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Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Local Media and the Tonya Craft Coverage

[Update, Thursday May 13 10:00 AM]: The editorial pages of the Times and Free Press have weighed in on the verdict, and let me say I am underwhelmed by what I just read. Here we have seen day after day of utter prosecutorial and judicial misconduct, yet we have weak responses from both editorials.

The Times editorial is a bit better, although it only hints at what was obvious. We had attorneys and even prosecutors around the country following this trial, and as a prosecutor told one of my researchers, he absolutely was stunned at what he saw. Unfortunately, the same editorial pages that are willing to write hard-hitting stuff, as long as it involves something that is far away and pretty much irrelevant to our lives, but when it comes to a monstrous injustice in their backyards, well, suddenly they became very circumspect and cautious.

Give us a break, people. If you cannot recognize a travesty when it is occurring in front of you, then either you are blind or you are willfully neglectful. Take your pick.

[End Update]

Now that the trial of Tonya Craft is over, it is time to look at the performance of the local media and assess how they covered this event. There is the good, the bad, and, well, the really ugly.

The Good

If I needed to get a sense of what happened during the trial, I would read something by Dennis Norwood of The Chattanoogan. I don't know how he was able to get a near-transcript of the day's testimony, but the guy was accurate, really accurate.

Early in the trial, I had misjudged his work, thinking he was in the tank with the prosecutors, but realized I was wrong (and subsequently took down the critical post, as one has to admit mistakes). Dennis, who was at the News-Free Press in the sports department when I was working for the NFP, is a pro in every sense of the word, and was fast and reliable.

Then there was Channel 3, let by Melydia Clewell and Callie Starnes. These ladies were good, and I loved their Twitter feeds. Callie was cat-quick with her dispatches (Yeah, I know, "Tweets") and Melydia was not bad herself.

(Note to the paranoid prosecutors: Melydia was NOT my source of news during the trial. Sorry guys, but while I know her and she provided background for me before the trial began, I was not about to make her life more difficult by bugging her with questions. That Len Gregor called her out numerous times in that courtroom further made me lose respect for him, not that I really respected the guy in the first place.)

Channel 3's post-trial conviction was just outstanding. Keep in mind that they had to put this stuff together quickly, and I must admit that Melydia is a pro when it comes to something like this.

(My only complaint with 3 was the commentary by Ken Poston. There is no way that a guy whose career is dependent upon the good will of people like Brian House, Len Gregor, and Chris Arnt is going to be able to take a hard look at what happened. I'm sorry, but while he might be an able attorney and maybe he could have given good commentary on a trial elsewhere not in the geographical area, his conflict-of-interest problems clearly limited his effectiveness.)

One surprise entry in this category is the Catoosa News. The coverage was fair (and they did run an early article of mine), surprisingly so, given that it was a local paper supposedly intimidated by a "local power structure."

Instead, I found its coverage reliable and up-to-date. This was the biggest trial the paper had covered, and its staff definitely was up to the task, and Mark Andrews distinguished himself with good writing and insight.

The Times-Free Press started slowly, I thought, but by the end, I thought Joy Lukachick really grew a lot during this trial. The TFP was the main source for the blogs by Jacob Sullum at Reason (although he also used Dennis Norwoods's articles), and if Jacob, a friend of mine whom I greatly respect, believes the NFP was reliable, then who am I to disagree?

I also thought the NFP coverage post-trial was outstanding and the staff should be proud of their effort.

The Bad

I don't know about you, but I thought that the coverage from the Today Show just sucked. Bringing in Wendy Murphy, who is about as reliable and truthful an analyst as Hitler was a good artist, just was wrong. As one who has followed Murphy's career for several years, I am not sure I ever have seen her get it right, and she was perhaps the loudest media voice (which made her really high-decible) in the chorus of falsifying information about the infamous Duke Lacrosse Case.

There was absolutely no perspective at all, and all the way to the end, Today presented the story to viewers as though the children accusers had been telling the same story from the beginning, making it a "she said, she said" case. That clearly was not true, but no one at Today seemed interested in even taking a cursory glance at the evidence.

Yeah, they had Tonya, David, and Dr. Lorandos on this morning, but that does not make up for having the execrable Murphy presenting her usual psychotic lies and half-truths. Once again, Today proves that it is not fit to cover anything but the fluffiest of news.

The Ugly

Yes, Channel 9 gets the award. Here is a station that from the start never deviated from its pro-prosecution stance, and the station even tried to claim that it was the defense that first used the word "conspiracy." These were reporters that were clueless all the way through, and I suspect the leadership at the station was absolutely shocked at the "not guilty" verdict.

