What's up in Coffee County?

[Saunterer]

I hope Tara isn't in Coffee County. I hope Irwin County is better served.

Questions surround Sheriff Rob Smith. A spokesperson with the Governor's office told us they expected to get a resignation letter from Sheriff Smith, but that has not happened.
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4638555

Coffee Co. Sheriff's Office has history of problems.
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4636824

[Babes]

very intriguing.
Maybe the governor's office is also sleuthing at courttv forums ;)

[Babes]

Sources tell WALB NEWS 10 the Sheriff is accused of not delivering subpoenas to witnesses, not serving arrest warrants, allowing inmates to come and go on passes, and even telling potential jurors they didn't need to show up for court.

Oh no....

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Sassy
Where is Buford Purser when you need him??

Is he still around?? Did you mean Buford Pusser? :lol: OMG!! Thanks for that! :patriot:

[fsbiii]

Thanks for the nod, Sassy! :)

I'm trying to find out some stuff on this, but the entire county is literally under a gag order from the 3 judges. It's the weirdest thing in the world. It stems from a criminal case that is very very intense and emotional, and all kinds of mess has apparently happened involving LE, lawyers, witnesses, parties to the case, etc. I'll find out what I can, but walb.com seems to be on the spot.

[4ANGELS]

Originally posted by GeneralLee
Not to make light of anything here, but wouldn't it be great if Tara possibly knew of something to do with all of this and was swept off to a safe house somewhere until it's safe to return?

According to the post above, the entire county is under a gag order? That means NO posting on this board about anything by anyone who knows or is involved in anything that may have something to do with something, ya know? That was a mouthful, but anyway, suppose Tara is in a safe place, guarded for her safety from whatever this Coffee County stuff is about!

What a twist! We've been analyzing every little law enforcement connection, as if it may be a negative influence in Tara's case, but what if it turned out that her LE connections were the saving grace?
I know, don't blame me for wishful thinking.

Someone just said to me today that some CRAZY stuff goes on in Coffee County. How ironic!!!! You know who you are when you read this! How very, very ironic, don't you think?!!!!!!!!



That would be the best thing ever. Who cares for wishful thinking you might be onto something.

Good job fsbiii for keeping us all posted, we appreciate it.:beer:

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by 4ANGELS

That would be the best thing ever. Who cares for wishful thinking you might be onto something.

Good job fsbiii for keeping us all posted, we appreciate it.:beer: Your welcome.

BTW, where is "vern" (from Douglas) these days? When I search his posts it only lists 2 of 14. Why is that?

Vern, will [someone] be coming home soon?

[4ANGELS]

Originally posted by GeneralLee
Yes 4Angels! Yes. Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

But, we must tread lightly here. Respect the reasoning.
"unmasking the culprit" could be more dangerous than anyone really realizes.

Your right:)

[longcoolwoman]

Originally posted by GeneralLee


In this article, the former Sheriff was spoken about. He committed suicide before GBI agents could arrest him on drug charges. Then the current sheriff took over. He is Carlton Evans brother-in-law.
Was Carlton Evans Megan Evans father?
(M. Evans is Tara's friend.) I was told this was her father.

Was Carlton Evans Megan Evans father?

No.

[IBC]

Originally posted by Ocillian Sheriff Smith is a very good man in a terrible situation. Anyone that truly knows him as I do, knows what I'm talking about.

While I don't know Smith at all, I respect your opinion that he's a very good man. But, I don't understand why he's in a terrible situation. After all, he's the sheriff.

Is someone or an organization putting pressure on him from the outside? It certainly seems like law enforcement has regressed to the Civil Rights days and that everyone is afraid to speak out. It isn't just this post, since many posts from around Ocilla reflect this attitude, but your post (and I don't mean to be rude) is a good example, "Anyone that truly knows him...., knows what I'm talking about."

What are you talking about? Why post this if you're "beating around the bush?"

[Jboils]

Originally posted by Sassy
Where is Buford Purser when you need him??

Is he still around??
Buford Pusser died at age 36, 1974 in a car wreck.:rose:

[fsbiii]

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/homepage/local_story_079190332.html?keyword=topstory

Looks like "Big Rob" has some big problems.

Sheriff Smith indicted on eight counts

Irrelevant to Tara, thread should be moved... but thought I'd share with those following the story.

[concernedperson]

Originally posted by fsbiii
http://www.douglasdailynews.com/homepage/local_story_079190332.html?keyword=topstory

Looks like "Big Rob" has some big problems.

Sheriff Smith indicted on eight counts

Irrelevant to Tara, thread should be moved... but thought I'd share with those following the story.

