Georgia Lawyer Wins Rare 'Public Figure' Libel Judgment
R. Robin McDonald
Fulton County Daily Report
July 9, 2002
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Meadows Ichter & Bowers' Michael J. Bowers
image: Catherine Lovett/Fulton County Daily Report
The publisher of a Lowndes County weekly newspaper in Georgia is unrepentant despite losing a public figure libel case.
"If you use excessive force recklessly, without regard for human life, then you have committed murder," said Alpheus Byers "Al" Parsons, editor and publisher of the Lake Park Post in Lake Park near Valdosta. "Basically, that was our take."
Parsons and his newspaper never backed away from stories that called Lowndes County Deputy Kevin Farmer a "murderer" because a man he had arrested in a 1998 traffic stop fell in a struggle to escape while handcuffed, hit his head on the pavement and died the following night in custody, according to Farmer's attorneys. Newspaper stories repeatedly stated that the death was the result of a beating and identified Farmer as the perpetrator.
A county coroner's inquest ruled that Willie James Williams died of a cranial hemorrhage caused by a blunt-force trauma to the head, but that his death was accidental. The inquest panel, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation medical examiner, a county grand jury, and an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice found no evidence to support any criminal charges against Farmer.
Michael J. Bowers, who represented Farmer, said the Post ignored the official findings and called Farmer a murderer more than 20 times.
Bowers, a partner at Meadows, Ichter & Bowers in Atlanta, was assisted in the case by associate Christopher S. Anulewicz.
A Lowndes County jury levied $225,000 in compensatory and punitive damages against Parsons, the Post and columnist Charles Moore last month. Farmer v. Lake Park Post, No. 2000-cv-308 (Lowndes Super. June 21, 2002). Legal experts say the award is significant because libel actions against public figures are so difficult to win.
The verdict is the first successful libel verdict won by a public figure in Georgia since 1986. Only four public figures in Georgia have won libel verdicts since 1980, according to Eric P. Robinson, a staff attorney with the Libel Defense Resource Center in New York.
WIN CALLED RARE
David S. Hudson, general counsel for the Georgia Press Association, said Bowers' win is rare because "most public figure libel cases never get to a jury." An estimated 95 percent of libel cases brought against the media by public figures are disposed of in favor of the defendants on summary judgment because a showing of malice or reckless disregard for the truth is so difficult to meet, he said.
Atlanta attorney L. Lin Wood Jr., who has instigated libel suits on behalf of former Olympic Centennial Park security guard Richard Jewell and the parents of murder victim JonBenét Ramsey, said, "If you have a public figure or public official case that you can get beyond a motion for summary judgment to trial before a jury, by definition, you have a strong and compelling factual case. ... That's the hurdle."
Sandra S. Baron, executive director of the Libel Defense Resource Center, said that data compiled by her organization suggests that while public figures have been nearly as successful in winning libel suits against the media as private figures if the cases actually go to trial, "Between post-trial motions and the appellate process, public figures tend to end up with fewer judgments in their favor and diminished amounts of damages."
Hudson recently questioned whether the Lowndes verdict will stand. "I'd be surprised if this is the end of it," he said. "I feel certain there will be an appeal. If there is an appeal, this is likely the type of case that would find amicus support from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation or Georgia Press [Association], if they looked at it and found serious implications for other media in the state."
Parsons said he intends to appeal the case, which he insisted was prompted by Farmer's boss, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. The Post has repeatedly criticized Paulk and called for his ouster.
"In a real way, they went into overkill," Parsons said of the sheriff's office. "We're a small newspaper, and the sheriff is very powerful here. ... I don't even dislike the guy. He's personable, he's nice. But he's really vengeful, ruthless and tough."
Parsons said he believes the suit was intended to put his newspaper out of business. But, he promised, "We will bloom like the phoenix. Out of the ashes, we will come forth."
For his part, Paulk said he believes the newspaper's attacks on Farmer "were attempts to get at my department."
Paulk also said he contributed to a fund that paid Farmer's legal bills and he asked Bowers, an old friend, to help.
"When my people are right, I will stand in front of them," he said. "When they're wrong, I have sent some of my deputies to prison."
DIVISIVE CASE IN LOWNDES
Williams' death in the Lowndes County Jail is perhaps the most divisive case to surface in Lowndes County in the past 20 years, said Moore's attorney Patrick C. Cork of Cork & Cork in Valdosta.
"In terms of testing the Constitution, testing the First Amendment and freedom of the press, it's probably the biggest case we've ever had," Cork said. "I argued to the jury, 'Even if you don't like Al Parsons, even if you don't like Charles Moore, even if you despise them and think their opinions are off the wall and really weird ... they do have that right to express that opinion." Moore, in particular, has cultivated a "no holds barred" reporting style, he said. "After a while, you make some enemies, I guess."
1998 INCIDENT
The incident that so outraged Moore and Parsons began about 2 a.m. Sept. 1, 1998, when Deputy Farmer, then 25, spotted Williams, 48, driving the wrong way down a county road.
According to Anulewicz, Williams smelled strongly of alcohol. He was slurring his words, and refused to give Farmer his correct name and address. Farmer handcuffed him, searched him, found his wallet, and discovered his real name. Williams, according to Anulewicz, was wanted on a probation violation warrant.
But when Farmer attempted to place Williams in his squad car, Williams began to struggle, Anulewicz said. "He falls to the ground. Kevin helped him up. ... The guy keeps struggling to get away." Then, Anulewicz said, Williams ran. Farmer grabbed him in a police hold and shoved him to the ground. Unable to break a second fall because his hands were cuffed behind him, Williams struck his head on the pavement.
