For several months now, those of us who participate in this blog have been speculating about the future of Harris County District Attorney's Office 1st Assistant Jim Leitner. Every few weeks, there have been (what appeared to be) credible reports that he was turning in his two weeks notice. The rumors started before the election in May, and have continued fairly regularly since then. I hear new reports every week or so that he is finally leaving the Office. I don't even bother to report them anymore.
The situation is interesting, however.
Since taking over the 1st Assistant position on January 1, 2009 in an unholy alliance with Pat Lykos, Jim has seemed to relish in the role of chief "bridge burner." He started in 2008 by vowing to his friends in the D.A.'s Office that he would never support Pat Lykos if he failed to make the runoff and then contradicting himself the moment he lost. His endorsement of Lykos coupled by his later appointment to 1st Assistant smacked of an illegal back room deal that didn't do his reputation any favors.
His blind bullying on behalf of Lykos has alienated the prosecutors that he has been supervising for the past three and a half years. During his tenure he hasn't exactly earned too many new friends in the Judiciary or the Defense Bar, either.
Whether Leitner leaves on December 31st at 11:59 p.m. or tomorrow, the only certainty is that he will definitely not be the 1st Assistant come January 1st, 2013. (NOTE: Unless Lloyd Oliver wins, in which case, all bets are off.) The big question now is, "What becomes of Jim Leitner once he no longer has that shiny badge that he likes to wear on his belt?"
The answer to that question may be in the works as we speak.
First, let's jump back in time to November 2007.
Kelly Siegler and her career arch-nemesis, Dick DeGuerin, have been embroiled in the hotly contested murder trial of David Temple. The case is a whodunnit murder that dealt with a prominent Katy football coach charged in the murder of his 8-months-pregnant wife. Much of the case is based largely on circumstantial evidence, with no confession from the defendant nor any forensic evidence that can definitively link him to the crime.
Unfortunately for David Temple and Mr. DeGuerin, circumstantial evidence is still evidence. A jury convicted Temple of the murder of his wife and sentenced him to Life in prison.
DeGuerin complained loudly -- both publicly and privately -- that an innocent man had been convicted. The appellate courts have disagreed and David Temple continues to serve his Life sentence as of this writing.
On January 1st, 2009, the Lykos Crew came to town. According to reliable sources, soon after Lykos was elected, DeGuerin lobbied the Lykos Administration, specifically 1st Assistant Jim Leitner, to review the Temple case and agree to a reversal of the case. My reports indicate that Kelly Siegler's trial file on David Temple has been sitting in Leitner's office since very early in 2009. Why the First Assistant would take such an interest in a case is a mystery to me. Perhaps it is because Mr. DeGuerin is such a high profile defense attorney. Maybe Leitner was still angry after the bitter campaign between Kelly Siegler and Pat Lykos?
Whatever the motive was in 2009, nothing really became of the Temple case under the Lykos Administration -- at least nothing helpful to Mr. Temple or Mr. DeGuerin.
But in May of this year, Jim Leitner learned that his boss, Pat Lykos, was going to be out of a job at the end of the year. He was savvy enough to know that when Lykos' job ended with the D.A.'s Office, his job would end as well. Leitner knew that on January 1, 2013 he was going to be a defense attorney again, and the folks he would be dealing with would be a group of prosecutors that he had proudly treated like crap for the preceding four years.
Oops.
Where is that Temple file? Mr. Leitner must have wondered to himself. Because if there was anything that might give him a little bit of goodwill in his job search beginning January 1st, surely the gratitude of Dick DeGuerin would count for something, right?
So, according to multiple credible sources, 1st Assistant Jim Leitner has picked up the David Temple file again. DeGuerin is still claiming that his client is innocent. DeGuerin has even hired former Harris County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant (and current defense attorney) John Denholm to work on the Temple case for him. That's interesting, since Denholm was the Lieutenant in HCSO Homicide when the Temple murder occurred.
Leitner has the District Attorney's Office doing all they can to help DeGuerin, Denholm and David Temple, too. He has an investigator assigned to do all he can to help them in their investigation. That particular investigator has been given permission to log as many hours of overtime as he could possibly need with no questions asked -- all at taxpayer expense.
Leitner (who was rumored to have been leaving last Wednesday) has told others that he is staying on at the District Attorney's Office a little bit longer to take care of some projects. It would appear that one of those "projects" is getting the murder conviction of David Temple overturned. Although some of the details are not confirmed, apparently a jailhouse snitch heard somebody other than David Temple confess to the murder. Supposedly the "confessor" is now in Mexico. That would make this a third-hand confession that Leitner is desperately trying to prove to be true.