These were reporters who had no clue that the behavior of the judge and prosecutors during the trial was out of line with what is supposed to be going on. I'm sure that Channel 9's reporters really believe that "He's on cross," or "He's on closing" really WAS what judges say when the other counsel objects.

I've already promised myself that when I visit the Scenic City this summer with my family, I will NEVER watch a news broadcast on Channel 9 again. If their people cannot even figure out what the heck is going on right in front of them, Lord save me from trying to interpret an event through 9's coverage.

Now, I did not follow Channel 12 at all, so I can't comment on what 12 did. This is not a criticism, but Callie and Melydia, not to mention Kevin West of WGOW-FM, kept me informed during the day, and Dennis Norwood and Joy Lukachick gave me what I needed after the day's proceedings had ended, so 12 was left out. Sorry guys.

What about future posts?

There is much to cover in the aftermath of this trial. First, I believe strongly that the rights of other people in that district have been obliterated and there are other innocent people convicted and in prison, based upon the bullying and dishonest prosecution of Arnt and Gregor, and the god-awful testimony of CAC "professionals."

We cannot forget those people, and I will do my best to open up those cases and examine them. There is nothing worse than an innocent person being convicted of a crime, and I sense that Arnt and Gregor enjoy nothing more than destroying the lives of other people. Bullies are like that.

There also will be ramifications to the conduct we have witnessed, and I will report on things as they happen, such as people filing complaints with the Georgia State Bar against the prosecutors. I will admit to having filed one formal complaint with the bar already, complete with documented irrefutable evidence of misconduct by Arnt.

So, while the trial has ended, I am not ready to pack up and leave. There is work to do.

280 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 280 of 280
Anonymous said...

Just like Sandra Lamb tonight,this is why people are trying to get rid of her & the Wilsons,Boyds &Mcdonalds.If you do not get it then it is your problem.This is the same group thet tried to destroy Tonya.So wake up!

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous 10:04 Post:

I am confused....Did accuser dad #2 tell Mike Echols on an audio recording that he believed this never happened to his child? Also is he the parent that assaulted Mike Echols?


Mike Echols caught Greg Lamb (Accuser #2 Dad) on audio saying that he believed this never happened. He even filed in writing in divorce papers that he believed that it never happened. Sandra Lamb however, is the one who actually assaulted Mike Echols and called him a Nigg**

Kaye said...

Sheriff Summers in on UCTV 3, Judy O'Neal's show, this minute discussing Tonya Craft. You aren't going to believe the pure crap he is spewing.

First caller asks him, (paraphrasing):

Sheriff Summers, how many other people have you all railroaded and are now sitting in your jail?

His response: How many days, sir, did you actually attend the trial?

Caller: Two.

Sheriff: Then you got most of your news from the media, who were nearly all biased towards Ms. Craft, especially WRCB.

The good sheriff then goes even further to say that most of the children's testimony was not available to the media, therefore, nobody got the full story.

WOW!!! You're kidding me?!

Sheriff Summers, YOU MAKE ME SICK!!
You, sir, are also an elected official and I promise you that I will NEVER EVER cast another ballot for you as long as I reside in Catoosa County.

Kaye said...

Sheriff Summers is now speaking about the documents that the defense attorneys say are altered by Det Deal. Summers says that the first detective was the one who sat in the Greenhouse interview, not Det. Deal. Huh? Didn't Deal testify to being the one in the room to verify the claim that was not videotaped? Does anybody remember offhand?

dmk said...

Kaye,

Thank you for bringing that too light for everyone. As interest has grown and the number of media outlets covering it increases, it's gotten harder and harder to keep up with everything. Does UCTV stream anything on the internet so we all can hear it?

Is the Sheriff liable for slander or whatever the proper legal term would be? She was found not guilty, yet the chief law enforcement officer of the county is publicly challenging that.

Anonymous said...

Mrs Lamb please seek the professional help of the therapists at TC Thompson Hospital. Your daughter needs the help of a therapist that can help her heal. I would also hope that you would consider getting help for yourself in this healing process.

Kaye said...

Continues to bash WRCB...

Wow, ye doth protest too much, Sheriff!

Where's there's smoke, there's fire.

dmk said...

Yes, as I recall (99% sure) Deal did testify to that. The other detective didn't even testify, correct? Summers may be throwing Deal under the bus here by saying something different than Deal has been saying.

Anonymous said...

Mr Anderson & Fellow Bloggers,
I sit here and I am very disappointed in how this blog has turned into something negative. We should remember that Mrs Craft has held herself with class and dignity through this horrible ordeal. Please don't forget that these children are victims too. Their parents fed them lies and made them believe something happened to them. Least not forget that they are just children. There is no need to stoop to the level of the disgraceful parents who started this, the unlawful judge and DA's. What we should focus on is trying to make something positive come out of this such as changing the way the system works and getting people in office who are about truth and justice and not accepting favors for a farce of a trial such as this one.

