OK, everyone. Scratch the "she did horrific damage to their bodies" story, as Dr. Nancy Fajman, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University Medical School, debunks the prosecution's line. However, this well-known and highly-respected expert (unlike the "experts from the Children's Advocacy Center) almost was not able to testify, as the prosecution objected to her being there.
(The prosecutors had a meeting with her, but I doubt they tried to be as intimidating as they have been earlier, given that if they were to rough up this person, they might find that their castle walls would start crumbling.)
After Fajman went over the photographs, she said that in her view, there was no evidence at all of sexual abuse and certainly not of the "highly-suspicious" nature, unless one is "highly-suspicious" that Arnt and Gregor knew all along that their case was a fraud. That puts a huge hole in the story that Facebook and The Man (and their puppet, Brian House) have been telling. However, they cannot claim that Sharon "Highly Suspicious" Anderson of the CAC is a greater medical authority than Dr. Fajman. (Maybe Facebook and The Man will claim that Dr. Fajman was "coached.")
So, what is a prosecution to do? Well, they are changing their story. Now, they are claiming that there was molestation and abuse, but Tonya Craft did not do any damage. However, there is a problem with that one.
The prosecution had put a lot of eggs in the basket of physical abuse. One child told about Tonya putting her entire fist into the girl's vagina, which, if done, would create horrific damage. This kind of makes the "believe the children" mantra a bit difficult.
What happened is not hard to explain. The children recited the scripts that the prosecution wrote for them, as Facebook and The Man believed that Anderson's interpretation of her exams would hold up, but that clearly is not the case.
We have to remember that as terrible as this case might be, it is not the only one of its kind that Arnt and Gregor have pursued. They have made a career out of railroading others on false molestation charges, and were able to roll defendants because the attorneys did not realize just how brutal and dishonest these prosecutors really are. There are a number of wrongfully-imprisoned people from this district, sent to prison because of dishonest prosecutions from the Dishonest Duo.
Now, the Dishonest Duo, being helped by House, still might get a conviction because I cannot imagine this bunch not having any contact at all with jurors. Maybe I am wrong and they are staying away, but given just how these people believe that the courthouse is their little fiefdom, it is not a stretch to think that some, if not all the jurors, have had a "friendly" visit from someone wanting a conviction at all costs.
The rules for prosecutors are plain. Prosecutors are to seek justice and the truth, not bend the rules and stretch the truth and certainly not seek to have judges grease the skids for them. As I have said before, what you are seeing in Catoosa County is a disgrace, and people need to remember that if they are not vigilant, men like Arnt, Gregor, and House take over and injustice is the norm.
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57 comments:
The story grows!
It's alive!
ROTFL!!!!!
When your entire case is built on a card of lies, the deck will eventually crumble!!
Did the defense disclose their expert witness to the state? was that the issue with their ex parte interview?
I'm not surprised.
They aren't the only 2 up there ruining lives. Alan Norton is crooked too.
Have you ever done a search at GA DOC website with Catoosa Co as the conviction county & any "sex" crime as the offense & see how many inmates come up.
I am so scared/worried for Tonya Craft.
I am the poster who wrote on another thread that defense attorneys sometimes put on highly dubious testimony by supposed experts like John Gerdes, Henry Lee and Michael Baden. I now want to say that I applaud the testimony of Dr. Fajman. Here is an authentic expert testifying in favor of someone who is obviously innocent.
Yes, this case is truly a 3 headed monster that keeps morphing.
Just curious - if found not guilty, would the defendant have legal recourse to sue the accusers or the prosecution in civil court? If so, is the civil court in that city as corrupt as this one?
Imagine Art & Gregor attempting to bully the true professional in thier pow/wow session, wish I could have seen that. This lady is the 1st true expert to testify on this case and still gives an unbiased opnion.
The more I read about this case, the more sick to my stomach it makes me. I feel helpless. I wish there was something I could do to help Tonya. The only thing I can do is pray!!
When the movie comes out can we get the lady that played Cruella in 101 Dalmations to play Sherri Wilson.
"... people need to remember that if they are not vigilant, men like Arnt, Gregor, and House take over and injustice is the norm."
Injustice is the norm, any attempt by a court to appear to be fair and honest is a facade to build loyalty. In every criminal trial the judge is employed by the plaintiff. There is no way anyone can feel confident that they will ever get a fair trial in such a setting.
It would be the same as if you sued Microsoft and Bill Gates got to decide what the jury instructions would be, what evidence could be presented and more.
No No Cruella needs to play the part of Sandra Lamb!!!!!
I no longer live in that area and I've never known anyone related to this case. I just started following the news from a regional newspaper and got pulled in. I am shocked at what is going on and cannot believe this ever went to trial! I just emailed Nancy Grace and asked her to please look into this. As much as I hate to draw negative attention to the area, someone has got to step in!