If Leitner finds the information he is so desperately seeking, a District Judge would have the power to let David Temple walk out the front door of TDCJ.
Mr. DeGuerin and Mr. Temple would doubtlessly be grateful.
And if Mr. Temple walks out the front door of TDCJ, we should all keep a careful eye on what door Mr. Leitner walks in through.
Having powerful friends can often soften the landing for you when you lose your job.
99 comments:
C'mon, dude. 4 real? Put the bong down.
I've seen the photos in his office. He used to store his weights on them.
And Clappart should be ashamed of himself. I thought he was better than this, but then again, he may need a job too....
Wow. Just when I thought I'd heard it all. I thought Leitner was just sticking around to torture those of us that despise him. I didn't realize there was a more sinister motive, but it sure explains a lot. Just the thought that this could be true, which sounds like a serious possiblity, makes me sick.
Murry! You and Cow Chip are complete FOOLS.
Surely I'm missing something here. Didn't Lykos JUST accuse Chip Lewis of doing this EXACT thing on his way out the door from the DA's office in order to garner favor? There's no way that Lykos would let Leitner make such a fool of her to slap her in the face and do the same thing knowing how it would reflect on the office. Especially since there's no way in hell anyone else could have killed Belinda. Has everyone forgotten about that dog in the back yard that would have killed anyone who came in that gate?
Anonymous 6:18:
Wow Hooper you crawled out from under your rock just to misspell Murray. What a POS you are.
Leitner, like Kevin Fine, is using his time in office to undo as much Justice as they can because they are bleeding heart liberals at heart. Birds of a feather stick together.
The ONLY reason Leitner has left yet is because Patsy has refused to give him his balls back until he pacifies Little Dick. Leitner and Dick have a lot in common.
Word starting breaking about this on Friday afternoon from the investigators.
This taxpayer is fine with the review of this conviction, because it stank from day one.
It's interesting that the prosecution uses jailhouse snitches all the time--and pays for that testimony with plea bargains, meaning the snitches have reason to lie for the prosecution--yet if a felon testifies on behalf of a defendant, it's derided as being unreliable.
Sure, they need to get the guy who heard the confession. But isn't it safer to track him down, than live with a questionable confession? If the wrong guy is in jail, the real murderer is out there able to kill more people.
I know, I know... that kind of thing never happens in Harris County, right?
Rage
I appreciated the fact that the DA's Office should seek justice first, but isn't this something the defense should be examing? The investigator is Steve Clappart? I had no idea and never would have guessed it. But if the First Assistant asks for YOU to do something, would you turn him down? I'd do it too, but I wouldn't like it!
Isn't this the second time Clappart has been causght red-handed working with defense attorneys...First the faxing of non-public info to a defense attorney and now this. Mike Anderson, this is another investigator who apparently needs to go. And yes, I would refuse to work against the office. Endless paid overtime over Integrity, he made his choice.
I think Leitner is a stand up guy. As he has said in the past "We dont just prosecute, we stand for justice and truth for the innocent as well". You have to look at the over all picture for Newman writing this article and where he got his information (which isnt hard to figure out). Newman is on a mission, he seeks to impress his idol Anderson.
I agree with the previous polster, Newman must need a job. Cant wait for November - " Romney for President, Oliver for D.A.".
Steve Clappart is a great investigator. Can't blame him for doing what his boss asks of him.
Steve has impeccable character. How dare you suggest otherwise.
Give the guy a break. His new job and child support may be all he has come January. And if Leitmer was so hell bent on justice why did this case sit for three and a half years. It was because he couldn't find anything and put it back in the corner
Anon 10:42 p.m.,
What I "seek" is to keep a man convicted of murdering his pregnant wife from being released from prison because someone is doing someone a favor rather than following the law. If you can't get behind that ideal, there is no hope for you.
In regards to Steve Clappart, I personally don't believe that he deserves the criticism here. I worked with him when I was there and I think he is a good investigator and a friend. He has to investigate what he is assigned to. He is the information gatherer.
What is in question is the motivation of the person who ordered the investigation and what they plan to do with that information. If they believe that they have credible information that gives proof of innocence, then more power to them for finding it.
However, given the history of the case and the history of the people involved, it starts seeming incredibly shady when they are trying to keep it under wraps as they previously have been.
If they have legitimate information and a legitimate manner and means of taking it to the appropriate court using appropriate measures, why not do so?
Murray you is started this articule, to include your words towards Clappart, dont start crawl fishing now.
Anon 7:56,
Your reading comprehension is terrible. Try reading the article again.
I have been trying for a while to figure out what 7:56 wrote. I really can't make even a lick of sense out of it.
