Drug Court Audio Tape

BatBlog Obtains Audio Tape of Destiny Hoffman's Sentencing Hearing
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Here's the audio tape of Destiny Hoffman's sentencing hearing where Judge Jerry Jacobi sentenced Ms. Hoffman to 48 hours only to leave her in Clark Co. Jail for 5 1/2 months. Tape has Ms. Hoffman explaining her disputed urine sample to Judge Jacobi......What do you think ??


FOR STORYCLICK HERE


 

Breaking .........Seen This woman ??? Neither have the Police...

Seem like Clark County has a hard time keeping track of their prisoners. Those that are supposed to be released are held in jail for months at a time. Then this woman they just let walk out and take a smoke and she just kept going, going, gone... Wow Clark Co. continues to be a on going Keystone Kops adventure....

THE STORY CLICK HERE


 

OK Who Stole Clark Co.'s Web Site ???

 

Been out of town the last couple of day's and was informed by a friend that the Clark Co. website is up and missing, completely gone. Haven't had time for my mole at the court house to fill me in,  so readers what's going on ???  Did Clark Co. bounce a check to the webmaster  ??  Did the State shut it down like they did Judge Jacobi's drug court ?? Did John Perkins not like his Co. Commissioner picture and pull the plug  ???  Was it hacked in retaliation by those drug court defendant's that the Co. just left
in jail ???  What Gives ??

 In reality I read on the chatter that the Co. hired a firm owned /operated ?? by Leah Farris to maintain and upgrade the site. Supposedly Leah can't be reached....Say it ain't so Leah the BatBlog always liked you and here's offering you a chance to tell your side of the story. I know you used to read the BatBlog from time to time ...Here's hoping you'll stop in and tell us what happened.

 On a side note Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson valiantly stepped forward and offered to reimburse the County for recommending Ms. Farris' firm , in the order of  4000.00 or so dollars. You should be commended Rick, this is probably the first time in the history of Clark Co. a politician has offered to repay what some may see as a mistake. Thanks Rick, but just offering to pay was enough for me. On the other hand maybe Judge Jacobi will take Mr. Stephenson's lead and offer to pay the millions of dollars his incompetency is going to cost us taxpayers for the drug court fiasco...but don't hold your breath on that one...

Election 2014 Part 3

Well summing up the races let's look at the two final Clark Co. Council races then the BatBlog will give their endorsements.

Clark Co. Council District 3- Danny Yost Incumbent Rep. tries to hold his seat against Joe Hubbard the Dem., Yost and the other new Rep.s on the council have done a good job with the mess they were handed. Yost had some personal problems that might hurt his campaign...Hubbard could capitalize and win the seat..

Clark Co. Council Dist, 4 - Rep. incumbent Steve Doherty faces off against former councilman Perry Smith. Smith never met a tax he didn't like, give Doherty the edge as the GOP tries to hang on to the progress they've made here recently...

There are some other races that we will discuss later as both parties can fill slots on races that are uncontested and independents can still get on the ballot for the general election ..Stay tuned

BATBLOG Endorsements
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U.S Rep. of Congress 9th Dist. - whichever Dem. wins the primary... Todd Young needs to go he's boring , bland and part of the GOP element that does nothing but create gridlock in Washington. He'll be hard to beat though, but lets hope him and Mitch McConnell meet in the unemployment line...

State Senator 46th Dist. - Charles "Chuck" Frieberger (D)
Circuit Court #1 Judge - Dan Moore (D)
Circuit Court #2 Judge - Laura Harbison (D)
Prosecuting Attorney Clark County - Jeremy Mull (R)
Clark Co. Clerk - Susan Popp (D)
Clark Co. Auditor - William Perry McCall (D)
Clark Co. Recorder - Zachary "Zach" Payne (R)
Clark Co. Sheriff - Matt Spainhour (I)
Clark Co. Commissioner 3rd Dist. - David Abbott (D)
County Council Dist.1 Barbara Hollis (D)
County Council Dist. 2 Brian Lenfert (R)
County Council Dist. 3  Danny Yost (R)
County Council Dist. 4 Steve Doherty (R)

** Special Endorsement - Republican at Large Convention Delegate Martina "Tina" Webster...Though we don't agree on a lot on national politics Tina I'm sure will make an excellent delegate and special thanks to her for providing me the list of candidates....

