Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Police Chief Suspended

The Report has just learned that Police Chief John Crone has been suspended. More details as they become available ...

263 comments:

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Anonymous said...

In reviewing communications to and from a parent of a HS student regarding a situation involving her son, I though this e-mail might show some of the reasons that people don't trust the chief:

*******
Sent: 5/1/08
To: thompson@ci.mooresville.nc.us


Captain Thompson,

Thank you for your phone call yesterday April 30th. It appears that the phone call had the dual purpose of updating me on the investigation of the incident we reported to police as well as an informational piece regarding a message you were asked to relay to me by Chief Crone.

The message, as I understood you, was that Chief Crone asked you to inform me that (child) needs to stop making derogatory comments about him (Crone) to his daughter, his family, and to the boyfriend of one of his relatives. Specifically, you indicated that (child) had approached one or more individuals of the Crone clan and that (child) has been harassing members of the Crone clan. I take those allegations very seriously given the abuse of power exhibited by Mr. Crone regarding my son’s involuntary commitment in June 2006 due to the rumors that he was going to blow up the high school. I find it interesting that the Chief would insist on an involuntary commitment for my son, whose supposed threats were not fully investigated, and yet now takes the stance that others who make similar comments do not warrant the same punishment. This duplicity of the application of the law smacks of arrogance and abuse.

I was so incensed by your message that I immediately contacted the school to talk with my son and his 1-on-1 assistant. Both confirm the allegations made by the Chief are non-factual. In fact, the 1-on-1 assistant specifically denies having been approached by ANY student or adult regarding supposed comments (child) has made about Chief Crone.

I am convinced that this systemic harassment and abuse of power are intrinsically linked and tied to my allegations of wrongdoing on the part of the Chief, and that the Chief is attempting to harass yet another person involved with the advocacy of my son. Last week, Rev. Green, disseminated e-mails to both the school and the department regarding this incident in order to preempt any attempt by Chief Crone or the school district to attempt to insinuate that (child) was involved. Chief Crone was copied on the e-mail to the school system which reminded the school system that they were not to question (child) regarding any disciplinary matters without the presence of his parents or one of his advocates. Chief Crone’s response to Rev. Green was to stay out of the situation because, in his opinion, there was a borderline case of interfering with the duties of a police officer and/or obstruction of justice.

I am so concerned about Chief Crone’s conduct that I will be contacting the local media, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the elected officials representing Mooresville in order to cause Chief Crone to cease and desist this pattern of harassment and abuse of power.

If the Chief has specific dates regarding his allegations of harassment by (child), we certainly would appreciate knowing that information because we do not allow or condone such behavior. And we would expect the same from the law enforcement community.

Sincerely,
parents

*******

And we wonder why there are some who believe that Chief Crone is not to be trusted? He should do the honorable thing and resign so that we can move on with our communal life and begin to address the issues and begin a healing process.

I have other e-mails which show Crone's disdain for this particular family, for anyone who dares to question his authority, and for anyone who disagrees with him and his poor choices.

Anonymous said...

The child to whom you are referring is constantly harassing girls and anyone with whom they are related. He knows what he is doing and he enjoys scaring the girls that walk around the HS.

Anonymous said...

Hey Rev.
I have a daughter that was in high school when this incident occurred and she was absolutely terrified because of what this kid was saying and how he was acting. She and several of her friends did not want to go back to school until something was done with him. So you can say what you want I know first hand the impact he was having on other students and how they were affected. I don't know if committing him was wrong or right but I do know something had to be done and I didn't see or hear of you offering to help only to criticise when something was done.

Anonymous said...

Did the MPD Explorers and the Mayor's Youth Council go on the trip to Las Vegas this week? It would interesting to know, if they went, if Crone went also. Did they take his gun, badge and car when they suspended him? That is what typically happens to suspended officers. The town suspending Crone is just a way to get him out of the spotlight. This is just a vacation for Crone since he is still being paid. Just like the Sgt that was sexually harrassing females at the PD. He received a suspension with pay also. Must be nice...

Anonymous said...

larry, larry, larry,,please get a life or stay on your website where you have already posted these same old stories about this poor abused boy. truth is you weren't living here when all the threats to blow up the high school was going on by this young man and you didn't have any family attending that school. suppose you send your kids(if any) to school with that situation going on and see if you still feel the same way. i had friends whose kids didn't want to go because they personally heard his threats and so forth. if anything the school and crone was slow to act, probably hoping his parents would take some action. crone and the school was right about this, because there were no more threats after they stepped in.

we don't need any more examples from you about crone, the cfk investigation speaks for itself and revealed what we need to know. stay on subject here or go away and stop talking about your crusades. you are the real abuser of that boy and his family, exploiting them to gain attention for yourself.