Kaye said...

dmk,

Unfortunately, UCTV 3 is a very small station operated out of Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, which is in very close proximity to Chickamauga and Ringgold.

He does not seem to be slandering Tonya, personally. As to the verdict, he says he respects the jurors' decision. However, he goes on to say there was a juror that just spoke out today (can't remember which station he references, something other than WRCB), that said they voted not guilty because Tonya didn't look like a child molester. He then smirks and says something along the lines of well, if that's how they decided their vote, then I must accept that.

What a dipshit.

Anonymous said...

I really do hope the Lambs,Wilsons,Mcdomalds & Boyds are reading everything,maybe they will get the picture & take the kids out of school.No one wants you here.

Anonymous said...

Ok, now this is "little Miss Ringgold". Do you see how ridiculous you sound? Seriously, you can tell by your posts, that it is the same person. You don't get it. No one, but maybe one other person is in agreement with you. By you posting the same thing over & over again in the same way, people can see right through. I'm sorry you hate having these people at your school, but guess what...it IS at all schools. There are many parents who behave the same way. It is YOUR job as a parent to teach your children how to handle people & obviously, you have no idea. I have not tried to be ugly in addressing you or your need to post the same thing multiple times "as different people", but for the love of peace, STOP! I am not the only person who has said something. Every other post has asked you to stop, but you continue. As I said before, you can start your own blog & you all can have at it. My point is, you are doing no justice to Tonya or the battle she just went through & will continue to go through. The only way to "get rid of the people who hurt her" is for them to disappear from the Earth. And guess what....that is not your decision, it is God's.
If you stop & think rationally, you will know that these people will receive their due in God's time. The best thing to do is ignore or shun them. Pretend as if they don't exist. Teach your children that money, especially "credit" money, does not make someone better than them. Teach your children self confidence & love for others. You are so wrong in this and look no better than the Lambs, Wilsons, Henkes, McDonalds, Deals, Keiths, Arnts, Gregors, Thornes, Andersons, Evans' or House himself! Think, that's all I ask.

Kaye said...

The initial investigator was Det. Keith, who did not testify, and I assume that Det Deal took over the case from him.

Summers claims he has gone over all of the original notes and computer hardware to make sure nothing is altered. Claims everything if fine.

Ha! Ha! Ha!
You will LOVE this one...

The high conviction rate is because his detectives do such an outstanding job! ROFLMBO! Tell me another good one, Sheriff!

**** no live feed into UCTV 3. I wish there was, because Bill would have a field day with this guy!

dmk said...

too bad. At least it ought to be on tape so it's preserved in that way if needed at a later date.

I've devoured every bit of news I could find on this whole trial from the start, and as far as I know, not any juror has said anything close to that.

Dipshit indeed. I don't live in Catoosa, so sadly, I can't vote against this moron, but he may be working his way up the list of those who are going to be getting lots of attention, and not in the way a person running for office likes, from those of us that are organizing.

Anonymous said...

Yes Greg Lamb said it never happened nor did he testifiy. And some of you people wonder why we want the BITCHES out of our school system.

dmk said...

What?!?!?! High conviction rate because of bumbling Catoosa Keystone Cops like Dirty Deal? This guy is off his freakin' rocker, he's either stupider than most, or else is employing the "big lie" propaganda strategy. Corrupt system, absolutely, good police work, absolutely not.

Anonymous said...

KC, now that I, "little miss ringgold", can stop trying to get people to stop with their complete nonsense, I completely agree with your assessment of the interview. It is actually something I learned in my first Psychology class in college. My daughter (15, by 3 days) & I watched the interview. I was recording it, paused it & asked her what she thought. This child asked, "mom, why did she keep darting her eyes to the side whenever she would say something that was untruthful?" I hit rewind, we watched it again. She said the exact same thing. She didn't even realize the psychology of it or truly understand what she just said. My jaw dropped & I told her about watching people & their eyes & head movements. You can tell when someone is simply nervous & when someone is lying. I'm so glad that someone else noticed that & it is funny that my child realized it, without even knowing what she realized. Hard to explain in writing of course, but it really stunned me. She's a bright child, but didn't quite realize she was that bright. LOL

Kaye said...

I'm certain that this whole episode would be preserved on tape. The show is called "Night Talk". It is on UCTV-3. Just information for anybody that may want to get a copy.

Kaye said...

Sheriff Summers is obviously out trying to damage control. He says he welcomes any kind of investigation... I, for one, hope he gets one. Something stinks to high heaven here.

