Monday, July 17, 2006

2005--Jail Problems in Lowndes County Jail of Great Concern

Sheriffs Deputy Stand Off Near Hahira! Vs Fifteen Arrested
Posted by George Rhynes on 1/1/2006 18:23:34

    Dear Editor, Concerned Citizens and Message Boards

    On 21 December 2005, the Valdosta Daily Times (VDT) reported that on HWY 41 near Hahira Georgia a white man XXXXXXX XXXXX in his mid 20s, threatened to injure himself. He appeared to be intoxicated, barricaded himself in the home, disabled the phones, made threats to himself, threatened a VDT photographer, fired a shotgun at investigators, fired shots while emerging from the home with a shotgun, shots ricocheted grazing an investigator and negotiations continued for nearly three hours at tax payers expense until taken into custody.

    The VDT also reported that Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said. “It was just an unfortunate situation…” “We don’t think he had any intent to harm anybody…” “We’re glad this was resolved with no injuries…” “The person was really seeking help.”

    While I am personally grateful to the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department for resolving the problem without any serious injuries. I question the comments: It was just an unfortunate situation, that he was not a threat to anybody, just seeking help. In addition, there were no charges published in the times. And why escort him down a public street without handcuffs?

    There are people behind bars, on probation, and paying fines for lesser offenses. Back in May of 2005, fifteen law abiding citizens were arrested, jailed, handcuffed, and denied bail for nearly 24 hours for disturbing a public meeting according to Valdosta City Mayor and Council.

    Although, they did not threaten anyone, possess a shotgun, use over three hours of tax payers money with a standoff, threaten a VDT photographer, glaze investigators with bullets from a firearm, disable telephones, barricade themselves in a building, fired shots, appeared to be intoxicated, and they posed no threat to anyone including law enforcement or themselves. However, they were arrested, charged, taken away in handcuffs, and held for 24 hours without bail.

    As president of the Valdosta Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP.

    We are constantly bombarded with complaints from citizens in and out of the State of Georgia for being stopped, harassed, searched, charged, placed on probation and fined for much less than reported on 21 Oct 05.

    Americans had better wake-up to a new reality that is plaguing law enforcement and our justice system image among citizens. Moreover, if justice is not applied equally Americans could be forced into taking the law into their own hands.

    We must understand that greater nations fell from within because of unjust laws, and unequal treatment under the law. Whether we are Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Atheists or other. We must treat our neighbors and their children as we ourselves wish to be treated. Otherwise, we will not be seen as the guardians of freedom, justice, and equality for all humanity. Peace!


    GEORGE RHYNES
    President
    Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch (NAACP)

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