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One last word , I was a little disappointed as I scanned the list of precinct committeemen I noticed a lot of the same old names . I was hoping some new fresh, young people would get more involved in this ground level entry, most precincts have only one candidate. Unfortunately that's just the way it is but be sure to vote.....

Election 2014 ...Part II

 Continuing
 on some of the other races....

Clark Co. Auditor - Republican incumbent Monty Snelling will face political newcomer local attorney William Perry McCall - Dem. in the fall. Snelling  the incumbent who has ran for several offices might face a stiff challenge from McCall. McCall has the qualifications to make a fine Auditor....

Clark County Recorder - Newcomer Dem. local businessman Lincoln Crum faces current Jeff city councilman Zachary "Zach" Payne. Crum seems like a fine fellow and should be a good campaigner but Payne having a little more political experience gets the edge here....

Clark County Sheriff - Crowded field of 3 Dem.s ,1 Rep. and an Independent Matt Spainhour... Current Sheriff's Dept. Brian Meyer looks like a shoo in in the Dem. primary but in the fall this one looks to close to call right now. You have to think Rep. Jamey Noel will be helped by the addition of Ind. Spainhour splitting the Dem. votes...Spainhour is popular and could win on his own as could Myers...a real dogfight in our opinion....

Clark Co. Commissioner Dist. 3 -  Can the GOP capture the Dist. 3. Commissioners race and have all 3 Commissioners Rep. probably for the first time in history. Rep. Bryan Glover another current Jeff City councilman will attempt to beat most likely David Abbot in the fall. The Dem. primary featuring John Perkins, Abbot and Dennis Ettel looks like an easy victory for David Abbot as Clark Co. voters more than likely put "Toxic' John Perkins to rest for good. The voters thought they did (2) years ago as Perkins was soundly beat in the primary only to have the "good ole boy" Dem. caucus place Toxic John into office. If Glover and Abbot face off in the fall should be a good race with a slight edge to Abbot....

Clark Co. Council Dist.1 - Incumbent Barbara Hollis Dem. faces off against Republican Shawn Billups. Hollis currently V.P. of the council will be a tough battle for Mr. Billups. Hollis has been around a long time and should win easily.

Clark Co. Council Dist 2 - Incumbent Bryan Lenfert Rep. faces former Clarksville City councilman Kelly Conn Dem. this fall. Lenfert has done an excellent job on the current council and should have no trouble with defeating County newcomer Conn.....

Tomorrow part 3

Election 2014 - An Early Look

Election 2014 is only a couple months away (Primary)  let's take an early look and some possible results...

U.S. Rep. in Congress 9th Dist. -  Crowded field in the both primaries (4) Democrats and (3) Republicans challenging incumbent Todd Young in the primary. Young hasn't done much of anything, but being incumbent and Rep. should carry him to victory in both primary and  the general election...

State Senator 46th Dist. - Rematch in the fall Ron Grooms Rep. Incumbent against Charles "Chuck" Freiberger Dem. Grooms beat him 4 years ago and will probably be reelected but I'm voting Freiberger. Grooms is a nice guy but too wishy washy, unless he's changed from his Jeff City Council days.

Circuit Court #1 Judge - In the Dem. primary, incumbent Dan Moore against Andrew "Drew" Adams. Moore should win, a generously nice guy and a good judge, no candidate as of yet for GOP but they could put one on the ballot in the fall. Moore will be tough to beat....

Circuit Court #2 Judge - Interesting race with all the drug court drama in place. Incumbent Jerry Jacobi  faces political new comer Laura Harbison in the primary. It's hard to imagine any scenario where Jacobi can win but then again this is Clark Co. If Jacobi wins it shows just how little attention people pay to politics and the news. If by some miracle Jacobi wins you can be sure the GOP will trot out a candidate to face him in the fall...Harbison wins big...


