Are the rules the same for all employees of Iredell County Sheriff Phil Redmond?
It is becoming increasingly clear that the answer to that question is no.
Deputy Ben Jenkins, as of this week, is still actively employed by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, despite being sued on March 21 by a Kannapolis woman for sexual harassment and stalking.
Suzanne Wick, who had turned to the sheriff's office for help and protection against a physically abusive husband, states in her lawsuit that Jenkins – a detective in the sheriff's Domestic Violence Unit at that time – sexually harassed her, stalked her and threatened to drop charges against her abusive husband if she did not respond to Jenkins' sexual advances. Read the entire story here.
But in 2010, the sheriff fired and charged one of his own deputies the very night the deputy's girlfriend accused him of abusing her while he was off-duty at home. The deputy, Dennis Huffstickler, was later cleared by the courts of any wrongdoing.
Huffstickler said the top brass at the sheriff's office indicated he was being fired because the incident took place during an election year, in 2010. Not only did Huffstickler lose his job, he spent 48 hours in an isolation jail cell in another county. He also lost his law enforcement certification when the sheriff decided not to hold it for him – even after he was found not-guilty – which means he cannot practice law enforcement until he completes Basic Law Enforcement Training again.
Huffstickler said he would find out, by the time the 2010 election was over, just how political his firing really was.
It was Jan. 16, 2010 – just a few months shy of the primary to elect the Republican candidate for Iredell County's sheriff. Phil Redmond was running for his fourth term.
In a handwritten statement provided to the Report, Huffstickler said he and his girlfriend were arguing at his home, and he was trying to remove their son from the volatile situation. “She had been drinking,” Huffstickler recalled. “We were going to go away until she was sober.”
But when he took their son to the car, Huffstickler said his girlfriend hit him on the head with a video camera, took their son out of his car seat and locked herself in the bathroom at Huffstickler's home. He said at that point, his girlfriend called 911 and started kicking the door to make noise. “I heard her tell the operator she needed help,” Huffstickler said. “She told them I was trying to kill her and her baby.”
After an argument earlier that month, Huffstickler said he approached a lieutenant at the sheriff's office and confided in him about the situation: “I wanted to have (my girlfriend) removed from my home without getting law enforcement involved,” Huffstickler said. “I did not want to do anything to embarrass the sheriff's office.”
Huffstickler called that lieutenant while his girlfriend was on the phone with 911. “He told me to go outside and wait for the sheriff's office,” Huffstickler recalled. “I went outside and waited. I never put a hand on her.”
Huffstickler said that Deputy Gene Hayes, Lt. Mike Bova and Sgt. Atley Brown arrived at his home. “There may have been others,” he said. “Bova told my mother that nobody was going to be arrested that night.”
Huffstickler said Bova told him that “all of us were going to the sheriff's office and we were going to talk with Chief (Rick) Dowdle and Capt. Harold Miller.”
He said neither he nor his girlfriend were handcuffed while they were transported to the sheriff's office in separate cars. Huffstickler said he rode in the front passenger's seat of Sgt. Brown's vehicle.
“When we got to the sheriff's office, we were placed in interview rooms alone,” Huffstickler recalled. He said he completed a statement and gave it to Hayes.
Huffstickler said that about 45 minutes later, Deputy Hayes informed him that his girlfriend had been charged after blowing a .16 on an intoxilyzer test.
“Gene Hayes walked me over to Capt. Miller's office,” Huffstickler recalled. “When I walked in the room, Capt. Miller said, 'I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Your services are no longer needed at the sheriff's office.” Huffstickler said at least two other sheriff's office employees were present in the room.
Huffstickler said he asked Miller if he was interested in his side of the story. “Capt. Miller said, 'I will put it to you like this: it is an election year,'” Huffstickler recalled.
Miller retired from the sheriff's office just two weeks ago.
After Miller told Huffstickler he was fired, he also informed him that he was being charged. “Capt. Miller told me I was being escorted to Davie County Correction Center and that I was being charged with assault on a female,” Huffstickler said.
“I thanked Capt. Miller for the opportunity to work there. I kept thinking to myself that they would find out the truth. I thought I would be back at work when they did.
“I went to Davie County and was placed in an isolation cell,” Huffstickler said. “I was there 48 hours.”
He said Iredell County Lt. Guy Jenkins picked him up from Davie County and transported him back to the magistrate's office in Statesville.
Huffstickler later obtained a protective order against his girlfriend.
“I called the sheriff's office numerous times,” he said. During one of those calls, he said he told Capt. Darren Campbell to interview his girlfriend and that she would confess that Huffstickler did not assault her.
“Nobody ever did anything,” Huffstickler said.
Still, the State Bureau of Investigation was called in: “I was contacted by an agent named Renee,” Huffstickler said. “She asked if I would agree to an interview. I told her yes. Renee and another agent met me at my house, and I completed a one-hour interview with them.
“Several months later, my case went to court in front of Judge Debra Brown,” Huffstickler recalled. “The court found me to be not guilty.”
Feeling that he had been betrayed by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, Huffstickler said he had no interest in working for Redmond again. However, he hoped the sheriff would agree to hold his certification so he could find a job in law enforcement somewhere else.
For law-enforcement officers to be hired, their certification must be held by an approved agency. If within one year the officers do not find an agency willing to hold their certifications, they have to start over with Basic Law Enforcement Training if they decide to enter the law-enforcement profession again.
Shortly after Huffstickler was cleared by the court, the former deputy ran into the sheriff at a grocery store. “He was at Food Lion on Wilkesboro Highway,” Huffstickler recalled. “I asked the sheriff if he would be willing to hold my certification since I was found not guilty.
“He said yes and told me to contact Capt. Marty Byers.” Byers, at that time, supervised personnel at the sheriff's office.
By this time, Redmond had won the county's Republican primary and was facing a Democratic challenger in the November 2010 general election.
Huffstickler said before he was able to reach Byers – and a couple days after the grocery-store encounter with Redmond – Capt. Darren Campbell and Lt. Andy Poteat visited him at his home. “It was about 4 or 5 p.m.; they were riding in a pick-up truck,” Huffstickler recalled. “Darren told me the sheriff had said what a good officer I was and how much they needed me. Darren asked me when I wanted to come back to work.
“I told him I could not work for a man that treated me the way (Redmond) did,” Huffstickler recalled.
“Darren said there was nothing they could have done because the SBI had gotten involved.”
Huffstickler said he reiterated to Campbell that he had no interest in returning to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office. “I said I only wanted my certification held,” he recalled.
Huffstickler could not have anticipated what came next: “Darren asked if I wanted a 'Re-elect Phil Redmond' sign in my yard,” Huffstickler recalled. “He had a sign in his truck.”
Huffstickler declined: “I told him to hang on to the sign.”
It appears that decision sealed Huffstickler's fate: “When I finally spoke with Marty Byers, he told me Sheriff Redmond had told him he did not intend to hold my certification.”
Soon thereafter, a comment appeared in The Gatton Report, detailing Huffstickler's visit from Campbell and Poteat. “I was still wanting my certification held because it was about to run out, so I called Darren Campbell,” Huffstickler recalled in his statement provided to the Report. “Darren said he did not want to talk to me. He accused me of talking to Jaime Gatton. He asked me who I had talked to and told about the visit he made.
“I told him I had confided in a friend,” Huffstickler said. “He asked who it was, but I would not tell him.
“Darren said if I scratched his back, he would scratch mine. He said he would talk to the sheriff and told me to think about it,” Huffsticker said. “I never heard anything from him.
“My certification ran out on Jan. 16, 2011.”
Huffstickler said while the sheriff's office fought his unemployment-benefits claim, the Employment Security Commission sided with the fired deputy and awarded him unemployment benefits.
Campbell has not responded to a Report e-mail this week, asking to clarify his back-scratching statement and if his visit to Huffstickler's home with Redmond's campaign sign was a “quid pro quo.”
Redmond also did not respond to a Report e-mail, asking if he decided not to hold Huffstickler's certification as a result of Huffstickler refusing to support the sheriff's reelection bid by placing a campaign sign in his yard. The Report also asked the sheriff how he justifies retaining some accused employees but firing others. He did not respond.
The stories of Huffstickler and Jenkins are parallel in some ways and vastly different in others. Let's review:
Huffstickler was off-duty when his girlfriend accused him of assaulting her. Jenkins is being sued for sexually harassing a woman in his capacity as a detective with the Iredell County Sheriff's Office's Domestic Violence Unit.