The arrest and Williams' falls were videotaped by cameras mounted on Farmer's squad car and a second patrol car that had arrived as backup. Williams was transported to the hospital, where emergency room staff examined him and treated him for two broken teeth, an open head wound, abrasions and a two-inch gash to his lip, according to Cork. Then they released him to the deputies' custody, and Williams was taken to the Lowndes County Jail.
Twenty-four hours later, Williams had a seizure and died. According to attorneys for both parties, the coroner's report determined that because Williams was a chronic alcoholic, his brain had shrunk. When he hit the ground during his arrest, his brain slammed into the front of his skull and began hemorrhaging.
Because alcohol had damaged Williams' liver, Williams' body was unable to manufacture sufficient coagulants to keep the bleeding in check, a state medical examiner testified at the coroner's inquest. Almost anyone else, even a 70-year-old man, would have recovered from the fall with little more than a headache, the examiner said.
COCHRAN ASSOCIATE HIRED
The Lake Park Post wrote little about the incident when it occurred, Anulewicz said. A year later, after Williams' family hired a local attorney then associated with Johnnie L. Cochran's Los Angeles firm to sue Farmer and the county, the newspaper begin its virulent attacks on the deputy, he said.
Cork said it is important to understand the context in which the newspaper began its relentless focus on Williams' death.
"By way of background, we have had several alleged beatings that took place in the Lowndes County Jail," he said. "Secondly, over the years there have been a number of deaths in the Lowndes County Jail. A number of people complained they didn't have proper medical treatment in the jail, and there have been a number of lawsuits."
Paulk insisted those suits were "mostly frivolous. I don't know of a major lawsuit we've lost."
The circumstances of Williams' death in the jail stunned people, Cork said. The jail's medical personnel and detention offices "let this fellow linger in a coma for several hours" in his cell. As he lay in a spreading puddle of blood and body wastes, jail staff checked on him simply by kicking his door every half hour, Cork said. "If he moved, he was still alive. Only when he didn't respond did they call an ambulance." By then, he said, Williams was close to death.
"It was this attitude, that he was a nobody -- it left a sort of a permanent stench down there," Cork said. "If you are African-American, you're poor, you're old, you're drunk, and you're a frequent flier in our jail, you are nobody."
In addition, "The level of medical care was just not there," Cork said. "That was part of the outrage also. It was this backdrop of mind over matter -- 'We don't mind, and you don't matter' -- that created this atmosphere. The line was drawn in the sand.
"The official line on this thing was that nothing had happened, nobody was wrong, nobody had done anything. The GBI came in and rubber-stamped the sheriff's initial findings. Everybody was in lockstep that this was just a freak accident, that this fellow had not been abused. ... The sheriff made a statement to the Valdosta Daily Times indicating they were treating it [Williams' death] as justified. ... The district attorney took the same position."
Then there were the videotapes. Poorly lit, often fuzzy, and shot at a distance, the videos surfaced publicly nearly a year after Williams' death when his family's lawyers began showing them at some of the county's churches, claiming they demonstrated that Williams had been beaten when he was arrested.
"Watching that video in its unenhanced state, nearly everyone reached the same conclusion," Cork asserted. "Not just these two writers, but hundreds of people watched this video. Everyone would come away aghast. Very, very few people thought they were seeing anything but a beating that caused a death by blunt-force trauma to the head."
Said Parsons, "We wrote what we saw. ... If you saw it, you'd believe it, too."
The paper noted the coroner's inquest panel split along racial lines in favor of its white majority when it determined in a 3-2 vote that Williams' death was accidental.
Two years after Williams' death, the FBI's laboratory produced a digitally enhanced video made from the original tapes. That enhanced video clearly showed that before handcuffing Williams, Farmer had placed his still-lit flashlight on the back of his belt, where it remained during the entire arrest, Anulewicz said.
The tape, the lawyer continued, proved that Farmer did not beat Williams with his flashlight as the Lake Park Post repeatedly had claimed.
Cork acknowledged that on the FBI-enhanced version of the police video, "You can see what appears to be a flashlight on a sling at the deputy's belt. Every time the deputy moves, it causes the light to swing back and forth. ... But before the enhancement, almost everyone looking at the video concluded that you could see him [Farmer] beating Williams with a flashlight."
Cork said the journalists also came to believe that it didn't matter whether Williams was beaten with a flashlight or his head was slammed into the pavement during his arrest.
"Whether the rock hit the painting, or the painting hit the rock, the painting loses. He was still beaten."
Even after seeing the enhanced tape, Parsons still refused to retract statements accusing Farmer of murder. In an Aug. 3, 2000, column, Parsons wrote, "We repeat this now once again: Deputy Kevin Farmer killed Willie James Williams probably by slamming his face to the pavement twice while he was handcuffed behind his back and could not protect himself."
In that column, Parsons also needled Bowers. "Mike Bowers, the lawyer for Farmer, says that if we retract and pay their lawyers fees, all is forgiven.
"We will not retract, and they will end up paying our lawyer because we got a better lawyer, Converse Bright."
Since the verdict, Parsons has become more circumspect, though he still insists that he was right. "We never made our case," Parsons said. "We got screwed because we were indolent and cocky. ... One thing I would like to throw in -- that we woefully underestimated the talents of Mr. Mike Bowers ... who did a masterful job of creaming us."
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lies, More Lies, New Jail Finished Reported the Valdosta Daily Times, Now It Was NOT!
http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/apstorysection/local_story_308214625.html/resources_printstory
New Lowndes jail finished
Kelli Hernandez
November 04, 2006 09:47 pm
— VALDOSTA — Sheriff Ashley Paulk predicted in September that the construction of the new Lowndes County Jail would be completed without a snag, and he was correct.