Anonymous said...

Miss Ringgold you really do not have a clue!

Anonymous said...

agree with the person protesting against the families,you must not be on Tonyas side if you don't want to hear about getting rid of the people that hurt her.

It's not productive nor does it help Tonya. It unfortunately will reflect on her and that is not a good thing. I suggest taking her lead and being above all that.

Kaye said...

Emphasizes again that it was Det. Keith in the interview where the video was turned off during the revelation of abuse by child. Says it is in the original file and nothing has been altered.

Says he was contacted by a channel 3 reporter (WRCB) to ask about allegations. Sheriff Summers said that he has not received a written complaint, but once he does he would be happy to discuss with her. He said he never heard back from her this afternoon regarding this issue.

Anonymous said...

Little miss Ringgold did you read that? We are really getting tired of you.You have no children in the Chickamauga city school system.So why are you weighing in on how parents should try to get rid of people or not?

Kaye said...

Good grief!

Summers says Det. Deal received updated his interviewing skills in 2009. sigh. He going on and on about how he is qualified to conduct interviews. Good God in heaven, please help us.

Anonymous said...

Kaye, actually Det. Keith was the first witness in the case. He was only on the stand for a few minutes, but nonetheless he did. A great deal of people kind of forgot about him because it was so short. He basically said when he received the case, he turned it over to Deal because he was friends with at least one of the accusers. Also, he is the reason why I post anon. His wife & I had a discussion on a mutual friend's FB page & Melydia got involved with the discussion also. A few hours later, the detective was coming past mine & Melydia's house every couple of hours. From about 4 p.m. on Saturday through 8 p.m. on Sunday. I'm sure if he or his crazy wife read this comment, it will start again & may actually be worse. At least by posting anon, they can't pick me out immediately. I am working on my formal complaint, but know it will fall on deaf ears for now. Oh well.

Cyril Lucar said...

Interesting article on the case at Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/stepmonster/201005/stepfamily-drama-and-the-prosecution-tonya-craft.

Focus on the trial, not on any immature desires to gossip and assassinate people's character. "Running people out of town" or the school system is a petty, evil goal. The goal is fixing a broken justice system that ruins peoples' lives and has very little accountability.

I wonder if some of these people are actually prosecution supporters who are trying to make this blog look bad, kind of like the fake Nazis that have been showing up at Tea Party events.

Anonymous said...

Oh Kaye, forgot to add that Keith was not in any of the interviews & you & dmk are right about that. Deal is the one that showed up the next day in court with the falsified documents & said he was the one in the room when Suzie Thorne "couldn't remember" who was in there. Even though it was, I believe, the 4th interview & Deal was the only one on the case. So Summers lied his bootie off tonight. Big time. Doesn't even realize that everything is documented & some of us have memories of steel! Woohoo! Go Kaye! Hey, do you want to help find his replacement? I would love to help!

Kaye said...

anon 10:25

Do you remember if Det Keith testified to being present during the claim of abuse by the accuser without it being videotaped?

I hope you continue to post anonymously so that you are somewhat protected from ID. I think the closer to these people being exposed, the more dangerous it can be. I have a strong suspicion that we are on the brink of something really big. I fear the intimidation tactics will get worse.

chattanon said...

Just a couple questions/comments:
1) If you live in this community would you want your kids to befriend the accusers? Would you have them to your house, overnight?
2) If you dont like the verdict, vote appropriately in the next election.The prosectution didn't present a viable case, as proved by the verdict.
3) If you liked the verdict, vote appropriately in the next election. The prosection/judge made a mockery of justice.

Kaye said...

Summers is now dissing the "conspiracy theory". Says that the papers were full of allegations about that, but when the defendant got on the stand, we didn't hear anything about it. Smirks.

It is obvious where he is getting his talking points.

Kaye said...

Summers is now criticizing the defense attorney for "showmanship" and claims that is the reason Judge ruled against him so often. Wow! Didn't realize that Sheriff Summers understood the law enough to make out why something would be sustained or overruled.

Keep digging, Sheriff. You'll hit China by morning.

Anonymous said...

Little miss Ringgold has more than a clue, she has an education, morals & ethics. You still have not seen the multiple posts telling you to stop. You are showing your ignorance. I do have a say in what happens at schools, as I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a friend & a sane person. You and your buddy keep spewing, but no one wants to hear it. You either never had sight or lost sight of what was happening & has happened. This is about truth & justice. Not only for Tonya, but others like her. You continue on & on & honestly, you are making me very sleepy. Which I thank you for, as I do not sleep very well. I've had insomnia for years. Oh yeah, how about you put your mouth & efforts into seeking justice for people or maybe help changing the laws or knowing who lives right down the road from you. Like I said, I'm sorry that you think that these people leaving your school is going to change anything, but it really isn't. Obviously, there are people like you who do not know how to make changes. Instead, you decide to ramble on about the same thing. Be proactive, take the proper steps & make a change in the world.