The SBI was called in to investigate Huffstickler. To date, it appears no one has asked the SBI to investigate the potentially criminal allegations made in the lawsuit against Jenkins.
Huffstickler was cleared of wrongdoing by the courts after his girlfriend admitted she had made up the allegations against him. The jury is still out on Jenkins. Wick's attorney, Joshua Van Kampen of Charlotte, filed the lawsuit against Jenkins and Sheriff Phil Redmond – stating Redmond neglected to act on Wick's complaints of sexual harassment – on March 21. The sheriff's office has 30 days from the date of that filing to respond.
Huffstickler's incident took place during an election year. Jenkins was sued while Redmond still has two years left in his term.
Huffstickler lost his job immediately. The sheriff's office charged him with assault and took him to a Davie County jail cell where he was locked up for 48 hours in isolation. The sheriff also refused to hold Huffstickler's certification, even after the former deputy was proven innocent of the charges against him.
Jenkins, on the other hand, is still actively employed at the sheriff's office, and “nothing has been received in HR advising us he has been suspended,” Iredell County Human Resources Director Sandra Gregory said this week, responding to Report questions.
According to his public personnel information, Jenkins was demoted from detective to jailer shortly after Wick says she complained to the sheriff's office about Jenkins' misconduct in 2009. Interestingly, however, just eight days after Redmond secured his November 2010 re-election, he began promoting Jenkins, from jailer to deputy sheriff, then one year later, from deputy to detective. But after just two weeks back as a detective in November 2011, Jenkins was demoted once again to deputy sheriff.
According to his public personnel information, Jenkins was demoted from detective to jailer shortly after Wick says she complained to the sheriff's office about Jenkins' misconduct in 2009. Interestingly, however, just eight days after Redmond secured his November 2010 re-election, he began promoting Jenkins, from jailer to deputy sheriff, then one year later, from deputy to detective. But after just two weeks back as a detective in November 2011, Jenkins was demoted once again to deputy sheriff.
So, what gives? Why are the “rules” bent for some and strictly enforced on others? And what exactly are the rules? Are the sheriff's standards determined by election cycles?
Why was Huffstickler fired because of an accusation but Jenkins remains actively employed? Why is another deputy, Tommy Adams, still employed by the sheriff's office – albeit on unpaid leave – following a grand-jury indictment of obstruction of justice in December 2010?
Why did the sheriff's office leave Huffstickler locked up in a jail cell for 48 hours but continued to pay Adams' public cell phone for four months after he was indicted and then suspended from the sheriff's office?
And perhaps most important: What kind of environment does Sheriff Phil Redmond's selective leniency create for the other deputies currently working for him? What kind of message does this send to them?
Posts
102 comments:
Lets not forget Huffstickler's charge was a misdemeanor and Adams was a Felony.
Also, Adams for whatever reason was charged by an outside agency.
Seems like Tommy must have been really good to the Sheriff. I wonder what he could have possibly done to make the Sheriff like him so much?
I think I will think about this over a burger.....
I was trying to figure out why Campbell was so upset about people finding out he tried to give Huffstickler a sign. Then I realized Huffstickler knocked him off that fence he had been walking, and he was seen landing on the Redmond side. Poor Darren. prehaps someone will buy you some balls for Christmas....
Shaved or unshaved? Perhaps the Easter Bunny might bring him some.
Why didn't Dennis file a wrongful discharge lawsuit? Seems like I just saw a report of a teacher getting a big judgment over being accused of abuse of some kind and being fired and that teacher was no made whole so they went to court and got made whole big time.
Dennis, you'd be doing everyone a favor if you took legal action. Enough cases filed against these people says that where there is smoke there is fire. We are not being given proper law enforcement when there are varying sets of standards.
Talking to Jaime Gatton seems to get people in a lot of trouble. I spoke to a gentleman in Governor Perdue's Charlotte office about my case. He assured me that the county manager was concerned and wanted to see that I was treated fairly. All that they wanted was that the house was cleaned up, which it had been. It took me some time to screw my courage up to call Ron Smith. Miles Atkins assured me that he was also a fair man in his opinion and that he was a new manager and not the prior person who had been threatening to me. So I called. Ron Smith immediately informed me that I was going to get the full force of the law because I had made comments on The Gatton Report. I have not said anything that is not true.
By the way, I was in court AGAIN on Wednesday. I was there merely to check in and be sent home. I was there from 1:45 until 5:15. It was quite interesting. I watched person after person plead guilty and many of them were there for the umpteenth time. Probation violators. One woman in particular struck me. She was a nurse. A nurse. She raised her hand and put the other on the bible and swore to tell the truth. She'd been caught with heroin. SHe has children. She is not working as a nurse these days, but apparently plans to go back to it. She'd been caught with heroin and drug paraphanelia. In fact, she'd handed it right over to the cops. She was in violation of her supervised probation. She could have gone to jail. The judge asked her if she was clean and she said yes. Under oath. He wasn't going to test her but then he did and he said even if she was dirty he wouldn't do anything to her. Guess what, she had marijuana in her urine. He did lecture her but sent her home to her minor children. I have a misdemeanor but I can't have my service dog back and I keep getting sicker and I am taking care of a 70 year old woman with cancer and I woke up sleepwalking last night and had hurt myself. At least, for once, I woke up. I watched chronic offenders catch break after break and I've done nothing but break my back trying to make things right and I can't catch a break.
I spent 24 hours in hell last week not knowing if my dog was one of the 20 euthanized with distemper in the shelter--something that is negligence and inexcusable. Lake Norman Animal Rescue tells me that my dog is not in the shelter. No one has seen her. She is alive but no one has seen her.
So I've learned if you are from around here you can offend and reoffend and all is forgiven if you know someone as long as you don't read or comment on The Gatton Report. You can do heroin and go home to your kids but if you have a dirty house for a few days and you piss off your HOA, you pay. Good to know.
I wonder what was in that Bible everyone was putting their hands on and swearing that oath to? I know what is in my Bible.
Sorry, I meant to put my name on my comment. I wrote the one about reading and commenting on the Gatton Report.
It has been so quiet and peaceful the past week until today when Marian Latimer pulled her head out of the sand again bitching about her damn dog and her dirty house. Jaime, can you not block her posts for being the same old repetetive garbage?
I wonder where the good Christian Philistine (Redmond, get it, Philistine, snort) will be attending Easter services? Church walls fall in, film at 11.
Here's a shocker for you: "Politics protect a select few" can be applied to all the law enforcement agencies in this county. Just ask any officer at any agency in Iredell County.
This article is a great example of just another day at the Sheriffs Office under Redmond. The rules change day to day and person to person. I have seen references on this blog to King Phillip and they would be correct as he sits back and rules at his will. He makes certain all officers are aware that they work to the pleasure of the Sheriff.
Election years are especially tough because Redmond worries about looking bad. It is during that time that he has always increased his propaganda in the Redmond & Landmark with the help of Donna Swicegood. If you remember when Redmond came into office his slogan was "War on drugs". That is his bread and butter of press releases. I used to help write them, I know. Redmond is like the wizard on the Wizard of Oz that invoked fear and respect and when the curtain falls it will just be a pathetic little man pulling knobs and yelling at stressed out deputies to make him look good. He cares only about himself and his image.
Let me stop to make clear. I have no personal axe to grind. I resigned the Sheriffs Office on good terms. Redmond never bothered me or treated me bad. I got tired of watching others get dumped on, tired of seeing a few in the administration screw with people for sadistic pleasure. The atmosphere was difficult to work under even if it wasn't you they were after that week.
Redmond encourages officers to be on the radio so it sounds to the scanner public like they are busy. Myself and another officer were told that the Sheriff didn't hear us enough. The problem with being on the radio just to make noise is that you leave no room for other officers who need a clear channel for actual law enforcement use. Again with Redmond, "It's not what you do, but what people think you do." That applies even if it means officer safety be damned.
continued.....
Redmond telling Huffstickler he would hold his certification was only a way to get something for himself. Once he saw he wasn't getting votes from doing so the deal went away. Redmond himself pulled into a business on 115 and told the owner that he hoped everything was nailed down since he was supporting another candidate. Another of Redmond's boys asked who was going to investigate if his home got broken into since he had another candidates sign in the front yard. When Redmond sends these officers out to do something unethical or illegal they have the right to refuse just like I did. Good example; I was told not to bother people for gambling and moonshine. About two weeks later an officer came to me and said Redmond wanted us to ride over to Barker's Store on hwy. 21 and see if they would pay out on their poker machines. I refused. If we were supposed to leave gambling alone, the only reason left to see if they paid out would be to get a kickback for protection.