9:53-
Of course you can figure out what 7:56 is saying because that's Hooper the imbecile trying to string more than two misspelled words together. His kids should wake up every day and be grateful they aren't around him.
Anon 7:56 is not Hooper. It's an investigator.
Just a word of wisdom to those at HCDAO: In the waning months of Lykos' steering the ship repeatedly into the shore, be aware that she and Leitner both will be scheming ways to vent their anger at being tossed out on their ear. That includes using people at the office to carry out their nefarious plans. Some folks might be tempted to do their bidding because they need to feel wanted and important or maybe just to earn a little overtime. Awfully short-sighted. You may be asked to do an assignment but you need to examine their motive and then maybe not try too hard.
Murray,
That is really scary. One of Hooper's relatives might be an Investigator??!
7:56 -
Good grief, your grammar/spelling makes Hooper look like a Yale professor.
I sure hope you are not a county employee; if so, please put the bottle down and do not retun to the office until you bac is 0.00.
And by the way....
Until Murray gets his "health assessment," nobody wants him to crawl fish, skip, jog, or otherwise endanger himself with aerobic activities.
The black and white world of Rage will never appreciate the complexities of reality...."Shades of Grey" elude the concrete synapses of the little man who calls himself "Rage".
Just Sayin'
Did I mention Todd had an awesome crawl fish boil at Liberty Station a while back? You is remiss for leaving that out of your articule. It was freeking grate.
Did I understand that right?
Former HCSO Lt. John Denholm was the Homicide supervisor over the David Temple murder case...and now that he is a Defense Attorney, he is working to get David Temple out of prison?
What a complete lack of character and integrity! If he knew or suspected there was a problem with the case or that David Temple was actually innocent, shouldn't he have spoke up then?
How is this not a conflict of interest?
When he's paid by the County, he believes David Temple is guilty. When he's paid by the defense team, or hopes to benefit from the publicity, he suddenly changes his mind and believes David Temple is innocent.
How convenient.
John Denholm is a slimeball!
I had a great crawl fish bowl tonight while getting ready for a "health assessment".
Leitner I hope would stay in his position now if Mike wins. It would be for the best of everyone as an employee I can only hope
Re 7:28-
Sorry RP but it's just not in the cards for either of you.
Re 7:28-
Sorry RP but it's just not in the cards for either of you.
Anon 8:53- anon 7:28 was not RP. It was RH. Rachel Palmer is Job hunting (forwarding cover letters and her resume) as Rachel Hooper- with no mention of the word "Palmer" in her application packet. I guess it is a convenient way to hide baggage that might land you on the "do not hire" list.
one of her lawyers shopped her to the US Attorney's Office after the 5th was pled, to no avail. She is damaged goods, to say the least.
RP/RH can join the ever expanding firm of,
Lykos, Leitner, Chow, Morris, Shadwick, and Hobbs.
If its exculpatory, it has to be disclosed, right?
Therefore, the victims' family needs to call the
Hcdao and see if this has been done. If so, why
weren't they notified? If I am them,
I'd be pissed if i learn this
third hand........
@7:43 pm
The factions working on this issue in the HCDAO probably care nothing about the victims family or their concerns. They are looking for the 'soft landing'.
Anon 1:48. You sure making a lot of assumptions about what Denholm thinks? Did you ask him or just post chickenshit anonymous comments ?
Murray, thank you for this post - it has given Hooper a reason to live again. I credit five of the previous postings to him. His lack of apostrophe's and atrocious spelling & grammar always give him away. He's baaack....
3:30, if a lack of apostrophes means it's Hooper, does your excessive use of them mean you are Rachel? Lykos? Or just not someone who should criticize other people because you make the same mistakes?
7:43, just because it's exculpatory doesn't mean it gets turned over, and you know it. Don't make me give you examples again.
3:35, thanks for noticing. I've been working on my synapses. I was worried they might be getting a little big and I needed to switch up my workout, but if you like them, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.
Rage
Way to go Rage, your the Man (Or Woman)!
They dont like to hear the truth. Alot of them act as if they were Obama supporters.
Anon 6:39 You call me a chickenshit for posting anonymously...and you do it while posting anonymously?
And the last time I checked John Denholm was a big boy. He can come take up for himself. And so far...he hasn't denied anything. What does that tell you?
In my opinion, he is SLIME.
He's done some REALLY dirty backhanded things since he became a Defense Attorney and if he has changed his tune on the David Temple case just because someone dangled fortune and fame in front of him then he's even dirtier than I thought. Piece of crap
It has been over 13 years since our daughter, Belinda and our unborn granddaughter, Erin were murdered by David Temple. Almost 9 years later we went through a trial that lasted 6 weeks.