The brand new, 33,192-square-foot facility has been completed and finishing touches are being made before personnel and inmates can move in next month, according to Captain J.D. Yeager.
Construction on the 16-month project was completed ahead of schedule, and inmates and personnel will be able to use a new medical center, offices for jail personnel, holding cells, visitation areas, a state-of-the-art kitchen, new laundry rooms and equipment, and rooms for lawyers to meet with clients.
All of the upgrades were designed to alleviate congestion. The problems jail personnel currently face have a great deal to do with overcrowding.
Innovative design will allow inmates to be more closely monitored using less manpower, according to Yeager.
The current jail facility, originally built to house 200 inmates, now holds about 700 on average. Kitchen, medical, laundry and intake areas are too overcrowded to function efficiently, and the innovative design of the new facility will increase both security and safety.
Inmates working in the current kitchen must function around one refrigerator, one freezer and a storage room barely large enough to store the food trays in an effort to serve approximately 2,100 meals per day. The new facility features separate walk-in refrigerator and freezer units, a larger food warmer, newer and larger equipment, more storage space, and almost four times as much room to maneuver.
New laundry facilities will feature three brand new 85 pound washers and four 120 pound dryers. Air conditioning throughout the new facility will provide much needed relief for workers, especially during the summer months.
The sally port, which is the area where authorities will bring in
inmates to be booked, has been designed to allow for more traffic and provides dual-entry holding cells which can be opened either from inside the sally port or from inside the intake area. Currently, there are no holding cells for the intake area and inmates both coming and going through the area are left in the hallways creating a safety hazard and hindering functionality.
Finally, the new medical area features four large exam rooms and a number of additional viewing rooms. Currently, jail nurses are working with only two small exam rooms, two viewing rooms and one dentistry room. The nurses’ stations have also grown and become more easily accessible. Select new rooms are also equipped with reverse air flow systems reducing the risk of spreading contagious illnesses between inmates.
The $6.2 million project was funded through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. As soon as remaining furniture and equipment can be transferred , personnel and inmates will be able to begin using the new facility, according to Yeager.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Paul Leavy/The Valdosta Daily Times The kitchen in the new jail facility has more room, new equipment, more cold storage, and better able to cook over 2,100 meals a day.
New Lowndes jail finished
Kelli Hernandez
November 04, 2006 09:47 pm
— VALDOSTA — Sheriff Ashley Paulk predicted in September that the construction of the new Lowndes County Jail would be completed without a snag, and he was correct.
The brand new, 33,192-square-foot facility has been completed and finishing touches are being made before personnel and inmates can move in next month, according to Captain J.D. Yeager.
Construction on the 16-month project was completed ahead of schedule, and inmates and personnel will be able to use a new medical center, offices for jail personnel, holding cells, visitation areas, a state-of-the-art kitchen, new laundry rooms and equipment, and rooms for lawyers to meet with clients.
All of the upgrades were designed to alleviate congestion. The problems jail personnel currently face have a great deal to do with overcrowding.
Innovative design will allow inmates to be more closely monitored using less manpower, according to Yeager.
The current jail facility, originally built to house 200 inmates, now holds about 700 on average. Kitchen, medical, laundry and intake areas are too overcrowded to function efficiently, and the innovative design of the new facility will increase both security and safety.
Inmates working in the current kitchen must function around one refrigerator, one freezer and a storage room barely large enough to store the food trays in an effort to serve approximately 2,100 meals per day. The new facility features separate walk-in refrigerator and freezer units, a larger food warmer, newer and larger equipment, more storage space, and almost four times as much room to maneuver.
New laundry facilities will feature three brand new 85 pound washers and four 120 pound dryers. Air conditioning throughout the new facility will provide much needed relief for workers, especially during the summer months.
The sally port, which is the area where authorities will bring in
inmates to be booked, has been designed to allow for more traffic and provides dual-entry holding cells which can be opened either from inside the sally port or from inside the intake area. Currently, there are no holding cells for the intake area and inmates both coming and going through the area are left in the hallways creating a safety hazard and hindering functionality.
Finally, the new medical area features four large exam rooms and a number of additional viewing rooms. Currently, jail nurses are working with only two small exam rooms, two viewing rooms and one dentistry room. The nurses’ stations have also grown and become more easily accessible. Select new rooms are also equipped with reverse air flow systems reducing the risk of spreading contagious illnesses between inmates.
The $6.2 million project was funded through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. As soon as remaining furniture and equipment can be transferred , personnel and inmates will be able to begin using the new facility, according to Yeager.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Paul Leavy/The Valdosta Daily Times The kitchen in the new jail facility has more room, new equipment, more cold storage, and better able to cook over 2,100 meals a day.
U.S. Justice Depart or U.S. Unjust-Justice Department and Must BLACKS Take the Law Into Their Own Hands --For Justice? Sept 1, 1998
Department of Justice Seal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2001
(202) 616-2777
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CLOSES CRIMINAL CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION INTO
THE DEATH OF WILLIE J. WILLIAMS
WASHINGTON, D.C. The Justice Department today announced that it has closed the investigation into the death of Willie J. Williams, a Valdosta, Georgia resident, and has found insufficient evidence to justify federal criminal civil rights charges against Kevin Farmer, a Lowndes County Sheriff Deputy.
The Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into the death of Williams after allegations were made by the People's Tribunal, a Valdosta community activism organization, that he may have been the victim of unlawful excessive force, either at the arrest scene or while in jail.