Anonymous said...

The more Crone has run his mouth on TV the more I cannot believe he is still on PAID suspension. If he is not LYING then I don't know what lies are. One day he says this, the next he says that. His bosses see this and yet they keep paying him? Anybody else would have been FIRED the day the articles came out. Talk about double standards! I want to know exactly who is keeping this man on the payroll and who is able to fire him but is not. And I want to know WHY.

Anonymous said...

According to the town board, the only one who can fire the chief is Erskine Smith, the interim town manager.

Anonymous said...

What's he waitin' for?!

Anonymous said...

LOL, you're asking the wrong person! My personal opinion is that Mr. Smith has enough information to terminate simply based on the job description and the chief's failure to live up to the requirements within that job description. I also think Mr. Smith has enough grounds based on the inconsistencies in accounting records, the lack of oversight, and the discrepancies between various statements made by chief Crone regarding the entire process of incorporation and the 501(c)(3) process.

However, I'm sure Mr. Smith has his reasons for not terminating the chief and for his decision to suspend with pay. There's probably some very logical rationale that the rest of us are just missing and cannot possible comprehend because we don't have the ability to understand such things.

Anonymous said...

Getting rid of Crone but leaving Smith is like cutting out a small part of a malignant tumor, stitching it up and sending the patient home and waiting until they come back with their whole body eaten up with it.

Anonymous said...

well so far we have l. green, kay and harold salisbury weighing in with commentary. The gangs almost all here. Wonder when we can expect to hear from mark markofski or good 'ol bob denny? what a crock!

Anonymous said...

why isn't anyone questioning how town attorney steve gambill hasn't
seen to it that this was a legitimate 501c3? Isn't that what he's paid to do? safeguard the interests of the town????

Anonymous said...

Ms. Gatton, I am pretty sure I know what you had to delete (the July 11, 12:44 comment). If it is what I think it is, it is a nice little warning to Frank Owens and his friend to get off this blog and stop drawing attention to him before he finds himself in some serious hot water needlessly. He doesn’t have a dog in this fight, and he would be smart to let "sleeping dogs lie."

Anonymous said...

6.27..I would appreciate if you would you would use your own name when leaving comments on here.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This is to the "Real" Teryl. Teryl, you are simply seeing firsthand some of the tactics employed by the handful of people who have had or know people who have had a stranglehold on this community for countless years. Either they are feeding off of the trough or they are getting bones thrown to them from the trough. They will stop at nothing to hang on to what does not belong to them. They will go as far as to overlook the rule of law, or use it selectively in order to gain an advantage. This has not been an easy fight, and it will not get any easier. But there are those of us who are in it for the long run and nothing is going to deter us. Have faith and thank you for your courage to give your name. We definitely know YOU are not one of "them".

Anonymous said...

No crusade here - simply pointing out other examples of Crone's inability to adequately perform his duties.

Now, if you read the e-mail inserted into my previous post you will see that the chief was specifically asked to provide pertinent facts related to his allegations. Oddly, he was not able to do so.

As to not being here when this incident took place, you're correct. But if you think this community is the only community to have experienced such events, you're sadly mistaken. Similar "threats" were made this year, but the rumor mill was squelched before it could begin.

By the way, if you'd care to review the documents which are supposed to show that an investigation was done I'd sure enjoy the opportunity to have you explain all the discrepancies. I'm sure you have ample time during the vacation.

Anonymous said...

Erskine should hire Frank Owens on a 90 day contract to straighten out the police department. It ran smooth when he was Captain. Frank Owens is honest, has the experience and has more brains then most who post on this blog.

Anonymous said...

I repeat:

Ms. Gatton, I am pretty sure I know what you had to delete (the July 11, 12:44 comment). If it is what I think it is, it is a nice little warning to Frank Owens and his friend to get off this blog and stop drawing attention to him before he finds himself in some serious hot water needlessly. He doesn’t have a dog in this fight, and he would be smart to let "sleeping dogs lie."

Anonymous said...

Jaimie,
July 11 12:44 is absolutely true. I HEARD Danny and Gradt talking on several occasions. Grady is dead and cannot defend himself, but I would be willing to give sworn affadavit about the content of conversation.It is true,not rumor.
I have no connection, to Frank Owens .I was just at the wrong plce at the wrong time to overhear illegal practices.

Anonymous said...