It also show that those who are committed to under the table are sometimes the ones that cover up other crimes.

[Saunterer]

I started this thread because of the TG thread on "interesting coordinates" and posts in other TG threads which refer to Coffee County locations. My understanding was that some of the posts were forwarded to LE for possible investigation. Official searches in that county would likely have fallen on Sheriff Smith, and at the time it was not clear what problems he was facing or how his office's participation in Tara's case might have been affected.

At the same time there were rumblings about Sheriff Youghn (Irwin County) obstructing a lawful private search, etc. It appears that Sheriff Smith's troubles (now exposed) probably had no affect on his or his office's ability to assist in Tara's case, if indeed he was even asked.

So I would have no problem with this thread being moved, removed or left to be buried. Lord knows, there are more than enough active Tara threads already.

[concernedperson]

The fact that it exposes corruption is a reason for it to stay just in case there are other implications. JMO.

[Saunterer]

FYI -

March 24, 2006 - Coffee County -- A rapist in South Georgia is posing as a deputy sheriff. He's already raped a woman in Coffee County. He was posing as a deputy and told her he was responding to complaints in her neighborhood.

He's white, about 6 feet tall and 175 pounds with sandy blonde, close-cut hair. He was wearing an official looking deputy sheriff's uniform complete with gun belt and patches.

He has been seen driving a dark, possibly black pickup truck with a blue neon light inside the cab. Anyone with information about the deputy impersonator is urged to call law enforcers.

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4677159

[gagal]

:eek: What a horrible thing!!!! I noticed the info on "a black truck" creepy!

[Saunterer]

GBI Annual Report - FY01 - The GBI regional investigative office in Douglas is this year's recipient of the prestigious GBI Director's Award for Investigative Excellence. The office was named the FY01 winner for its investigation into illegal drug activity involving certain members of the Coffee County Sheriff's Office. "Operation Coffee Pot," as it was named, led to the federal indictment of 10 defendants, including then Sheriff Carlton Evans.

The investigation began in August of 1999 when local authorities in Irwin County discovered a large plot of marijuana growing on property near the Coffee-Irwin county lines. The discovery led to a full-scale investigation and the implication of Sheriff Evans and several of his deputies in an elaborate marijuana-growing and distribution operation in Coffee County.

In October of 2000, a federal grand jury indicted the Sheriff, his brother Sage Evans, Chief Deputy Ben Hodge, Deputy Wayne Harper, and six other defendants on drug manufacturing and distribution charges. Fifteen arrests were made in connection with the investigation. All the defendants pleaded guilty but the sheriff who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

http://www.state.ga.us/gbi/01annual/01ar_investigative.html

[shelock]

The day after ATOK's drug theory another house burned .....

Tuesday, 21 March, a Fire destroyed the home of Sammy Sweat, Chief Ranger for Atkinson and Coffee Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission; home was on Bluebird Lane in Atkinson. Related/revenge or another cover-up?

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/local/local_story_084085209.html

Later that day....a drug bust in Coffee:

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/local/local_story_082095744.html

[Atok]

Anyone else notice that the boys busted are from Douglas?

"Vern" had pretty strong suspicions about Tara and Douglas...

Another link in the Drug theory?

[yummers59]

[i]

In October of 2000, a federal grand jury indicted the Sheriff, his brother Sage Evans, Chief Deputy Ben Hodge, Deputy Wayne Harper, and six other defendants on drug manufacturing and distribution charges. Fifteen arrests were made in connection with the investigation. All the defendants pleaded guilty but the sheriff who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

http://www.state.ga.us/gbi/01annual/01ar_investigative.html [/B]

Is Deputy Wayne Harper, mentioned in article above, any relation to MH?

[shelock]

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1511/a02.html/289890

[fallenangelpi]

two men charged with kidnapping of 22-year-old woman

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. Two men have been indicted with the kidnapping of a 22-year-old woman from her apartment in late December last year.

The 28-year-old Sebastian Reyes along with his 19-year-old friend Angel Escabar Rivera were indicted by the Gwinnett County grand jury on charges of kidnapping with bodily injury, kidnapping, aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Authorities said Reyes' girlfriend Alejandra "Melissa" Martinez, and two of her friends were at her home when Reyes and Rivera forced their way inside at gunpoint.

According to police, Reyes allegedly stomped on Martinez's face before she was forced to leave with them, while Martinez had a female friend dragged through various room by her hair.

Gwinnett County police spokesman Darren Moloney said over six hours, Reyes made several calls from Martinez's cell phone, promising friends and family her return. Police eventually arrested both men after family members provided authorities with the information where Rivera and Reyes kept the 22-year-old woman.

