tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post3153961248060327901..comments2024-03-28T00:50:16.901-05:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: The Official Investigation Has BegunMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-44817343172371081152011-10-31T10:52:59.804-05:002011-10-31T10:52:59.804-05:00Part 2:
Another issue is that HPD currently has no...Part 2:<br />Another issue is that HPD currently has no Technical Supervisors for their Intoxilyzer instruments. DPS is currently providing Technical Supervisors to HPD as a "courtesy”, which means FREE, for the foreseeable future, which I have been told is at least through next summer, yet the Sheriff's Office is paying $310,000 for the next year. Sounds to me like the Sheriff's Department or DA's Office should have said they no longer had any Technical Supervisors when they got rid of Lone Star and could be FREE services as well. $310,000 could go a long way in our budget crisis we are all facing. Why is no one questioning that?<br /><br />The biggest issue I see is the way Patsy and Gang have handled this whole GJ investigation. From trying to get in to the GJ, filing a writ in regards to this, "asking" prosecutors to tell the 6th floor when they received a GJ subpoena. If you did nothing wrong, then let the investigation play out. But in the end that is not how Patsy operates, everything has to veiled in secrecy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-49532956313294269702011-10-31T10:52:36.379-05:002011-10-31T10:52:36.379-05:00Here are my thoughts on this which has to be two p...Here are my thoughts on this which has to be two posts since I have too much for one. Hopefully they will show up in order. <br /><br />First and foremost, I am NOT a Lykos supporter and hope to God that she does not get elected again in 2012. With that being said, I'm not sure how much of the front side of the whole BAT van/Intox issue can be blamed on Patsy. I of course do not know all the facts but I probably know more than most from very close friends who have been involved in various aspects of this.<br /><br />Amanda Culbertson first disclosed in court in July of 2011 during trial there were issues with the BAT van. I highly doubt this was the first BAT van case in which she testified. If so, it means Amanda had to have committed perjury in the past, or at the very least not been completely honest. These BAT van issues related to temperature is not something that just popped up. HPD has had these vans for a number of years now and Amanda has been the Intoxilyzer Technical Supervisor since beginning. People suggest that Amanda was afraid of retaliation from HPD. To that argument I would say that I would question her integrity if she would allow her reputation possibly becoming compromised particularly in the field of forensics where your reputation and integrity are what your job is based on. Amanda as the Technical Supervisor had absolute authority to take the instruments out of service. If one wants to make the argument that HPD wouldn't let her then she could of and should of contacted DPS who is the licensing and certifying agency for Intoxilyzer and gives her that authority. <br /><br />After the issue came to light, the DA's Office did not want to use Amanda for any testimony related to the Intoxilyzer. A review of the record from the case where Amdanda testified to the problems with the BAT vans she did not limit her testimony to BAT vans but began to question the Intoxilyzer in general. This brings up the whole justice versus truth issues. The Intoxilyzer will probably always be contested as to its reliability by experts. Why would the DA's Office want an expert who was not for the science they are introducing? With Amanda there could potentially be questions related to her character going forward. The defense is not going to use an expert who believes in the Intoxilyzer while the State is not going to use one that does not. <br /> <br />Once the issues with Amanda came to light this really pissed off Rachel Palmer and she took it personal. The DA's Office took the liberty to interfere with County Law Enforcement's (SO and Constables) Intoxilyzer instruments, without informing those same LE officers/administrators. No conversation, no nothing. If the Sheriff's Department's budget is paying for the Technical Supervisors, should they not have a say in the process? I know that law enforcement was happy with Lone Star and the services that they were providing. Did anyone ever approach Lone Star, since they are being paid by the County for a service, and ask that Amanda not be allowed to service County Intoxilyzers? Lone Star has other Intoxilyzers and Amanda could have been assigned to other instruments or terminated her. <br /><br />The DA's Office reached out to DPS and then told the