Kaye said...

I am tempted to call into the show and ask him why Deal testified to being in the room, but frankly, I want him to just keep talking. Hopefully, the tape of this show doesn't disappear mysteriously because I am certain there are some people that may be very interested in what the good Sheriff has to say.

Anonymous said...

Kaye @ 10:32

BINGO! Tip of the iceberg on the corruption. Why would Summer's run damage control. It obvious that Deal could be made to take the fall and most likely will. It would be amazing to know what Summer's detectives and direct reports have "stashed away" for the day they must have known he would burn them to save his own hide. This is about to get very interesting.

William L. Anderson said...

Cyril,

Excellent article, and so, so true. It is amazing to watch so many people run over the cliff, and then to read nonsense from the Sheriff.

(By the way, from what I have been told, the jurors were quite united from the start on this one. They went over the evidence, as jurors should do, but there never was any doubt as to the outcome. It was my worry that the prosecution and the accusing families were going to try to get directly to the jurors, but that did not happen.)

Anonymous said...

I think Lamb said when her daughter died she was going to go for work at Angel EMS.

Kaye said...

Summers now critical of the Dr. from Emory (sorry forget the defense experts name) because she only made her determinations by photographs. Says maybe she would have thought differently by being "hands-on".

Kaye said...

anon 10:25 (the friend of melydia)

If you know Melydia well enough, perhaps you could inform her about contacting Judy O'Neal for this tape. Melydia has appeared on Judy's station before on another show of hers and they know each other. Melydia may be very interested in getting her hands on a tape of this from Judy directly.

Anonymous said...

Kaye, did you see my 10:30 post. Keith took himself off the case immediately, so he wasn't even the detective on the case when that interview took place. Sooooooo, either he lied & was actually the one there, even though he wasn't supposed to be or Summers is just adding to the lie. Deal is the one who came in the next day & said it was him in the interview room when the "revelation" took place. Oh my oh my! The whole keeps getting deeper doesn't it? Btw, if you like, you can refer to me as JL or now "little miss ringgold". LOL. Actually like the last one better as I've been called that for years, just because I know everyone here & in the tri-state area. Oh well, funny stuff over at my house right now.

dmk said...

What Summers said doesn't even make sense, the local Dr that signed off on the nurse's examination didn't do anything "hands-on" either. Summers is trying to do some some revisionist history here for those who didn't follow the trial closely. He's worried about his job methinks.

Cinderella said...

Just saw the interview with SL - so much does not ring true. As someone else said earlier he eyes kept looking left- shifty eyed???
What 9 year old that was molested says "How many years did she get"???
What 9 year old (as Abbey said eariler) talks about death and coming back as an angel to sit on someone's shoulder?
If someone did that to your daughter could you sit their petting your yorkie without shedding a tear?
Oh I call B---S---!!!
Tonya was and is and will always be innocent. You ms. SL are sick, sick sick

Kaye said...

JL (or little miss ringgold) Ha!
I just saw your post regarding Det. Keith taking himself off the case. Have you been able to watch this UCTV show, too?

Kaye said...

Summers criticizing the media yet again for their bias.

He says he feels like somebody needs to speak out for the prosecution because it has been presented so one-sided.

Show over, folks. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.

Dan said...

What folks need to remember is that the national conviction rate is between (65% and 80%). The Catoosa county conviction rate is 98% for cases provided to the courts by the Sheriff. That rate has been maintained for the last 18 years, and is among the highest in the nation.

Why? Well that is a great question, especially considering the "shoddy" (not my words) investigation, revealed in sworn testimony on this case.

Anonymous said...

Kaye & dmk, you are right on! And yes Kaye, I will let Melydia know about the interview tonight. I think she is actually resting tonight, which is well-deserved. She probably knew he was going to be on there, so she may be watching it instead of resting. This will definitely be something that the defense needs to have to keep their case going on the misconduct & perjury. Summers has never been the sharpest tool in the shed, but at least in his early days, he meant well. For the last few years, not so much. I can tell you this, he likes boobies. :-)

Anonymous said...

Sandra Lamb is so full of crap.If she is so worried about her daughter why under gods name would she go on TV & talk about it?It is a bunch of bull,no one would sell there kid out if it was true.She has tried to keep her daughters name out of it but tonight she is on the news letting everyone know who her kid is.What a BITCH SANDRA LAMB IS!!!!