Moloney said Martinez was rescued by police officers and suffered minor injuries from the attack.

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4680649

[Atok]

Box clear, went to get something to eat... back now.

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by shelock
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1511/a02.html/289890 MOO - Great article! Made me think of that beautiful picture of Tara posing in the cotton field. Wouldn't that be ironic?! Anyone know where these perps are now/were last October?

The GBI and FBI cut that 'tree' down, but they probably didn't get all the 'roots'. Seems like there's always some 'shoots' springing up to fill the void. Might there be another operation underway (wondering what other charges are being investigated in the recent Coffee County sheriff incident)?:

"Along with the indictment, District Attorney Currie further stated that Smith is the subject of another ongoing investigation, but could not give details."

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_081084301.html

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Atok
Anyone else notice that the boys busted are from Douglas? "Vern" had pretty strong suspicions about Tara and Douglas... Another link in the Drug theory? MOO - Vern seemed to favor alcohol (or at least he did in the past). He seemed to believe that Tara was being held in Douglas. I was (still am) really hoping that was (is) true.

I know his posts were reported to the tips line. As I had noted before, his posts on the TG board in Feb. have since been removed ("When is the next search" thread). Makes me want to go hmmmmm!!!

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Sassy

Thanks Saunterer....maybe that is another area to research...do you mean "liquor stills" in GA. I know it was big business (running liquor) at one time but that was waaaayyyy back.

I know we would like to believe she is safe and sound but after all this time I sincerely doubt this type of theory any longer. No, vern said he had a drinking problem but had gotten over it years ago. And he didn't say Tara was safe and sound.

We've seen a lot of off-the-wall speculation on these threads. But the thing that was different about vern was one particular post where he laid out a scenario using the first person ... something I've never really seen before on any board. Naturally that got a lot of readers' attention. But a few posts later he disappeared from the forum. And all of his posts on the TG board were subsequently removed.

[jela72]

Hi saunterer. Got my guitar out again...:)

What's up in Coffee County, you ask?

Oh, nothing much. There's the Good Ole Boys Club; a rapist on the loose; the Dixie Mafia; cops planting crops; a 5 month unsolved high-profile-believed-homicide-murder-abduction case; quite a few other 'closed-unsolved' similar cases; missing persons; couple of suspicious burning houses; a suspicious pick-up being burnt at one of those homes; insurance pay-outs on one said burnt house; people walking their land shooting AK-47's; death threats to private investigators; infidelity, infidelity, infidelity ... and some of those involve LE; county sheriffs charged with 6 or 7 criminal counts, one being theft-by-conversion; fonger-pointing, lynching and cover-ups; crime forums with new threads started by people 'in the know' whose 'sources' are probably called ketchup, mustard and horse ... radish (all dressings, you'll note) then left to fade away...

Other than that, things seems pretty quiet in the region. Nothing to write home about, it appears.... and gentle strumming my guitar as the Beatles used to croon.

:)

[benhill29]

I know that there has been debate on whether to delete this thread or not....I just want to say that when Sheriff Evans "supposedly" killed himself, not every one was biting that apple....I for one am not ready to drink the Kool-Aid on any of this....but I do know that the corruption theories for counties in such proximity are relevant in my own personal opinion.

:rose:Always for Tara

[GADAWG]

Originally posted by jela72
Hi saunterer. Got my guitar out again...:)

What's up in Coffee County, you ask?

Oh, nothing much. There's the Good Ole Boys Club; a rapist on the loose; the Dixie Mafia; cops planting crops; a 5 month unsolved high-profile-believed-homicide-murder-abduction case; quite a few other 'closed-unsolved' similar cases; missing persons; couple of suspicious burning houses; a suspicious pick-up being burnt at one of those homes; insurance pay-outs on one said burnt house; people walking their land shooting AK-47's; death threats to private investigators; infidelity, infidelity, infidelity ... and some of those involve LE; county sheriffs charged with 6 or 7 criminal counts, one being theft-by-conversion; fonger-pointing, lynching and cover-ups; crime forums with new threads started by people 'in the know' whose 'sources' are probably called ketchup, mustard and horse ... radish (all dressings, you'll note) then left to fade away...

Other than that, things seems pretty quiet in the region. Nothing to write home about, it appears.... and gentle strumming my guitar as the Beatles used to croon.

:)


We are just a real life "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" ...

[jela72]

Er............ is it any wonder there's been a delete-debate, benhill? I mean: if all that's been exposed is but the tip of an iceberg - well - one can only shudder when it comes to "What Lies Beneath".