Sheriff's Department that they would be utilizing DPS. So now that the DA's Office is lining all this up with Commissioner's Court, why is the Sheriff’s Department paying the $310,000 from their budget? Should be the DA. As an analogy I doubt the Sheriff is going to tell the DA's Office who to use as a prosecutor. This was not a discussion but something that was told to the Sheriff's Office about who they would be using in the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-86828592602675748032011-10-29T20:53:18.204-05:002011-10-29T20:53:18.204-05:00I predict PL's precious little misdemeanor vix...I predict PL's precious little misdemeanor vixen will be the scapegoat when all is said and done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-35845549444650354672011-10-29T00:41:37.491-05:002011-10-29T00:41:37.491-05:00Deep-Throat here:
Come on Judge Susan Brown, with...Deep-Throat here:<br /><br />Come on Judge Susan Brown, with all due respect, regarding the appointment of the two Special Prosecutors Good Move on your part and the G.J. for putting some distance between itself and the official investigation; and for the choice of Jim Mount - very neutral - Excellent lawyer and long ago former prosecutor.<br /><br />However in keeping in line with the whole purpose of the request in the first place - avoiding the appearance of conflict: Truly objectively, STEPHEN ST. MARTIN is NOT the best neutral choice even based on Murray's own words: See Below:<br /><br />" Wednesday, April 1, 2009<br />Shameful Well, one has to give credit to our gal, Patsy -- she is consistent. When she doesn't like her prosecutors, she makes no bones about throwing them under the bus or distancing herself from them in both the good times and the bad. We all know what she did to Rifi Newaz and Mark Donnelly last week, and knowing the shameless politico like we do, it wasn't really all that surprising.<br /><br />But today was a day that was actually a day that would shine a positive light on the Office, as Andrew R. Bland, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Houston Office, came to the CJC to personally give awards to Assistant District Attorney's Lance Long and Stephen St. Martin on behalf of the FBI.<br /><br />Lance and Stephen were both Chief Prosecutors in the Special Crimes' Major Offenders Unit for years until Lykos promptly kicked them out of the Division due to her political cronyism. These guys, along with others, worked day and night, drafting search warrants, arrest warrants, and providing advice to any law enforcement agency dealing with major cases. If you want an analogy, the Special Crimes' Major Offenders Unit is like the Navy Seals of the District Attorney's Office, and prior to their transfers, Lance and Stephen were two of the Division's All-Stars.<br /><br />In recognition of their work, Special Agent Bland had organized a ceremony on the 6th Floor of the CJC in an effort to show the FBI's gratitude. Stephen was recognized for his work on his several cases, including the Randy Sylvester case (NOTE: Stephen was actually present at the crime scene when police recovered the bodies of Sylvester's children. That is dedication that will break your heart.) Apparently, Pat Lykos and Jim Leitner had little to no interest in actually articipating in the plans. Ultimately, however, a ceremony was ultimately held.<br /><br />Special Agent Bland gave a speech, giving heartfelt thanks to Stephen and Lance, and at some point, Pat refused to speak or acknowledge their accomplishments.<br /><br />The situation went from bad to worse, as Lykos refused to have her picture taken with them.<br /><br />How much more is Harris County going to have to take from Pat and her Gang?<br /><br />Even Rage thought it was shameful as many others did that Lykos "refused" to stand in a photo with STEPHEN and Lance. What about some of the usual suspects to help Jim - Oh say Wendell Odom or Jim Lindeman? Based on Murray's own words - STEPHEN would be struck for cause on an actual jury if Lykos were the actual defendant. It also puts HIM in a bad position to bend over backwards to avoid any appearance of conflict or hard feelings. <br /><br />Contrary to some bloggers comments the issue here is factual: The basis of the post was more experience was leaving the office and this now special prosecutor left the office AFTER he was basically demoted from a very specialized division by the very person who was in charge of THAT decision, AS WELL AS, NOT being an active participant in the FBI presentation -AND - not agreeing to have her photo taken with her. Please Stephen, for the greater good of this very serious matter - based on everything - please resign. Yes you are honorable but it is a no win for you. Let Jim and someone not so close to the perception of animosity take over your spot - it would be best - don't you think?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-2444332455350950912011-10-28T21:24:59.684-05:002011-10-28T21:24:59.684-05:00Hey Rage,