David Temple was found guilty by 12 jurors. So far, all appeals have denied him a release from prison. It is "B------T" what is now being done at the District Attorneys Office to gain a release for David Temple.
It has been "HELL" for our family to endure this horrendous ordeal.
So is Leitner still employed by the DAs office?
Mr. Thomas Lucas
I am deeply sorry for your loss and for what you and your family have had to endure after that tragic loss.
The corruption of the Lykos Administration has been well documented, but if the allegations here are true in that the First Assistant District Attorney is using his public position to look for "loop holes" in this case and is assisting David Temple's defense team in trying to overturn his conviction, just so he can land a job after December, then they've taken their propensity for corruption to a whole new level.
It sounds like they're adding insult to your injury. And you are right, what they're doing is horrendous if true.
If there is anything I can do for you or your family, please don't hestitate to call on me. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mark W. Stephens
There are backroom meetings and conversations going on between Leitner, his investigative staff, other ADA's, and the defendant's lawyers. It's all very secretive and hush-hush. If there is some "new evidence" that has been discovered that shows Mr. Temple to be innocent then handle it on top of the table and in a court of law.
I would be highly suspicious of everyone's motives at this juncture. I also suspect some triple-heresay jail talk to be the new evidence. That has bit a bunch of folks in the butt in the past. Convicts just love to cook up wild tales in hopes of helping themselves or fellow convicts.
Denholm and Leitner should be disbarred for trying to manufacture bullshit if they go forward with this. And if any firm even so much as looks at Leitner for a potential hire, they should be boycotted. I can't believe a man like Leitner who has gotten himself into this job-seeking situation all BY HIMSELF can stoop so low as to even think about trying to push this through. God bless the Temple family and what he's putting them through. Nobody can be surprised at what a loose cannon Denholm's turned out to be. When you have ego and jealousy issues like he does, it's obvious that he'll do anything to make a name for himself.
This post gives me cause for concern. Is this substantiated? Unsubstantiated? Was the Lucas family contacted prior to this post or by the DA's office about what they are reviewing? It's all good and great to gossip, but there is a family that needs to be considered in all of this, including this post.
I can guarantee the family hasn't been contacted by anyone from HCDA. You'd think by now that Lykos and her band of incompetents would realize they have been nullified by the voters. They need to maintain a low profile and quietly slink away as the year ticks down.
Instead, they are determined to prove once and for all how much they crave validation for all the wrong reasons. Patsy, Jim,and the gang, give up and go home. You were never prosecutors. You were and remain defense oriented.
Timing is everything here....Tick, Tock, Tick Tock. And THIS is why it stinks!!!
What court was this tried in and please don't say Fine?
Bottom line is the Judge in the court or one appointed to review has the last say. Murray, keep on this please since the regular stuff is drying up fast - thankfully.
Mr. Lucas
I am so sorry for everything you and your family have had to go through. My prayers are with you. If, in fact this is being revisisted for someone's political gain then the media should be made aware of this.
If there is anything at all that I can do to help with this I will be glad to do so.
A letter or phone campaign, whatever can be done to stop more suffering for this family. Anyone have any clue how to start this?
I'm sure if Ted O'Berg just shows up at her office, Pat Lykos would immediately grant him an interview and explain what her First Asst is up to.
Mr. Stephens, first of all, barratry is illegal and unethical. Ask Ron Reynolds if Lykos will prosecute that crime.
Second, the corruption of the administration under which Temple was convicted has been documented even more fully.
Rage
I agree Rage, due to the prior Rosenthal administrations documented problems, it is possible that the Temple case could be tainted. If some form of information and or evidence has been brought forward that may have been over looked it should be examined.The Lykos administration will not turn their heads when it comes to doing the right thing. May God Bless the Lucas Family.
Anon 12:19 a.m.,
The idea that Leitner was doing something noble regarding the Temple case would be much more of a credible argument if he weren't trying to do it undetected. If there was some doubt in his mind and the case needed to be investigated, the FIRST people he should have called would have been the Lucas family to let them know.
Instead, Leitner operated like a bumbling cat burglar, trying not to get detected. He did not notify the victim's family and he is trying to do an end-around the Courts of Appeals with a rarely used Constitutional Appeal.
He was trying to slide one past everyone and he got caught.
Anon 12:19-
88,000 Republican voters (63%) decided that Lykos wasn't doing the right thing. If you worked for her, you'd know that even more.m Lykos ALWAYS filters whatever she does not by, "is it the right thing?"', but whether she can spin it to give her media attention and perceived accolades.