On the morning of September 1, 1998 Williams was arrested after Deputy Farmer stopped him on a traffic violation. In the process of making the arrest Williams resisted, and according to Deputy Farmer, during the ensuing struggle, he pushed Williams to the ground in order to control him. After receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the struggle, Williams was taken to the Lowndes County Jail.
Later that evening while in the Lowndes County jail, correctional officers found Williams jerking violently on the floor of his cell experiencing a seizure. Medical staff treated Williams and monitored him throughout the evening.
The following morning he was found unconscious and was pronounced dead at the South Georgia Medical Center. The autopsy determined that Williams died as a result of complications arising from a large subdural hematoma, which was sustained as a result of blunt-force head trauma. The examination did not reveal any evidence of other significant or life-threatening trauma. Dr. Anthony Clark, who conducted the autopsy, concluded that the head trauma was consistent with the witness accounts of the fall at the arrest scene and that brain atrophy and liver disease caused by chronic alcoholism significantly contributed to Williams' death.
In evaluating the case, the Department of Justice consulted the autopsy report, physical evidence at the scene, including a video recording of the arrest from the deputy's vehicle, video footage from the jail booking room and more than fifty eyewitness accounts.
As a result of its investigation, the Department of Justice determined that the evidence was insufficient to contradict Deputy Farmer's claim that he pushed Williams to the ground in order to control him. Additionally, there was insufficient evidence that Williams was beaten at the jail, or that the actions or inactions of any correctional officer resulted in his death. Given that the evidence was insufficient to meet the rigorous requirements for a prosecution under the applicable federal statutes, the Department of Justice has determined that federal criminal civil rights charges are not warranted.
To bring federal criminal civil rights charges, the evidence must support the conclusion that the officers willfully deprived Williams of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force, and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted with a bad purpose and with the specific intent to use force that they knew was unreasonable. In this case, the evidence was insufficient to establish these elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
01-537
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2001
(202) 616-2777
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CLOSES CRIMINAL CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION INTO
THE DEATH OF WILLIE J. WILLIAMS
WASHINGTON, D.C. The Justice Department today announced that it has closed the investigation into the death of Willie J. Williams, a Valdosta, Georgia resident, and has found insufficient evidence to justify federal criminal civil rights charges against Kevin Farmer, a Lowndes County Sheriff Deputy.
The Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into the death of Williams after allegations were made by the People's Tribunal, a Valdosta community activism organization, that he may have been the victim of unlawful excessive force, either at the arrest scene or while in jail.
On the morning of September 1, 1998 Williams was arrested after Deputy Farmer stopped him on a traffic violation. In the process of making the arrest Williams resisted, and according to Deputy Farmer, during the ensuing struggle, he pushed Williams to the ground in order to control him. After receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the struggle, Williams was taken to the Lowndes County Jail.
Later that evening while in the Lowndes County jail, correctional officers found Williams jerking violently on the floor of his cell experiencing a seizure. Medical staff treated Williams and monitored him throughout the evening.
The following morning he was found unconscious and was pronounced dead at the South Georgia Medical Center. The autopsy determined that Williams died as a result of complications arising from a large subdural hematoma, which was sustained as a result of blunt-force head trauma. The examination did not reveal any evidence of other significant or life-threatening trauma. Dr. Anthony Clark, who conducted the autopsy, concluded that the head trauma was consistent with the witness accounts of the fall at the arrest scene and that brain atrophy and liver disease caused by chronic alcoholism significantly contributed to Williams' death.
In evaluating the case, the Department of Justice consulted the autopsy report, physical evidence at the scene, including a video recording of the arrest from the deputy's vehicle, video footage from the jail booking room and more than fifty eyewitness accounts.
As a result of its investigation, the Department of Justice determined that the evidence was insufficient to contradict Deputy Farmer's claim that he pushed Williams to the ground in order to control him. Additionally, there was insufficient evidence that Williams was beaten at the jail, or that the actions or inactions of any correctional officer resulted in his death. Given that the evidence was insufficient to meet the rigorous requirements for a prosecution under the applicable federal statutes, the Department of Justice has determined that federal criminal civil rights charges are not warranted.
To bring federal criminal civil rights charges, the evidence must support the conclusion that the officers willfully deprived Williams of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force, and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted with a bad purpose and with the specific intent to use force that they knew was unreasonable. In this case, the evidence was insufficient to establish these elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
01-537
Saturday, August 1, 2009
026: No Help or Justice in Valdosta-Lowndes County for Certain underpriviledged Citizens. What a sad day?
026---LOCAL CITIZENS IGNORED BY COMMISSIONERS FOR 1 YEAR. WHY ARE THESE AMERICAN CITIZENS BEING IGNORED? WHY?
Posted by George Rhynes on 8/12/2004 23:25:05
Dear Editor, Concerned Citizens, Message Boards, Elected Officials, Lowndes County Inmates, and Military Veterans!
On 26 Aug 2004, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners was given signed letters, notarized statements from eleven inmates in the Lowndes County Jail. Their allegations consisted of cover-ups, abuses, inhumane, unsanitary conditions, and that their Constitution Rights were being violated.
Civil Action #89-54-VAL, filed in U.S. District Courts of Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division included many of their discrepancies filed in 1989.
Moreover, the Valdosta Daily times, the Lake Park Post and Capt Yeager of the Sheriffs Department reported many of the same discrepancies.
On 21 Jun 2004, another 49, year old white male inmate died in the jail. It took thirty-five days for local news media to release his name. However, after seventy-two days the cause of death has not been released to the public.