Rosenthal is nothing like Holmes. Rose...Hey Rage, <br /><br />Rosenthal is nothing like Holmes. Rosenthal doesn't have integtrity or good judgment. Holmes has both. Rosentahl let things flow as usual because all the employees were hired by Vance and Holmes, so they knew the drill. Employees knew what was going on and were kept informed. "Always do the right thing" and they'd stand behind you. <br /><br />Now, it's God forbid, don't make me look bad. Glad I don't work there now. It must really suck working for someone who has no concern for justice or doing the right thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-23646799753984195232011-10-28T21:22:47.504-05:002011-10-28T21:22:47.504-05:00Figures. My beer was going to be fresh from a Tiju...Figures. My beer was going to be fresh from a Tijuana donkey show, anyway. And I was going to let Murray keep the card. <br /><br />RageAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-80203349846340843502011-10-28T18:27:56.566-05:002011-10-28T18:27:56.566-05:00Is Nick Lykos in Hawaii or at the Downtown YMCA?Is Nick Lykos in Hawaii or at the Downtown YMCA?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-64118543932329469512011-10-28T18:26:29.512-05:002011-10-28T18:26:29.512-05:00I was wondering if Pat Lykos will pay a visit to K...I was wondering if Pat Lykos will pay a visit to Kathryn J. Whitmire while she is in Hawaii?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-63818953359645348762011-10-28T16:23:54.134-05:002011-10-28T16:23:54.134-05:00Correction.
Video did come in. Still got a guilt...Correction.<br /><br />Video did come in. Still got a guilty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-84400161098646416972011-10-28T16:20:06.731-05:002011-10-28T16:20:06.731-05:00Congrats to the misdemeanor prosecutors for the gu...Congrats to the misdemeanor prosecutors for the guilty! Great job and after every bit of evidence coming in on the BAT Vans they still got a guilty. The only no show was Amanda Culbertson to testify, whats up with that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-68277840312951645182011-10-28T16:13:39.358-05:002011-10-28T16:13:39.358-05:00Third motion to quash granted in Clinton's cou...Third motion to quash granted in Clinton's court, so Pat didn't have to testify and the interview wasn't shown.<br /><br />Jury found Defendant guilty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-70051874665284977692011-10-28T15:56:13.906-05:002011-10-28T15:56:13.906-05:00Anon 11:05, St. Martin left HCDA on good terms to ...Anon 11:05, St. Martin left HCDA on good terms to open up his own shop. He was not asked to leave. He still has many very close friends at the office. You could spin it totally opposite and claim that he will whitewash it to protect his friends. Also, Jim Mount the second special prosecutor never worked under Rosenthal or Lykos. What about him will make him part of the witch hunt? Both of these men have extensive experience in investigating public officials via grand juries and both know the importance of discretion in those types of cases. There will be no witch hunt here and no hidden agendas other than the truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-43872610993095794872011-10-28T15:48:12.307-05:002011-10-28T15:48:12.307-05:00Well crap. That's a bet I think you'll win...Well crap. That's a bet I think you'll win. So as much as I'd like to give you a gift card that I rubbed my sack all over, I don't want to waste $100.00 dollars. Perhaps some true anti-Pat believer will take you up on it. I think she'll slime her way out the way she always has--smiling, lying, conniving, and politicking.<br /><br />SeatonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-56173847728076430442011-10-28T15:39:26.440-05:002011-10-28T15:39:26.440-05:00Anon 11:05,
Perception being more important than ...Anon 11:05,<br /><br />Perception being more important than reality; you present an excellent point. <br /><br />Although the AG's office theoretically would be the best politically neutral body to proceed; they are unfortunately not up to task. <br /><br />A Federal prosecutor outside of Houston would have been my choice and folks like St. Martin could have been consulted.