That is how Redmond operates...threats and coercion. Redmond does it to the public and he does it worse to the officers that depend on their paycheck to support their families.
continued....
Why was the S.B.I. called in in Huffstickler's case? It is my understanding that the S.B.I. had to be dragged into the Tommy Adams case and then they ran interference on the indictment. Adams was actually caught with firearms at his home that belonged to a suspect. Firearms that were supposed to be destroyed. Any theft of a firearm is a Felony. Somebody verify this for me, was there not one in his truck and another in his home? I believe that took around five years for that to be dealt with. The time frame should be documented in the article that makes reference to that.
The comparison between the handling of Adams case and Huffstickler clearly shows the self serving logic of Sheriff Phillip Redmond.
About the S.B.I.; they would appear to be a huge part of the problem. The handling of the Adams case is only one example. I know one officer who tried to report what appeared to be illegal drug activity of an upper and was doomed to be fired after he was dimed out. He ended up getting a severe demotion instead. Trying to do what is right and applying law enforcement perspective to departmental activities will have severe repercussions. You have to go along to get along.
Jaime Gatton asks are the rules bent for some. For some the rules aren't bent, there are no rules, only damage control if word leaks out. Rules and laws are relative to serve the promotion of Redmond's agenda. The department is his tool to personal gain and he has no interest in anyone but himself. The few kind things he does are done knowing that they will make him look good and if you make him look bad and you aren't one of his boys you are screwed.
All the others who are aware of how Redmond operates need to step up and share your experiences. It's time to expose Redmond for what and who he is. The continuing fear of retaliation can't keep this man in office any longer.
The 48 hours is standard fare, if you are charged for domestic violence, you can be held up to 48 hours without bond. Magistrates aren't allowed to set bonds on DV charges until 48 hours have elapsed, only a district court judge can do that before 48. So if you are arrested on a Friday, you're going to spend the 48. The isolation one can assume was for his own protection, and a decision by the Davie County Sheriff's Office. You don't put a law enforcement officer into general population at the jail unless you are trying to get him killed.
Actually I think it was pertinent. Somebody else being punished for reading this blog. I don't k ow about you but I'm reading the posts of someone in a lot of personal pain and distress who thinks she is not being treated fairly. There may be some merit to that. She misses her dog. Who wouldn't?
It's Easter the time of redemption. Seems like she has been trying and you all slap her down. Ever hear of forgiveness? I'd be mad too if I saw people with drugs in their bodies lie about it under oath and get sent home to their kids again and again and she can't see her dog.
You know Jesus forgave the criminal on the cross next to him. She's said over and over again she did what they asked. I have a real problem with them sending druggies back out and bargaining with them but no negotiation with someone who clearly wants her pets back and has done what they asked. If having a dirty house was a crime half the county might be in jail at any given time.
Have you ever had a break, sweetie? Gone on a vacation or even out with the girls? I think you are spending all your time with one person and you are judging us harshly. Nevertheless, I will grant you that you have a point. Being punished for posting on here isn't right. They wouldn't even plea bargain?
Quiet and peaceful. Right. My dog is not a damn dog. Her name is Katie. I miss her every minute of the day. The house is not dirty. You ate welcome to come and see. 105 Bosburg in Mooresville. Carol has chemo and wound treatment on Tuesdays but other than that we are home. Come and see. Wonder if Chris Royal's house is a showplace?
You people ate mean. Even on Easter. I believe Ron Smith telling me I'm going to get it good because I've posted on here is on topic. At least I didn't hoist my dog up by the throat a full story, throw her down, then kick her 5 times because she would not give up a chew toy. That, and whipping, are training methods allowed by the state. I'm impressed. I use a clicker, treats and praise.
I have every right to speak. They are trying to silence and everyone who reads her.
By the way, 7:54, I have feelings. Just in case you think I am some sort of non-human without a soul because I'm not from the high and. mighty Iredell Bible Belt.
April 8, 2012 11:37 AM 48 hours is standard for someone who has comitted a domestic violence act. Huffstickler didn't do anything and in addition, standard procedure isn't to fire someone on the spot without an investigation. He didn't even get the priveldge of a suspension until it was looked into. Go back to dinner, I think Redmond is waiting for you to bring him dessert.
4-8-12-11;37---depending on who you are alot of the times the bailiffs take the person before the judge to set bond,they have even called a judge at home to have the bond set or person released,sometimes if the person has a medical condition they barely make it to jail,,thats a fact
And yes isolation would be standard procedure for an officers protection. I believe the point of bringing up the isolation would be to show what he went through as opposed to someone else who is still working their job and another who used a county cell phone after being indicted and suspended without pay. Nice try jackass, but this one ain't going away.
9:09, the Record and Landmark has a database of salaries for the county and local municipal governments as well as state, I believe. It's quite eductional. Type in a surname in the county database and you're going to get about 3-4 hits minimum, usually all related.
So the family businesses for many folks here in Iredell is working for the county. So and so at the courthouse is married to so and so at the ICSO, or maybe someone at the road commission has a mrs working at the tax office or a daughter who works in the parks or wherever.
Talk about entitlement. Add up the salaries in a family. I bet you might get close to a quarter mill in some extended families.
We really take care of our own, don't we?
Hey, y'all. A couple of quick reminders:
Please keep your comments relevant to the posted story. The goal of this blog is to promote open and largely uncensored dialogue. But that dialogue needs to be relevant and truthful.
For the most part, public officials are fair game for criticism. Private citizens are not.
Not even public officials will be subject to serious unsubstantiated allegations, however.
If you are going to make a serious allegation about a public official, please substantiate said allegation by providing proof to me at jaimegatton@gmail.com. Otherwise, your comment will not be approved for publication.
I have made these recent changes to the comment section in an effort to promote more constructive dialogue and protect everyone who stops by here to share their opinion.
Thank you all for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please share them with me at jaimegatton@gmail.com (note the "i" before the "m" in jaime.)
Happy Easter!
The problem with Redmond is that he thinks he is still back in the Leroy Reavis era where they could pretty much do as they wanted to. That was back in the days when people could get whisked away from drunk fatal car accidents.
It was back when a judges phone could be tapped and she only broke up with you instead of having you charged.
It was back when the couch in the white house next to the jail was used like a by the hour motel.
It was back when drug dealers got sentenced to time in the county jail but they had a key to come and go as they pleased.
It was back when somebody could get sentenced to time in the county jail and get released as soon as they got out of court if a campaign contribution was made.
This ain't the tip of the iceberg.
Times have changed boys, better buckle down!
4-8-12, 3:22, 3:22 and 3:32: Please point out in my 4-8 11:37 post any pro-Redmond propaganda, I would be interested to see it if it exists. I was simply trying to put some information out there as to the process that occurs. Everyone who posts on this site has their deeply held opinions, they just usually don't have a rat's ass worth of information to base it on, no matter what side of the coin they side with. Go ahead though, jump to some more conclusions if it makes you feel better.
Times haven't changed. If they know you or your family and you are a nice white family that shows up in court to support you after getting caught and convicted a half dozen times, you can still plead guilty but you're going home to your momma. These guys, lawyers, judges, cops, all play golf together and now they're FB friends. It's like belonging to an exclusive club. Why hasn't Tommy Adams darkened a courtroom door? I'm sure ms Wicks will be old and grey before she sees justice. They drag out what they don't want to deal with or perhaps those of minorities get rushed thru to guilty pleas or on the other side, they get their cases banked and get education child care and job placement while us law abiding unemployed can't catch a break.
First let me say I represent no group, organization, or agency. I am simply an Iredell County citizen expressing my opinion based off what I have experienced.
As many people know, I was one of Sheriff Redmond’s employees for thirteen years. During that time I observed a lot of activity I felt was unfair and unethical. That is why in late 2010, I resigned my position of Detective Sergeant. I realized, unlike some of the people who worked there, I had other good options, and I also realized I did not like the reputation I was getting from the citizens by working for a man whose name who some consider to be synonymous with corruption.
What do you say about a man like Dennis Huffstickler? No matter what you think of him, no one can argue he is a man that stands by his beliefs. You won’t ever see him handing out signs for a man he knows is unethical.