Circuit Court #3 Judge - Currently Incumbent Joe Weber is unopposed, Weber is popular and well known he would be difficult to beat if GOP comes up with a candidate in the fall election...

Prosecuting Attorney - Another interesting and could be a close race this fall deputy prosecutor Jeremy Mull Rep. faces Clark Co. Dem party leader Robert Bottoroff II . This one could go either way Mull has the experience working as a prosecutor under retiring Steve Stewart, The Batblog likes Mull...

County Clerk - Interesting primary race between two solid Democratic candidates former Judge Steven Fleece and Susan Popp...this is another tough one to call, Fleece probably more qualified but Popp is younger it will be close, slight advantage to Fleece. Republican Kelly Harrod has no chance against either Dem. in the fall. Kind of wonder why the Dem.s would let 2 strong candidates run against one another...

End Part I see more races tomorrow

Drug Court Comments

*********************************BREAKING UPDATE********************************************
The BatBlog has obtained a copy of the class action suit filed against Clark Co.

 go to  Drug Court Lawsuit

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 I received an interesting comment from an anonymous poster yesterday, he/she brought up some good points that I would like to share then make my comments on it . I want to thank this poster it was a well written, thought provoking post, thanks again for sharing...

Anonymous said...

One problem for the plaintiffs, all were subject to harsher, longer sentences. The end result for these people is their drug court time was cut, their cases dismissed. Example, if the underlying fact is that Destiny Hoffman did violate the terms of drug court, then she rightfully was due to serve years in prison. As it happened, she did 5 months and is out from under the Drug Court obligations. So, how, exactly, was she actually damaged?

Second, Jacobi (according to the reports) is the one who actually started the ball rolling by asking Chief Judge Carmichael to conduct the investigation that revealed the violations. One assumes that by having the findings come from another source than himself he removed any taint of bias that Knoebel might have leveled against him that he was scapegoating her or firing or disciplining her for some reason other than gross mismanagement of the program that was, after all, her direct responsibility. One might reasonably say that Jacobi's only failing was not acting sooner.

As for the 'false arrests'. First, what is the difference to the person arrested if they were arrested by a policeman or by a Court bailiff who, technically, does not have the authority to execute an arrest warrant? I am not sure.

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So, what is REALLY going on? Some jaded observers can't help but notice that this all is emerging in the POLITICAL season. Couple things here, why does the PROSECUTOR get a pass? Aren't they the "Ultimate Law Enforcement Authority" in the county? The Jail issues a population sheet every Monday. Did the Prosecutor's office simply not notice these 'uncharged detainees'? Isn't the purpose of issuing that sheet so that the people who need to know (ie the prosecutor for example) will be cognizant of who is in the clink?)

The way this has been played out in the Media, the prosecutor and some others who one might otherwise imagine SHOULD HAVE KNOWN much earlier are portrayed as "Heroes". How convenient...for them!?
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Lawsuit is interesting too.....interesting that all those named ....do not include the Drug Court Board. Yeah, the prosecutors and defense lawyers and others who were supposed to direct the activity of the Drug Court. Weren't they supposed to be overseeing the Drug Court? Why have they been given a pass from being sued in Federal Court? Why hasn't the media even told us WHO they are?

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First of all good post and I agree with a lot of what you said especially the part concerning the prosecutor's office and the Drug Court Board. Why were they seemingly given a pass in this whole affair ?? If I were the attorney for the plaintiffs, I would be including both the prosecutor and the board in the lawsuit. having them share in the culpability of the wrongs allegedly done to these alleged victims. Show the whole system from judge, corrections, and prosecutor failed to do the proper thing and were negligent. I would think that would only help their class action suit.

Where I disagree is you seem to minimize the damages inflicted upon the victims per your example of Ms.Hoffman. I believe she was found to have submitted a urine sample that was questionable, not positive. While not knowing the details of her sentencing, I hardly think that would precipitate "years in prison" as you stated. Also don't forget she was allegedly not allowed counsel to represent her and no hearing ever occurred. This is a basic rights violation.of rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Also we can't have just any bailiff or other court employees going around and making arrests, there is a procedure and system in place for making arrests and supposedly it was not followed in this situation.