Rage-
Barratry is illegal but since Mr. Stephens is not a lawyer and wasn't offering legal services, I don't think he is committing barratry. He was trying to offer support to a still grieving family. Too bad this D.A. has offered none.
BTW, painting Kelly Siegler with any of the taint caused by Rosenthal's moral failure, is insulting and wrong. You should be ashamed.
Easy there 12:19. If you're one the folks on the way out (or married to one of them), you should just go away quietly instead of embarrassing yourself by acting like you have anything to say. And you sure as hell shouldn't make the mistake of thinking I believe or said Lykos and Leitner can be honorable.
Barratry is illegal but since Mr. Stephens is not a lawyer and wasn't offering legal services.....
Non-lawyers can commit barratry too, but I must admit that I don't keep up with every poster around here and their profession. If he's not a lawyer, quite honestly I'm not sure what he has to offer.
If you think it's support, well, let's just say that it seems oddly self serving due to his clear dislike for Lykos.
BTW, painting Kelly Siegler with any of the taint caused by Rosenthal's moral failure, is insulting and wrong. You should be ashamed.
The Kelley Siegler hero worship around here is pretty amazing. I'm on the record as thinking that this conviction was wrong from day one. Been saying it for years on this blog, in fact. I do not for a second think that Siegler had the same moral failings as Rosenthal, but a few pills and banging a secretary were the least of Rosenthal's moral failings. Those failings didn't imprison the wrong people for years, and didn't destroy potentially exculpatory DNA evidence. You can't look at Rosenthal's failures as only related to the scandal that pushed him out of office--there were many things he did wrong, while folks like you sat silently by and benefited from a paycheck and increased leeway to get convictions at any cost.
I do believe she was part of the culture created by Holmes and that festered under Rosenthal that fell victim to confirmation bias. People were prosecuted because prosecutors "thought" they were guilty, and everything they saw just confirmed that. There are many cases in Harris County where prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence because they didn't "really think" it was exculpatory. Or where cops withheld it. Or where there was faulty identification. Or where any number of things went wrong that should have been disclosed, but wasn't. I am not saying that Siegler did these things, but I am saying that they happen. We know they do. You know they do. We need to find out of this was a case where something went wrong. If the evidence was stronger, maybe we wouldn't. If the case hadn't been shopped to the grand jury more than once, maybe we wouldn't. But the evidence was weak, and it was shopped. We know that, too.
Yes, circumstantial evidence is still evidence. But a weak case is still a weak case. Grand juries will indict a ham sandwich, Harris County juries will convict it, and Texas appellate courts will let the conviction ride. The fact that the conviction hasn't been overturned means absolutely nothing when it comes to actual guilt or innocence--again, there are plenty of examples.
Belinda Temple's murder was a tragedy and I cannot possbly express enough sympathy for the family. I pray that my family never has to endure such a thing. But if the wrong man was convicted based on weak evidence, wouldn't you want to set that right? A full investigation will either show that he did it or he didn't--and no, a past conviction isn't always enough to say he did it, especially in cases like this. If he did it, he'll rot in jail. If he didn't, well, hopefully they can get the guy who did and keep him from killing anyone else.
There are lots of questions surrounding this conviction, and I've had them from day one. Imagine what someone who actually has access to the file will find out.
Or maybe that's what you're afraid of.
Rage
Rage -
Many in this forum have offered their opinion to me that you are a fool.
I chose to form my own opinion.
Your latest post insinuating that I vilolated the Barratry statute has helped me tremendously in reaching the conclusion that, you sir, are indeed a fool. And much more.
"Barratry is illegal and unethical." That is the ONLY correct statement you made in that post.
And while the Barratry statute pertains to attorneys, chiropractors, physicians, surgeons, and private investigators, you really need to pause and think this one through.
The Temple case has been adjudicated. Thus far, every appeal has been denied. What need would the family have for professional services? The DAs office is supposed to be their representative in this matter.
The fact that you can make the leap from a genuine offer of concern to this family for the tragedy they've had to endure to an illegal act of solicitation, lends credence to everything I've been told about you.
I don't know Mr. Lucas personally, nor does he know me. He doesn't know my profession, nor have I offered to tell him. My concern for his family and offer to keep his family in my prayers was simple and spontaneous.
It is particularly striking that you come to the defense of a man convicted, beyond a reasonable doubt, of murdering his pregnant wife while simultaneously insinuating that I am a criminal for offering condolences and support to the murder victim's family.
Not only are you a fool, you are truly sick and twisted.
And I won't even comment on your drivel about the previous administation. There is no comparison.