The sad part of this situation is that anyone who knew Huffstickler knew the accusation was likely untrue. I have known Huffstickler for many years, and I know it is not in his character to harm a woman. I understand the deputies had an obligation to act, and I have no criticism of their performance, they were acting off of information they had at the time. However, there should have been some follow up by the Sheriff's Office. Huffstickler begged for an internal investigation and just could not get it. That is what would have been fair. However, fairness cannot be expected from a leader that lacks a sense of ethics, and that has what I have observed of Sheriff Redmond for many years.
On January 14, 2002, a report was generated for the recovery of a stolen tractor (see case 2002-I00296). This item did not turn up in a dark forest or a desolate pasture in the north end of the county. Instead, it was recovered in a parking area at the intersection of Wilkesboro Highway and Damascus Church Road. This location was across the street from Phil’s food Mart, the business owned by Sheriff Redmond. The location on the front page of the report is not accurate. However, it clarifies the actual location in the narrative that I wrote. The item was towed and stored at C&J Garage in Union Grove.
At that time, there were no leads in this case and I was preparing to inactivate it. That was when I received an anonymous telephone call from an individual giving me the name and address of the person who had stolen the tractor. Just before hanging up the telephone the person wished me luck, and told me I would need it, since the suspect was closely associated with an elected official in another area of the state.
I, with another detective from the Sheriff’s Office, went to the suspect’s house on a Friday evening. There was no answer at the door, so I left a door hanger asking the suspect to call me. The following Monday, while eating breakfast with some co-workers at Bo Jangles on Turnersburg Highway, I received a telephone call from Sheriff Redmond on my cell phone. Redmond told me not to return to see the suspect. He told me to leave the person alone, and asked me if I understood. I told him I understood, and did not pursue the matter any further for fear of losing my job. That was when I first learned things were not quite right with Sheriff Redmond.
I believe we live in a country where we should be able to be truthful without fear of retaliation. With that in mind, let me say this. In the past, members of the Sheriff’s office have taken actions that may have harmed me financially after I have exercised my rights. Fortunately for those individuals, I did not suffer from their actions. Those who know me know I am not the kind of person to seek out law suits. However, I will not be intimidated. If I have made any comments that Sheriff Redmond feels are not accurate, I recommend Sheriff Redmond take appropriate action. I no longer wish to see the use of back door tactics to silence me.
These agencies and bad actors are so intertwined it is almost downright incestuous. Everyone is in everyone elses knickers so to speak. I feel bad for anyone coming in just trying to do their job and do it well.
Mr. Smith what you have described is a clear cut case of obstruction of justice. No what would it take to get the S.B.I. to investigate that one?
April 9, 2012 8:49 AM I can't see what purpose there could be in bringing those points up other than to attempt to lessen the validity of the information of the article.
Obstruction of justice seems to be a popular thing up on Tradd St. Isn't that what old Tommy Boy is under indictment for?
And as for problems with the ladies and inappropriate behavior, didn't we recently have a big old alienation of affection judgement slapped on one of Phillip's boys? Is that deputy still employed with the department? Where did he go and when did he leave? Is his lady love still employed at the courthouse?
Seems like those folks just can't seem to keep their hormones in check, can they? How can they be trusted to use self-control and self-discipline with the good citizens of this county?
Didn't Mr. Donald Trump just buy into a golf course down in the other end of the county? Wonder what he is going to think of this sort of tawdry behavior sullying his brand? Maybe we ought to bring him up to ICSO.
"Phillip, you're fired!"
Don't forget that there is a Iredell County Sheriff Phil Redmond Watch on FB. Something like that. Pass the word around. Liking is anonymous it looks like. It would be nice to have a lot of likes on this before the next commission meeting. Maybe it should be a fire Phil Redmond FB page. I don't know how to set these up. Larry Coover, you seem to know how to do posters. Can't you do a petition or FB page?
Not trying to step on anyone's toes, but the Redmond Watch on FB isn't managed very well. I don't see it as being very effective. Also, "likes" on a FB page won't mean didley to anyone anyway.
There are several online petition sites. Again, I don't see a petition being effective in dealing with Redmond. It has been mentioned about starting one around the county in stores and such. Let me ask you... who would you give it to even if you got a million signatures... Redmond? You think he would care?
The best effort at this point is to call, email and go by the office of the man that was voted in by Iredell County citizens. No need to waste effort in trying to get others to make him do right. Put the pressure directly on him. Step up with what you know first hand and sign your name to it. That is the only way you will get him out of office.
J.T. Smith set a good example by relaying the information about the tractor investigation. As someone has already pointed out, that is a cut and dried case of obstruction of justice. Others will have to do the same for anything to be done.
April 9, 2012 8:49 AM b/c the article made it seem as if that particular treatment, 48 hours w/o bond, solitary, were special devices of the ICSO reserved just for Huffstickler. That in fact is not the case at all, I was just trying to inform.
No bit if a page goes viral it make the news. Case in point, Trayvon Marrin. There are somewhat somilar cases everyday inthis country. Social media drove that one.
April 10, 2012 8:40 AM I understand your point. Fact is that 48 hours w/o bond and solitary were a direct result of their improper decision.
Compare this to the handling of Jenkins and Adams and you can say that they were special devices of the ICSO reserved just for Huffstickler.
If Adams was handled properly he would have at least been fired, arrested and taken before a magistrate.
Jenkins should have been suspended, investigated and the information given to the DA to decide if charges should be filed. Why wasn't the S.B.I. called on Jenkins like it was on Huffstickler?
It is what it is and you can't explain it any other way.
April 10, 2012 9:43 AM Not trying to explain it any other way. I understand your point as well, the decision to charge led to those things occurring. I think the article misled in making it seem as if the procedural results of being charged also were direct decisions made by ICSO. That's the only point I was making, the procedure is the procedure. There very well could be all kinds of improper actions and in-actions, and it's well documented that there have been both, but the procedures after those actions were not one of them.
I can assure you there is a group of people at the Sheriff's Office (most making above $45,000. per year) that see nothing wrong with what Phil did to Huffsticker. In fact, they see Huffstickler as the villan becuase he dared say something about it. Is the money really worth your integrity Darren?
April 10, 2012 11:40 AM Let me humor you and explain it to you this way. Let's say it was your ass that was fired from your job, arrested, charged with something you didn't do and you spent 48 hours in a nasty isolation cell because of it. Would the 48 hours in that isolation cell be something that you would want people to know or would that be an insignificant part of the whole Redmond experience?
10:57, its a part of being charged, happens everyday to both innocent and guilty people.
11:40 No disrespect, but the only thing that has been misled is the citizens of Iredell County.
Most in law enforecement know if there are signs that an assault has taken place the officer (MUST) arrest.
The part that is misleading is making the public think that is what the Sheriff's Office does on all occasions.
Just ask Lt. John Isenhower. Was he arrested right away? It was not until the media got involved that an arrest was made. That my friends, is the way Redmond does business.
You can beat your sweet ass if one of the following people were in a similar situation the results would have been quite different:
Ben Jenkins, Darren Campbell, Bill Hamby, Andy Poteat, Tommy Adams,Erin Jenkins, Ricky Eades, Neil Hayes, Ernie Line, Doyle Summers, Todd Carver, Junior Harris, and Harold Miller.
Seriously, do you really think any of these folks would have been subjected to 48 hours in jail? Huffstickler was a nobody. Who in the hell is going to notice if he get screwed over, or even care?
The way Darren Campbell treated him is pretty consistent with the rest of those immoral bastards.
The people I mentioned are part of the A-list. When you reach this level at the Sheriff's Office, little things like the SOP no longer apply to you.
If you break the law or intimidate victims or post things about young girls on your My Space page you need not worry. Uncle Phil will bail you out (no pun intended).
You can talk to the public anyway you wish, and pretty much do anything you want without fear of punishment. It is a very nice position. Hell, Huffsticker would have likely made the list if he had chosen to go back to that shit hole.
The funny thing is all the people I mentioned don't acknowledge "the list". They go about work thinking it is a level playing field, and that Redmond is a godly man.
Here is a couple questions for all the employees at the Sheriff's Office, because I know you all are reading this:
If you tell a female citizen you want her to sit on your face will you remain employed?
If you test positive on drug test are you going to be allowed to keep your job?
If you take evidence home with you and keep it as your own property will you remain employed?
The next time you folks at the Sheriff's Office are talking about how great good ole Phil is, think about those questions.
You deputies very well could find yourself in a negative situation just like Huffstickler. Is good ole Phil going to stand by you? Are you on the A-list?