Therefore, as inmates deaths continues to rise in Lowndes County Jail. Local commissioners and others refuse to respond to these citizens, many of whom are military veterans.
It is said that Rev. Martin L. King Jr. was steered around Lowndes County because of local official痴 unwillingness to change.
It was just in March 2004, that an 1860 Valdosta, City Charter was removed from the Municipal Courtroom hallway that read. The Mayor and Council shall pass all proper and necessary laws or ordinances for the control of slaves, and free persons of color in said town and suppress, and abate all nuisances arriving from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town, or from other causes.・
Until this day local citizens live in fear in Lowndes County Georgia because of a power structure that is unwilling to change, and by a tailored media that refuses to do in-depth investigative reporting. But who cares?
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 8/12/2004 23:25:05
Dear Editor, Concerned Citizens, Message Boards, Elected Officials, Lowndes County Inmates, and Military Veterans!
On 26 Aug 2004, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners was given signed letters, notarized statements from eleven inmates in the Lowndes County Jail. Their allegations consisted of cover-ups, abuses, inhumane, unsanitary conditions, and that their Constitution Rights were being violated.
Civil Action #89-54-VAL, filed in U.S. District Courts of Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division included many of their discrepancies filed in 1989.
Moreover, the Valdosta Daily times, the Lake Park Post and Capt Yeager of the Sheriffs Department reported many of the same discrepancies.
On 21 Jun 2004, another 49, year old white male inmate died in the jail. It took thirty-five days for local news media to release his name. However, after seventy-two days the cause of death has not been released to the public.
Therefore, as inmates deaths continues to rise in Lowndes County Jail. Local commissioners and others refuse to respond to these citizens, many of whom are military veterans.
It is said that Rev. Martin L. King Jr. was steered around Lowndes County because of local official痴 unwillingness to change.
It was just in March 2004, that an 1860 Valdosta, City Charter was removed from the Municipal Courtroom hallway that read. The Mayor and Council shall pass all proper and necessary laws or ordinances for the control of slaves, and free persons of color in said town and suppress, and abate all nuisances arriving from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town, or from other causes.・
Until this day local citizens live in fear in Lowndes County Georgia because of a power structure that is unwilling to change, and by a tailored media that refuses to do in-depth investigative reporting. But who cares?
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
025: 105 Violaltions Found by Judge Hugh Lawson. Did He Ever Follow-up on his own ORDER? Why NOT? Was his verdict JUST? God will Judge TO!
025---JAIL PROBLEMS DATES BACK TO 1988, CIVIL ACTION #89-54-VAL
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/29/2004 13:09:37
U.S. District Court Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations in 1997, from court papers filed in U.S. District Courts in 1989.
Moreover, the signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix the following:
- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present. (Violations and or/recommendations)
34 ・Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 ・Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 ・Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 ・Violations under------ Population.
8 ・Violations under------ Visitations.
6 ・Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 ・Violations under-------Food.
3 ・Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 ・Violations under-------Recreation.
2 ・Violations under-------Commissary
2 ・Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 ・Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 ・Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 ・Violations under--------Change Provision
1 ・Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.
Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/29/2004 13:09:37
U.S. District Court Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations in 1997, from court papers filed in U.S. District Courts in 1989.
Moreover, the signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix the following:
- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present. (Violations and or/recommendations)
34 ・Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 ・Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 ・Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 ・Violations under------ Population.
8 ・Violations under------ Visitations.
6 ・Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 ・Violations under-------Food.
3 ・Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 ・Violations under-------Recreation.
2 ・Violations under-------Commissary
2 ・Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 ・Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 ・Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 ・Violations under--------Change Provision
1 ・Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.
Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
024: Death of Inmate withheld for over 30 days by Local media! What the Hell is going on here? And Where are God Followers?
024---JAIL INMATES AND LOCAL ELECTION IN 2004?
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/23/2004 21:51:23
Where in America but in Lowndes County Georgia could a forty-nine year old white male (inmate) die in his jail cell, and his name and cause of death be with held from the public for over a month?
While newspapers, radio, TV stations, elected officials, governmental agencies, local citizens, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others seem to follow the legend of the Ostrich.
Some citizens seem to care more about a cat trapped in a tree than the loss of a human life---in this South Georgia Town.
Even though, over six inmates have died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail.
In 1998, nearly 2,000 citizens marched to show their dissatisfaction and outrage over the treatment of inmates.
Most recently, on 20 June 2004 threats were made on a local candidates freedom and well being. These threats and racial epitaphs were made at a polling place in Lowndes County. Moreover, 911 was called but the again the local population knows nothing about this incident.
It appears that this too will be pushed under the table and not reported to the public by local news media networks.
Usually Metropolitan Cities report incidents of this nature but not here in Valdosta Georgia. It seems that our local government are locked in a time warp, and blinded to the fact that we are living in the 21st century---the age of information and open government. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/23/2004 21:51:23
Where in America but in Lowndes County Georgia could a forty-nine year old white male (inmate) die in his jail cell, and his name and cause of death be with held from the public for over a month?
While newspapers, radio, TV stations, elected officials, governmental agencies, local citizens, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others seem to follow the legend of the Ostrich.
Some citizens seem to care more about a cat trapped in a tree than the loss of a human life---in this South Georgia Town.
Even though, over six inmates have died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail.
In 1998, nearly 2,000 citizens marched to show their dissatisfaction and outrage over the treatment of inmates.
Most recently, on 20 June 2004 threats were made on a local candidates freedom and well being. These threats and racial epitaphs were made at a polling place in Lowndes County. Moreover, 911 was called but the again the local population knows nothing about this incident.
It appears that this too will be pushed under the table and not reported to the public by local news media networks.