There will always be people who have beefs with the way police investigations are handled or the way people are treated by the police, whether it be by Crone or other officers. However, those beefs are not germane to the subject matter here: whether or not it was appropriate for the police chief to transfer property of citizens from the evidence room into his personal charity and whether or not it was appropriate for the chief to withdraw large amounts of cash from this charity. If someone wants to discuss other perceived abuses by the police, those folks should provide the facts to Ms. Gatton or other media and let them investigate it. Otherwise, let's focus on the issue at hand.

Anonymous said...

still don't believe me huh?I see you removed it again. what connection do you have to beaver or are you just threatened by his son?

Anonymous said...

Teryl- that would be Teryl Massoglia from Boston.Mass.
Do you people think th internet only works in Mooresville or what?
Geez , wake up to the 21st century already.

Anonymous said...

I think the comment was deleted because of the one sentence about the town employee. Leave that out and repost it.

Anonymous said...

Teryl M from Boston, MA.....has confused the hell out of me? Is s/he calling the southerners dumb? Or does s/he think there is only one person on the world named "Teryl"?

Back on subject....When are we going to stop paying Crone and fire him? When does Erskine go? Which council members have asked for both Crone & Smith's resignation?

Anonymous said...

I just read the comment posted earlier today @ 12:16 AM. Are you kidding me?

You wrote this - "what connection do you have to beaver or are you just threatened by his son?"

You must not be paying any attention if you think Gatton has any "connection" with former Commissioner Danny Beaver. AND you must be totally out of touch if you think anybody "intimidates" that woman. She BROKE the story that got the POLICE CHIEF suspended, for Christ's sake. Good grief!

Anonymous said...

Glad Frank Owens … didn't make it any longer or higher up in the police department....Frank Owens was delivering gambling numbers to Kannapolis in a police car once a week and was just about to be investigated for illegal gambling in 2001, but the feds were busy with a terrorist attack and couldn't afford to investigate Owens and his group... Neither Owens or … would have been a very good chief in Mooresville. By the way, Blocker was part of the "Owens Group" during the impending investigation and was also on the chopping block, but the feds were called off. Now Blocker thinks he can campaign in the next Iredell County sheriffs election, he'll be asking for your vote real soon.

Anonymous said...

Dan Blocker wont get my vote.. he is more crooked than Crone.

Anonymous said...

I believe Dan Blocker was Hoss on Bonanza, he died many years ago.

Anonymous said...

It's Phil Blocker guys, & yes he wants to be the next sheriff. LOL what a hoot. He is as crooked as them come. He knows all about the chief, and the money trail,maybe he will step up and tell all but I don't think he will. He needed to be suspended when he messed up the Witherspoon case! It all started with him!

Anonymous said...

Here is the voter registration of Philip Blocker which is public information on the board of election website. To run for Sheriff you would have to be registered as a Republican or Democrat or a write-in.

Currently he is registered as unaffialiated. Changing registration prior to running does not set well with county Republicans or Democrats. He would receive little organizational support from either parties should he run for Sheriff in Iredell County.


Name: PHILIP G BLOCKER
Street Address: 2362 CHARLOTTE HWY
City: MOORESVILLE
Zip Code: 28117
County: IREDELL
Gender: Male
Race: White
Ethnicity: Not Hispanic or Not Latino
Voter Reg. Number: 000000705780
Party: UNAFFILIATED
Precinct: CODDLE CREEK #2

Anonymous said...

I am surprised to hear that about Captain Owens in the Police Car in 2001. Question where did he get the police car? Did he steal it?

I have checked with the city and he retired in 1996. 13 years ago and 5 years before 2001.

Some people just don't know what they are talking about.

Larry

Anonymous said...

How did we get to all this? Autistic kids,crazy preachers,yankees and southerners, past officers.
Get back on the subject at hand any of the above and other things have nothing to do with the CFK's lets get back on track

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

Well, the name calling is an attempt to divide and conquer those who don't abide by the expected behaviors or possess a prescribed viewpoint.

Other issues are indeed pertinent because they point out a much deeper problem than just CFK. CFK is important and is the proverbial straw. However, it's exceedingly more difficult to sweep several issues under the rug than it is to sweep just one.

Just my point of view.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone else noticed the communications supposedly written by a parent posted by Larry Green on July 11 looks similar to his postings here? It appears, in fact, in my opion, that the actual writer of the e-mail, or whatever, is Larry Green. It's possible, however, that a parent could have composed such a letter and sent a copy to Larry's computer for future use. If his parent(s) are capable of writing such a letter (whether it is accurate or not), then why do they need you, Mr. Green? Not arguing the situation detailed in the correspondance, but would like Larry to answer if he, indeed, was the author?