I know you cannot publicly come out agaist the Sheriff or it will cost you your jobs.
You must do your part by telling your close friends and family what you have experienced, and telling them not to vote for him. Consider it a silent campaign to remove this shit bag.
Anyone who thinks he is not running again is a fool. If you were 112 years old and made $1000,000. a year to make a weekly appearance at the Sheriff's Office would you give it up? Think about it.
One of the deputies said nobody was going to be charged, and Mr. Huffstickler said he had already talked to someone at the sheriff's office a while before his girlfriend accused him of assault right? He was not charged and put in jail because that is the process. Not everybody who is haphazardly accused of abuse gets locked up for 48 hours. It is the job of police to try to find out if the abuse actually happened. That did not happen for Mr. Huffstickler. Split hairs all you want but that is the bottom line.
Let me get this right Phil, you have one employee that talks about how he would eat a girl (non-victim) with a spoon and he remains employed after a slap on the wrists.
Then you got another who tells a victim he wants her to sit on his face and dry humps her.
Wow, Phil's boys takes serving the public to a whole other level...
bow--wow--chick-a--wow--wow.....
3:33
If there are signs the police MUST arrest. That is the law. No if ands or buts. The female showed signs and Huffstickler was arrested. His story did not matter. Do you recall the old phrase "Tell it to the judge"
I realize I have not heard all the evidence but based off of what I have heard it sounds weak. There were certainly things to consider before jumping the gun and firing him.
Dennis could subpoena the lieutenant to court and testify to the telephone call he made to him while he was oustide duing the female's 911 call. The Lieutenant could testify he he did not hear the female in the background. That would prove Huffstickler was not kicking the door as she said. If the calls were made at the same time telephone records would verify this.
Can't help but wonder if anyone checked the door on the inside of the bathroom to see if there were marks where she had kicked the door. That certainly would have been a clue.
Had these two items been verified the magistrate may have even found no probable cause for an arrest. S
Sounds like a senseless firing to me.
2:54 pm
You can add Judas to that list.
Larry,
You seem to be an expert on all this. Didn't the Sheriff's office investigate the break in of Union Grove Power Equipment, and recover the stolen property? Isn't that business owned by Mark Nicholson's brother? So why would anyone believe that the Sheriff would make a statement about "things being nailed down" if he was willing to put investigators to working catching the criminals that stole from the brother of a man who ran against him for Sheriff?
I have heard the Sheriff is starting his own BLET academy for new hires. I thought what a great idea it was, so I took the liberty on writing down some ideas as far as who teaches what classes.
English, Rick …D….D.. Dowdle
Juvenile Sensitivity Training, Ricky Eades
Ethics, Wow, where do I start… How about out pal Ben Jenkins
Evidence Processing, Tommy Adams
Crime Prevention, Tommy Adams
White Collar Crime, Tommy Adams
Gosh I could do this all day……
Testifying in Court, Darren Campbell (soon to have a lot of experience)
Basic Narcotics, Got a certain female in mind for this one…….very experienced
Sex Crimes, Ben Je…(scratch that) Ri..…(scratch that also).. I will get back with you
Dealing with Victims, Ben Jenkins /Rick Dowdle (Robert Goforth recording)
Fitness, Not going there….Way to easy….
Anyway, just a few idea Sheriff. Let me know when you will be back at the office, and I will come and talk with you about it…
I can't believe my Sheriff is being bitched slapped like this.
Head Dean, you are a freaking genius. Where does a certain forensics officer fit in this? I think she's been getting her training by watching CSI and Law and Order. Of course, when you have a sheriff who got his training by running a lawnmower shop, what do you expect?
I had to run daddy up to Statesville to see his doctor over by Iredell memorial and the rumor mill is fast and furious. ICSO ain't the only one looking a little tarnished these days. Everyone seems to be fair game. I guess sex is part of the contracts from the sounds of it. Could be some agency bosses are gonna fall like dominos. The way I hear it, damn near everyone in the county is looking over their shoulder.
I heard a web site called the Hinky Meter has been tipped off. I looked at it. This is right up their alley. Sex, lies, and crime. You got to love it.
2:42, you don't get out much. LOL.
April 10, 2012 4:27 PM Redmond has good officers that solve cases, that is why the stolen stuff was recovered. They do a great job as long as he let's them. Fortunately he didn't call them off like he did for the suspect in the stolen tractor recovered across the street from Redmond's store.
You asked why anyone would believe that the Sheriff would make a statement about "things being nailed down". The fellow he told it to believes it. I believe him enough to put my name to the post. It has to make Redmond feel good that only anonymous people are defending him.
Larry makes a good point. You have three people who know Redmond that publicly spoken out and told his true character, or lack thereof. Where are the people who are willing to defend him publicly? He must be very disappointed. Hey Darren speak up for him. He might take you off the shit list and drop Hamby.
Even go Redmond has abandoned him.
Anonymous April 10, 2012 4:27 PM Anything else you want to discuss? I'm good for it.
I don't see anything at 4:27.
Larry, for those of us who don't live in Statesville, would you mind telling us you connection to all this and how you've come to know what you know, without giving names of course?
Is Harold's Miller's boy still incarcerated? If he is, that will likely explain where Go Redmond is spending his time these days. Seems appropriate that he is such a fan of Redmond. Wonder if he will be depressed since his daddy retired.....lol.
Is it true that Harold had his retirement party at Zaxby's? Heard the chicken is great there....lol.
4:27 The store owner's had it all on video, kinda hard not to investigate when they hand you documented proof.
Who is Harold Miller's boy and why is he incarcerated? Imagine that? A fan of Redmond not being a law-abiding citizen? Goodness gracious me.
Seems like this commissioner has her own issues to worry about.
http://mooresvilleweekly.com/news/2011/12/commissioner-disputes-real-estate-records/
April 11, 2012 1:09 PM;
I worked for Sheriff Clyde Lloyd and was a deputy when Redmond came into office in 1994. I resigned around four years later to get away from the negativity and unfair tactics of the administration. I have been connected and updated since I left. From what I am told it gets worse all the time. I think the recent posted stories are good examples of how things work differently for different people.
That question about "why would anyone believe that the Sheriff would make a statement about things being nailed down" reminded me the first time I saw how heavy handed tactics were used for personal reasons and the first time I saw how things were going to get swept under the rug for the right people.
Approximately two months after Redmond was in office a superior officer had myself and I believe another deputy go to a residence with him so he could handle a personal child custody matter. He told me I didn't have to say anything, just be there. He pretty much went off on the people and it wasn't long before a complaint was filed against him repeating what he had said and done. I was asked to write a statement to contradict their claim.
Like many officers I was put between a rock and a hard place. I made a statement that didn't defend him but didn't detail what he had done either. I knew if it went to court I would say exactly what happened. It never went to court and that is how things are handled, it went away.
When I was put into a situation that I could gracefully ease out of, I did. If I was put on the spot I outright refused; like the time I was told to charge people with crimes they didn't commit.
The place was underhanded then and it still continues today. There are a lot of good people working there who have to go along to keep that paycheck coming in. Redmond needs to come out for the benefit of the county and the benefit of the majority of the employees currently serving our citizens.
Sister Griffith, hoowee, you have been one naughty commissioner. Are you teaching your students how to manage money? Are you managing our money? Guess paying for all those campaign signs slapped every ten feet was more important than making the house note.
Here is another fine example of Redmond's "It's not what you do, it's what people think you do" philosophy. Iredell officers did their job again, no reflection on Redmond. They intercepted a good amount of pot coming into the county. My thanks to the officers for their hard work. Now on to Redmond.
I used to write press releases for the man and was coached on how to do so. This article tells the public that officers confiscated 907 grams of marijuana. 907 grams sounds like a whole lot more than 32 ounces which is the same amount. It probably even sounds like more than 2 pounds which is the same amount. That would be the same as me saying my finger is 80 milliliters long instead of 3 inches.
The man is a career politician, one of the best. The Record and Landmark has perpetuated his crap for about 18 years now. It is time for people to know all that he does to falsely win the trust of the citizens of Iredell County. Link to the article above if it works.
Some of you are forgetting the :"Rest of the Story" with Lt. John Isenhower : Very true he initially was not charged until the press/Steve Wallace made issue with it. Steve Wallace made a point to make every ICSO person at the party talk under Garrity. Not smart and wrong procedure for a criminal charge. DA's office had to reinvestigate the right way.