Usually Metropolitan Cities report incidents of this nature but not here in Valdosta Georgia. It seems that our local government are locked in a time warp, and blinded to the fact that we are living in the 21st century---the age of information and open government. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
023: Inmate Dies, NO News Coverage Why? Are they a part of the problem? You Decide....
023---DEATH OF ANOTHER INMATE. WHERE ARE THE LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE OF THIS HUMAN BEING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/15/2004 15:48:55
Luke 4:18...
Twenty-Four days ago the Valdosta Daily Times reported the death of a 49-year-old White male inmate who died on 21 June 2004 in the Lowndes County Jail. However, his name and cause of death have not been released to the general public---by local news media.
Other inmates who have died in or surrounding our jail were Rosemary King age 40, died on 20 Jun 2001, Ronzie 鉄onny・Graham age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James Williams age 49, died on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willard McFarland also died to mention a few.
This was reported in The Post a weekly investigative newspaper on 15 April 2004, Vol. 17, No. 2, (Al Parson owner, 229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).
For over fifteen years inmates, parents, pastors, organizations and others have petitioned the Lowndes County Commissioners, Grand Jury, District Attorney, Representatives, Georgia Attorney General, Georgia Lieutenant Governor and others who seems to ignore the ill treatment, and deaths of inmates in this county. Many of whom are American Veterans.
This prolonged lack of attention can only be compared to a week of terror in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918---wherein over ten Black American citizens were killed:
They were Hayes Turner, Mary Turner, Will Head, Will Thompson, Sidney Johnson, an eight month old fetus, Willie Schumann, and three other black individuals whose name were with held but included in the Governors investigation report.
It was a white Georgia Governor Hugh M. Dorsey that took a strong stand for law, order, and justice---instead of chaos. Unlike our present elected officials in my opinion---who have reviewed the two-hour documentary video entitled 鄭 Chorus of Fear, put together by a class at Valdosta State University highlighting the fear that exists in Lowndes County---but they continue to ignore jailed inmates.
Regardless of the reason surrounding inmate痴 death, my condolences go out to his family, friends, and relatives. However, after eighty-six years there is no record where the perpetrators of the crimes committed in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918, were ever brought to justice. Therefore, valid questions must be asked whenever human life is dissolved.
In addition, on 14 July 2004, I received a copy of another Civil Action filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division against the Lowndes County Jail. So where will it all end, and at what cost to local citizens, and does anyone cares?
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
cc: Closed: But made at request of local inmates!
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/15/2004 15:48:55
Luke 4:18...
Twenty-Four days ago the Valdosta Daily Times reported the death of a 49-year-old White male inmate who died on 21 June 2004 in the Lowndes County Jail. However, his name and cause of death have not been released to the general public---by local news media.
Other inmates who have died in or surrounding our jail were Rosemary King age 40, died on 20 Jun 2001, Ronzie 鉄onny・Graham age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James Williams age 49, died on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willard McFarland also died to mention a few.
This was reported in The Post a weekly investigative newspaper on 15 April 2004, Vol. 17, No. 2, (Al Parson owner, 229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).
For over fifteen years inmates, parents, pastors, organizations and others have petitioned the Lowndes County Commissioners, Grand Jury, District Attorney, Representatives, Georgia Attorney General, Georgia Lieutenant Governor and others who seems to ignore the ill treatment, and deaths of inmates in this county. Many of whom are American Veterans.
This prolonged lack of attention can only be compared to a week of terror in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918---wherein over ten Black American citizens were killed:
They were Hayes Turner, Mary Turner, Will Head, Will Thompson, Sidney Johnson, an eight month old fetus, Willie Schumann, and three other black individuals whose name were with held but included in the Governors investigation report.
It was a white Georgia Governor Hugh M. Dorsey that took a strong stand for law, order, and justice---instead of chaos. Unlike our present elected officials in my opinion---who have reviewed the two-hour documentary video entitled 鄭 Chorus of Fear, put together by a class at Valdosta State University highlighting the fear that exists in Lowndes County---but they continue to ignore jailed inmates.
Regardless of the reason surrounding inmate痴 death, my condolences go out to his family, friends, and relatives. However, after eighty-six years there is no record where the perpetrators of the crimes committed in Brooks and Lowndes County in 1918, were ever brought to justice. Therefore, valid questions must be asked whenever human life is dissolved.
In addition, on 14 July 2004, I received a copy of another Civil Action filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division against the Lowndes County Jail. So where will it all end, and at what cost to local citizens, and does anyone cares?
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
cc: Closed: But made at request of local inmates!
022: Television, Newspapers, and Radio Station In Valdosta & Lowndes County SEEMS to be a 1860 J:oke, and Inmates Know!
022---AMERICA’S BEST KEPT SECRET IN VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY BY LOCAL TELEVISION, NEWSPAPER AND RADIO STATIONS. WHY?
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/4/2004 22:59:40
SENT TO VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS ETC., AS REQUESTED BY INMATES LETTERS DATED JULY - AUGUST 2003. BUT HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS. NOT EVEN A COURTEOUS REPLY TODATE! THEY JUST KEEP ON, KEEPING ON! SAY THEY WILL NEVER, EVER STOP UNTIL SOMEONE IN THIS COUNTRY COME TO THEIR AID!
Without much investigative reporting and follow-up action Lowndes
County Georgia is perhaps one of America痴 best-kept secrets. Where on
22 June 2004, the Valdosta Daily times reported that a 49-year-old
white male inmate died in his jail cell.