<br /><br />That being said, it ignores the actual offenses alleged to have been committed. Should there be only a smoking gun the "witch hunt", argument will fly like Lykos' broom. However,if, as I suspect, a mountain of improper conduct is exposed it really doesn't matter who found it......it is what it is. They will no doubt try to blame Kelly regardless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-25320732488676600522011-10-28T15:11:34.989-05:002011-10-28T15:11:34.989-05:00Lots of people leaving early today.Some taking per...Lots of people leaving early today.Some taking personal items with them just in case. Some watching hearing in Harmons court on Divert issue. RB and Harmon do not get along and Harmon would not go along with Rogers Divert plan. Thanks Murray for blog. It has kept us informed. We are like mushrooms.kept in the dark and fed bullshit.Leaving Early TooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-79115194169238656142011-10-28T15:03:38.682-05:002011-10-28T15:03:38.682-05:00I bet that nothing substantive happens to Lykos an...I bet that nothing substantive happens to Lykos and she throws this off like water off a duck's back. She will be re-elected.<br /><br />I lose if:<br /><br />1. She is asked not to run by the Republican Party (must be confirmed by the Party in an interview, etc.);<br />2. She resigns before the general election;<br />3. She has any (no matter how small) action initiated against her by the state bar; or<br />4. She is charged with a crime resulting from this investigation. <br /><br />One case of beer. I'll send it to Murray, and y'all can pick it up and split it however you want. <br /><br />If I win, I want a $100.00 card to a decent (at least) restaurant. I don't trust y'all not to piss all over some beer bottles (probably more like cans of Bud Light Lime, you cheap bastards) and let it dry before giving it to me. <br /><br />Same deal--send it to Murray, and I'll pick it up.<br /><br />1:43, he wishes he looked like this.<br /><br />RageAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-15063526775861248062011-10-28T13:43:35.779-05:002011-10-28T13:43:35.779-05:00Everyone knows that "Rage" is actually M...Everyone knows that "Rage" is actually Murray, posting controversial rantings just to boost his ratings. Well played, my good man, well played.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-52374385010272161822011-10-28T13:09:19.371-05:002011-10-28T13:09:19.371-05:00What's the bet subject, exactly? Be precise pl...What's the bet subject, exactly? Be precise please.<br /><br />SeatonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-53759446706153542612011-10-28T12:21:58.866-05:002011-10-28T12:21:58.866-05:00"Even if the Special Prosecutors discovered t..."Even if the Special Prosecutors discovered that a crime was not committed, this exercise is going to bring to light the incredible conniving, poor management, retaliation mentality and dishonesty that are hallmarks of the Lykos Administration. Finally, the public will understand..."<br /><br />How so? If no indictment comes out, the proceedings remain secret. <br /><br />Still no takers on my bet? Guess yu titty babies don't have too much faith in your rantings. <br /><br />RageAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-68980148576294948392011-10-28T11:52:36.036-05:002011-10-28T11:52:36.036-05:00ANON 7:19,
I only accused the ADA's of turning...ANON 7:19,<br />I only accused the ADA's of turning a blind eye when the police withhold evidence that they request. I have not had the video forensically examined, but a lot of police verbiage mentioned in the report is missing from the audio of the videos. The videos were known by the officers to exist, they were subpoenaed to bring them to the ALR hearing and did not. I was subsequently pushed to not subpoena these videos by threat of taking DIVERT off the table. If I were an ADA who requested video more than once; did not get it and then had it turn up as a result of the defense subpoena, I would be all over that police officer and that department. It puts a defense attorney in the position of needing to subpoena this evidence immediately, because the police can destroy the video and do after thirty days in many cases. I have obtained more dismissals due to video from the officer making the stop than any other source. Pasadena police are not sending these over as a matter of course and are destroying them if not requested soon enough. If a defendant goes to a first setting, asks for time to hire a lawyer then by the time of the next setting the video is "gone". LaPorte absolutely withheld two scene videos requested by ADA's. A subpoena was filed on 10/26 mailed by sheriff on 10/28 and the records person said she did not receive it until the 6th. Give me a break. Yeah right, it was in the mail for nine or ten days. The case revolves around the radio transmission of an off duty officer whose reasonable suspicion is in question as a result of his ALR testimony. Part of his transmission is heard on the video which has the sound going on and off. This is not a conspiracy theory. To the contrary there is reasonable suspicion that material evidence has been withheld in hopes that the case would plead out. BTW the judge when inquiring why this case was being reset again found my theory to have some legs and ordered me to subpoena all these folks involved to get to the bottom of it. So apparently I came across as perfectly sane! BTW little Class B Misdemeanors and screwing with witnesses and Brady evidence is what has the DA's office under investigation by a Grand Jury.