GenL & DADAWG: lol! (I'm even old enough to remember Green Acres - got that where I lived in the 60's; 'specially loved the farmhand: Mr. Haney... heh heh heh... )

Yep, that's the lifestyle I'm picturin here - but whole lot more crupt :)

Originally posted by benhill29

I know that there has been debate on whether to delete this thread or not.... :D

I just want to say that when Sheriff Evans "supposedly" killed himself ............... :eek: ................ not every one was biting that apple.

[jela72]

LOL - so who really rules in Coffee County: anarchy, monarchy or ..... local heirarchy?

I'm too :chicken: to speculate at this stage.

But from all that's been offered by their own folk right here - there's heaps of stuff going on.

[sumter_sue]

Hi saunterer. Got my guitar out again...

What's up in Coffee County, you ask?

Oh, nothing much. There's the Good Ole Boys Club; a rapist on the loose; the Dixie Mafia; cops planting crops; a 5 month unsolved high-profile-believed-homicide-murder-abduction case; quite a few other 'closed-unsolved' similar cases; missing persons; couple of suspicious burning houses; a suspicious pick-up being burnt at one of those homes; insurance pay-outs on one said burnt house; people walking their land shooting AK-47's; death threats to private investigators; infidelity, infidelity, infidelity ... and some of those involve LE; county sheriffs charged with 6 or 7 criminal counts, one being theft-by-conversion; fonger-pointing, lynching and cover-ups; crime forums with new threads started by people 'in the know' whose 'sources' are probably called ketchup, mustard and horse ... radish (all dressings, you'll note) then left to fade away...

Other than that, things seems pretty quiet in the region. Nothing to write home about, it appears.... and gentle strumming my guitar as the Beatles used to croon.




Welcome to South Georgia!!

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by sumter_sue

Welcome to South Georgia!! That's kinda what benhill said too: "... I ... have lived in Fitzgerald my entire life and know enough to realize that our little "peyton place" community protects its own. ... the good old boy network will make sure that no one ever knows the truth about this case. ... we can add this one to a long list of other crimes that are still unsolved and basically just forgotten ... Our list of unsolved cases in the two counties is growing and unfortunately we are losing wonderful people ... Welcome to our hell!"

Not that this is particularly on topic ... but rather than dredging up an old thread, it appears one old murder may have just been solved.

Julian Smith, 20, was shot to death on the night of September 19, 2003 outside Bridge Creek Apartments on Bowen’s Mill Highway. Fitzgerald Police Chief Bill Smallwood said yesterday that Russell Blackshear, 40, of Miami, Fla. has been charged with murder in Smith’s death.

http://www.herald-leader.net/

[Atok]

J4T

What do you see is "Wrong Again?"

~ that this case will be added to the long list of unsolved?

I pray you're right.

[benhill29]

Lots of ties that bind over there in Coffee County.
:rose: Always for Tara

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Justice4Tara


Wrong again. Interesting. Guess I should have dredged up the old thread ... so it would not unintentionally appear that benhill's comments were mine. My bad ... lesson learned.

[benhill29]

I must say that I did make that comment prior to being privy to information that has made me very hopeful that justice will be served. I would like to publicly state that I for one will be glad to see the perps punished and due to information I now have I feel very sure that this one will not be a victim to the good old boy system. Sorry it made you look bad saunterer.

:rose: Always for Tara

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by benhill29
I must say that I did make that comment prior to being privy to information that has made me very hopeful that justice will be served. I would like to publicly state that I for one will be glad to see the perps punished and due to information I now have I feel very sure that this one will not be a victim to the good old boy system. Sorry it made you look bad saunterer.

:rose: Always for Tara It's of no importance whatsoever. The point I was trying to make was that some unsolved crimes do get solved, by LE, even in Fitzgerald. Glad to know that some locals like yourself are confident that Tara's case will also be solved. I only know what I can find to read, so that is encouraging.

[NancynNC]

Baker County sheriff in trouble...

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4693786

[carterkatt]

Not taking any sides but all of these events have been claimed in various threads in this forum from either personal experience or external links. When its all put together in one post it is quite an eye-opener.

Just thinking out loud.

[NancynNC]

March 30, 2006

Douglas--Coffee County Sheriff Rob Smith will resign effective April 15th. District Attorney Rick Currie confirmed Thursday night that Smith sent a resignation letter to Governor Sonny Perdue Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Governor told WALB News Ten Thursday night they had not yet received the letter.

Last week, a grand jury indicted Smith on eight counts including use of inmate labor for private gain and theft by conversion. The County Probate Judge will appoint an interim sheriff once the resignation is official.

[Saunterer]

... "Everything catches up with you one day." That's district attorney, Rick Currie's, message to Coffee County Sheriff Rob Smith, who agreed to plead guilty to one of the eight charges brought against him.