This was not the ex parte communication. Sandra Lamb went on a tear b/c a local station no one watches (it is a cable station the equivalent of one ran out of someone's basement) neglected to omit the child's first name when it aired the coverage. She was calling b/c she thought she could have the TV station shut down. HE should have NEVER accepted her call at all, much less talked to her for 1 hour and he did not tell the defense about it. That alone is grounds for a mistrial.
IT APPEARS THE TODAY SHOW IS SHOWING INTEREST IN THIS TRIAL
MAYBE JUST MAYBE THEY WILL GET INVOLVED IF THEY DO LOOK OUT THIS COULD GET REAL UGLY REAL FAST FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS MISJUSTICE
I PRAY FOR TONYA AND HER FAMILY.
ANON 5:06 - Nancy Grace said Tonya was guilty when this story broke 2 years ago. She is pro-prosecution, but I'd love to see her flip her story :).
To anon @ 5:06
I have to agree with another poster under a different entry that said Nancy Grace won't look into something like this. N.G. is too Pro-child to believe that someone could actually be innocent of this type of crime.
Good lick Mr. Anderson ;^)
Hicks and scalawags in government. Tsk tsk.
Some sick puppies here...
I hope they get "Nifonged" big time.
Regarding Sandra Lamb's conversation with House, I don't care if she was on a rampage. He should have told the defense, but he did not, and the omission was deliberate.
As for Nancy Grace, she claims that if one is charged, then one is automatically guilty. She is a damned psychopath, and so is Wendy Murphy. Remember their lies during the Duke case.
Keep in mind that Today is interested because the WRCB people have told them there is a huge injustice going on. By its performance, the prosecution feeds this monster, and by his unbelievable rulings, House is about to find out what happens when you go too far. Nifong found out and it was not pleasant.
You had better believe that once the Today show picks this up the other news channels will follow. Then the little town of Chickamauga will have a movie deal on there hands. Way to go Wilson's and Lamb's. Now Chickamauga School System still think these kids are good choices to allow in your school. Hell they are county kids. Kick them out!!!!!!!
A fact Frencie Newton is father and money man for Sandra Lamb
A few questions for the Catoosa county residents.
I see the rage here for those involved with the prosecution side of this trial (I'll include your superior court judge on that team).
Det. Deal is an employee of the Catoosa County Sheriff's Dept., correct?
Chain of command should progress to the sheriff?
Sheriff should be aware of ongoing investigations and the handling of such?
Would your current sheriff intervene if he felt the DA's office were squeezing his detectives to investigate crime only to suit their benefit?
Do you feel the sheriff has given free reign to his detectives to work in conjuction with the local prosecutors to secure convictions?
The chain of command is all corrupt, trust me!! They do what they want.
Please keep up the great articles Mr. Anderson! Also, is there someplace you can direct me to that succinctly wraps up the accusations and the trial to date in one article?
To anon @6:10
Detective Tim Deal does work for the Catoosa Co Sheriffs office, but all of them up there are on the same side. Phil Summers is listed as a witness in my husbands court documents yet he wasn't there when the "crime" was committed, but Deal was.
Do you know there is a publication I believe weekly that has all the mugshots of the people arrested in that area & when I was visiting (not an inmate) the CC jail the deputies behind the counter were flipping thru it laughing at the people in it. Is that professional? No.
There is actually a task force up there that does nothing but look for, hook & catch people that commit various "sex crimes"
Thanks again for the Blog Bill
I find it funny that they are trying to convict her on so little evidence but when I turned in a former friend for downloading child porn on my computer Detective Deal took my computer, interviewed the person who ADMITTED to downloading the porn but he was never arrested? WHY NOT?? Why pick on an innocent person?
Carrying my questions a little further.
Your sheriff has control of his office or a pawn of the local courts?
Maybe, a good man who refuses to step on certain toes?
I am having a hard time seeing (in my eyes)the failures of Det.'s Deal and Keith without Boss #1(or even #2)making sure the prosecutors weren't using them to achieve a pre-determined objective.
Just curious to see if another of your elected officials will stay under the radar while others are soon to be "big news".
anon @ 6:40 pm
There is another judge up there by the name of Kristina Cook Connelly whose daddy was a big man around there & she was unprofessional towards GBI agents, swearing & threatening them so their boss filed a complaint against her & guess what yep nothing was done...at least not yet. I hope something is tho & the Judicial Qualification Committee sends a LOUD message to those little fish in a big pond over inflated Catoosa County egos.