Stephens, man, I don't know who you are but that post makes about as much sense as any of the rantings that have been assumed to be Hooper's. You might want to have those meds checked.
Rage
Rage, no matter what you think about whether Temple killed her or not, you cannot, cannot, cannot forget that dog. He would have NEVER let anyone in that back yard that he was familiar with. So, shut up. You're making a fool of yourself. Worse than usual.
Rage. Nah. I think he nailed it. Described you to a "T" and did it in a clear and concise manner. Maybe you would understand it better if he wrote it in crayons?
*wasn't familiar with. Damn, I'm as much of an idiot as Rage is sometimes.
12:39, you show me a mean dog, and I'll show you a nice steak that will shut him up.
Or some other point of entry.
Or someone she knew that wasn't her husband.
Who knows? If all they did is go after the one guy they thought might have been the guy, to the exclusion of all others, we never will. Again, there are many examples of cases where prosecutors ruled facts out because they didn't support their theory of the crime.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Rage
Rage
Rage, you obviously didn't watch the trial. Shut up before you make a bigger fool of yourself. Every time you write something, you prove that you're just a blowhard who can't stand being in the middle of things. Did you used to have power and it was taken away or something? Why do you always have an opinion?
Rage, STFU. Please.
Rage and others:
Here is the bottom line on the Temple matter and is what has the family and Lykos/Leitner detractors so upset. No prosecutor or law enforcement person wants an innocent person charged or convicted. In this present circumstance, it appears a lame duck, defense oriented administration, and unseasoned lawyer (remember Lykos has never tried a criminal case) is pursuing getting David Temple out of jail based on triple heresay. Oh, and by the way, the person who allegedly "confessed while in jail" is conveniently out of the US somewhere in Mexico. It seems a little strange that Leitner, who has postponed his departure from the Office to "pursue justice" would only have David Temple's best interests at heart. If Leitner wants to investigate heresay, why not first go to the police agency who handled the original investigation and work as a team. And leave Temple in TDCJ until the conclusion of the investigation.
PS: I guess Leitner could also request independent assistance from the Texas Rangers but since he and Lykos are stil targets of the Rangers and a Special Prosecutor, there may be a conflict of interest. Now isn't that a pathetics circumstance?
1:44, please tell me what I missed. Unlike many of you, I have an open mind and can change it if presented with a reason to do so.
2:28, if only to bother you, no.
2:32, I get it. But I don't care if the wrong person is doing something for the wrong reason. If it has a just result, that's fine with me. There are countless times when prosecutors did the wrong thing for the wrong reason, and it came to an unjust end. One instance of going the other way isn't going to kill the system.
Rage
Rage
"Stephens, man, I don't know who you are"
That's pretty obvious, since you accused him of committing both a crime and an unethical act. IF you KNEW him, you would know how ridiculous your claim was. He's a staight up guy...
Sorry, but your wrong. The Lykos requested investigation is through.
Dean Holke from HCSO did a hell of a job on the Temple case along with Kelly Siegler. Denholm while at HCSO supervised the traffic division. If some of the commentors actually watched the trial they would know WTH they are talking about.
David Temple killed his wife and unborn child for lust plain and simple, Little Jimmy and Tricky Dick will never change that, just like the fact that Kelly handed Dick his ass each and every time they faced...
To Anonymous 6:29 PM
I've been a cop in Houston for a long time I've never heard of John Denholm, neither have most other officers I've talked to. One friend of mine did know him and sang his praises, but everyone else that knew him had some very negative comments about him.
IF what has been said here about him is true, about his involvement in the Temple case, then I would have to agree about him being a piece of crap.
My friend said he was a Lt. with HCSO over the Homicide Division.
Denholm's own website says, "John retired from the department at rank of lieutenant where he commanded Homicide & Robbery."
Doesn't mention the Traffic Division at all.
anon 8:06 pm
If you commanded the traffic division, would you put it on your website? Did not think so.
Did someone really say go to the investigating officers and work as a team? That is naive and funny.
"if some of the commentators watched the trial, they would know WTH they were talking about.".
If you heard Kelly's closing argument, you'd wonder if she watched the trial. Read the court of affirms opinion.
To Anon 9:36:
I guess the 12 jurors didn't watch the trial either. STFU. Dick got his ass handed to him because he was out-lawyered and, oh, DAVID TEMPLE KILLED HIS WIFE. Don't be a hater bc you didn't get the glory.
Rage,
Mark Stephens retired from HPD and spent much of his career in Major Offenders. He is now a private investigator. His integrity is unquestionable. Since you live in anonymity on this blog, none of us have the opportunity to judge the totality of your character. All we can do is make assumptions based soley on the stupid assertions that you continue anonymously to make.
