County official who unsuccessfully attempted to have jail inmate Tina Wisdom, (incarcerated on non-violent misdemeanor charges), immediately returned to the Llano County Jail where she had just been raped by inmate trusty Johnny Joe Pesina due to the egregious indifference, incompetence, and dereliction of Sheriff Nathan Garrett and the "Good Old Boys" who "run" the jail.

Just as pointedly, District Attorney Sam Oatman, however, successfully led a Llano County Grand Jury comprised of a virtual Who's Who of Llano's "elite" to no bill Pesina to protect the Sheriff and the jailers. A federal jury in Austin having heard the jail-rape civil lawsuit, however, found that a rape had indeed occurred in the jail, but awarded no cash damages due to sovereign immunity statutes that protect and coddle corrupt and abusive officials.

In a second subsequent jail-rape case involving a different victim, the District Attorney pre-emptively and conveniently dismissed a jail-rape indictment returned against the same defendant by the Llano County Grand Jury. To its credit, the Grand Jury finally did the right thing, -- despite the District Attorney. The dismissal was ostensibly part of a plea bargain to an unrelated child molestation case having nothing to do with the jail. The District Attorney, however, was clearly trying to protect the Sheriff and jailers since a civil suit had already been filed in the Tina Wisdom jail-rape.

Worse yet, the District Attorney's apparently corrupt and abusive influence has been felt within the Open Records Division. Sadly, open records abuses and stonewalling are only the tip of the iceberg. Our corrupt and abusive officials are doing all they can to stifle legitimate inquiry and investigation of abuse, fraud, waste, and other corruption. -- Sadly, with the help and support of the Open Records Division. The County Attorney's letter of July 25, 2000 is certainly indicative of the stiff resistance offered to all inquiry and investigation of corruption in Llano County.

Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
Rt 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609

cc: Llano Ledger website
cc by e-mail: Llano County Judge J.P. Dodgen; Katherine Minter Cary, Interim Chief, Open Records Division; June B. Harden, Assistant Attorney General, Open Records Division; David Mendoza, Legal Assistant, Open Records Division; David Short, Investigator, Open Records Division; John Cornyn, Attorney General, State of Texas
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There is far more to be posted, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'll begin posting the August 28, 2000 Newsletter at that time. It will be long and quite involved, including further correspondence provided by the General Services Commission that I did not have time to post today. The July 25, 2000 letter from the County Attorney is quite indicative of the unfitness of Ms. Mabray to serve in her position and will be quite enlightening and entertaining. Look for it at the bottom of the Table of Contents in Newsletter Text V55.

The visitor count proudly stands in excess of 25,400. Non-profit and outrageously unfunded by the readership it serves due to greed, gut-wrenching fear, and the continuing relentless intimidation of corrupt and abusive Llano County officials, this publication remains as always beholden to NO ONE.



Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com

Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:04pm EDT