Anon 6:40,
I totally see where you are coming from. He is staying out of the spotlight. So far, the only thing he has said, on record, is that he stands behind Det. Deal. When Sheriff Summers first started out, I believe he had good intentions. As time goes by, it's the case as usual, people become part of the political scene & become numb & do think they are above the law. Unfortunately, we have that problem here. He is their "boss", but just a figure head, one that bobbles like the rest. I do believe that when this does get busted wide open, that Summers will be part of the investigation. For now, just hanging in the shadows.
IhateCC, as far as the "just busted" magazines, I find them disgusting and will not waste a dollar on them. Anyone can have anyone arrested. All it takes is an accusation. I have some very fine, upstanding friends who ended up in there because of a vindictive local business owner. I wouldn't waste a penny, much less $1 on it. I'm glad someone else feels the same way. Some people love to bathe in other's misery. I think we see that a lot in this case.
Anon @ 6:40
The same would hold true for District Attorney Herbert E. (Buzz) Franklin, who pretty much seems to be getting a complete pass so far and is certainly keeping his head down it appears. His is an elected position, he is the ADAs boss, and he's been in office and comfortably reelected since 1997. Maybe it's time to remind him both now and come election time that his position isn't one that is appointed for life, and as the boss he is responsible for the actions of everyone underneath him. Up until now, it's been let the good times roll with Arnt and Gregor allowed to run amok and making him look good to the voters - might want to rethink that management style right quick, I have a feeling the caca might splash far and wide on this one before it's all over.
They all need to go!!!!
@ Anon 4:40.
"Did the defense disclose their expert witness to the state? was that the issue with their ex parte interview?"
You are mixing two issues.
1. Prosecution interview (during court time) with Defense Wit. The prosecution knew this witness was going to testify, this was no surprise. The defense had not given them a "summary" of what she was going to testify to. Now in most cases this is simply a technical issue of no great deal. The prosecution made it a big deal up to and including demanding to depose this witness without the defense present (violation of the defendants civil rights and never done imo). Remember they have had weeks (if not months) to depose any of the listed witnesses and chose not to (they probably should have).
There are no "Perry Mason" moments. All witness' for both sides are listed long before showing up to court. If you bring a surprise witness into court there are all manner of motions, counters and arguments that take place. That was not the case here.
The ex parte conversation by the judge has been covered elsewhere.
To everyone else, my favorite moment was when the prosecution who was drilling the Dr. on research papers she had read, quoted a piece from a paper and she replied if I knew the title perhaps I have read it. The prosecution gave her the title, she then immediately corrected the prosecution on the pronunciation Authors name and spelled it for him..
I bet she didn't take some "online classes" for her Degree...
Just an interesting old newspaper report....
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=368&dat=19980225&id=GKIxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iT8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6295,2954858
Kind of sums up the whole case.
Run for the hills boys, that Cavalry just showed up! Now 'ole Dewey, Cheatem, and Howell are about to see some real expert witnessing... I love the way she schooled 'ole Facebook from the stand. I bet he is scratching his head wondering if he still has that truckdriving school number stashed away in his desk. (No offense to truckdrivers!!! We all know you guys work for a living, and don't try to lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead.)
to Tandt
interesting. I also liked the who you are or who you know thing at the bottom
Noah Arenstein from the Innocence Project just checked in.
IhateCC,
Thought so also. It's funny how things can come back to haunt you with this crazy little thing called the internet. LOL.
Just keep praying!!
tandt~
Who is anyone going to complain to about the LMJC? No one because for some reason everyone seems to be scared to death of who's in charge up there. The GBI, FBI, county & local law are all in bed together in Catoosa.
There's movie material in this for sure. Maybe Child Witness #1 can play herself.
keep up the great work bill!
Love that the Innocence Project has picked up on this. WTG Bill! I have posted on my FB and Twitter. Only 2 out of 387 will be upset with me, so I will take my knocks.
to whoever posted this:
Just an interesting old newspaper report....
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=368&dat=19980225&id=GKIxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iT8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6295,2954858
is the article about congressman nathan deal any relation to tim deal on the prosecution team???
one other question... are the transcripts of the trial open to the public and if so how do you access them??? MT
I have lived in Catoosa County for over 30 years. I have raised 2 sons here and my family considers this our hometown. I think the people of Catoosa County have become like many Americans throughout this country complacent and content with the status quo government. We believe because they are elected by the people that they can be trusted and should be honored. When did we stop caring about what happens in our home and our country? We elect officials and never spend one moment researching what they believe or what they stand for. It is scary that Tonya Craft has had to give up everything she holds dear and may actually have to go to prison because we as citizens did not take the time to find out about people like Brian House and his side show. What is equally scary is people that have never been to our great town would be afraid to even step foot here because of our corrupt government. I love my town and I believe that most of the citizens here do to. Let's make sure as citizens of Catoosa County and American citizens we do not just fall back into our way of lives when this trial is over. We can make a difference...