Anonymous said...

One person does not to choose to employ tactics to maximize federal monies issued under the Mondale Act. The corruption is deep and wide. It is imperative that all concerned citizens become involved. Lookout has provided us a vehicle with the form letter posted. USE IT!

Anonymous said...

Hey Phil, you should be getting a call about any time to bail a relative out of jail...

Kaye said...

Dan,

I completely understand your point. I think we all realize now how the conviction rate became so high now and it wasn't because of the superior detective work. lol

Kaye said...

Sage advice, anon 11:17. I WILL file complaints. This MUST stop.

Anonymous said...

Miss Ringgold for the record we are taking the proper steps in this matter.You might also like to know i am a very educated person,sometimes on blogs like this you mispell so no one knows who you are.By the way you might end up on my E.R.table soon I am an E.R.Doctor.Makes you wonder doesn't it?I just might see you soon!

Anonymous said...

We must all face the fact that all the agencies are working together, from the CAC, to the Catoosa County Sheriffs Department, to the DA's office (Buzz Franklin CAC Board member), to the judge in an effort to defraud the citizens and the federal government out of due process (citizens) and money (government) via the Mondale Act.

Anonymous said...

We are all sick to death of miss Ringgold,who ever you are.

Anonymous said...

I was sick to my stomach seeing Sandra Lamb on the 11:00 news.She claims to love her daughter,why would she go on the news & talk about it?

cb said...

I know you guys in Chicamauga do not want these families there, but please, please, please do not come to Ringgold! We do not want you either! The interview with the Lamb girl's mother, I could tell she is evil! What about the devil statement, and also she said her daughter asked how long Tonya would be in jail? What kind of a child would ask that question? A child who has been filled with hatred by her parents. I'm surprised good ole Miriam wasn't making her primetime debut. LOL Oh I forgot she's a common household name/face. We are tired of seeing you Miriam, go away! The news also said Ms. Lamb would only give one interview, well thank god for that. I didn't learn anything new from her, except the fact that she gave me double confirmation of Tonya's innocense.

Anonymous said...

I live in Ringgold, not the earlier poster and I am most certainly on Tonya's side. I can understand all of your feelings, but this blog is not the place to achieve what you want. Call your schools, call the school board, hold meetings, whatever you feel you need to do, but trashing people on here (and I understand how you feel) is not helping Tonya and the battle she still faces to get custody of her children and to take down this unjust judicial system. These parents may have been behind this, but without the help of very corrupt people, detectives, the ADA, CAC, and others, this never would have gone where it did. There are many other families out there who are going through or have gone through what Tonya did. What Mr. Anderson plans on focusing on is bringing down this corrupt system and that is what we all need to concentrate on as well.

That being said, I do have some comments on Sandra Lamb. She did not maintain eye contact and considering she lied on the witness stand under oath, I don't believe one word she said. Furthermore, she obviously isn't very bright, if she continues to take her daughter to that Laurie Evans, that woman was scary. And, why go on TV and tell the whole world who you are and who your child is. Now, I know there are a lot of people who already knew, but there were also a lot who didn't, but now they do. As a mother, I never would have done that.

Bill, again thank you for bringing light into darkness and lets all continue to support Tonya.

Anonymous said...

Iwould love to hear what miss ringgold is thinking. You gave it to her good.

Lookout Spy said...

Follow the Money:

"In the area of finance during Sheriff Summers’ administration, the Sheriff’s Office generates more than $2 million in revenue each year to assist in offsetting the cost of law enforcement for the citizens of Catoosa County. In the past 10 years alone, the Sheriff’s Office has received more than $8.4 million by successfully acquiring state and federal grants."

Who wouldn't want to play with that kind of money?

Anonymous said...

Kaye, I didn't get to see it. Was having discussions with my daughter & reading a few of the posts on here to her. She was in shock. Just by me reading them, she could figure out they were written by the same person. 15, and she knows more than some on here. Then I was addressing the people who continued their diatribes. I was going to stay quiet, but decided enough was enough. So wish I would have ran inside & at least dvr'd it! Dang. Glad you got to see it & gave great commentary on it. Hopefully they will replay it this weekend. May give them a call & make a request.
It is sad that I had to go anon, but it was for good reason. My husband & daughter told me the other night to please go back to posting under my screen name, but then yesterday I received an email from my friend who was had the original post on FB that Lydi & I commented on. She had received several phone calls & basically told me to stick to anon for a while until things cooled down. I'm not so afraid of them as I am afraid of what I may do if they stormed into my house. I'm a firm believer in the 2nd ammendment & I will leave that as it is.
Kaye, I would like to know more about you & would love for you to join our "club". You seem like the rational type who pays close attention. I'm a "housewife" now, so I have time to form a CRB if you are interested. I have many friends who are lawyers (on the good side), nurses, drs. & just everyday working people who are part of our recently formed "club". We are meeting again tomorrow, but will be my last meeting until after I have surgery.
I know a lot of the people involved in the case & have always been kind of a "watchdog". A lot of my old school people have left the system, but I still have people on the inside. They can't help with the Det. Keith issue right now because it is still a burning coal, but I am a patient girl & know that everything will work out for the good of the community. I posted on my FB today that I was tired of the national media using the term "a community divided" because the way I see it, it has united so many of us & I hope our passion can stay focused to continue to help Tonya & others in her same position. Spoke to a guy tonight who is in the same position. We have offered up our services & look forward to helping him. If not for anything else, but to do the research & legwork to save him money. If you are interested, let me know.