Finally you seem to give Judge Jacobi a pass in this situation because he initiated the investigation. I' m not buying that, he may have been initiating the investigation only to cover his ass . I just have a hard time believing he wasn't aware of what his employees were doing. I think he may have hired the investigator just to make it appear he wasn't aware after the alleged violations occurred and knowing the story was coming out. I could be wrong but I just don't see an employee of a judge not following the judges lead on how to conduct and administrate a program like this.  

I do have a question for our legal minds out there. If criminal charges are filed against any of Judge Jacobi's employees could he be compelled to testify ??? Or does his immunity extend to testifying ???

Also could he be compelled to testify in civil court ???

Part II - How the Drug Court Mess Plays Out ???

 

 Another reason we believe the criminal charges will be minimal also has to do with politics. This being an election year and several judges and the Co. prosecutor position is up for (re)election. Right now the judges and prosecutors offices are dominated by Democrats, if there are multiple charges filed on multiple employees the electorate might feel the whole system is corrupt which is predominately Dem. and vote accordingly. The GOP has already made huge inroads in County government and this could be a great opportunity for them to move even further into key judge and prosecutor positions.

   So going forward the BatBlog believes if anybody is charged it may the fired ex-administrator Ms. Knoebel who has publicly said she is being made a "scapegoat." The BatBlog agrees with her it , she is either unintentionally or intentionally being thrown under the bus. Judge Jacobi has conveniently fired just one employee making it a more or less a he said she said situation and of course the judge has immunity. Unless another employee breaks ranks and backs up Ms. Knoebel's story she could be carrying the brunt of the blame and punishment as the case moves forward. We just don't see anyone else jeopardizing their employment by coming forward to back up Ms. Knoebel's contention. Hopefully if Ms. Knoebel's allegations are true, someone will do the honorable thing  and come forward and verify her story, but don't hold your breath on that one. Honorable doesn't always show their face in these type of situations.

  One has to realize that Clark Co. officials are in a damage control mode now. We wouldn't be surprised if no charges are filed and that the County moves forward to settle the recently filed civil suits as quickly as possible out of court . As matter of fact we would be utterly shocked if these civil cases ever make it to court. The bad publicity and embarrassment of this story which has made headlines all over the country, is incentive to bring this story to a close quickly if possible...Will it happen ??  Only time will tell and how deep is Clark Co. willing to go into their already depleted pockets.... Like Bikerdude says "pull up a chair"

BatBlog Editorial - How The Drug Court Mess Plays Out ???

 

The BatBlog's legal team has come up with a scenario of how the Drug Court mess will play out. This is merely our opinion, we are hearing things, but this just our opinion and attempt to try and put the pieces together now that a lot of the cards have been placed on the table.

   One key piece that hasn't been played out is the possible criminal charges against any of the employees of the Drug court or probation offices. The BatBlog believes that any criminal charges will be very limited in scope, we're not going to see multiple charges or arrests, we believe this for several reasons. Number one , the main player in this whole mess is a sitting judge who as we understand it has total immunity. The judge has (through his attorney) denied knowledge of the alleged misconduct of his staff and the knowledge of keeping the drug court participants in jail longer than they were sentenced and allegedly without counsel.  Even if this is true the judge had no knowledge, in our opinion the judge is still guilty of gross mismanagement and neglect of having administrative control over a program he supposedly oversees. Mismanagement and neglect though seemingly severe in this instance still do not constitute  a crime and even if he could be charged, none would be filed against the judge in this case.

  The number two reason we believe the criminal charges if any will be minimal, is political. The County already knows they're facing several, legitimate, potentially very costly civil suits by drug court defendants. If there were to be multiple charges filed against multiple employees of Clark Co. it would certainly legitimize, strengthen and enhance the civil cases. Making it appear to be a much wider abuse of rights than it already  may or may not be. You might say , well criminal charges shouldn't have anything to do with the civil cases already filed should they ??. Well the answer is don't bet for a moment that politics won't come into play , the BatBlog is pretty sure  they are already in play. The Clark Co. prosecutor has immediately handed off to a special prosecutor. As the BatBlog in an earlier editorial mentioned  Clark Co. Prosecutor C.C. prosecutors don't like to prosecute  their "own" they never have, and that's what this passing the buck to the special prosecutor is all about...