When they did decide to finally charge John, it was sneaky as Wallace was carrying the torch for Redmond. Remember Wallace - Kim was the victim. The same one that earlier had resigned when you inquired about her and Coover having a sexual reationship. I believe Coover threatened to cut some one's head off /// She resigned. The next day Phil Redmond came in and all was smoothed out. Kim kept her job and nobody go their head cut off. Shortly afterwards is when ol Coov was reassigned which lead to his resignation as he was not happy all of a sudden. Shortly after that is when Kim got the Sheriff's Office sued for inappropriately searching strippers on a search warrant. Yes the county paid to settle that law suit. Why ? Kim could not tell the same version of what she did twice in 4 attempts so the strippers were more credible and they got paid by our tax dollars! Then comes the Isenhower incident. Now we believe Kim is gonna tell the truth. After several Sheriff's Training and Standards hearings where she testified and 1 district criminal court case - She still can not muster the same version of facts twice in three attempts. Ol John Isenhower was found "Not Guilty" why did he not get his job back? Why is Kim who has proven under sworn testimony to be a liar in 2 seperate cases still employed? Does the Bar association in Statesville not ever question her work? Unless Sarah Kirkman has changed procedure since she is the DA, Gary Frank issued a written order to Phil that Kim could not and would not be allowed to testify for the state as she was not credible ! Wow, and now she is married to which cousin of Phil Redmond? And she gets paid how much? Still not the "Rest of the Story" but some more inclusion of facts. So some of the protected then are now Haters .... lol Walace, Coover, Miller, John Isenhower. Why were you not hollering foul then Coov? Why was Wallace allowed to destroy John Isenhower's career? Why did Wallace not pursue you and Kim with the same zeal he used against John Isenhower?
Why are you not asking for Kim's Job now ? Why did you lie in a written statement for Harold Miller over the Child Custody issue involving Jamie Miller's baby with the maternal Grandmother?
Easy to substantiate your mightier than thou claims when people don't know or remember. Simple fact is everyone that works or has worked for Phil Redmond has crap on our hands. We either shovel it on someone else to protect ourselves or we try to scrape off just enough so we can breath because it is our turn to be dumped on. Who you going to choose to dump on next ? I have heard enough of the down with Campbell rants for doing exactly what you and Wallace used to do SURVIVE and make yourselves Better than others by throwing crap!
Mr.Anonymous 1:51, you might be credible if you had the balls to post your name. Get your lying ass back under your bosses desk and continue doing what you do best. lol
And no I am not posting my name either, but I am not making bogus claims..
You give a cheeseburger in paradise a whole new meaning girl...
Think I will go get me a burger and a big gulp....
April 12, 2012 1:21 PM probably a Mr. Bill R. :D
Because of the relationship allegations about me, Jaime could not post this without my permission. When she contacted me and read it to me I gave her the go ahead. Thanks for bringing all this up, you know me well enough to know if I did it, I'll tell you.
I'll be glad to respond to the parts of your post that are about me. I'll reply in the order they were brought up.
1.) I didn't know Wallace was the person that inquired about the relationship, but if he was then I have him to thank. That was one of the worst mistakes of my life. I was part of that "A team" that someone labeled in another post, one of Redmond's favorites. I loved getting drugs and it got him a lot of press. Press and image are what he lives for. That relationship you spoke of was par for the course from what I saw going on around me. I got to feeling above everything and stepped way out of bounds. It was out of character for me, I regret it and share that time of my life with others who are struggling with similar issues.
You do have some things really twisted around though. Let's run through this;
2.) I didn't threaten to cut somebody's head off, I made the statement that people were starting rumors and when I found out who it was I was going to cut their throat. That would be the slang turn for paying them back, not a physically threat. There was a lot of backstabbing in the department which was and still is encouraged by the very top administration. They don't like for people to get too close so they play people against each other. I was told directly that they liked to move people around so they don't get too comfortable with each other. Very bad environment. I was always straight up if I had something to say and couldn't stand the backstabbing.
3.) I was reassigned but it was my choice. I was still hot about being called out when others were still doing the same thing right along. My misaligned thinking at the time was that if I was getting drugs and press for Redmond then he should have covered my ass regardless. So I quit the A.C.E. Team and requested road patrol.
4.) I did resign from the department but it was about a year or more later. It wasn't because I was mad about that incident. By then I was feeling quite the jackass for what I had done to be honest with you. One of those things where you look back and wonder "what the hell was I thinking?" I resigned because I was burned out on working the road. Tired of the negativity of the administration and the way some people could do whatever they wanted to while others had to walk on eggshells. Keep in mind that they still weren't bothering me and during this time I was told by several uppers to put in for Sargent and then I could move to Lieutenant. I didn't want to be part of the administration because of the way a few did things and because I figured they would want me to do their dirty bidding. I resigned on my own, not mad at anyone and turned in a resignation letter that I still have a copy of if anyone wants to see it.
5.) "Some of the protected are now haters." You and I discussed this in person. Redmond uses people. You get slowly sucked in and when you step out and realize you were used it pisses you off. I can't speak for others, but I also acknowledge my part for having anything to do with him in the first place.
6.) Why did Wallace not pursue me and Kim with the same zeal he used against John? Can't answer for someone else.
7.) "Why was I not hollering foul then?" Already addressed that one in #1... I got to feeling above everything and stepped way out of bounds.
8.) If people don't know or don't remember where I have been I'll be glad to tell or remind them. I have had the whole Redmond experience and know how everything works. I'm up to sharing anything that will help others from making bad decisions.
9.) I didn't lie for Miller in the custody deal. As a matter of fact my post on this thread probably reminded you of it. I brought it up because it still makes me mad when I think about it. I wrote a statement that didn't defend him but didn't detail what he had done either. A lie would be to say he didn't do it. I know he was real unhappy with what I put on my statement. Like I said, if it went to court and there was a subpoena I would tell exactly what happened. I think that is the position of many in the department right now who need their job. I have a continuation of this thought below.
10.) Good and very true statement by you here... "Simple fact is everyone that works or has worked for Phil Redmond has crap on our hands. We either shovel it on someone else to protect ourselves or we try to scrape off just enough so we can breath because it is our turn to be dumped on."
This is where the second half of # 9 comes in. As I said in an earlier post;
"Like many officers I was put between a rock and a hard place. I made a statement that didn't defend him but didn't detail what he had done either. I knew if it went to court I would say exactly what happened. It never went to court and that is how things are handled, it went away.
When I was put into a situation that I could gracefully ease out of, I did. If I was put on the spot I outright refused; like the time I was told to charge people with crimes they didn't commit.
The place was underhanded then and it still continues today. There are a lot of good people working there who have to go along to keep that paycheck coming in. Redmond needs to come out for the benefit of the county and the benefit of the majority of the employees currently serving our citizens."
Your statement "Simple fact is everyone that works or has worked for Phil Redmond has crap on our hands." sums it all up and brings us in agreement with the problem; Phil Redmond. It works well for him when people go after the County Commissioners to do something, or focus on the officer in question at the moment, or get mad at the DA for not doing something. It does him even better when people go after the administration under him. In the past I have followed suit with that because of the frustration that nothing was done. But if you read through my posts you will see that there is one person and one person only that I am calling out, the man in charge who runs and hides when the lid comes off... Sheriff Phil Redmond. He makes decisions that he leaves everyone else to answer for. If the shit hits the fan, Marty Byers and Darren Campbell have to respond, why is that? Redmond makes $101,000 a year to provide good leadership and to have answers. As the Dire Straits song goes; Money for nothing and chicks for free.
I can't speak for whoever is doing the Campbell rants, but I have asked that people step up and put their name to their posts. That brings me back to you. Even though you didn’t put your name to this I still look forward to seeing you Saturday morning at the breakfast if you can make it. Let's talk some more about how to get Redmond out of office.
And that's the rest of the story....
Something just occurred to me. I'm not a public official, but because I have put out the information I have about Redmond, I thought it only fair to answer the questions that were asked of me, and did so without hesitation. I'm not getting a dime for this but instead came home to drop a trailer off and didn't return to the job because I did take the time to respond. So you could say it actually cost me money. Not to mention that most of this was personal questions about past issues.
Now Redmond on the other hand can't be located to make a comment about any damn thing and as I keep saying, he gets paid $101,000 a year to have answers to incidents that directly affect the citizens of Iredell County.
There is a difference though. If you make mistakes, regret them and learn, you don't mind it being told; especially if it helps keep someone else from making the same mistakes.