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

The e-mail I copied and pasted was an actual e-mail composed and sent to the chief of police by the parents of the victim. The parents have a wide variety of individuals and groups who have been assisting them, and those individuals, including myself, frequently are copied on e-mails sent by the parents.

As to why? Because they learned the hard way that obtaining justice and equality requires the assistance of other.

The point of including the e-mail was to show yet another way in which the chief behaved improperly and could not base his statements on any factual evidence.

I am more than happy to discuss this, or any other issue, with anyone. My door is always open and my contact information is very public. Feel free to contact me if you'd like.

Anonymous said...

Larry, the post in question on July 11 was sent to Captain Thompson. You didn't previously mention one sent to the chief, so the question remains did you compose the email to Thompson?

Anonymous said...

Hey July 14, 1:06pm...Never said Frank Owens was running the numbers to Kannapolis in 2001. Simply said he was running the numbers to Kannapolis when he was a cop and the investigation finally came to head in 2001. The federal subpoenas were handed down at the end of August 2001 and then 9/11 happened. The feds had to focus their attention on the terroist attacks. Frank Owens has been involved in illegal gambling since the mid 1970's, just ask Bill Bolmer. The gamblers would use Bill Bolmer's store, the Greenfield market, to do their gambling or the "old red shed" out behind the store. Mooresville police raided Pike's gas station in 2001 and turned everything over to the feds. The feds had over 30 years of gambling by the group and were ready for some indictments until 9/11. Mooresville police were given search warrants by a judge for the raid...all that's public record. And to think YOU want Frank Owens back on the police force, hell I hope he never gets elected again or we'll be in for some really big problems

Anonymous said...

FORGET ABOUT FRANK OWENS!!!!!!HE'S HISTORY.
STAY ON WHATS AT HAND JOHN CRONE.

Anonymous said...

Come on what have you against Frank Owens? Tell me where the public record is of all this. Its a lie and you know it. Frank Owens is honest as the day is long. He is very community oriented and volunteers alot of his time since retirement to helping others. He has not harmed anyone. Tell us where the public record is that backs up your story--or better worded "put up or shut up!"

Anonymous said...

It looks like you are not going to take the gentle warning that was given to you much earlier in these posts Frank. That's too bad.

Anonymous said...

You guys leave Frank Owens alone. What harm is Frank Owens doing to you? He is retired and minding his own business. This blog proves there are people who have more time on their hands then they know what to do with.

"Idle hands are The Devil's workshop." You should get a job or life and quit picking on Frank Owens.

Anonymous said...

With friends like you, who needs enemies? Nobody was "picking on" Frank until he (or you) got greedy and started daydreaming about getting him back into the police department so that he, too, can start running HIS scams again. Go kick yourselves in the behind.

Anonymous said...

july 10 12:10
Larry, is that you doubling as anonymous? Don't you know to change the language some?Geez.
All that dribble.
WHO in their right MIND would want to come to Fieldstone Presbyterian after reading all this mess you wrote??Not I.
Don't you remeber how Jesus threw the money changers otu of the tabernacle-and PLEASE- spare me your diatribe of an explanation, I own several versions and I am able to read. I have several concordances and I don't want your interpretation.

Anonymous said...

July 15- 11:56 am
so what're ya gonna do badass? Leave a horsehead in my bed? you'd probably pee your pants if your REAL identity came out.
Seems like ol' Frankie the mob boss has you by the marbles,huh?All he was ever good for was eating after the meetings and griping about the "stupid bumpouts".He didn't give a crap about the voters, just wanted to keep riding the gravy train. By the way, no statute of limitations on felonies.That's too bad...

Anonymous said...

South, you and 11:56 are on the same team, methinks. 11:56 was giving a warning to Frankie to stay off these boards.

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

Shattered, shattered, shattered ...

For someone who claims to know me as well as you do, I'm shocked that you think I would need to hide behind an anonymous post. I would never do such a thing, because I have nothing to hide and feel quite comfortable making the statements I make and sharing my opinions. No need for me to hide.

I'm happy for you that you have concordances. I'm very proud of you! Maybe you do take Scripture seriously enough to stand up and fight evil after all.

Let's see what your concordance has to say about lies, theft, arrogance, abuse of power, and the multitude of other terms which can be easily applied to this particular situation.

We've been havin such a great conversatin on this blog lately, that it saddens me that you would again try to divert our attention to your own personal issues.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Anonymous said...

It has become obvious to me that the people who speak of the autistic boy know none of the real facts and believe every rumor they hear. The boy never made any threats, he merely had an interest in military weapons. If someone who studies military weapons is going to shoot everybody then people who like baseball are going to beat people with bats. Care to make any more statements like that? The young boy is harmless and has proven most friendly. As far as harassing girls he merely lacks social skills but if you knew anything about autism you would know that by now.

Anonymous said...

My minister spends his time ministering to the sick, the poor, the homeless. He implores all to give their time and energy to help others. He doesn't have time to be a 'lead' blogger and critic and we are so thankful for the example he sets.

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

congratulations

Anonymous said...

Larry, Just trying to get you to GIVE UP about the kid.Give it a REST!He is guilty. He knew what he was doing. To quote you, let's keep with the matter at hand.
You're an intelligent guy, why don't you run for school board next time there's an open seat?Think about it, seriously do.

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

I guess you're referring to the post on 7/19. If you look at that post, it is posted anonymously. I don't post anonymously -- in case you haven't figured that out.

Louis R. said...

Great Blog site Jaime

Louis R. said...

I feel that some people on this Blog feel that the men and women that we elect don't have to answer for the chose's they make and ether he didn't what was going on with the money and needs to be fired for not doing his job or he did knows and needs to be put in jail

Anonymous said...

"Larry, Just trying to get you to GIVE UP about the kid.Give it a REST!He is guilty. He knew what he was doing"
I would like to see your "evidence". I am sure it will be something to the effect of "my kid heard him say it". The truth is that kids started a rumor that the autistic kid was going to blow up the school. The kid himself never made and threats or comments. He was the victim of a rumor.

Fieldstone Presbyterian Church said...

And before you say it ... NO, that was not me posting the previous comment. I know who wrote it, and I agree with it, but I dd not wrie it.

Anonymous said...

This is for the rank and file of the Mooresville Police Department:

I have known Carl Robbins for many years, and feel that he would make a very good chief for MPD. Do the officers support him or would they rather bring in someone from outside.

Anonymous said...

Without a doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!Major Robbins can and will get the police department straighten out if the people will give him time. It will be something that will take time to weed out the bad and regain public trust. BUT HE IS THE MAN!!!

Anonymous said...

If he's (Carl Robbin) really the man, he'll go through the town procedures, town charter and every other document town-related to find out just how many rules/statutes/sections Frank Rader broke when he raided his police department and started campaigning/lobbying/cheerleading for the suspended Chief of Police. then he'll go over to whoever he needs to go to (SBI, town attorney, town board) and file official complaints against Rader. Then we'll see if Carl Robbins is really "the man" for this job. Otherwise, we're in for more of the same. Just read the latest report on this blog to see just how criminal the suspended police chief really is. Then you'll see just how outrageous and frightening it is that a commissioner is throwing his weight around for him.

Anonymous said...

After being exposed, obviously by someone at the police department, I don't think Rader will go back campaigning again, whether its against some town policy or not. Some of his fellow commissioners have comdemned his actions and should follow up with the town attorney regarding their procedures. Major Robbins probably has enough on his plate for awhile without dealing with this issue.

Anonymous said...

I have read with amusement these posts. They are made up of statements from malcontent cops who will never advance, regardless of what department they are with, and misinformed citizens that really don't know anything about law enforcement. Let the investigation run its course and then make judgment, if that is what you need to do.

Anonymous said...

We're happy for you 1:12 a.m. that you're "amused" at this situation. For some people it is "amusing" that for years the police chief collected charity dollars meant for underprivileged children and the elderly, and then used that money for all-expenses paid vacations and banquets for himself and his family and his buddies. For the rest of us, it is downright disturbing.

Anonymous said...

On June 28th, A woman in Oak Blossom Way, Whitsett, held a charity event (“Community Awareness Day”). It turned out the organization she was representing doesn't exist as a nonprofit in North Carolina. Officers involved made comments such as she “conned 100 or more people into participating by giving money or services” and "We were excited about the cause and helping out with the foundation until we found out it was a hoax," and that “she didn't keep her story about the foundation straight.”
One person commented “I felt like her heart was in the right place, but you know, a lot of people come in with their heart in the right place and don't have the expertise or management skills to back it up."
Whether her heart was in the right place or not, on July 18th, only 20 days after this charity event, this woman was charged with “obtaining property under false pretenses” and was promptly arrested.
I made some calls to see exactly why our chief of police is still walking around while this woman is sitting in jail. Turns out that in her case the D.A. made the move to charge her, while in our case, our D.A. has not yet done so. This is a disgrace and an outrageous example of how inequitably justice is dispensed by those who are charged with being fair and impartial.

Who’s our D.A.? Garry Frank

What’s his e-mail? cdagwf@nccourts.org

Send him this link about this woman and demand to know why Crone isn’t sitting in jail right now.

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/gillespie_16004___article.html/told_event.html

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