Thank you again for watching that tonight & keeping a commentary. It will help immensely!!!!

Oh, I forgot about my buddy Cyril, thank you for saying what many of us have already said. I feel your words will fall on deaf ears, just as many of our comments have, but I actually said the same thing you did. It almost seemed as trolls trying to come in & break up a solidarity. Thank you for thinking the same thing. I have respected your opinions very much.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for what you said,finally someone in Ringgold gets it. Thank you again.

Lookout Spy said...

http://www.catoosacountysheriff.com/cms.php?page=Meet Your Sheriff

Anonymous said...

These last several statements sums it all up.This is why we chickamauga parents are trying to get rid of the Lambs,Wilsons,Boyds & Mcdonalds.

Anonymous said...

Yes where did miss Ringgold go?Is her head tucked between her legs?

Anonymous said...

Pumpkin, little miss ringgold has nothing but laughter for you. "Purposefully misspelling words so people wouldn't know who you are????" Seriously? And if you are an ER doctor, then I am the Pope. How silly you are is unbelievable. Also, "who gave it to me good?" The ignorant person claiming to be a doctor. Did you know that was illegal, just as claiming to be a police officer or anyone who basically serves the public? You two are cracking me up! Also, my McCallie & UGA educated husband is quite amused. So if you are a Dr., where do you practice? You don't have to say your name, because obviously you will lie, but just where do you practice? I can honestly say, even if you were a Dr., you wouldn't be performing anything on me. My personal Dr. is a phone call away & if anything happens to me, he will be there to take care of me. Sorry.......Dr. Doolittle?

Anonymous said...

Sandra Lamb looked like a dumb ass on the news,petting her little dog.

Anonymous said...

What is really up with this women,her husband a mc allie graduate & of course from UGA.Trust me alot of people run circles around your husband.Oh by the way you were so busy laughing you never said where you got your degree?

Anonymous said...

I just came in some women is making me mad.Do we all need to state where we recieved our degrees from?

Anonymous said...

Also, you obviously didn't realize what the other poster from Ringgold said. Go back & look at it. You are as bad as Miriam Boyd. READ!!! If you need help with that, they have adult literacy programs.

Oh dear Lord, please help me stop stooping to their level, albeit of a more intelligent nature. And Lord, I know you hear my prayers. As I posted on my Facebook a couple of weeks ago a prayer asking for You to intervene with this jury & show them Your light. After watching the interview with the juror who said it was Divine Intervention, I knew You had listened to mine & my friends prayers. I love you my Father in Heaven & I ask for your protection & your healing of the people who seek to do harm & to continually lie. You know who they are, just as You know who I am.
In your name I pray, Amen.

Anonymous said...

The women from Ringgold is really making a fool out of herself.

Anonymous said...

To borrow a prosecution phrase, I think we are seeing who are the real whores - the lying parents, those who are part of the LMJC/CAC and those local politicians and media who are in bed with all of them for their own financial gain.

They all need to lose everything they have for all of the innocent people they have railroaded or bullied into false confessions.

I pray the FBI will come in and bring justice back to the people of Catoosa County and take it from those with the power and financial resources to buy and control whom and what they want.

Anonymous said...

You are not even worth it!You are just like the trash we are trying to get rid of.So have a good life & stay away from us!!!!!!!

Kellie Graham said...

Well it's Sandy Lamb's last 5, if her child can't pull it off she might as well, huh? Nope, really Sandy, it's still really, really bad. :(

Anonymous said...

To the women in Ringgold you must be a real bitch.

Pete O'Nair said...

@Lookout Spy - Had to laugh after reading all that on the sheriff's web page, then seeing the name of the website designer: "Spin Concepts Media".

Anonymous said...

Yes from what I have read these past couple of hours,she sounds like a big fat bitch to me.

Anonymous said...