"He plead guilty to one count of malpractice and malfeasance in office," he says. By doing so, Smith will avoid any jail time. "The evidence is such that he might be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so it's in his best interest to plead," he says...

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4710167

[Saunterer]

Coffee County native Jerry Pope became the first person to announce his intent to enter the race for sheriff. "I just want Coffee County to be a safe place for your family and mine," Pope said during an interview ...

On the same day of Pope's announcement, Coffee County probate judge Sylvia Stone affirmed that a special election will be held on July 18 for the office of Sheriff.

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/homepage/local_story_095083106.html?keyword=topstory

[benhill29]

Interesting Reading.....:rose: Always for Tara

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Justice4Tara

You read my mind Chalandrapi... Chal ... if you can read minds ... what was up with 'vern'?

[fsbiii]

(a) Related/revenge

(b) Another cover-up

(c) An unfortunate and horrible accident that has hurt a man and his family and displaced them from their beautiful home (and has no bearing whatsoever on this message board other than furthering YET ANOTHER wild goose chase theory while Tara Grinstead remains missing).

I'll take (c).

IMO, 110%.

[Saunterer]

Originally posted by Sassy
Tuesday, 21 March, a Fire destroyed the home of Sammy Sweat, Chief Ranger for Atkinson and Coffee Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission; home was on Bluebird Lane in Atkinson. Related/revenge or another cover-up?
http://www.douglasdailynews.com/loc..._084085209.html
Later that day....a drug bust in Coffee:
http://www.douglasdailynews.com/loc..._082095744.html New URLs:
http://www.douglasdailynews.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_084085209.html

http://www.douglasdailynews.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_082095744.html

According to Atkinson County Emergency Management director David Moore, the fire began at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators from the Georgia Fire Marshal's office were called in, but have left the case "undetermined" because the extensive damage to the home has hindered the investigation. "They indicated that they would close the case unless there were some other circumstances," Moore said.

Drug agents from the Coffee County Sheriff's Office and Douglas Police Department executed two search warrants Tuesday night in Douglas, seizing nearly 10 pounds of marijuana and making two arrests as a result of a lengthy investigation. "This has been a lengthy investigation," the press release says, "not a street-level investigation. This is a large amount of drugs for this area."

MOO - The timing suggests these incidents are not directly related. But, as the Chief Ranger of Atkinson and Coffee Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission, Sammy Sweat could have been targeted if he was involved in a drug operation investigation (i.e. discovering pot growing in a state forest in 2005).

[concernedperson]

Dd Sammy Sweat discover a pot growing operation in 2005 or is that just an example?

I don't believe the 2 events (house burning/arrests) are related. My opinion is based on the ages of the people arrested....seems like street level players not big growers.

I would like to know what Mr.Sweat's house was constructed of and if it were in a subdivision vs. isolated property. 30 minutes is a short time for a total devastation of a home.

I have seen this before in Cumming, Ga. Subdivision homes were built of vinyl siding and close together and several homes burnt to the ground while others were badly burned. They were still able to determine the fire...BBQ pit on patio w/ high winds extending the fire.

[fsbiii]

Sassy,

I have email folders FULL of theories, but nothing really sticks to any one person in a concrete manner. I have become frustrated with the apparent stall in the case, but I still have my gut feelings about what happened.

[Atok]

Originally posted by fsbiii
Sassy,

I have email folders FULL of theories, but nothing really sticks to any one person in a concrete manner. I have become frustrated with the apparent stall in the case, but I still have my gut feelings about what happened.

Ditto for me fsbiii!

Thank goodness for gmail which allows such a huge storage and searchability system for folders and documents. If I had to spread all this stuff on my dining room table and correlate data by hand on paper with arrows and timelines in different colored inks...I'd go NUTS.

I always hope the 'stall' is just that part of the case where things are being wrapped up in the back rooms with the real investigators. I have decided to believe they have strong information but don't wish to proceed without the body. It comforts me to think that way.

But I do believe that even when she is recovered they will have a difficult time with prosecution.

[shelock]

Originally posted by Saunterer
No, vern said he had a drinking problem but had gotten over it years ago. And he didn't say Tara was safe and sound.

We've seen a lot of off-the-wall speculation on these threads. But the thing that was different about vern was one particular post where he laid out a scenario using the first person ... something I've never really seen before on any board. Naturally that got a lot of readers' attention. But a few posts later he disappeared from the forum. And all of his posts on the TG board were subsequently removed.

Did anyone save Vern, Vhou, Puzzler, and Topdog's posts? tia

[One2Snoop]

Bump :rose: