Mooresville Police Chief John Crone has contradicted himself repeatedly to the media since landing in the spotlight over his control of the police department’s Cops for Kids organization.
On July 8, Crone told WCNC: “No money out of Cops for Kids was ever misspent, never paid to any employee, and it was never used for anything that wasn’t its intended purpose. I know I have records for every check written and every receipt I’ve ever received.”
According to WSOC on July 7: “Crone admits he hasn’t done a great job of record keeping but adamantly denies any wrongdoing.” The same news station reported on July 8 that, “Crone admitted he’s bad at record keeping.”
FOX Charlotte reported on July 8: “Chief John Crone says there isn’t a penny misspent, but he admits he might not have every record of where the money went.”
To a WBTV reporter on July 9, Crone said: “Maybe there are a couple things you know, a check or something that maybe we should have handled a different way, but it’s not anything where the money was stolen.”
Crone told a News 14 Carolina reporter on July 7: “I was never able to balance it because I’ve never had all the statements. So there are some things that don’t match, but until we get an audit done we can’t get those answers.”
So which is it? Is he a good record keeper or a bad record keeper? Are the records complete or not?
On July 8, Crone told WCNC: “No money out of Cops for Kids was ever misspent, never paid to any employee, and it was never used for anything that wasn’t its intended purpose. I know I have records for every check written and every receipt I’ve ever received.”
According to WSOC on July 7: “Crone admits he hasn’t done a great job of record keeping but adamantly denies any wrongdoing.” The same news station reported on July 8 that, “Crone admitted he’s bad at record keeping.”
FOX Charlotte reported on July 8: “Chief John Crone says there isn’t a penny misspent, but he admits he might not have every record of where the money went.”
To a WBTV reporter on July 9, Crone said: “Maybe there are a couple things you know, a check or something that maybe we should have handled a different way, but it’s not anything where the money was stolen.”
Crone told a News 14 Carolina reporter on July 7: “I was never able to balance it because I’ve never had all the statements. So there are some things that don’t match, but until we get an audit done we can’t get those answers.”
So which is it? Is he a good record keeper or a bad record keeper? Are the records complete or not?
***
Responding to Tribune questions about whether Cops for Kids pays taxes – and, if so, why the tax documents were not included in the public records that the Tribune and Report reviewed on June 30 – Crone and Smith stated in a joint July 3 e-mail: “The organization has not paid taxes.”
But when asked by a WBTV reporter on July 9 if he had ever paid taxes, Crone responded: “I paid taxes myself on the interest on the checking account and savings account.”
So which is it? Has he paid taxes or not?
So which is it? Has he paid taxes or not?
***
“The first notice I got of any of this was on an anonymous blog that’s on the Internet,” Crone told a WBTV reporter on July 9. “They were starting to play games and bash me.”
Interestingly, however, Crone told a WCNC reporter that same day: “There was an anonymous letter on my desk saying that I had used some of the ‘Cops for Kids’ money to buy playground equipment for my church.” Two days earlier, on July 7, WSOC reported: "Crone said he believes the writer of an anonymous letter to him is also fueling the fire among town leaders." The WSOC reporter said on July 8 that “anonymous sources have accused (Crone) of mishandling money for Cops for Kids and spending cash on things not consistent with the organization’s mission…”
WSOC reported on July 9 that Crone “believes a former disgruntled employee may be behind the accusations.”
So which is it? Who’s behind the Cops for Kids "accusations?" "Anonymous sources," "an anonymous letter, "an anonymous blog" or a "former disgruntled employee?"
Interestingly, however, Crone told a WCNC reporter that same day: “There was an anonymous letter on my desk saying that I had used some of the ‘Cops for Kids’ money to buy playground equipment for my church.” Two days earlier, on July 7, WSOC reported: "Crone said he believes the writer of an anonymous letter to him is also fueling the fire among town leaders." The WSOC reporter said on July 8 that “anonymous sources have accused (Crone) of mishandling money for Cops for Kids and spending cash on things not consistent with the organization’s mission…”
WSOC reported on July 9 that Crone “believes a former disgruntled employee may be behind the accusations.”
So which is it? Who’s behind the Cops for Kids "accusations?" "Anonymous sources," "an anonymous letter, "an anonymous blog" or a "former disgruntled employee?"
***
Cops for Kids, according to Crone, was launched in 1997 and he “inherited it” after becoming chief of police in December 1998. At least two years ago, the Cops for Kids web page was launched on the Mooresville Police Department’s website; however, it was removed soon after the Report began questioning Crone about Cops for Kids.
The website stated: “Since 1995, Cops for Kids, Inc. has assisted children, seniors, and families that find themselves in unfortunate situations. Through generous donations from local business sponsors and individuals in our community, Cops for Kids has enabled children and seniors to enjoy some of the basic necessities that were not available to them through other agencies.
"Whether it be transportation costs to school or work, a temporary place to stay for an entire homeless family, youth activity funding, clothing, or some assistance for educational costs, Cops for Kids is ready to help.
"Cops for Kids was created to help children at Christmas time. Giving a few disadvantaged children Christmas presents while on routine neighborhood patrols during the holidays has grown into a local organization that now offers those in need a host of services during the holiday season and throughout the year.
"With low overhead and virtually no red tape, Cops for Kids can respond immediately to children, seniors, and families in need. We are often the local organization called to help because of our ability to quickly and respectfully assist others with emergency funding from utility payments to temporary housing."
When confronted by the Report about why the text on the Mooresville Cops for Kids site was almost verbatim that on the website of a Cops for Kids organization in California, Crone removed the web page from the Mooresville site and sent the Report the following statement:
“I don’t know how the web page for Cops 4 Kids Inc. got on our website. My guess is that someone within the Town Government (possibly even the police department) accidentally thought that our ‘Cops for Kids’ was part of the Cops 4 Kids Inc. The WEB page is being removed, and I apologize for the confusion.
“We are not incorporated, nor have we ever been, nor have we advertised that we are a 501C(3) charity.
“Neither I or either of my two majors have knowledge of approving this web page. There are many Cops 4 Kids organizations on the web, some are incorporated, and I guess someone with good intentions got them mixed up. The Mooresville Police did not start their Cops for Kids until 1997 and no one is paid a salary. At one time we looked into applying for a 501C3 designation but we changed our mind and just left it under the police department.”
On behalf of Cops for Kids in 2001, Crone completed an application and wrote a check to the U.S. Treasury to obtain tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3). It wasn’t until last week that he said he learned that Cops for Kids’ legal counsel never mailed the check and application. So Crone must have believed until last week that Cops for Kids was a charity because, as far as he knew, the paperwork that he had filled out – and the check that he had written to the U.S. Treasury – had been sent and Cops for Kids’ charity status had been achieved.
But now, Crone is telling the media that the purpose of Cops for Kids was never to be a charity. Instead, he says that the program was, according to a WCNC reporter, “intended to foster relations between officers and kids through different activities,” and “part of the mission” of Cops for Kids is to provide “educational field trips and a Christmas party with Santa.”
A WSOC reporter stated that the Cops for Kids mission is “to educate young people and help bridge the gap between them and officers.”
News 14 Carolina calls Cops for Kids a “mentoring program” and pointed out on July 8 that Cops for Kids’ “travel trips usually consisted of the Law Enforcement Explorer post and the Mayor’s Youth Council.”
So which is it? Was Cops for Kids intended to help children, seniors and families in need, or was it intended to send the Mayor's Youth Council and Police Explorers on pricey jaunts around the country? Was Cops for Kids intended to be a charity, or was it never intended to be a charity? If it was never supposed to be a charity, why was Crone claiming last week that the charitable paperwork was supposed to have been sent in seven years ago?
The website stated: “Since 1995, Cops for Kids, Inc. has assisted children, seniors, and families that find themselves in unfortunate situations. Through generous donations from local business sponsors and individuals in our community, Cops for Kids has enabled children and seniors to enjoy some of the basic necessities that were not available to them through other agencies.
"Whether it be transportation costs to school or work, a temporary place to stay for an entire homeless family, youth activity funding, clothing, or some assistance for educational costs, Cops for Kids is ready to help.
"Cops for Kids was created to help children at Christmas time. Giving a few disadvantaged children Christmas presents while on routine neighborhood patrols during the holidays has grown into a local organization that now offers those in need a host of services during the holiday season and throughout the year.
"With low overhead and virtually no red tape, Cops for Kids can respond immediately to children, seniors, and families in need. We are often the local organization called to help because of our ability to quickly and respectfully assist others with emergency funding from utility payments to temporary housing."
When confronted by the Report about why the text on the Mooresville Cops for Kids site was almost verbatim that on the website of a Cops for Kids organization in California, Crone removed the web page from the Mooresville site and sent the Report the following statement:
“I don’t know how the web page for Cops 4 Kids Inc. got on our website. My guess is that someone within the Town Government (possibly even the police department) accidentally thought that our ‘Cops for Kids’ was part of the Cops 4 Kids Inc. The WEB page is being removed, and I apologize for the confusion.
“We are not incorporated, nor have we ever been, nor have we advertised that we are a 501C(3) charity.
“Neither I or either of my two majors have knowledge of approving this web page. There are many Cops 4 Kids organizations on the web, some are incorporated, and I guess someone with good intentions got them mixed up. The Mooresville Police did not start their Cops for Kids until 1997 and no one is paid a salary. At one time we looked into applying for a 501C3 designation but we changed our mind and just left it under the police department.”
On behalf of Cops for Kids in 2001, Crone completed an application and wrote a check to the U.S. Treasury to obtain tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3). It wasn’t until last week that he said he learned that Cops for Kids’ legal counsel never mailed the check and application. So Crone must have believed until last week that Cops for Kids was a charity because, as far as he knew, the paperwork that he had filled out – and the check that he had written to the U.S. Treasury – had been sent and Cops for Kids’ charity status had been achieved.
But now, Crone is telling the media that the purpose of Cops for Kids was never to be a charity. Instead, he says that the program was, according to a WCNC reporter, “intended to foster relations between officers and kids through different activities,” and “part of the mission” of Cops for Kids is to provide “educational field trips and a Christmas party with Santa.”
A WSOC reporter stated that the Cops for Kids mission is “to educate young people and help bridge the gap between them and officers.”
News 14 Carolina calls Cops for Kids a “mentoring program” and pointed out on July 8 that Cops for Kids’ “travel trips usually consisted of the Law Enforcement Explorer post and the Mayor’s Youth Council.”
So which is it? Was Cops for Kids intended to help children, seniors and families in need, or was it intended to send the Mayor's Youth Council and Police Explorers on pricey jaunts around the country? Was Cops for Kids intended to be a charity, or was it never intended to be a charity? If it was never supposed to be a charity, why was Crone claiming last week that the charitable paperwork was supposed to have been sent in seven years ago?
***
As an aside -- but still on the subject of contradictions -- WSOC’s Ron Magnuson, reporting from the parking lot of the Mooresville Police Department on Tuesday, stated: “It’s almost fitting: It’s a gloomy day outside. Officers tell me it’s an equally gloomy day inside the Mooresville Police Department as officers are right now learning that their chief is suspended under investigation for possibly mishandling money …
“As you know,” Magnuson continued, “police are a very tight-knit family, so everybody is taking this very hard.”
Magnuson and I must be talking to different people. What I'm hearing is that morale is up and that Maj. Carl Robbins has facilitated a seamless transition this week.
“As you know,” Magnuson continued, “police are a very tight-knit family, so everybody is taking this very hard.”
Magnuson and I must be talking to different people. What I'm hearing is that morale is up and that Maj. Carl Robbins has facilitated a seamless transition this week.
Posts
83 comments:
Crone is the biggest Moron!! They will probably use his interviews on TV in court when he is brought up on criminal charges.
Unbelievable! Excellent blog, as always.Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, it is greatly appreciated!
Also, I am very pleased that morale is up because I know alot of great policmen/women and detectives that work for the MPD. They should all hold their heads high as this had nothing to do with them. I am thankful for the wonderful job they do everyday.
I do miss officer Burleyson as he was very helpful to me last year when I had a problem with another child coming after my son, he answered all of my questions and calmed my fears. I will miss him greatly.
Thanks for keeping us informed, Jaime!
Folks, its not so much ignorance as it is arrogance. I know the man. He thinks he is smarter than anyone else on earth. Why would such a smart man need a lawyer (in his own mind)?
Someone needs to inform WSOC-TV, it was a "happy day in Mooresville" for the majority of citizens when we learned that Crone was suspended - too bad it was with pay and at least six years late. Morale in the police department can't help but improve. They have been answering to a "leader" they couldn't trust nor believe anything he said as evidenced by all these contradictions to the press. With this many contradictions to the press, what do you think he did to the employee performance reviews?
Thanks Jaime for all of your hard work.
Thanks also to the men and women of the Mooresville Police Department for the services they have provided and will continue to provide to this town.
Yes, Jaime, you and the WSOC reporter (Magnuson) are INDEED talking to "different people". Magnuson has been friendly with the chief and his "inner circle" for a while, and that's who he's talking to when he says things are "gloomy" and people are "taking it very hard". In truth, if they could, they would throw a party to end all parties in the MPD. It is a deadly serious problem when lawmakers become lawbreakers. Reporters like Magnuson who get chummy with the Bad Guys then become part of that problem, while the rest of us are out here fighting to get rid of.
Abraham Lincoln (attributed):
'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Crone has fired his own staff members in the past for "contradictions", calling them lies instead. OBVIOUSLY, all HIS lies are catching up with him.So many he can't even keep them straight!! Talk about the Village Idiot.
JAIME:
Since Crone responded: “I paid taxes myself on the interest on the checking account and savings account," does that mean the bank accounts were set up using his personal Social Security number not a separate tax ID number for CFK?
The only way he would be responsible for paying taxes "personally" is if CFK's bank accounts' Tax ID number was that of Crone's. That is a fiduciary violation in and of itself is it not?
Heather Sherrill, you are awesome. You are one of the people around here who has always stood up for the right thing. And not afraid to state your opinion and sign your name to it. And you are right, hats off to the rank and file hard workers at the Mooresville Police Department. I hope they are relieved by not having to work in such a negative environment. To you guys at the MPD: it is going to keep getting better for you guys who haven't had your hands in the cookie jar, I guarantee it.
What I'd love to know is ,how the heck did some unidentified person get into the police chief's OFFICE and leave an anonymous letter on his desk without being seen or caught on security cameras?
I can not believe this, this man is a thief, he has already admitted to crimes in the press. Why are you people still paying him? Why is he still on the street? He should be in jail with no bond, I promise you, he is guilty. There is case law in North Carolina to support his arrest right now, look it up. He is a con man and he has robbed your community and stolen from your kids. I can not believe this double standard for someone with a badge.
For every single check or donation he received. For every pitch to a business or residence he or his officers made, it is another felony charge. He should have hundreds and hundreds of felony charges right now, and you folks are still paying him and he is still walking around your town. Not to mention spending you hard earned money. Strip his badge now. Freeze all his personal accounts I am sure he moved money to them. Match house and car payments for the last ten years to withdraws from the so called charity account. What are you all waiting for.
His house and personal property, vehicles and anything else should be seized as it was bought with money from this so called charity. They seize drug dealers ill gotten gains, why should he be different. I know what he did, I know EXACTLY what he did. This man is a crook with a badge. I have a very deep understanding of this business, and he is a crook. I am in aw of what he is getting away with right now, he will be facing hundreds of years in prison and he is walking around your town and your giving him a chance to flee.
This is the law he broke, arrest him now, and give him no bond.
And Erskin, I think he is involved and should be suspended as well as any officer that walked into your businesses or called you on the phone and asked you to cut a check or give cash. If he came to your store, come forward and tell what his pitch was, I dont even need to hear it, I already know what it was. And why has the IRS not been called in to investigate as well. If it not a charity and there is no 501c3, it is income and he owes many thousands to them for the last ten years.
And what pressure did he put under color of authority on the bankers at that credit union to run in the red for so long. Mine or your accounts would have been shut down right away. He exerted influence, I promise you.
Also, anyone close to him knew what he was doing, it would have been impossible not too. They should be fired as well.
Also, is he married? Well guess who else is guilty. Because she would also know.
And Jamie, you are great, dont stop, but do the research.Its all there if you look. But you are not looking in the right places. But I am not going to help you more then this. Trust me, I know what he did for the last ten years.
BTW, its the same with every police group. This story is a lot bigger then you think.
Legislation needs to be written to outlaw any and all police fund-raising. Fire Department too.
Keep digging Jamie, You hit a nerve in your town, now look outside that town. Its everywhere.
This is a felony, and he should have hundreds of charges already.
NC Statute
§ 14‑100. Obtaining property by false pretenses.
(a) If any person shall knowingly and designedly by means of any kind of false pretense whatsoever, whether the false pretense is of a past or subsisting fact or of a future fulfillment or event, obtain or attempt to obtain from any person within this State any money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value with intent to cheat or defraud any person of such money, goods, property, services, chose in action or other thing of value, such person shall be guilty of a felony: Provided, that if, on the trial of anyone indicted for such crime, it shall be proved that he obtained the property in such manner as to amount to larceny or embezzlement, the jury shall have submitted to them such other felony proved; and no person tried for such felony shall be liable to be afterwards prosecuted for larceny or embezzlement upon the same facts: Provided, further, that it shall be sufficient in any indictment for obtaining or attempting to obtain any such money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value by false pretenses to allege that the party accused did the act with intent to defraud, without alleging an intent to defraud any particular person, and without alleging any ownership of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action or other thing of value; and upon the trial of any such indictment, it shall not be necessary to prove either an intent to defraud any particular person or that the person to whom the false pretense was made was the person defrauded, but it shall be sufficient to allege and prove that the party accused made the false pretense charged with an intent to defraud. If the value of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value is one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, a violation of this section is a Class C felony. If the value of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), a violation of this section is a Class H felony.
Your in the limelight Jamie, now get to work. I'll be watching.
To "curiosity killed the cat" at 9:05pm...the letter was mailed to the PD thru the postal service you moron.
Great reporting and review of the facts. My question is: If Crone is convicted or found guilty of wrongdoing, souldn't he have to repay the town for his salery during the suspension?
Erskine Smith should repay the town for Crone's salary because it is HIS decision to keep paying Crone our hard earned dollars.
While we're at it, with a new town manager coming in, why do we even need Smith? Let's get rid of him and save $100,000 a year, or better yet, put some of that money toward the town manager position so that we can attract a high-quality manager...for a change. I'm fed up with paying top dollars to good-for-nothing yoohoos.
One good thing about paying Crone while he is "off" ....that usually will speed things along and get to the end result quicker. If he was not paid, then nobody would be in a rush.
Thank goodness for professionals like Ms. Gatton who are willing to fight for the truth no matter how difficult that may be. It is high time for the toM to get it's priorities in line and stop doing business through the "good ole boy network." Too many issues are swept under the rug. Ms. Gatton, please continue your excellent work. There are many other issues in the toM that need to be investigated. For instance, why do the taxpapers pay for all the commissioners to have blackberries? Is that really necessary? How about checking to see how much personal use is on those blackberries that we taxpayers pay the bills for? Also, why can't the toM officials have their retreats in town rather than go away and pay hotel fees, travel, etc.? All the nearby towns have their work sessions (retreats) locally without robbing the taxpayers. There is so much more in the toM day to day dealings that need to be brought to light. Ms. Gatton keep up the good work!
I would love to see a "lack of confidence" vote taken at the PD. I bet Crone does not have the support he thinks he has.
I just linked to the top link in the Gatton Report (homepage) dealing with CFK and found the joint "answers" that Erskine Smith and Crone had submitted to the Tribune to a list of questions. The evasive tone and circular logic of those "answers" leads me to believe that Erskine Smith is "paying off" Crone while he's suspended because Crone may hold some harmful information about him. Nobody would link themselves so tightly with Crone right now unless if they felt they absolutely had to.
Show me somebody who's been "taking this hard" (about Crone's leaving) and I'll show you somebody who's been dipping in the cookie jar with him. The rest of us are taking it just fine.
Yesterday there was a ridiculous letter in the Tribune written by one of Crone's family members (Jackie Rummage) blaming "the town" for going on a "hunt" of Crone.
First of all, the newspaper should have made a note telling us that this woman is related to Crone. Secondly, you're damn right we're on a "hunt". If you're a shyster and scam artist operating under the cloak of "public official", we will hunt you down. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the next day. Let that be a warning.
July 11, 2008 10:42 PM poster. You are correct on every point, except...Erskine is what we call "authority without responsibility." Erskine has over a hundred thousand dollars a year worth of "authority" in the form of his salary, yet he is not held "responsible" for anything. He was not held responsible for covering up the embezzlement at the library in 2002. He was not held responsible for the golf course scandal in 2005. He was not held responsible for his integral part in the firings of two top-notch department heads in 2006 (we are still waiting to see what that cost us), and he is now not being held responsible for continuing to pay Crone and keep him posted so that Crone does not get cross with him and start spilling the beans. Authority without responsibility. Who would turn it down?
Erskine is kind of like a meteorologist. Makes lots of money, always wrong and still gets to keep his job. Are they currently taking applications? Where do I get one?
This is a continuation of the "Count Up Vigil" of the number of days which pass from the day Cops For Kids scandal broke (7/4/08) to the day that Police Chief Crone and Interim Town Manager Erskine Smith are both suspended, terminated or resign.
The Police Chief was suspended (with pay) on Tuesday, 7/8/08. The community clearly continues to be relieved and deeply grateful to whatever forces brought that timely suspension about. However, questions are now rising with regard to Mr. Smith's decision to continue paying Mr. Crone a salary.
Interim Town Manager Erskine Smith, Mr. Crone’s supervisor, remains in his position and continues to operate still. Therefore I shall continue this Vigil until he, too, vacates any post he holds as a public official in Mooresville due to his role in this matter as well as other matters that have been brought to light.
The town board has placed Finance Director Maia Setzer in charge of oversight of the CFK process (including but not limited to any investigations) which indicates that they, too, lack confidence and trust in the Interim Town Manager. Despite this lack of confidence, Mr. Smith remains in his position, a position to which the Finance Director reports.
The information I specifically refer to is:
1) documented misrepresentations made by Mr. Smith with regard to the nonprofit corporation known as Cops For Kids
2) Mr. Smith's direct recommendation to the town board to include the nonprofit corporation known as Cops For Kids into the town's general budget
3) Mr. Smith's failure to perform due diligence in his capacity as Interim Town Manager by properly researching Cops For Kids prior to submitting his recommendation to the town board
4) Mr. Smith's involvement in a questionable commission in the amount of $237,151.50 as outlined in the Gatton Report blog entry dated 4/18/08 and titled “Friends don’t let friends gouge Mooresville taxpayers”, the contents of which have never been publicly disputed by Mr. Smith
5) Mr. Smith’s failure or refusal to change Mr. Crone’s status to “unpaid” suspension despite the surfacing of various contradictory statements made by Mr. Crone in the media since his suspension
This is Day No. 8.
Hi, 9:53
I have a job and other responsibilites that don't allow me to keep up with every detail of this investigation. It was news to me when I read Crone quoted syaing he had an anonymous letter show up on his desk. I don't remember seeing any reference to the USPS. I would appreciate it in the future if you would not refer to myself and my fellow Mooresvillians as a "moron". It is counter-productive, demeaning and just plain rude to speak to others like that. This is an open discourse and in that spirit, I was inquiring to fellow bloggers if they knew the source. Thank you for the answer although I don't appreciate the attitude with which it was given.
I saw the letter to the editor somebody else was talking about. I didn't know it was written by a family member's of the police chief, but I guess it makes sense that it was.
Here's the reality. the police chief and his family can cry all they want to about how he hasn’t been able to “explain” things. Well, I was one of the people who showed up at Town Hall for the Town Board meeting to listen to his explanations the night he was supposed to get his chance to explain, but he never showed up. He’s a citizen and he could have shown up like anybody else and talked during the public comment section and given us his side of the story. Where was he? You can’t have it both ways. You can’t not show up and then cry about how you never got a chance to explain.
I was also at the board meeting....and saw the Chief for about :10....he ducked out a side door and didn't look like he was happy to be there. Maybe he was also pissed off about the vote for an additional $12.5 million for cable.
It'd be nice to know what was said behind closed doors during the closed session. It'd be nice to know why the Chief's presentation (that he spent all weekend working on) was derailed and who decided to kill it. It'd be nice to know how they (the Board and Smith) went from removing the Chief from being in charge of CFK (and revoking his library card) at 2AM to putting him on PAID suspension at 11AM.
It'd be nice to know....
Jim,
The Mooresville Tribune published e-mails to/from/between Board members and town personnel regarding CFK. The next to last e-mail is from a commissioner asking Erskine to advise them as to the plan on dealing with the CFK situation. The last e-mail is from the Mayor to the rest of the Board saying that the Board will add personnel to closed session.
So it appears that Smith and Thunberg worked together to stop the public presentation.
I read those e-mails too. A child can see that the mayor and Smith were scurrying around trying to do some serious damage control, putting lids on everything, including people. I am sure if they could have put actual muzzles on somebody, they would have. I don't think the damage control was as much about Crone as it was about Smith's haplessness in dealing with this crisis. If they could kinda keep it quiet at the town board meeting, then they could, just maybe, make everybody forget that it was Smith who had nearly caused disaster for the town by swallowing up Crone's CFK into the town's budget. To the outside eye, it looks like Smith and Crone thought they could mix CFK into the big pot of town money and nobody would be any the wiser. That is, until the Gatton Report showed up on the chief's doorstep and rained on that little parade.
Hi Libby
I was just trying to get your common sense to kick in with my post at 9:53. Obviously you didn't even consider that the letter was mailed to the police department, but you try to raise eyebrows about office security when a dose of common sense would have answered the question had you simply used some of it. I guess you expected us to believe the letter fairy came swooping into Crone's office along with the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny on their way thru Mooresville. Oh, but the USPS would have been too easy and less controversal. Stick to the facts and stop trying to stir up more crap. IF he's guilty, than so be it. But it doesn't have anything to do with how a letter was delivered or your lack of common sense.
I love watching Libby and Anonymous go back & forth, the pot calling the kettle black. Have either of you thought of this: Perhaps the Mystery Letter never even existed. Remember who's telling us about it - a compulsive liar. All I have to do is click on the links Ms. Gatton has provided of Crone's very own words to know that I'm looking at a chronic liar. Something tells me 2:49 will not like my kind of "common sense". I'm bracing myself for being called a "moron", too. ooooh, quaking in my boots.
Did I read that the chief toured coca cola, when Pepsi was invented and born in New Bern NC. LOL That's rich. No I'm sorry that's under-priviledge.
Any single mothers out there working two jobs to put bread on the table want to send their kids to see the coke plant or would you rather a bag of groceries? I'm just saying......
This is why Crone should be fired, instead of given a paid vacation by his superiors. For every already-blessed child he took to New York and Washington, D.C. and such places, there was a child who could have and should have gone who may never set eyes on those places otherwise. It is truly heartbreaking when you think about it. People did not give money to Cops for Kids so that already-blessed children can have yet another fortunate experience in their already-fortunate lives.
July 13 6:25
Oh well, I've been called worse. It was funny because the news clip I saw had Crone sying"the letter just appeared on my desk" and he had that deer-in-the headlights stunned expression. I suppose anonymous didn't see that clip, but at least we're all paying attention now and I have provided some unintended comic relief! You goota love this blog, right?
I personally have a friend who is unable to take her children on any vacations this year because of economic hardships. The rest of us have to save our pennies to pay for our family vacations. But the police chief and his family get all expenses paid vacations through his so-called charity? It is absolutely preposterous that this man is still collecting a salary. I understand that the town board cannot hire or fire, and that hiring and firing is the town manager's job. We all get that. What we don't get is why they aren't firing the town manager for his refusal to fire his personal protection, the police chief?
I think it is important to note that the kids that went on these trips did absolutely nothing wrong, they are, I am sure, great kids and they have bright futures and they should be encouraged to continue that path at all costs.
But these future leaders should understand and learn a lesson from what is going on right now in this town. This may be the biggest lesson they will ever learn from Chief Crone and the cops for kids program.
Keep up the good work, I believe I speak for everyone here on this board when I say, way to be involved in your community. We need more like you.
crone says he filed taxes of some sort. where are the tax records? did you find any, jaime? if not, then where are they? or is this just another lie from crone?
Crimestoppers - Who handles that money in Mooresville, its a non profit and its generally a good one, does the chief have his hands in that till as well?
I have to say I am extremely disappointed in Chief Crone. I think I kept hoping and believing there would be a perfectly good explanation for everything that has surfaced. Watching him and listening to his comments has killed my hope. It is time for him to resign and let us move on as a community.
If all you people think there is a problem here and with the way our government has handled the CH2M
Hill mess, cable deal and taxes, please just attend the public sessions and get out and vote to let your voices be heard.
Let him resign? So he can be a cop in somewhere else. I do not think so. This man is going to prison!
NC Statute
§ 14‑100. Obtaining property by false pretenses.
(a) If any person shall knowingly and designedly by means of any kind of false pretense whatsoever, whether the false pretense is of a past or subsisting fact or of a future fulfillment or event, obtain or attempt to obtain from any person within this State any money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value with intent to cheat or defraud any person of such money, goods, property, services, chose in action or other thing of value, such person shall be guilty of a felony: Provided, that if, on the trial of anyone indicted for such crime, it shall be proved that he obtained the property in such manner as to amount to larceny or embezzlement, the jury shall have submitted to them such other felony proved; and no person tried for such felony shall be liable to be afterwards prosecuted for larceny or embezzlement upon the same facts: Provided, further, that it shall be sufficient in any indictment for obtaining or attempting to obtain any such money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value by false pretenses to allege that the party accused did the act with intent to defraud, without alleging an intent to defraud any particular person, and without alleging any ownership of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action or other thing of value; and upon the trial of any such indictment, it shall not be necessary to prove either an intent to defraud any particular person or that the person to whom the false pretense was made was the person defrauded, but it shall be sufficient to allege and prove that the party accused made the false pretense charged with an intent to defraud. If the value of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value is one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, a violation of this section is a Class C felony. If the value of the money, goods, property, services, chose in action, or other thing of value is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), a violation of this section is a Class H felony.
So...who's going to arrest Crone? Is anything being done???..seems like all is quiet...
Well any officer right now that does not go and arrest him is violating the law and their oath of office. They take an oath to treat everyone the same. I dont care if the man is a ditch digger with a dui or a police chief committing fraud.
To any officer reading this right now that has reviewed that law 14-100, you have no choice but to go to his house right now and arrest him and if you choose not to, then you should not be a police officer any longer as you have refused to do you duty. There are 59 officers in Mooresville with arrest powers (or there abouts) are you telling me that non of you have the stones to do your job. Not one of you. If you have been ordered to do nothing while felonies are committed then say who gave such an illegal order so they can be delt with as well.
If this man had moved to this town and started a charity in the name of the police and proceded to raise money out of some store front and you as an officer of the law did nothing, come on now, who are we kidding, one complaint from a business and this man would be arrested, his property and that of the charity would have been siezed and you would have crawled so far up his backside by now that he would wish he never heard of Mooresville, NC.
Someone please tell me what the town manager has to do with anything, and if he is covering up for crone, he is going to wish he had not when the feds get involved. They can share cells.
Am I mad? Yes. Just at Crone, Not even close.
My suggesting is, that you take the SWAT team, as you would with any felon you believe has a gun and raid his house right now before he destroys more evidence.
Anything short of that and none of you should have a right to issue even so much as a parking ticket.
The man used money raised for needy kids and had Christmas parties every year for the police department by his own admission. That my friends is the definition of NC GS 14-100. How many needy kids did that help.
I have zero sympathy for crone, and crone if you are reading this, go .... yourself, get a lawyer if you can scumbag, but it aint gonna help you. You are lower then any criminal I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
Mooresville-South Iredell Crimestoppers is ran with an actual board consisting mainly of people with non-police ties and one of the most honest bankers in town serves as treasurer in charge of the finances. They are a Pre-Crone operation that was set up properly.
One last thing, the DA should look into anyone that crone has given testimony against in the last ten years, I got news for you, they are coming out of jail or prison. Not only that, but because crone forced his deputies to "go along with the program" "my way or the highway" every officers testimony is suspect as well and all of their cases have the potential to be over turned. I know there are good cops and they tell the truth, but one bad apple can ruin the bunch. This will cost us tax payers millions.
How could anyone let this have happened. Erskin.
Dang you guys do a Great Job of making a group of about 20 seem like thousands.
You are however a bunch of damn hypocrites. You sit at your desk stealing from the companies you work for.
YES IT IS STEALING
You sit up on your high horses and look down on others.
How Self Righteous. Hey but you have a so called Preacher that can tell you its all okay.
What losers. Don't worry...this was my first and last visit. I heard this was a forum.
It isn't any form of the such. It is just a bunch of Bitter and Cold individuals.
2:19...we are glad that you won't be coming back.
SEE YA!!!
Hey 2:19 what do you call yourself?? I know a family member of Crone.
So let me get this straight. Of the 500+ posts within this thread of discussions, and only 20 people are involved?
And there is a problem with people voicing their belief and position regarding an issue?
And it's not acceptable to access internet at particular times of the day?
And you came to participate in the discussion but instead chose to say nothing?
If the topic is important enough to you, then say what you need to say -- whether you agree or not with the position of others.
Good Ol' Pastor Larry......still bitter about the retarded kid getting punished I see.
Now there's a mature comment.
If the punishment fits the crime, then I hope we apply the same standards to Crone and others who have absolutely no regard for the law.
i begging everyone who is interested in justice coming to mooresville to SIMPLY IGNORE all those comments directed at some other aim.
they are distracting us and, if we are not careful, we will lose this opportunity to clean up our town.
do not respond. do not engage. do not argue. do not answer. simply ignore.
So, its okay for one to get on here and be hateful but its not okay for someone else to come along and point out why that person is so hateful?
Looks like the group of twenty has gotten about 20000 views in the past week and a half. I guess for a bunch of cold and bitter individuals we are doing pretty good. Has anyone heard anything about the investigation?
I'm starting to wonder if the board has dusted off the old scandal broom. Somebody should steel it and shove it up Thunbergs ass! Well i guess it wouldn't be stealing if we give it back.
Speaking of pissed off employee's..Cronie. There area alot of us. Funny how you can install security camera's in the break room and catch your terrrible employee's "stealing a drink", and now somebody put that cmaera on you. You have been so two/faced since you been Cheif. I never trusted you. So how does that go Cronie, We're held to a higher standard, we need to be cautious of our actions. If that would have been anyone else, they would have been fired on the spot. You are so lucky, I hope they put you in the prison cell with the big guy! Thank you so much Lisa for helping Cronie put his foot in his mouth. He's deserved it along time and so omany people at this department are not willing to stand up for what is right!!! Somebody probably needs to look at Hillard too, oh he was probably having a domestic with his wife over his hair brush!!! He's scared of everything anyway.
Can answer the questionn about teh security camera's at MPD. The cheif only has the dispatchers monitor them..They do not record. Worthless huh? Kinda like the Chief!
Now you'll need to leave poor Hillard out of this mess, He is just a YES man. He just never has had the b--ls to stand up for whats RIGHT. He was not opening his mouth when he saw the things that were wrong.
Then there is Blocker who is a BIG part of the problem, yet still there! Come on Robbins get rid of him while you can!
Lets see, there has been ...
1-Lettergate-Chief using the NCDCI computers to look up peoples addresses & phone numbers. I believe that is a big NO-NO!
2-Cola-gate-chief spends $600 to put a video in the breakroom because some .50 drinks were missing(was that CFK money or the towns???)
3-Bunnygate-Chief fired Matt Burleyson for giving poor old Julie Morrow some bunnies for her kids!(she was uncomfortable but, kept the bunnies) By the way Julie I believe you hugged Matt that day too! Maybe you made him uncomfortable.
Lets hold the chief accountable for the things he does to the officers, He is clearly lying so do what he would do! FIRE HIM. He always says to them, lie and you'll be fired! All you have to do is look at the videos and see 1 lie after another.
This is a continuation of the "Count Up Vigil" of the number of days which pass from the day Cops For Kids scandal broke (7/4/08) to the day that Police Chief Crone and Interim Town Manager Erskine Smith are both suspended, terminated or resign.
The Police Chief was suspended (with pay) on Tuesday, 7/8/08. The community clearly continues to be relieved and deeply grateful to whatever forces brought that timely suspension about. However, serious questions are now mounting with regard to Mr. Smith's decision to continue paying Mr. Crone a salary.
Interim Town Manager Erskine Smith, Mr. Crone’s supervisor, remains in his position and continues to operate still. Therefore I shall continue this Vigil until he, too, vacates any post he holds as a public official in Mooresville due to his role in this matter as well as other matters that have been brought to light.
The town board has placed Finance Director Maia Setzer in charge of oversight of the CFK process (including but not limited to any investigations) which indicates that they, too, lack confidence and trust in the Interim Town Manager. Despite this lack of confidence, Mr. Smith remains in his position, a position to which the Finance Director reports.
The information I specifically refer to is:
1) documented misrepresentations made by Mr. Smith with regard to the nonprofit corporation known as Cops For Kids
2) Mr. Smith's direct recommendation to the town board to include the nonprofit corporation known as Cops For Kids into the town's general budget
3) Mr. Smith's failure to perform due diligence in his capacity as Interim Town Manager by properly researching Cops For Kids prior to submitting his recommendation to the town board
4) Mr. Smith's involvement in a questionable commission in the amount of $237,151.50 as outlined in the Gatton Report blog entry dated 4/18/08 and titled “Friends don’t let friends gouge Mooresville taxpayers”, the contents of which have never been publicly disputed by Mr. Smith
5) Mr. Smith’s failure or refusal to change Mr. Crone’s status to “unpaid” suspension despite the surfacing of various contradictory statements made by Mr. Crone in the media since his suspension
This is Day No. 10.
This is to the town of Mooresville Town council and police department.
I DARE YOU TO NOT ARREST HIM RIGHT NOW.
I dont think anyone in Mooresville has a proper appreciation of the seriousness of what is happening here with my comments on this blog in relation to NC GS 14-100 to arrest crone, and arrest him now.
I bet Jamie and the town atty. already know what I am refering too and if they dont, they should keep looking, but I would not take to long if I were you all.
Equal protection
equal protection: an overview
The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. See U.S. Const. amend. XIV. In other words, the laws of a state must treat an individual in the same manner as others in similar conditions and circumstances. A violation would occur, for example, if a state prohibited an individual from entering into an employment contract because he or she was a member of a particular race. The equal protection clause is not intended to provide "equality" among individuals or classes but only "equal application" of the laws. The result, therefore, of a law is not relevant so long as there is no discrimination in its application. By denying states the ability to discriminate, the equal protection clause of the Constitution is crucial to the protection of civil rights. See Civil Rights.
Generally, the question of whether the equal protection clause has been violated arises when a state grants a particular class of individuals the right to engage in an activity yet denies other individuals the same right. There is no clear rule for deciding when a classification is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has dictated the application of different tests depending on the type of classification and its effect on fundamental rights.
I suggest you act and act quickly.
So I already have my sign. I am still confused. WHO is Cronie? Is this person a co-worker of Crone's with that pet name from the MPD? And who is Lisa and how did she help Cronie put his/her foot in their mouth?Please don't throw anything that hurts!! I am serious about these answers. I think I must need to read another topic because I'm missing a lot, plus I'm new here- don't know half these people.
Has anyone looked back at why he resigned in Washington, NC, or most recently, Conover, NC? I think it's worth looking back. I think you may see a consistent pattern of behavior.
Hi Libby,
A "cronie" is a person that is loyal to Chief Crone. I don't believe there are many of those, mostly Capt.Crook I mean Blocker.
Lisa is married to the DARE officer that was fired for giving away stuffed (donated) animals to Julie Morrow, the principal at MIS.(Mrs.Blocker was the assis.principal) Mrs. B talked Mrs M into telling the chief and capt that Matt made her feel uncomfortable by giving her the bunnies for her children(yet she did not return them) So in turn our DARE and Community Relations officer was fired! Now the city and school system is footing the bill to train another DARE officer.
Now the chief is getting a paid vacation for obtaining money under false pretences. Where is the justice in that? He should be fired NOW.
Does this answer your questions? :)
July 15 10:19
Thanks for the primer. I am in shock that a man lost his job over stuffed animals.What kind of town am I living in?
I think at the very LEAST Crone should be placed on unpaid leave IMMEDIATELY. This could drag on for months, and did you see in the new topic where Crone is friends with the head of the SBI?How have the people of Mooresville lived under these conditions this long?I had no idea things like this went on anymore.
Oh great. The corrupt Crone inherited the corrupt Joe Knox' connections at the SBI.
I guess now we know why we never "heard back" about the golf course inventory thefts either. Another "investigation" done by the SBI, investigating one of Crone's special buddies, the golf course director Charlie Roberts, who helped him every year with his, you guessed it, Cops For Kids Golf Benefit! Wow, talk about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. It makes me sick to my stomach to know that I work hard everyday so that part of that pay can go to feeding these charlatans.
Libby please try and get the WHOLE story before you just automatically believe these looney tunes
answers for 9:32
Crone went to Little Washington and pushed his way into the police chief job. He stayed nearly 8 years. During that time his town manager moved on to Conover. When the job came open in Conover, Crone went there attempting to get close to Mooresville and his in-laws. He stayed for 8 months and Mooresville came open. He applied and was hired by Rick McLean (town manager). He left his former manager (in Conover) high and dry after only 8 months. That guy is pissed, but actually Crone left on his own. I don't have the history for him in Maryland (Ocean City I think) and Colorado. I do know he went to Colorado chasing a female.
10:26: You used the derogatory term "looney tunes" to describe the readers of Ms. Gatton's blog. Your choice of words reminded me of something I read many years ago which has since stuck with me. “Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity”.
You can take it to the bank that's the case with Erskine Smith. I would love to know what Crone is holding over his head.
Let's skin one cat at a time people. We need to start a "Mooresville's Most Wanted" list...
Crone was in Newton before Mooresville, not Conover--different towns and police departments. Not sure about the rest of the story.
You are exactly right, my mistake
it was in deed Newton (next door to Conover)
Looking...but can you be more specific about where to find it on the forum? Which category is it under? Thanks for giving us the link.
twin city forum, Crone's mentioned under the Newton News and Events page. There are about 34 posts. Sounds like the citizens of Newton had some of the same concerns we in Mooresville have.
Lets just make sure something is done about this in Mooresville.
So why isn't the principal being punished for possesion of "stolen" property? has she returned said bunnies?
BTW,I saw a certain "BIC" rolling down hwy.115 in the company of a sleek, black CROSS pen. Looks like the mystery deepens.
I think we should call in crimestoppers before they all leave.
broken record...
http://www.twincitiesforum.info/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=158
Photo of G G Allin
Copy and Paste to address bar / click enter you wont believe your eyes
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=252085703&albumID=482011&imageID=3894970#a=482011&i=3894979
Last one just in case you see him around town
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=252085703&albumID=702063&imageID=4740044
I know what your thinking Sparky, I'll just take the pictures and info down but it is to late, already made copies of your site and have put them in an email with all the BS you are saying to send to all your closest friends and faculty on campus, (well, truth be told, everyone one campus I am sure I will hit a professor o or two of yours) and pulled email address to a database to make it a one click shot or would you like to say something else to me.
Are we done?
Feel free to state your opinions but anything else and I will exercise my right to free speech with your own words.
That feeling you are getting right now in the pit of your stomach should tell you that you are on the wrong side of this thing.
When John Crone took one of the "trips" he carried big wads of cash. He did not want to leave a trail of receipts. Now he can claim poor record keeping.
If you think he is the only one lining his pockets think again - and look. This cable company is a good place to make money disappear. These boys are on the gravy train.
A "big was of cash", huh? Go to Gatton's latest story about Spanking Commissioner Radar and you'll see right there in black & white how Crone took three grand out in cash for "trip expenses". The rest of us would already be warming a seat at county jail, but this guy? He gets the town manager, the mayor and a commissioner to go around as his personal defense team.
Give all this crap a rest. "It is what it is". Whatever each of you say on this site will not mean a damn thing, or help in clearing the whole CFK mess up. If you don't have faith in the outside agencies investigating it, then the fact is you most likely do not have faith in anything. If this is true, you will not be satisfied with any resolution, whatever it may be.
I was really struck by something the previous commenter wrote. He/She wrote this:
"If you don't have faith in the outside agencies investigating it, then the fact is you most likely do not have faith in anything."
That's a pretty strong statement. I may be the exception to this person's "rule". I do have faith in a great many things. I have faith in God. I have faith in love. I have faith in the people in my life whom I trust. But I do not have faith in any "outside agency" that comes into Mooresville to "investigate" anyone in a position of perceived power. I have seen too many coverups. I have witnessed too much injustice and unfairness.
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