Maybe you should grow a pair of nads and tell the whole world who you are.
Chris Marshall
Oh, wow, that really stings.
/not really, douchebag
It does, however, tell me he was most likely offering more than just his condolences, though.
Rage
By the way, not questioning the integrity of cops gets us cops like this:
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Veteran-HPD-officer-convicted-in-drug-bribery-case-2271274.php
Or the cop who falsified DWI results.
Or the contractor who didn't calibrate breathalyzers for years.
Or the cops in charge of BAT vans, who knew of problems with the results...
I could go on, but something tells me you don't care of cops cheat.
Rage
Rage,
I wasn't trying to be a douchebag. I was simply explaining how ironic it is that you assail the integrity of others when we have no idea who you are. I know you describe yourself as a highly successful civil lawyer. But the truth is, you could be some middle-aged personal injury attorney who still lives in his mother's basement and puts a sock on his door when he has "gentleman callers" over. I know who Mark Stephens is. I respect him. His opinion matters to me. You, on the other hand, are a miserable failure at life, and you don't even have the courage to tell us who you are. I don't blame you though. If I were you, I would be embarrassed too.
Rage,
No none ever suggested that we shouldn't verify what cops report or say when possible. That's what defense attorneys do in court to make the State prove their cases. In this instance, the writer was just vouching for the credibility of Stephens and that his credibility while a cop was very good.
If you want to start using instances of bad cops being caught committing crimes, let's also make a list of all the lawyers who've been caught in crimes. Like starting with Lloyd Oliver. A short perusal of the National news will turn up plenty of lawyers being charged with crimes. That doesn't make all lawyers criminals anymore than your analogy makes all cops bad.
The big question: Is this still going on? Now that it's public, have they stopped?
I heard this week that they're shopping for judges, hoping to get this in front of Fine. Sigh. I can't imagine that this is what Lykos wants as her legacy, that she opened up the prison doors and let out a man convicted of slaughtering, and I do mean slaughtering, his pregnant wife.
The jury and appeals courts have all held that there was sufficient evidence to convict David Temple. I was at the trial, and I'm convinced. If there's compelling new evidence, that's great. Let's go through the channels, let's all line up on the side of justice, get behind it and pursue the truth. But everything I'm hearing is that this is old news: an already discredited third-hand account by a jailhouse snitch.
I wonder if Ms. Lykos is considering her own future? I'd suggest this is the time to put animosity behind her and consider what lies ahead. If there's any chance - no matter how remote - that she might one day want to run for any office again, this is a very, very bad move. These tactics stink so bad, they'll taint any future campaign.
I can see the TV ads now. Voice over while showing a slightly blurred photo of Belinda Temple's slaughtered pregnant body: Pat Lykos circumvented the courts and a jury and let out a convicted killer.
Word is that ever since she lost she been acting crazy as a bat. Given her narcissistic personality, she is probably going bonkers because her sick needs aren't being met. She is desperate to be relevant and is seeing that disappear like a wisp of smoke from her Camels.
I know you describe yourself as a highly successful civil lawyer.
I have never said this, not once. What I have said, however, is that when you have the bottom of the barrel of law school graduates prosecuting crimes, you end up with cheaters and poor work. There are, of course, exceptions. Murray wanted to do criminal work for a long time, and worked in criminal offices since college. Siegler, with a doctor for a husband, could afford to take a low paying job. Seaton, well, he's still a douche. But nobody I know that was law review, or even close, went to work at the HCDAO. A three year contract making in the $30-$40K a year range? YOU don't usually take that kind of a job by choice.
You, on the other hand, are a miserable failure at life
Not even close. I love my life. You wish you had my life. You just don't know it, which is probably a good thing.
Some of the best information comes from anonymous sources. Insiders (I work at the county, remember?) often provide the best information. Almost every major corruption case was broken from the inside. Anonymous authors have been responsible for some of this country's best works. I'm not saying I'm one of them, but anonymity, taken alone, does not discredit someone. You just don't like what I have to say, and have to find something to try to discredit my message, and of course, the low hanging fruit is always to discredit the messenger no matter what the message is.
Rage
Poor Rage, sometimes he makes a little sense and then will go out of his way to prove he's bipolar and just loves being nasty. Not every lawyer goes to law school to become wealthy. Being wealthy doesn't make you better than others and it sure doesn't guarantee your happiness. Just because someone doesn't graduate from an ivy league law school or is law review material doesn't relegate them to being public servants either. Most law school graduates only wish they could be as happy and fulfilled as most prosecutors do. And if they decide to stick to it, will will enjoy a camaraderie second to none. They will also make a decent living and end up with a retirement benefit many private practice lawyers will envy. I can assure you that no one I know envies who you are based on your comments.
