The GOP continues to show its contempt for the Constitution and other thoughts on the criminal justice system.

The GOP in 2010 ran on a massive campaign about how the country need to return tp constitutional government. ObamaCare—according to the GOP—was unconstitutional, along with 99% of whatever else the federal government does. They demanded that bills introduced into Congress contain a provision that stated its constitutional authorization. And so on and so on ad nauseam.

What has happened since then? The GOP has done nothing to stop the military invention in Libya, yet another war for the United States, and this one started without any kind of Congressional authorization and in violation of applicable federal law (the “War Powers Act”).

And when they’re not doing that, you have folks like Virginia Representative Rob Wittman (R-1st) introducing a federal fisheries bill that cites Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution as the bill’s authorization. I have looked and looked and I do not see a provision in Art. I, § 8 that grants Congress the power to pass a federal fisheries bill, but hey, what do I know?

But let us get to the point of this post, the recent execution of Mexican national Humberto Leal Garcia Jr., who was arrested and confessed to the rape and murder of a teenager girl. Despite being a foreign national, he was not informed of his rights to contact a consular as required by Article 36 of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which states:

(b) if he so requests, the competent authorities of the receiving State shall, without delay, inform the consular post of the sending State if, within its consular district, a national of that State is arrested or committed to prison or to custody pending trial or is detained in any other manner. Any communication addressed to the consular post by the person arrested, in prison, custody or detention shall be forwarded by the said authorities without delay. The said authorities shall inform the person concerned without delay of his rights under this subparagraph;

What does this have to do with the Constitution? The Vienna Convention was a treaty which was sign by the President and ratified by the United States Senate. And what does the United States Constitution say about treaties?

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. (Art. VI, cl. 2)

But instead of condemnation of the violation of a person’s due process rights and his resulting execution, what did I awake to find on Twitter and blogs yesterday morning? A chorus of comments that can be best summed as “So what if his due process rights were violated? He was guilty anyway.”

So what’s the point of trials then? How about we just get Nancy Grace to do briefs on court cases and then you can call in for guilty and not guilty? Fox can put the show in prime-time after American Idol. They can do a special two-hour program when it comes time to execute someone.

And while I support the death-penalty, this case provides a perfect example of its politicization. Rick Perry is definitely running for President at this point and does anyone remember what Bill Clinton did as Governor of Arkansas while running for President in 1992?

After falling behind in the New Hampshire primary in 1992, and after being caught lying about the affair with Gennifer Flowers to which he later confessed under oath, Clinton left the campaign trail and flew home to Arkansas to give the maximum publicity to his decision to sign a death warrant for Ricky Ray Rector. Rector was a black inmate on death row who had shot himself in the head after committing a double murder and, instead of dying as a result, had achieved the same effect as a lobotomy would have done. He never understood the charge against him or the sentence. After being served his last meal, he left the pecan pie on the side of the tray, as he told the guards who came to take him to the execution chamber, “for later.” Several police and prison-officer witnesses expressed extreme queasiness at this execution of a gravely impaired man, and the prison chaplain, Dennis Pigman, later resigned from the prison service. The whole dismal and cruel and pathetic story was told by Marshall Frady in a long essay in The New Yorker in 1993 and is also recounted in a chapter titled “Chameleon in Black and White” by your humble servant in his book No One Left To Lie To.

And since I brought up Nancy Grace a couple paragraphs ago, was I the only person that was about to have an aneurysm after seeing the reaction to the Casey Anthony verdict? People on Twitter were issuing fatwas against defense attorneys for crying out loud.

It’s amazing that in this day in age, after our founding fathers fought and died to ensure that their rights, amongst others, to a speedy and public trial by jury and a right to have counsel, and people openly have the gall to complain about someone having a defense attorney?

What the heck is wrong with this country?

The End of Days: Some MSNBC reporter gets mugged in D.C.

Mika Brzezinski (some reporterette for MSNBC) was robbed for $6 outside a hotel in Washington, D.C. today.

Yeah, I have no idea who she is either.

Pompous blow-hard Joe Scarborough decided to make a big point of it during his interview with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty this morning.

Since then, the story has made the Washington Times and WTOP. Both of those stories are linked off of the Drudge Report as well.