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-32616827988009995192011-10-28T11:05:26.766-05:002011-10-28T11:05:26.766-05:00I am no fan of the current administration, but I w...I am no fan of the current administration, but I want this done right. It looks extremely politically motivated when the special prosecutor appointed not only campaigned for Seigler but also acted as her surrogate in a debate or two. Was there really no one out there to appoint that would give the outward appearance of complete impartiality? It will be easy to say that this is all a politically motivated witch hunt by those who did not like the outcome of the 2008 primary. Critical error.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-29548045424123772722011-10-28T10:04:45.539-05:002011-10-28T10:04:45.539-05:00Reposted from elsewhere, with permission:
"I...Reposted from elsewhere, with permission:<br /><br />"International drug summit to be held in Hawaii"<br />http://online.wsj.com/article/APec263bafea284d86b5f0dd6d9357defe.html<br /><br />"Organizers claim that Hawaii's location makes it an ideal place to<br />hold the event." I'm sure they do!<br /><br />And look at this list of heavy hitters! The DA of Topeka, Kansas? Wow! Truly a can't-miss conference.<br /><br />"The district attorneys attending are: Cynthia Besemer of Sacramento,<br />Calif.; Rob Bovett of Newport, Ore.; Derek Champagne of Franklin<br />County, N.Y.; Janetta Hicks of New Mexico; Michelle Hill of El Paso,<br />Texas; Pat Lykos of Houston; Dave McEachran of Bellingham, Wash.;<br />Stacey McReynolds of San Diego; Brian McIntire of Cochise County,<br />Ariz., and Chadwick Taylor of Topeka, Kan."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-36958722526589241572011-10-28T09:39:54.049-05:002011-10-28T09:39:54.049-05:00Anon 9:13 AM: Eventually - puppies will open thei...Anon 9:13 AM: Eventually - puppies will open their eyes, but badgers won't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-40400935027267839972011-10-28T09:32:17.545-05:002011-10-28T09:32:17.545-05:00Anon 10:53,
Not the sharpest pencil in the box ar...Anon 10:53,<br /><br />Not the sharpest pencil in the box are you? OMG I sure as hell hope you're not actually an ADA. Your blurb fully explains why someone of your intellect was not on KS's A team. You ought to be grateful for any crumbs thrown your way pigeon girl.<br /><br />xoxo,<br />RealityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-54047711699597168982011-10-28T09:13:32.230-05:002011-10-28T09:13:32.230-05:00Anon 10:53,
What I find interesting is that:
Wh...Anon 10:53,<br /><br />What I find interesting is that: <br /><br />When Chuck got hammered, banged his secretary and sent really stupid emails it was blown up as the whole DAs office was corrupt for not publicly outing him.<br />When Kelly and other ADAs made in house policy recommendations to Chuck that were repeatedly ignored over the years you suggest they should have quit, blown the whistle or marched in the streets--instead they did their jobs the best they could under difficult circumstances which, incidentally, pale in comparison to the situation at the DAs office today. Kelly detractors such as yourself, given the luxury of 20/20 hindsight, demand she should have stood up sooner. The irony. Kelly was also criticized at the office for rewarding merit over the union philosophy of seniority rules and for opposing the abuses of flex-time. This pissed off the uninspired crabs at the bottom of the bucket who complained she was mean "not well liked" blah blah blah and part of the "culture of corruption". The victim mentality is obviously not an exclusive of the Wall Street protesters--20/20 hindsight also shows what happens when sloths take over a district attorneys office! <br />However, if your pal Judge Pat is criticized for witness tampering, obstruction of justice, official oppression, Brady violations, misappropriation of funds, etc. to out her would be a vindictive witch hunt by a bunch of sore losers? <br />It's all so confusing! If Kelly doesn't publically out Chuck she is part of the "Culture of Corruption" but if an ADA outs Judge Pat it is a "Witch Hunt"? <br />What ethical parameters does someone like you use? <br />Your blind support of an individual like Pat Lykos reminds me of the black American who supports a Klansman just because he was a lifelong democrat. <br />Even puppies open their eyes....eventually.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com