Rage - You are misinformed about the academic quality of many of the lawyers at the DA's Office through the years. The early commitment program as well as regular hiring process brought several law review types, some #1 in class types, at least one #1 grade on Bar Exam type, and one eventual CEO of Delta Airlines. BTW the starting salary is $56,000 not $40,000. This is not to presume, however, that mere high grades in law school predict successful lawyers and/or prosecutors. Many low grade types ended up stars in court and elsewhere and many top grade types bombed in court and elsewhere. Out of the myriad applicants applying each year, picking honest , hardworking, intelligent applicants with people skills is the goal and probably most important function, but maybe the most difficult challenge at the office.
Anon 8:56-
You are spot on in your post save and except for one point. The most difficult challenge in the past four years has been to outlast the horrendous Lukos administration until the voters of Harris County pushed the ejection button on May 29th.
Now the challenge will be to rebuild HCDA into a functioning prosecutors office and rid the place of the riff raff lawyers and investigators she dragged in behind her.
8:56, I did say there were exceptions. And over how many years are those anecdotal hires spread out? Ou tof the thousands of lawyers that have worked there in the last few decades, you cite a handfull of success stories? You'll have to do better than that.
When I graduated, it was in the $40K range--at most.
I agree that grades don't mean you'll be a great lawyer. Never said anything different. But at the bottom of any barrel you're unlikely to find the cream of the crop.
Rage
Those of us who worked at the District Attorney’s Office know what rage has to say is just the mindless ranting of a self described person in rage. After 30 years with the office I can say I don’t know a single ADA who was in the bottom of their law school class. I know a number of ADAs who were in the top of their class including two who were number one. There were a large number of ADAs who worked on law school reviews including at one editor of his school’s law review. I graduated in the top half of my class and everyone I worked with had a better ranking than me. I just finished reviewing the entire payroll records of the HCDA Office and Rage who knows little to nothing about the District Attorney’s Office should find out what the starting salary really is before starting his mindless rants.
The most recent ranting has exposed who rage really is: he lives in a world of his own fantasy, makes outlandish statements seeking attention, has supporters who prefer to remain uninformed and just makes up stuff to support his views. Has to be Glenn Beck.
Why are we still responding to Rage? What he thinks is as irrelevant as Pat Lykos.
"When I graduated, it was in the $40K range--at most."
So is that the problem you have with the DA's Office, they saw through you and did not make you an offer. Sure sounds like it.
Only 141 more days before Lykos hands over the keys to the building. But who's counting? Everyone!
he lives in a world of his own fantasy
Trust me, a world of my own fantasy would have a lot more nudity.
And beer.
Rage
Rumor is Carl Hobbs is leaving (finally) at the end of the month. What a way to end a career as being a loyal, blind follower to the worst DA in the history of Harris County.
Guess there will be an opening for a new $100K door watcher in GJ. Bet RP will be first to apply.
Anon 8:22am
Hobbs is a good, hard working, honesty Prosecutor that worked under 4 elected D.A.s. He has earned his right to retire and enjoy life.
You Sir are a complete idiot that has nothing else to do except spew your hate. The day will come when you have to stand before your maker and explain why you trash such a good person.
Anon 6:12
There have been a number of long term DA employees who have sacrificed some measure of their integrity in exchange for "loyalty" to Pat Lykos. They discovered that feeding her ego would be rewarded despite their knowing she has been running the organization into the ground. Their "respect" for her is not genuine making themselves hypocrites. That behaviour has not been lost on those who have maintained their dignity and carried on as best they could under the most adverse of circumstances. The end of the race is just as important as the first.
A couple of years ago, I attended TDCAA Annual at South Texas. After the conference and while waiting for my flight, I was joined by a number of young prosecutors, several older and Carl Hobbs. We were all talking when Rachel Palmer arrived at the airport. Rachel did not join us but sat across and called Carl to her. Carl got up and joined her. Rachel was and is a number two and Carl a division chief. Carl sat with her until we boarded the plane.
Then came the grand jury investigation and Carl's conduct is well known.
It is sad to me that Carl will leave with this legacy. All his years of service prior to Lykos will not remembered, just his conduct in the last three plus years.
Clealy the turkey has landed
Well, I see that this issue is in the news now. There is an emergency hearing scheduled in the morning. Does anyone have any information about what is going on now?
Well, I see that this issue is in the news now. There is an emergency hearing scheduled in the morning. Does anyone have any information about what is going on now?
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