Now, the last I checked, people get robbed, raped, or killed in D.C. almost everyday. None of those stories make it onto Drudge, or even the Washington Times or WTOP in some cases.

I’m not sure whether to attribute this to economic status (rich people hate it when stuff happens to them) or racial status (ditto for the crackers).

An affluent, white couple gets killed in N.W. D.C. and the media reports “detectives are working overtime” to catch their killers. Within 24 hours, their killer is arrested and within 48 hours, an accomplice is also arrested.

Meanwhile, there are dozens of open cases for shootings and murders in Trinidad this year that haven’t been closed.

Or maybe it’s just sheer arrogance on the media’s part?

I remember back in the early or mid ’90s (back when D.C. was real bad) when some reporter for a local affiliate got carjacked, the news station had a month long exposé on the traumatic effects of carjacking and how to protect yourself from being carjacked (no mention of owning a gun through!), etc. It was just nauseating.

It also reminds me of the media’s treatment of casualties in Iraq or Afghanistan. When a soldier, seaman, Marine, or airmen gets killed, the story goes something like this: “[Rank of person injured] [name] was killed in Iraq as a result of [cause of death]. This marks the [insert number]th American military personnel killed in the conflict.”

However, when a reporter or “journalist” gets injured or killed: “The injury of [reporter’s name] has brought the war home for us here at [insert network]. Reporter [name] was injured in Iraq today. Correspondent [name] has an extended story on [reporter’s name]’s injuries and reactions from his family and from his friends at [employer name].”

The whole display is just nauseating, they don’t care when military personnel get killed, but if a reporter or “journalist” gets hurt you hear about it for a week. I guess they think since they’re part of a privileged class (the media), nothing bad should happen to them. No one would ever want to rob, carjack, or kill them.

The lowly serfs (people not in the media) should get that treatment but not the graduates of journalism school! After all, they’re out to make the world a better place!

Snort.

Two Murder Suspects Arrested

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

Two suspects have been arrested following extensive investigative efforts by the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.  Following the investigation of a homicide, which occurred on May 7, 2007 on New Baltimore Road, Deon Alexander Terrell, 19 of Dawn and Lashawn Montque Monroe, 23 of Ruther Glen were arrested on June 9, 2008 and charged with the following:

Deon Alexander Terrell:

  1. 1st Degree Murder
  2. Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
  3. Robbery
  4. Conspire to Commit Robbery

Lashawn Montque Monroe:

  1. Capital Murder
  2. Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
  3. Robbery
  4. Conspire to Commit Robbery

Both Suspects are being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail and a court date of June 11, 2008 has been scheduled.

No further information will be released at this time.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending June 7, 2008

On May 29, 2008, Investigator S.L. Call received a call in reference to a sexual battery of a 13 year old. After investigating, a 41year old adult male from Ruther Glen was charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery, Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child and Contributing. He was arrested by Deputy W.M. Jones on June 5, 2008 and was held without bond and scheduled to appear in court on June 5, 2008.

On June 1, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford stopped a vehicle for speeding. After further investigation, Hector M. Ramirez, 32 of Montross was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was ordered held under a $2,500 bond and a court date June 4, 2008 was set.

On June 2, 2008, Deputy M.J. O’Connor responded to a domestic call in Bowling Green. After investigating, Tonya L. Banks, 26 of Bowling Green was charged with Domestic Assault. She was ordered held under a $1,000 bond and a court date of June 10, 2008 was set.

On June 2, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to an assault call in Woodford. After investigating, Hiroko O. Hughes, 67 of Woodford was charged with Unlawful Wounding. She was held on a $2500 secured bond and a court date of June 8, 2008 was set. Additionally, Patricia M. Madison, 33 of Woodford was charged with assault and Battery and released on a summons. Her court date is set for June 11, 2008

On June 6, 2008, Deputy T.J. Ketchem responded to the Mr. Fuel Truck Stop for a report of a fraud. After investigating, Kevin M. Turner, 21 of Ruther Glen was charged with Fraud, greater than $200.00. He was ordered held without bond and a Court date of June 6, 2008 was set.

On June 6, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to Port Royal for a trespassing call. After investigating, James E. Loving, 56 of Sparta was arrested for being Drunk in Public. He was released on a Personal Recognizance bond and a court date of July 9, 2008 was set.

On June 6, 2008, Deputy J.O Cecil responded for a disorderly subject in the Carmel Church area. After investigating, Kathryn Taylor, 43 of Ruther Glen was charged with Possession of Cocaine. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of June 11, 2008 was set.

On June 7, 2008, Deputy B.N. Doucet responded to a possible Breaking and Entering in the Ruther Glen area. After investigating, Anthony S. Patterson, 48 of Ruther Glen was charged with being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of July 18, 2008 was set.

On June 7, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, a passenger in the vehicle, Anthony D. Moore, 23 of Richmond was arrested and charged with Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. He was held on a $3500 secured bond and a court date of July 11, 2008 was set.

On June 7, 2008, Deputy P.H. Blasiol responded to the Virginia Bazaar for a shoplifting call. Upon Investigation, Marcus J. Irish, 22 of Fredericksburg was charged with Shoplifting. He was held on a $1500 secured bond and a court date of June 11, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 2 drug arrests, 3 DUI arrests, 15 domestic violence arrests, and 66 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 248 civil papers, issued 210 traffic summonses, handled 8 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 38 alarm calls, and dealt with 18 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 613 calls for service and handled 2,024 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 32 calls assisting outside agencies and had 259 self initiated calls.

Drug Dealer Convicted in U. S. Federal Court

On June 3, 2008, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators appeared before a jury trial in the United States Eastern District Court in order to testify in the drug distribution case United States vs. Saeed Abdul Muhammad. The Caroline Narcotics Investigators testified to arresting Muhammad on February 27, 2008 after a three month investigation. The investigation involved several purchases of large amounts of crack cocaine from Muhammad in the Perimeter Road area of Caroline County and Muhammad’s home in Spotsylvania County. Investigators further testified that when they moved in to make the arrest, Muhammad attempted to get away by running but was caught a short distance from his vehicle and was found to have in his possession what was believed to be cocaine, worth approximately $6,000.00 and $2,000.00 in cash. After the testimony of the Narcotics Investigators was completed, the jury deliberated for less than one hour and returned with guilty verdicts on all charges.

Roderick Young, The Assistant United States Attorney prosecuting the case stated that these guilty verdicts call for a mandatory sentence of life in prison which may not be reduced or suspended. A formal sentencing date has been set for August 25, 2008.

Caroline County Sheriff Tony Lippa stated, “The citizens of Caroline County who continue to support our efforts in curtailing the illegal drug activity by providing our Investigators with valuable information is a primary factor that leads to arresting the perpetrators. The motivation, determination, and plain good police work on the part of our Investigators along with valuable training by the Drug Enforcement Agency leads to a conviction. Together we can make a difference and will continue to do so.”

Another drug dealer arrested in Caroline County!

This time in Cedar Ridge Trailer Park:

On June 4, 2008, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) executed a search warrant at the home of Timothy Johnson in Cedar Ridge Trailer Park located in the Woodford section of the county. Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Investigators obtained the warrant after conducting an undercover operation in which Investigators purchased suspected cocaine and marijuana from Johnson in his home on several occasions. As a result of the search warrant, Sheriff’s Office personnel located $1,500.00 worth of suspected marijuana, $4,000.00 worth of suspected cocaine, two shotguns, one semi-automatic handgun, several prescription pills, several smoking devices, weighing scales and over $1500.00 in United States currency.

Investigators also seized the vehicle Johnson was driving at the time of his arrest. Johnson has been charged with distribution of cocaine following execution of the search warrant. More charges are pending.

Sheriff Tony Lippa said, “This is yet another successful operation thanks to those citizens of Caroline County who continue to support their Sheriff’s Office by providing helpful information and assistance. If any citizen would like to provide information to the Sheriff’s Office regarding illegal activity they can the Sheriff’s Office tip line at (804) 633-1133. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish.”