Capt. Yeager of the Sheriff痴 Department reported that the cause of
death was unknown. Moreover, that his name was being with held pending
notification of next of kin. After fourteen-days many citizens and
organizations remains in the white concerning this inmates death.
We are told that the (GBI), Georgia Bureau of investigation will
investigate.
Therefore, in my opinion no one should pre-judge this death until the
investigation is complete. However, the number of deaths at the jail
continues to increase regardless of the reasons. With few question
being asked by local media.
On 15 April 2004, Vol. 17 NO. 2. The Post, a weekly newspaper reported
the following deaths: Rosemary King age 40, died, on 20 June 2001,
Ronzie 鉄onny・Graham, age 48, died, on 13 July 2000, Willie James
Williams age 49, died, on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on
23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland also died to mention a
few without the complete record. (Al Parson owner and editor, The Post,
229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).
Moreover, inmates have been crying out for help and relief for over 15
years. With over 102 signed letters, and some notarized statements
explaining alleged abuses, inhumane, and unsanitary conditions.
Yet, they are ignored by elected officials. Even a class at Valdosta
State University put together a two-hour documentary video entitled, 鄭
Chorus of Fear revealing the level of fear that exists in Lowndes
County.
Still the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, Grand Jury, District
Attorney, Representative, and others refused to provide even a
courteous reply to these inmates, parents, organizations, ministers and
others within the community.
Therefore, jailed inmates keep dying for whatever reason. While our
elected officials seem to bury their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird. However, in the end truth, justice, and
equality will win----even here in Lowndes County Georgia.
George Rhynes
A Concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/4/2004 22:59:40
SENT TO VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS ETC., AS REQUESTED BY INMATES LETTERS DATED JULY - AUGUST 2003. BUT HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS. NOT EVEN A COURTEOUS REPLY TODATE! THEY JUST KEEP ON, KEEPING ON! SAY THEY WILL NEVER, EVER STOP UNTIL SOMEONE IN THIS COUNTRY COME TO THEIR AID!
Without much investigative reporting and follow-up action Lowndes
County Georgia is perhaps one of America痴 best-kept secrets. Where on
22 June 2004, the Valdosta Daily times reported that a 49-year-old
white male inmate died in his jail cell.
Capt. Yeager of the Sheriff痴 Department reported that the cause of
death was unknown. Moreover, that his name was being with held pending
notification of next of kin. After fourteen-days many citizens and
organizations remains in the white concerning this inmates death.
We are told that the (GBI), Georgia Bureau of investigation will
investigate.
Therefore, in my opinion no one should pre-judge this death until the
investigation is complete. However, the number of deaths at the jail
continues to increase regardless of the reasons. With few question
being asked by local media.
On 15 April 2004, Vol. 17 NO. 2. The Post, a weekly newspaper reported
the following deaths: Rosemary King age 40, died, on 20 June 2001,
Ronzie 鉄onny・Graham, age 48, died, on 13 July 2000, Willie James
Williams age 49, died, on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on
23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland also died to mention a
few without the complete record. (Al Parson owner and editor, The Post,
229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).
Moreover, inmates have been crying out for help and relief for over 15
years. With over 102 signed letters, and some notarized statements
explaining alleged abuses, inhumane, and unsanitary conditions.
Yet, they are ignored by elected officials. Even a class at Valdosta
State University put together a two-hour documentary video entitled, 鄭
Chorus of Fear revealing the level of fear that exists in Lowndes
County.
Still the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, Grand Jury, District
Attorney, Representative, and others refused to provide even a
courteous reply to these inmates, parents, organizations, ministers and
others within the community.
Therefore, jailed inmates keep dying for whatever reason. While our
elected officials seem to bury their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird. However, in the end truth, justice, and
equality will win----even here in Lowndes County Georgia.
George Rhynes
A Concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
021L Deaths Keep Comming But No Resolution From City, County, State, or Federal Agencies! Why don't they Care about American Citizens? Why?
021---DEATH OF ANOTHER INMATE JUNE 21, 2004
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/2/2004 22:29:01
On 22 June 2004, our local news paper the Valdosta Daily Times reported that Capt Yeager of the Lowndes County Sheriff痴 Department said: That a 49 year old white male died of unknown causes at about 4:30 p.m. in his cell at the jail.
The name of the inmate is being with held until the family is notified. To date, to my knowledge this information has not been released to the general public.
As usual, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will investigate as they have routinely done in the past. Therefore, no one should pre-judge this most recent death until the investigation is complete.
However, this death seems to follow that of Rosemary King, age 40, died on 20 June 2001, Ronzie Lonny Graham, age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James William, age 40, died on 2 Sept. 1998, Willie Lee Gay, age 39, died on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland, also died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail under a white cloud of questions.
Therefore, we must ask questions, be concerned and get valid answers. My condolences go out to the family of this young man, and may God keep you strong!
Moreover, we all must want for our neighbors, that which we have and want for ourselves, and our own children. Otherwise, this community will continue to be less than what it could be.
And eventually the conditions that we allow to exist will have a direct impact on all of us. Then America will be unable to remain the torch light of hope, freedom, love, justice, and equality for the modern world. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/2/2004 22:29:01
On 22 June 2004, our local news paper the Valdosta Daily Times reported that Capt Yeager of the Lowndes County Sheriff痴 Department said: That a 49 year old white male died of unknown causes at about 4:30 p.m. in his cell at the jail.
The name of the inmate is being with held until the family is notified. To date, to my knowledge this information has not been released to the general public.
As usual, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will investigate as they have routinely done in the past. Therefore, no one should pre-judge this most recent death until the investigation is complete.