I also went to UGA if you really want to know & you could not run circles around my husband or myself. Honestly, my cats are more intelligent than you. By the way, when you are speaking of one, it is woman, if two or more, it is women. Trust me, I don't want to be around you people. My friends are intelligent & ariculate. You are not. Plus, you live in the whole, aka Chickamauga. You are so worried about "outsiders", but you have never done anything about it before. Why now? Are you trying to "cash in" on Tonya? As I said before, at least try to honor Tonya & her family by having a little more decorum. Anything you say does nothing but make me laugh. In fact, at my meeting tomorrow, we will be discussing your posts and having a good laugh. Trust me, I want to stay on this side of my world. It's a great place. Too bad yours isn't. Good luck to you on your quest! This will be the last time I bring myself down to your level. Obviously you can not read, as the other poster from Ringgold said this: "I live in Ringgold, not the earlier poster and I am most certainly on Tonya's side. I can understand all of your feelings, but this blog is not the place to achieve what you want. Call your schools, call the school board, hold meetings, whatever you feel you need to do, but trashing people on here (and I understand how you feel) is not helping Tonya and the battle she still faces to get custody of her children and to take down this unjust judicial system. These parents may have been behind this, but without the help of very corrupt people, detectives, the ADA, CAC, and others, this never would have gone where it did. There are many other families out there who are going through or have gone through what Tonya did. What Mr. Anderson plans on focusing on is bringing down this corrupt system and that is what we all need to concentrate on as well." By the way, this is how you spell McCallie.

Anonymous said...

One more thing, not a big, fat b****, more like a healthy, well built, very attractive woman. Jealous much. Now hurry up & close down the trailer park. The meth lab may blow up soon!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading this blog for several weeks. I am thankful for Mr. Anderson and the effort and time he has taken to show the corrupt system in North Georgia. With that being said I do not want to speak for anyone but myself. So here goes.

I feel horrible for the children in this case they have been used for evil by the people they trusted the most their parents. As for all the bashing of the Lambs, Mcdonalds, Boyds & Wilsons it is not just anger that these statements come from but if this could be done to Tonya what is going to happen to the next person to cross them? So you see this is why we do not want them in our community any longer. We have had enough of being pushed around and looked down on and unfortunately it took this horrible ordeal of Mrs. Craft's for us to finally say ENOUGH.

I am sick and broken hearted that these people are considered are community leaders and leaders in our churches. I am ashamed to say Mrs. Boyd attends the same church as I do and is a leader with the youth. I can tell you my child will no longer attend any youth meeting, Sunday school class or Bible study she leads.

If you want to clean up this community you have to clean it up entirely from House, Arnt, Gregor to the families that started the lies to the ones that keep it going. This is not said out of spite or hatered but comes from the fact it is no longer acceptable for people to live with the worry of what will happen if they speak their mind, if they make a certain parent mad at the Chickamauga Rec. Center or at the school or if they are simply trying to do their job to the best of their abilitiy as Mrs. Craft did. Believe what Tonya says this could happen to anyone at anytime and has happened to others thanks to these families just not to this extent, but I know of another family that was investigated by DEFACS due to making one of these families mad. These are scary people and need to be stopped.

I pray for Mrs. Craft everyday and I pray she is reuinted with her children soon. I wish Mrs. Craft every happiness and thank her for the fine example of grace and dignity she had through the most horrible of ordeals. I would like to say I would be as graceful and dignified as she has been. She is a great example of how a true lady should act.

Anonymous said...

First of all I want to make this clear: I have NO dog in this fight. This is why I chose to stay anonymous. But, I do know Miraim Boyd and I have known her for many years. I know her well enough to say she is NOT a mean person and would never do anything to intentionally hurt someone. She is a caring and compasionate christian lady. All of this name calling and hurtful things being said is not going to help anything. It only makes the person who is saying these things over and over just as wrong as what you are accusing Miriam of doing. The person bringing up these people should post pictures or video showing the proof of what is happening or please just let it go. Every person involved in this entire situation has been hurt enough and there is no point in continuing to hurt people any more.
Again, I did not keep up with the trial nor do I watch the news on a regular basis - but it seems to me that everyone needs to drop this trash talking and get on with their lives.

God Bless you all

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:01 pm

With all due respect, you admit yourself that you do not watch the news on a regular basis. Apparently, you have not seen Mrs. Boyd on EVERY newscast that she could weasle her way into, so that she could get her 5 minutes of fame by slandering Tonya. Miriam doesn't "have a dog in this fight" either, yet she continues to look for every opportunity to put herself out there. When she behaves this way, SHE is the one bringing this scrutiny on herself. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, and those who post on here are entitled to express theirs as well.

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