If living unethically and underhanded is your lifestyle then you don't want anything told because one thing may lead to another and you will eventually be exposed for what you are.
Guess that is why Phil doesn't have any answers.
Hey gutless anonymous boy. Got anything else to say?
April 12, 2012 9:04 PM If the post was made by who I think it was, he's not gutless and he's actually a pretty good guy or at least in my opinion.
The problem with this whole thing is what it has been all along. Redmond creates chaos by his actions and inaction both, and then the fallout affects everyone but him. He has caused division in the department since the day he got sworn in. If people are fighting amongst themselves they don't see what he is doing. I've been along for the ride on this for a long time so I know better now then to take it personally. It's all fallout from Redmond's bullshit.
Speaking about him getting sworn in that reminds me; If anyone remembers he let about 10 or so officers go when he first came in. Can't remember the exact number if someone wants to chime in. Guess what he did after that? Yeah, he hid. He started his first week and a half unavailable. People were trying to get to him to talk to him about keeping their job, couldn't find him. He's a piece of work.
Keep your eye on Redmond my friend. He's the problem. Everything else is a distraction.
Chiming in.
http://thegattonreport.blogspot.com/2010/06/sheriff-on-collision-course-with.html
You're welcome.
I think another one is kind of timely too:
http://thegattonreport.blogspot.com/2010/10/sheriffs-office-immoral-unethical.html
April 12, 2012 11:12 PM I think he was talking about when Redmond first came into office in 1994. He let a bunch of people go and then couldn't be found for about a week and a half. Heck of a way to start your career as the longest running Iredell sheriff ever. He does know how to run!!!
Larry Coover, since you've been wondering where Redmond is, check Jim Pendergraph's FB page, around April 3rd. Guess we all know who not to vote for.
Looks like that photo was taken in the middle of the night.
Yeah 2:59 I saw that. Had to love the part where Redmond says Jim is a man of integrity. There's an endorsement you can take to the bank.
If Redmond was a man of integrity he would stick around and respond to media and to public questions. WSOC aired the video where they were looking for him on March 23 the endorsement is posted on April 3 so in all probability he showed up for this photo op while in hiding. At least he's consistent.
Looks like the same thing happens over in Davie County. At least the officers there had enough guts to come forward.
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/223530/57/Fired-Mocksville-Officers-File-Federal-Lawsuit
Here's more on the Mocksville Police Department.
http://lawenforcementcorruption.blogspot.com/2012/04/former-mocksville-officers-file-federal.html
Doesn't this all sound familiar?
The importance of the modern sheriff was stressed by President Ronald Reagan in his address to the National Sheriffs' Association on June 21, 1984. He said, "Thank you for standing up for this nation's dream of personal freedom under the rule of law. Thank you for standing against those who would transform that dream into a nightmare of wrongdoing and lawlessness. And thank you for your service to your communities, to your country, and to the cause of law and justice."
I like Ronald Reagan. He is my favorite president during my life time. However, he is not the "know all" person of our life time. The office of the Sheriff should be abolished. Take a look around it has bred corruption. We should look at a new way of doing things.
I think the point of that post was the part that said "Thank you for standing against those who would transform that dream into a nightmare of wrongdoing and lawlessness." I believe that would be a sarcastic point towards Redmond. Your point about corruption is well taken but at this point I believe it applies to government period.
If you think the ICSO is bad, just visit the tax department. The inmates are running the asylum.
So it has been over a month now and still no word from Redmon. What does this tell us?
ICSO was the investigating party with that unfortunate middle school teacher who just took his own life. Whether he was guilty or not, given the level of impropriety in th ICSO, it begs the question if the credibility of the investigation and the investigators. I'm very troubled by this and how it was handled in general.
While the attorney general's office is appealing to the North Carolina Supreme Court about a ruling in favor of Sweepstakes places... I was told that Sheriff Phil Redmond has Sweepstakes signs all over his store on 115. Here is a link to the article above. Looks like Phil stuck up for God in the courtroom but encourages gambling at his store.
"It's not what you do, it's what people think you do."
I wonder if the Record and Landmark will do a big article on the gambling like they did on God in the courtroom. Donna can you swing by there and get a photo of Phil next to the signs?
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES)Friday, February 4th, 2011
If Gov. Beverly Perdue does propose regulating and taxing video gambling in her proposed budget, it appears she’ll have some work to do in convincing the state’s sheriffs and police chiefs that it is a good idea. The governor this week said legalizing the games is on the table as a way to generate more revenue for the state government as it faces a $3.7 billion budget hole. Chris Mackey, a Perdue spokeswoman, said the governor realizes the games keep coming back in new forms after successive attempts to ban them. But the N.C. Sheriff’s Association and N.C. Association of Chiefs of Police have already lined up against such a proposal. “The sheriffs’ association looks at this electronic sweepstakes the same as it did video gambling,” said Eddie Caldwell, the association’s attorney. “It’s the same thing, just a different device.”
bb The video poker industry, which had been regulated by sheriffs until it was banned in 2007, spawned public corruption and bribery of law enforcement officers. Poker machines made thousands of dollars a day. Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford is in federal prison for taking bribes to look the other way on illegal gambling. George Erwin, the police chiefs’ association executive director and former Henderson County sheriff, said there are concerns that poorer North Carolina residents, who can least afford to gamble, will become the industry’s best customers. “The association is confident that the governor, once she does her own investigation, will come to the same conclusion that the sheriffs have that this is not appropriate for North Carolina,” he said. (Jon Ostendorff, ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES, 2/03/11).
Isn't that interesting that the NC Sheriff's Association is against video gaming of any sort and "Good Ole Phil" is encouraging it in his store? If there was ever hypocrisy then it is certainly with Phil Redmond. Does he stand in sunday school or preaching service and advocate the ills of gambling etc. as a sin and then provides it at his store? Oh wait, his excuse is just like alcohol, it is legal therefore I will sell it in my store like lottery tickets etc. So where does he stand on religous exercise when he backs prayer in the courts but is all for gaming, booze etc. I think they call that speaking out of both sides of his mouth, but what else is new?
Phil, why don't you go ahead and retire while you still can before the public is made aware of your "medical condition" that severely affects your ability to be sheriff. You of all people ought to know that even your close confidants can't keep secrets.
Sleazy people find yet another way to fleece the old, poor, and stupid out of what little money they have. Looking at a website for the machine vendors, the odds are preset so that the store owner makes .75 of every dollar put in the machine.
Why would anyone willingly use a machine that is designed to take 75% of your money every time you use it?
Has anyone seen King Phillip? He is getting over $100 large and apparently he is running his law enforcement empire (HA!) from some cave or under some rock. Maybe he's sharing a basement with "Go Redmond." I think we're entitled to know where the guy we are paying this huge salary is and what he is doing to earn it.
Hey Phil, your secret is out from the county manager's office down about your "condition". Now you will have an excuse when the SBI and FBI come knocking on your door. Don't overdose on your medicine, it doesn't reverse the problem. Don't think you will make it to 2014 as sheriff. Only problem is who will replace you prior to 2014 - hopefully no one from the inside but a REAL LEO and not a hypocrit.
Ooh, 8:19, you do know how to make a girl swoon. Do tell. What is wrong with the dear old boy? Alky-hol-ism? Aleyz-hymers, or should I say hummers? Hem-her-roids?
Come on, spill, I think we can still make last call and raise a glass to that old bastard on his way out.
Wonder what his pal Pendergraph will do? Old Phil sure looked ok in that photo of him endorsing his fellow sheriff earlier this month.
Larry Coover, you know anything about this?
To 12:57 and probably 8:19 and half of the other posts on this page that would appear to all be the same person.
The purpose of this blog is not to provoke or ridicule. Political humor or satire is one thing, childish jabs at anyone are a different matter. I have endured your meaningless rants and not said anything but since you decided to rope me into your posts I will say my peace.
Since Jaime has begun approving posts, the quality of discussion has greatly improved however it still slides downhill at times because there is still the option of posting anonymously.
I don't think cutting remarks about anyone's alleged medical condition is pertinent or humorous. I have also noticed that the rest of your remarks only seem to mimicking mine and other posts and serve no purpose other then to help dissipate some built up personal hatefulness or anger on your part.
As is apparent, I want Redmond out of office as bad as anyone. However, acting as irresponsibly as the person you are trying to get out only lowers you to their level.
Please post responsibly and constructively or at least post your name (real name) to take credit for your childish attacks.