I would like to know this also. Are the trial transcripts available online? Are they showing the trial on UCTV and if so what time?
A:840 No, Nathan Deal is from Gainesville and no relation to Tim
I was proud to here and see people stand up and say the truth about Tonya . Kim and the Potter family put there families in a difficult place to say the truth . Tonya you have got friends and people who see through all this . I pray for you and all your family .
When it comes to expert witnesses, the state of Georgia has come closer to the federal standards in Rule 702, known as the Daubert Rule. This recent development in Georgia law came about with the Supreme Court's ruling in In Mason v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. et al., 283 Ga.271,658 S.E.2d 603(2008),suggests that in construing O.C.G.A. section 24-9-67.1, trial courts can—and perhaps should—seek the strictest possible application of the statute designed to require the highest level of reliability, principles and methods, and scientific data from expert witnesses. In addition any competent attorney is going to have to be deeply familiar with
85 A.L.R.5th 595
Admissibility of Expert Testimony on Child Sexual Abuse (American Law Reports). Technically, Judge House has the sound discretion to determine whether an offered expert is qualified to testify. That is what all the hoo ha was this afternoon when Dr. Nancy Fajman, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University Medical School, was questioned as to her qualifications outside the presence of the jury. Dr. Fajman is going to be far more credible as an expert witness than the State's newly minted witness who is merely a Forensic pathologist, nurse, and not even a published expert. The defense has lowered the boom, and it is time for the jury to wake up and smell the coffee tomorrow when Today and the national news media hit town.
anon 8:40,
Even though there is probably no relation, still a possibility although maybe distant, isn't it a little ironic? The actual transcripts won't be available for public record until after the trial. I'm sure they will come up "missing".
In reference to the metioning of the two detectives Tim Deal and Steven Keith. I truly believe that pressure from the DA's office has been placed on them and the Sheriff does not have a set big enough to save them. I have personally know both of them for 25 and 10 years respectively and can not believe what I am hearing from this so-called trial. I have never known of either of them to be anything other than professional. For this to happen, the Sheriff must also play a huge part in the prosecution and is trying to lay low. This ladies life is already ruined from many aspects. I only hope and pray that she is able to survive this injustice, regain custody of her kids, and move somewhere and start over fresh. Also, a huge civil suit would be nice. Wouldn't it be sweet if the Lambs, Henkes, and Wilsons had to support her for the rest of her life. Maybe the three stooges could collect her trash twice a week.
Anon 4:57...I was thinking Jabba the Hut to play Sherrie Wilson.
Anon: 8:40 & 8:47
"... transcript ???
I had searched to find the Court Reporter for Judge House. On his Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit web page, it showed Janet Thacker, of Hall Reporting as his Court Reporter. The web page is up, but both her email and the business phone was of no help.
I left a message requesting contact information for the reporter at Judge House's office, at 706-657-7131, again with no luck.
You might try the Chief Court Administrator at 706-638-1695 or 423-313-5008 orkeithbates@lmjc.net.
I have seen transcripts for half-days as low as $25, but most full days run $1-300. If anyone has any luck finding out how to conyacy the Court Reporter, let me know here.
Anon. 9:12, My family has had dealings with Tim Deal and he is not honest, he is a liar, plain and simple!!!! Not the first case he has lied about at all!!
Anon 4:45
"... if found not guilty, would the defendant have legal recourse to sue the accusers or the prosecution in civil court?"
Since nobody responded...
You seldom read of such luck in situations like this. This case has a lot of wrong in it, the total from many people, each of which is just doing a little wrong. Who do you blame?
Then add to that the fact most government employees have some level of immunity. The chances could increase dramatically if there were crimes committed against her, so uncovering that would help.
There's no point in paying for transcripts at this stage of the game, they have to be printed up first. As to damages, if she is acquitted, then she can sue for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, violation of her rights under color of law (U.S.C. Sec 1943), intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, etc. in US District Court, and yes, Catoosa County will have to pay to settle the issues, the Sheriff, the DA's office, and the subordinate officers will be liable, as well as the Catoosa County Commissioners. I believe State Judicial Officers have qualified immunity unless they knowingly violate the law. A recent case in the Atlanta area was settled for false arrest when some vegan/vegetarian folks were arrested for picketing a honeybaked Ham Store. The officers had no probable cause for the arrest.
Remember that Arnt and Gregor are employees and hired by the District Attorney Buzz Franklin. Franklin needs to be getting a lot of calls from the citizens about replacing these two Assistant DA's. He needs to know we have no place for them in our county Judicial system. Needs to send them packing or it could hamper any future re-election for him.
Buzz Franklin needs to go too. He knows what is going on!!
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