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending May 24, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending May 24, 2008:

On May 16, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard received a tip about the location of some stolen property. After investigating, Michael D. Gilbert, 53 and Linda W. Murphy, 65, both of Woodford were charged with possession of stolen property. Gilbert was also charged with possession of burglary tools. Gilbert was ordered held without bond. Murphy was released on a personal recognizance bond. Court dates of May 30, 2008 were set for both. After further investigation, on 18, 2008, additional charges against Gilbert were placed for domestic assault, breaking and entering, distribution of stolen property, and grand larceny.

On May 18, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard responded to and address in Woodford on a breaking and entering and larceny of items. Upon further investigating, Justin Steven Sawyers, 20, of Fredericksburg was charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering, 2 counts of conspiring to sell or distribute stolen property, 2 counts of possession of stolen property all of which are felonies. Sawyer was held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.

On May 18, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a domestic in Ruther Glen. After investigating, Christopher S. Spurlin, 31, of Ruther Glen was charged with domestic assault. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 22, 2008 was set.

On May 19, 2008, Deputy R. J. Anderson responded to a domestic in Woodford. After investigating, Shawnette P. Cisneros, 25, of Bowling Green was charged with domestic assault. He was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of May 20, 2008 was set.

On May 22, 2008, Deputy B. L. Fedder responded to a domestic in Ruther Glen. After investigating, Clarence Waddy, 53, of Ruther Glen was charged with domestic assault. He was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of May 27, 008 was set.

On May, 23, 2008, Deputy P. E. Ford stopped Shanelle Lashawn Williams, 22, of Brandywine, MD for reckless driving speed, and issued a summons. Upon further investigation, she was found in possession of marijuana. Williams was taken to Pamunkey Regional Jail where she was released on a personal recognizance bond. Trial date is set for July 23, 2008.

On May 24, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a disturbance call at the Bowling Green MacDonald’s. Upon arrival and investigation, Donnie L. Poindexter, 45, of Ruther Glen was charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest. Poindexter was placed on a $1000 secure bond and a May 28, 2008 arraignment date was set.

On May 24, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller responded to a New Baltimore address for a fight in progress. While investigating this matter, David D. Jeter, 35, continually disrupted the Sheriff’s Office deputies in the performance of their duties and subsequently charged with Obstruction of Justice. Jeter was placed on a $1500 personal recognizance bond and a June 4, 2008 trial date was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 3 drug arrests, 3 DUI arrests, 8 domestic violence arrests, and 63 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 167 civil papers, issued 171 traffic summonses, handled 7 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 38 alarm calls, and dealt with 3 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 535 calls for service and handled 1,715 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 27 calls assisting outside agencies and had 194 self initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending May 3, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending May 3, 2008:

On April 28, 2008, Deputy G. W. Honeycutt was made aware by staff at Caroline High School of a possible sexual assault that occurred in a residence in Ruther Glen. Honeycutt notified Investigator S. L. Call. After investigating, a 42 year old male was charged with rape, 2 counts of sodomy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The male, who was a parent of the victim, was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of April 29, 2008 was set.

On April 28, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard responded to a fight in Woodford. After investigating, Betty V. White, 45, of Woodford was charged with 2 counts of assault. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 7, 2008 was set.

On April 28, 2008, Deputy C. S. Overman responded to a domestic in Frog Level. After investigating, Ellen R. Nash, 40, of Frog Level was charged with domestic assault. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 1, 2008 was set.

On April 29, 2008 Deputy T. P. Connolly responded to a domestic in Bowling Green. After investigating, Randall W. Woody, 44, of Bowling Green was charged with being drunk in public. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 16, 2008 was set.

On April 30, 2008, Deputy P. E. Ford responded to a reported larceny in Dawn. After investigating, Carl E. Brown, Jr. 20, of Dawn was charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was ordered held on a $2500 bond and a court date of May 7, 2008 was set.

On April 30, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Jesus I. Tejada, 51, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a breath test. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 16, 2008 was set.

On May 1, 2008, Deputy April 24, 2008, W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Eveline M. Terrell, 49, of Dawn was charged with driving under the influence and possession of cocaine. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 16, 2008 was set.

On May 2, 2008, Investigator M. M. Ellett placed additional charges against Antoine T. Johnson, 18, of no fixed address. After a follow up investigation, Johnson was charged with grand larceny and selling a firearm to a minor. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of May 9, 2008 was set.

On May 2, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to a domestic in Port Royal. After investigating, Thomas A. Herritt, 28, of Port Royal was charged with domestic assault. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 6, 2008 was set.

On May 3, 2008, Deputy P. E. Ford responded to a break-in located in Bowling Green. After investigating, Carol R. Queen, 48, of Bowling Green was charged with breaking and entering and assault and battery. He was ordered held on a $2500 bond and a court date of May 7, 2008 was set.

On May 3, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood observed a person trespassing in Port Royal. After investigating, Theodore R. Lee, 48, of Port Royal was charged with being drunk in public. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of June 11, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 4 drug arrests, 2 DUI arrests, 6 domestic violence arrests and 60 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 190 civil papers, issued 349 traffic summonses, handled 13 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 34 alarm calls, and dealt with 10 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 528 calls for service and handled 1,694 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 32 calls assisting outside agencies and had 207 self initiated calls.

Your Sheriff’s Office will be operating Selective Enforcement in the following areas, Belmont subdivision, Carmel Church intersection Rogers Clark with Ruther Glen Rd. (Rt. 207 & Rt. 652), Ladysmith Village, Lake Caroline, Lake Land Or, Port Royal, Rt. 30.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending April 26, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending April 26, 2008:

On April 21, 2008 Deputy J. K. Miller responded to a business in Bowling Green for a reported employee retail theft. After investigating, Gregory T. Wright, 18, of Bowling Green was charged with shoplifting. He was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of April 23, 2008 was set.

On April 21, 2008, Deputy P. E. Ford responded to a residence in Ruther Glen for a 911 hang up call. After investigating, Olivia T. Gray, 40, of Ruther Glen was charged with being drunk in public. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 28, 2008 was set.

On April 23, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge responded to a report of shoplifting. After investigating, Cynthia K. Sanson, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with felony shoplifting – 3rd offense and possession of a controlled substance. She was ordered held without bond and court information was not available.

On April 24, 2008, Deputy C. S. Overman responded to a business in Ladysmith for a report of shoplifting. After investigating, April L. Watkins, 30, of King George was charged with shoplifting. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 2, 2008 was set.

On April 25, 2008, Deputy M. J. O’Connor stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Sherwood M. Fountain, 49, of Ruther Glen was charged with felony habitual offender – 2nd offense, driving under the influence – 2nd offense in 10 years and refusing to submit to a breath test – 3rd offense. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of April 25, 2008 was set.

On April 25, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle in Dawn for a traffic violation. After investigating, Jason B. Hurlbert, 387, of Hanover was charged with driving under the influence. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of May 7, 2008 was set.

On April 25, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller stopped a vehicle in Carmel Church for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Lloyd Fegans, Jr., 48, of Bowie, MD was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a breath test. He was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of May 2, 2008 was set.

On April 25, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge responded to a domestic in Port Royal. After investigating, Karissa Johnson, 24 and Larry Charity, 21, both of Port Royal were charged with domestic assault. Both were released on personal recognizance bonds and court dates of May 2, 2008 were set for both.

On April 25, 2008, Sergeant K. W. Mundy stopped a vehicle that had been reported taken without the consent of the owner. After investigating, Anthony L. Monroe, 23, of Ruther glen was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving on a suspended license and 3 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was ordered held under a $4000 bond and a court date of May 6, 2008 was set.

On April 26, 2008, Investigator R. D. Cable served indictments charging Bret A. Bowling, 23, of Ruther Glen with 2 counts of distribution of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Bowling was ordered held without bond and court information was unavailable.

On April 26, 2008, Deputy D. W. Mundie responded to a suspicious vehicle in Ladysmith. After investigating, Hunter K. Lyng, 27, of Richmond was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and a court date of May 7, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 5 drug arrests, 3 driving under the influence arrest, 9 domestic violence arrests, and 53 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 203 civil papers, issued 212 traffic summonses, handled 7 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 36 alarm calls, and dealt with 11 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 451 calls for service and handled 1,785 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 32 calls assisting outside agencies and had 238 self initiated calls.