End Part I

Due to the length of the BatBlog Editorial and its time to go to the Batroom ... Editorial Part II Tomorrow

**********************************Drug Court Update************************************************
The Clark Co. Drug Court operations have been suspended by the state of Indiana, and the defendants charged in the federal class action suit have been named, they include Judge Jerry Jacobi, Sheriff  D. Rodden, all 3 Co. Commissioners (Perkins , Stephenson, Coffman) plus several drug court employees....You can read  by clicking on the stories linked below...
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 Drug Court Suspended

10 County Employees Named in Civil Suit

Clark Co. Home Incarceration System Under Fire

Breaking News***Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Clark Co. in Federal Court

You can expect this to have a far reaching effect on all of Clark Co., already in dire financial problems . This lawsuit could easily rise into the several millions of dollars category and look for the accusations to start flying as other drug court employees and the probation department may be also named in the suit. The question now is will the special prosecutor file criminal charges against some of those involved with the drug court,  of course the mastermind behind the Drug Court Judge Jerry Jacobi has total immunity...

Stay Tuned Tomorrow for a  Special "More on the Drug Court Crisis"






****************************************UPDATE**********************************************
Here's the links to the News/Tribune Story on the Breaking News
Lawsuit Filed

Note: If you're blocked from the News/ Tribune site because of no subscription; Go to

...Proxy ID   then enter newsandtribune.com into the blank space and then you can view the blocked content

Who's the Mole ???? The Leak at the Courthouse

The BatBlog's mole in the Courthouse has given some interesting thoughts about who might be leaking information out. John Perkins came forward and released to the media about the Drug Court mess, but who leaked the information to Perkins ???  It's no secret that some of the area judges have no love lost for each other ....could it be a judicial leak ??  My insider has given me some names that the BatBlog is going to sit on for now. Just wondering if you all have any inside info or names tocorroborate what I'm hearing...If you wish to remain anonymous or  don't want  your information printed just say so in your post. 

The BatBlog has been getting some interesting ideas for stories and great information from unpublished posts...So keep them coming the Jeff courthouses City and County have become some real life Spy vs. Spy stuff......Stay Tuned

When is a Surplus Not a Surplus ???

 

Just when things couldn't get goofier in Jeff , the mayor and several members of the City Council and of course NHBSM can't decide what is a surplus and what isn't,  or what is  the definition of the word "surplus".Surplus ? In his "state of the City" speech Mayor Moore stated there was a "surplus" of over 5.2 million dollars plus the rainy day fund of 4.7 million which is nearly 10 million dollars. Several members of the so called financial committee of  City Council said hold on there that ain't no surplus that's called an "operating funds." and of course NHBSM planted it on the internet.

 Well the BatBlog realizes it's not good for  incumbent mayor's political opponents, when he's claiming  huge surpluses as election time nears, making his record look pretty good. The only thing is it downright silly. it makes the whole city look pretty stupid and petty when two branches of government can't even agree upon what "our" money is called and the financial branch (City Council) who makes out the budget doesn't even know how much they have.

 Call it "surplus" or call it "operating funds" we here at the BatBlog don't give a shit. We just call it a hell of lot of  "OUR" money and how about doing something of use with it instead of arguing over it. How about building a decent road to Clarksville,  Holman Ln. is a parking lot at rush hour....but please no more damn flowers on 10th St. drivers can't see where the hell they're going ....

Shout Out !! Good Job Rick Stephenson

 

Just a shout out to Rick Stephenson who in his first couple of years as Clark Co. commissioner has shown uncommon leadership and good old fashioned good sense. Open and able to communicate to the public, he has an ongoing thread in the in the Clark County Chatter where so far he has answered any and all questions put forward to him. It is refreshing and rare that a local political leader has the courage to open communications in this manner.

 So for he has shown to be a true public servant and not the politician Clark Co. is known for. It is rare that the BatBlog has given such high accolades to any one in politics, especially C.C. politics. His first few months have put Mr. Stephenson on a high standard to continue and we'll be watching him hoping he continues his good leadership. Especially like the Commissioners' move to ask for an audit of Clark Co. courts financially. With the recent court controversies the BatBlog  feels this is a good, overdue move. Keep up the good work Rick, we expect it to continue....

It's Time America....Legalize Marijuana

  

 Whatever you want to call it marijuana, cannabis, reefer, weed,  pot, smoke it's time for lawmakers everywhere to get their heads out of their asses and legalize this stuff. Every generation now 65 years and younger has grown up with weed, most of us use it, have experimented with it or know enough about it's effects to know it is basically harmless. Alcohol, pain pills, nicotine, caffeine are legal and those along with illegal drugs like heroin and meth are all a lot more dangerous and addictive and create more damages health wise and social problem wise. As a matter of fact I know smoke isn't  addictive physically like the  other drugs I mentioned  ....As a matter of fact marijuana has been proven to have many medicinal qualities and helps many far ranging medical conditions including pain.

 When was the last time you heard of anybody smoking reefer causing any problems driving , fighting in bars, hammering their old lady, basically any type of  criminal problem other than merely possessing it ???  I can't remember the last time I read where somebody smoked up has caused law enforcement any problems other than growing it or having it in your possession...Yes if you get caught with a bag of weed you're going to jail....Total stupidity...The last thing somebody smoking a few doobies wants is  to cause any trouble, they're not going to go out of they're way to start a fight, rob a bank or get violent like the effects of other drugs do, especially like alcohol...

 It's time to legalize it, tax it, create a whole new industry of growing and marketing it,  create jobs and revenue, it's a no brainer a win, win situation. It would eliminate cops and federal agents chasing after the pot dealers and users, and the marijuana cases that over crowd the courts. Other countries and a few states have legalized it for personal and medicinal use with no ill effects. We made a big mistake once by prohibiting alcohol, and we're making the same mistake now with pot...Wake up America...It's time

Feel Good Story....Boy with Down's Syndrome/Basketball Star

Reflecting Back

   As one reaches the age of 60 and a new phase of life enters into being, it becomes a reflective time in one's life. Nearing the age of  Social Security, Medicare, phasing down one's work schedule is just another step into life's continuing cycle. All the wisdom obtained by life experiences is somewhat offset by the realization that you are most likely in the final quarter of your journey. Your wisdom while being awesome in it's scope is diminished  by the realization that physically you are on a downward spiral, hopefully at a gradual pace so as to make it more acceptable and the rest of life more fulfilling.

 It is a time to look back at and also look forward to the peace and satisfaction of realizing your accomplishments whether they be family , career, education,  friendships or just personal. It is also a time to look back on, but not dwell on the life's regrets. We all have them (regrets) but I've met people who let their regrets consume them. But on the same behalf don't deny them either, as they are a big part of  obtaining the wisdom you have attained.

 If there is one bit of advise I would give any young person, and I know it's a cliche , that you hear all the time but as you get older it's oh so true and it's live each day to it's fullest. As you get older time speeds up more and more, so enjoy each day as much as possible whether it be enjoying your family, talking to friend, an accomplishment at work, reading a book...embrace each day as these will be your memories that will last you forever....End Part I

Contemplating Retirement ....

Feeling reflective as one considers retirement....

No body said it better than Francis Albert Sinatra, the words of this song say it all....

Come on Judge Joe Give Us a Break.... A BatBlog Editorial

 

A special prosecutor was named yesterday to take over the drug court investigation. While commenting on the special prosecutor to the News/Tribune Drug court prosecutor , Judge Joe Weber whose court would hold any trial stemming from possible charges filed, stated  " I don't know who or what they maybe investigating" speaking of the Indiana St. Police investigation.

  Come on Judge Joe we think your a stand up guy and judge, but you would have to be living under a rock not to know what's going on. This story has been on all 4 local TV stations all local papers and even national news services. Two drug court employees have been suspended, one fired and it's the talk of the city and courthouse. Don't know for sure your relationship with Judge Jerry Jacobi, but I do know you went to high school together, and you would think it may have been brought up in conversation ??

  The BatBlog doesn't mind if you recuse yourself from any trial as you indicated you might, but give us a break about not knowing what's going on. I believe Judge Jacobi through his attorney said he wasn't aware of the drug court defendants being held in jail longer than they were supposed to and we don't buy that either.. Come on Judges if you all aren't aware of what's going on ...Who is  ???

BatBlog Hotline

See something wrong , illegal or just not right...report it to the BatBlog hotline. Confidentiality guaranteed...just post your request to the latest BatBlog post and either put "Hotline" or do not post....Or something you wish to report and want published just say publish. We will investigate any report whether it's public ,private, government whatever.....Got a good story or something to add to a published story, report it to the BatBlog Hotline....

So Long Mitch It's Been Good To Know Ya....Ditch Mitch

It may be premature to say good riddance, but here's hoping young upstart Dem. Allison Grimes can unseat sour old Mitch McConnell this year. The Democrats are pulling out the big guns like Brother Bill Clinton to aid Ms. Grimes' campaign. Brother Bill while aging can still draw a crowd and stir them up...Good luck to Ms. Grimes in the fall,

its time to  Ditch Mitch !!!

Breaking.....

***************************************************UPDATE*********************************************************
 The rumored negotiations between County Officials and Destiny Hoffman (drug Court defendant) and representatives negotiating a compensation package in lieu of a civil suit,  have rumored to have come to a standstill. It is rumored one stipulation to any package by Ms. Hoffman was that Judge Jacobi and the whole drug court staff be required to " pee in a F---ing cup once a week " pass a drug test and be harassed like she was. More later..
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The Mole Continued .....

The mole has provided some interesting insight into the Drug court drama. Pointing out some facts/questions that might have gone unnoticed. There are the obvious questions like why did Judge Jacobi hire a PI instead of going directly to the police and use another judge to hire the PI ???  Why did he wait until after the story was leaked to the press to suspend his two employees, when he already had the report  ??  Why did he lawyer up so quickly ??  Why the delay before Ms. Knoebel his director was fired when the alleged facts were already apparent ??

Here's something the mole pointed out that was very telling in my opinion. When Judge Jacobi's attorney (Larry Wilder) was interviewed in the infamous arrest/escort interview.  Wilder alluded to the two employees merely "escorting"  the defendant to jail. Mr. Wilder seemed to condone their actions as merely "escorting" which is interesting because he was seemingly representing/speaking for the judge. Judge Jacobi seems by his attorney's words condoning or aware of his employees actions which he later fired Ms. Knoebel for. Or so we can only assume because the reasons for Ms. Knoebel's dismissal was conveniently a private matter according to Mr. Wilder.....

Going forward it's safe to assume the lawsuits will soon be coming probably in multiple directions. It will be interesting to see if a formal complaint is filed with the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications along with the civil law suits by those defendants allegedly held in jail longer than sentenced and without legal representation. Is Ms. Knoebel being thrown under the bus, and the "scapegoat" she contends ??? Well you'll have to make up your own mind on that one, but going forward I think we'll be hearing a lot more from her....

Stay Tuned and don't forget to vote in our poll (to the right) this is last day of the Poll....

Back To Drug Court - The Mole Speaks - BatBlog Exclusive

   HT has learned from a mole deep within the Courthouse that the recent announcement of a "special prosecutor" may only be a political smoke and mirrors ploy and the indictment(s)  may already have been determined. My source believes only one person will have charges filed against them. You can probably guess who's going to be thrown under the bus on this one, but I'll take a random guess and say it's not Judge Jacobi...

This may get interesting as most all parties involved have already lawyered up and this thing could get ugly, possibly a regular Sex, Lies, and Videotape type scenario that in the end will cost Clark Co. taxpayers who knows how much....Remember you heard it here first. Don't forget to vote in our Drug Court Polls to the right...

Adorable and touching

BatBlog Editorial - Clark Co. Prosecutors Office Hiring Special Prosecutor

 

Yesterday the Clark Co. prosecutor's office announced they would passing the "drug court" case on to a special prosecutor. Prosecutor Steve Stewart citing that the case involved persons involved within Clark Co. court operations as the reason for passing the case on to the special prosecutor.

    Well  this is how I see it. We elect and pay the Clark Co. prosecutor good money to prosecute crimes committed here in Clark Co. If a crime has been committed no matter who it is, it needs to be prosecuted and tried by the Clark Co. office. This Drug Court fiasco already looks like it will cost potentially  hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuits for due process rights violations and  wrongful terminations. Now we taxpayers will be burdened with paying out additionally  for a special prosecutor.

The prosecutor's claim of the persons  involved being part of the court system as a reason for hiring the special prosecutor is pure BS , hell every attorney in town knows every other attorney, prosecutor and judge. They hobnob and gather socially and this doesn't disqualify them from trying cases in the County with out prejudice. Hell. I've seen jurors picked for trials that knew the defendant in our courts.


 I may be wrong but this smells as a political cop out in my opinion , in fact I predicted it earlier this would happen. Clark Co. prosecutors don't like prosecuting their own. By own I mean fellow office holders and their employees especially when of the same political party. I have seen it to many times before where an employee of county office holder is arrested and the case either gets dropped or you never hear about it again. What happened to the case against former Sheriff's candidate and member of the Sheriff's dept. whose was being investigated on campaign finance laws violations ??? Anybody heard ???

 I checked through the archives of the News/Tribune found about 5 or 6 (which I posted on the CCC when I was a member) Sheriff''s Dept. employees arrested for varying charges some serious. To my knowledge none was ever sentenced. I guess they were all innocent  <rolling eyes>...

In my opinion Clark Co. prosecutor Steve Stewart needs to man up , prosecute his own crimes (if determined) , the crimes he was elected and paid to prosecute. They happened in Clark Co., Clark Co people are involved we don't need an outsider that will be paid money the County can't afford.
Do the people who elected you a favor and do your job....

Messages To Some of My Chatter Friends

Just wanted to relay some words to a few of  my Chatter friends....




************************************UPDATE************************************
In my original post I forgot about my friend and partner in crime Cindiloohoo. sorry Cindi you know your one of my favorites......
***************************************************************************************** 


BikerDude Sorry to hear about your friend Buster, know you must be hurtin but hang in there dude. We got two of our own, one getting old and feeble hate seeing her go downhill....

ChopperWoman did you get my e-mail ?? Haven't heard back from ya...

Jules just wondering if you're still out there ?? Notice you haven't checked in with G or me lately...Thinking of you...

And to the nice lady Tina who left me some good information for the Blog (feel free to send me more) and the former CCC moderator (You  know who you are) who gave me some kind words and insight of the Chatter inner works...A big Thank You.....

GG know you're probably pissed at me but hope we're still friends...been thinking of you as well.....

Donna miss you too....

NHBSM you continue to make your self look foolish and bitter, you've flip flopped on about every issue there is,  just to spite MM. One plus for you HT isn't around to call out your bull shit...

JAML & NHBSM quit crying about the roads the Street Dept. does a thankless job and are underpaid they do a terrific work...they don't need idiots like you two criticizing the job they do....











Woo, Snowman, Trackrat, Pesty, Details Matter, Kelley, IM....look forward to when you all post it's usually interesting.....and thanks too all of you others who check in the Blog from time to time...Sorry if I missed anyone

Quasar you can kiss my ASS !

Reminder... Last Week For Precinct Committeemen / Committeewomen Signups

Just a reminder Friday Feb.7 is the deadline for applications to be turned in for precinct committeemen and committeewomen elections . An opportunity for everyone to get in at a grass roots level of their party and help make a difference in local, state, and national politics, that doesn't require a lot of time...

 Make a difference and sign up....

 Link for Application...Precinct Committeeman / Committeewoman Application

Have A Great Super Bowl !!!

GO BRONCOS !!!