Let me add a comment and suggestion. Addressing corruption is important to me, but not my reason for breathing and it shouldn't be yours either.
In between my posted thoughts I work, am a scout leader, venture crew leader, learning guitar, doing photography, kayaking, hiking and a whole shit load more of different things. You have to have balance in your life my friend.
Regardless of age, physical abilities or financial status there are always things that one can and should do to promote a balance between spirituality and the negatives of life. Find some positive things to do or if you already have things, find more. I think you will find yourself to be a much happier person.
The problem is, Larry Coover, that people have been treated so harshly, with disrespect, cruelty, no compassion, and in just a general horrendous manner for so long that they cannot help but act out when they hear that the sheriff is getting a little karma in return. Coming now at a time when he is facing charges that are so reprehensible (again?) it seems a little hard to believe. To quote the church lady, "well, isn't that convenient?"
Larry Coover, As to your statements regarding taking jabs at Phil Redmond and underlying medical conditions and the opinions of others, you are a fine one to be jabbing at other people's posts.
First of all, Redmond's medical condition is important in that his "condition" is relevant to his ability to fulfill his obligations to the department and public as the highest law enforcement officer in the county. If he has, which is being reported is various circles around the county, a medical condition that impairs his ability to think clearly, make rational decisions that affect the saefty of his employees and the public then it is damn relevant. He has not beeen made fun of because of his reported condition but rather that his judgement is impaired in his decision making processes.
Next, you of all people have fired remarks, allegations and accusations at him and other than YOUR statements of "proof" have not provided concrete "evidence" as to your allegations.
Finally, the remarks you have made with accusations against Redmond practically make you no better than him. You have made statements that have referenced criminal violations ranging up to serious felonies, criminal corruption and threats of violence towards people that could have resulted in serious injuries to people and what the hell did you do when you claim to have been present to these "orders" and statements made? You said nothing nor did you go to the DA at the time to try to prevent acts of violence or other crimes that were committed in your presence. If you read the definition of conspiracy, you certainly could be charged with various actions that you have admitted to in your post because you did nothing to stop crimes that you were asked to participate in although you did not but you did nothing to stop what you are now calling Redmond's crimes. I do not recall years ago after you left the ICSO that you went to the papers, DA, SBI, FBI, governors etc. It is only now that you "bring it all out" on this forum. If the truth be known you are just as guilty as Redmond in some of his escapades. Maybe you are trying to clear your conscience or just trying to put yourself in a better light when the s%$#& hits the fan but I for one have NEVER stooped to the level of thievery, corruption, conspiracy and complicity like you have admitted to so don't tell me that I don't have the right to fire back at Phil Redmond for his incompetence and lack of leadership. You are no different than he is and your bed was made a long time ago, some of us still have a reputation to maintain amonst the den of thieves because we are innocent and have a conscience.
I cannot post my name because of my position but I am well aware of Redmond's antics as well as your past and choose not to be judged by that company whether that is him or you. I can proudly say that I have never been part of being asked to commit a crime like you claim that you were asked to do years ago and if I had, I would have paid a price of being fired or worse because I would have taken action to bring my boss to justice even wearing a wire for the SBI or FBI to gather evidence and do what was right. We all know what you did.
April 29, 2012 11:07 PM;
Your second paragraph would be correct except for the claim that "He has not beeen made fun of because of his reported condition but rather that his judgement is impaired in his decision making processes."
Actually the post at April 28, 2012 12:57 AM I responded to was nothing but a taunt and I was asked what I had to say about it. That would be the only reason I responded.
Yes, I have fired remarks, allegations and accusations at Redmond and have also put my name to it. I invited Redmond to sue me for slander if anything I said wasn't true. If you are "well aware of Redmond's antics" then you have the same information I have which is from people you know are telling the truth, but who are afraid to talk for various reasons. Fortunately, because a few have stepped up, others are beginning to as well.
About your third paragraph; Me making any statements at the time or going to the D.A. would have resulted in the same thing as happened to several others. One officer in particular made a call about one in high administration being involved in apparent drug activity and was fired, only to be salvaged by someone and then severely demoted.
You also stated, "I do not recall years ago after you left the ICSO that you went to the papers, DA, SBI, FBI, governors etc."
Actually, I did, as did many others. I have put a tremendous amount of effort into this over the years. I think you know as well as I do that trying to get interest in Redmond's activities is somewhere between difficult and impossible.
You said, "Maybe you are trying to clear your conscience or just trying to put yourself in a better light when the s%$#& hits the fan..."
I don't have anything to clear. Another person who addressed a post to me said that "Simple fact is everyone that works or has worked for Phil Redmond has crap on our hands. We either shovel it on someone else to protect ourselves or we try to scrape off just enough so we can breath because it is our turn to be dumped on."
That would be a good summary statement. There are many up at the department, past and present who could be charged with "conspiracy and complicity" because they went along to keep a job which we all know is constantly dangled in front of you like a carrot on a stick. You say I admitted to these things, yes I did and signed my name to it. Unlike the good officers who still work there and who have to worry about keeping their job and certification, Redmond no longer has that on me. I can speak for those who cannot.
continued...
Continued...
I knew when I put my name to posts that I would be opening myself for retaliation and character assassination as would anyone. I understood that fact going into this. If people feel the need to step on me during the fight to get Redmond out, so be it.
You tell me that you work amongst a den of thieves and are well aware of Redmond's antics. That is encouraging because that means you have information that could help in the process of removing Phil Redmond from his position.
Finally, you stated, "don't tell me that I don't have the right to fire back at Phil Redmond for his incompetence and lack of leadership."
Unless the post at April 28, 2012 12:57 AM was you, I wasn't addressing you. My response started with To 12:57 and probably 8:19 and half of the other posts on this page that would appear to all be the same person.
There were other posts made about the possibility of a condition that were information and not just immature jabs at an unavoidable medical ailment. None of those posts asked for my opinion either. Apparently you were the person who made the more informative posts and took offense thinking I was addressing you. My apologies if you misunderstood.
As for any issues you have with me, I have put myself out as much as I can to do away with what I saw when I worked there. I even told Jaime to post an attack on me about some of my past bad judgement, a post that she could not legally put up without my permission. I have said before and will say again, we have all made mistakes and bad decisions. It is the lack of character growth, lack of regret and lack of desire to improve as you go through life that separates people.
If you still have personal issues with me after reading this, I'm not hard to find. Your position may keep you from speaking out and identifying yourself, but it won't keep you from finding me.
You obviously continue to work under the administration that I couldn't work for any longer. I had thought they would be gone by now and I would go back, but things didn't work out that way. It has been a major financial struggle, bad enough that I put in an application for Detective about four years ago. As bad as I didn't want to go back under Redmond and his "antics" I thought I could work my slot and keep away from their crap as opposed to losing my home which has been a concern with the economy. I didn't get that slot or another I applied for because it would appear Redmond knew how I had been trashing him over the years and that I was trying to get someone to address his issues. I had hoped he would put me on since one of his philosophies is keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Fortunately I am now in a position to do what I can for those who are still there and for the best interest of the county. I wish you luck and peace as you work under the current administration. I hope that the negativity doesn't affect your family life or your belief in fairness and what is right. You have a difficult job that is being made miserable by a Sheriff who does not need to be in office. Thanks for sticking it out and I hope things change soon.
So, Mr. Anonymous, Redmond should be forgiven his transgressions because he has a condition that impairs his ability to think clearly. Did he have this when he hired Tommy Adams or gave Donna her cell phone or during numerous other times of questionable judgment calls over the years?
And disability is ok for him but not for others? I see. You've all had plenty of fun telling people to take meds and such. Now it would appear the high and mighty Redmond needs them. Shoe's on the other foot now, isn't it?
Phillip has been running his abusive little empire for years and years now. Enough is enough. It's unclear to me where the bigger criminals are, in the jail, or in the ICSO.
You don't get it either. When one office has to defend him, the sickness starts to spread. So who knows where this toxic little disease of corruption has been infected. I'm sure there are a few all throughout the county.
No one say anything Marian Lattimer about giving Redmond a pass or break because of a "medical issue". Because he now appears to have something that impairs his judgement is all the more reason for him to step down. And that does not mean walk away with no punishment for what he has done or condoned since his taking over the ICSO but rather he needs to be held accountable for everything for negligent hiring to criminal misconduct that many have commented about on this forum. Disability in whatever form is not and excuse but a condition.
thanks for sharing this post ....
concreting gatton
Post a Comment