However, this death seems to follow that of Rosemary King, age 40, died on 20 June 2001, Ronzie Lonny Graham, age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James William, age 40, died on 2 Sept. 1998, Willie Lee Gay, age 39, died on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland, also died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail under a white cloud of questions.
Therefore, we must ask questions, be concerned and get valid answers. My condolences go out to the family of this young man, and may God keep you strong!
Moreover, we all must want for our neighbors, that which we have and want for ourselves, and our own children. Otherwise, this community will continue to be less than what it could be.
And eventually the conditions that we allow to exist will have a direct impact on all of us. Then America will be unable to remain the torch light of hope, freedom, love, justice, and equality for the modern world. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
020: Qustions Local, State, and Federal Elected Officials Refused to answer for American Citizens. Why?
020---QUESTIONS CITIZENS WANT ANSWERED BY THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA.
Posted by George Rhynes on 6/24/2004 22:57:48
THESE QUESTIONS WERE ADDRESSED TO MANY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA--AT THE REQUEST OF LOWNDES COUNTY JAILED INMATES.
1. In the State of Georgia is there a requirement for County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual to be kept up to date in County Jails? If so, is this manual available for citizens to checkout and review?
2. Does Georgia require a Staffing Analysis of Jails by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? If so, where can citizens obtain results of such reviews?
3. When it is determined by a U.S. District Court Judge in the State of Georgia that Jailed Inmates Constitutional Rights have been violated:
a. Who ensures that corrections are made? Who is held responsible for complying with a U.S. District Court Order and Consent Decree?
b. Is there a requirement for the Federal, State, County, and City government to inspect jails within the State of Georgia?
c. Does the Federal, State, or County Governments provide a checklist to Georgia Grand Juries on requirements of Jails in the State of Georgia?
4. When complaints of abuse and mistreatment of Jailed Inmates in a Georgia County Jail have been identified by the courts. Is it permitted to send surveys within a jailed to pool the jail population? (To insure inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not being violated).
5. If you are notified of an abusive jail situation who would you recommend citizens contact to resolve inmates alleged problems of abuse? (When local citizens cannot get a response from their elected officials).
6. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury and each member properly educated/trained on proper guidelines for reviewing Georgia Jails? If not, why are they permitted to tour the jail and give a report---on jail conditions?
7. In the State of Georgia who performs oversight review of County Sheriffs Departments? And who insures that inmate complaints are adequately investigated IAW Federal, State, and Local policies if applicable?
8. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the Georgia Inmate Complaint System?
9. Are inmate痴 personal/Official U.S. Mail within the State of Georgia allowed to be opened outside the inmates (view), presents? If so, under what conditions? Moreover, do the State of Georgia band newspapers, and other religious literature from certain religious persuasions?
10. Is Medical Staff at a County Jail inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so, by whom? How often? Where can documentation be found?
11. In the case of a U.S. District Court Order. Who insures that all discrepancies are fixed and complied with within a County Jail in the State of Georgia?
12. What Federal, State or County Manual governs Georgia County Jail Standards? In addition, who has authority/Jurisdiction over a County Sheriff within the State of Georgia? If anyone?
Thank you for your assistance on behalf of those inmates who requested this be submitted to your agency. Thanks!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 6/24/2004 22:57:48
THESE QUESTIONS WERE ADDRESSED TO MANY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA--AT THE REQUEST OF LOWNDES COUNTY JAILED INMATES.
1. In the State of Georgia is there a requirement for County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual to be kept up to date in County Jails? If so, is this manual available for citizens to checkout and review?
2. Does Georgia require a Staffing Analysis of Jails by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? If so, where can citizens obtain results of such reviews?
3. When it is determined by a U.S. District Court Judge in the State of Georgia that Jailed Inmates Constitutional Rights have been violated:
a. Who ensures that corrections are made? Who is held responsible for complying with a U.S. District Court Order and Consent Decree?
b. Is there a requirement for the Federal, State, County, and City government to inspect jails within the State of Georgia?
c. Does the Federal, State, or County Governments provide a checklist to Georgia Grand Juries on requirements of Jails in the State of Georgia?
4. When complaints of abuse and mistreatment of Jailed Inmates in a Georgia County Jail have been identified by the courts. Is it permitted to send surveys within a jailed to pool the jail population? (To insure inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not being violated).
5. If you are notified of an abusive jail situation who would you recommend citizens contact to resolve inmates alleged problems of abuse? (When local citizens cannot get a response from their elected officials).
6. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury and each member properly educated/trained on proper guidelines for reviewing Georgia Jails? If not, why are they permitted to tour the jail and give a report---on jail conditions?
7. In the State of Georgia who performs oversight review of County Sheriffs Departments? And who insures that inmate complaints are adequately investigated IAW Federal, State, and Local policies if applicable?
8. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the Georgia Inmate Complaint System?
9. Are inmate痴 personal/Official U.S. Mail within the State of Georgia allowed to be opened outside the inmates (view), presents? If so, under what conditions? Moreover, do the State of Georgia band newspapers, and other religious literature from certain religious persuasions?
10. Is Medical Staff at a County Jail inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so, by whom? How often? Where can documentation be found?
11. In the case of a U.S. District Court Order. Who insures that all discrepancies are fixed and complied with within a County Jail in the State of Georgia?
12. What Federal, State or County Manual governs Georgia County Jail Standards? In addition, who has authority/Jurisdiction over a County Sheriff within the State of Georgia? If anyone?
Thank you for your assistance on behalf of those inmates who requested this be submitted to your agency. Thanks!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned and brother of humanity!
019: Appeal to Rep. Jack Kingston--No Reply! Why? Inmates Appeal taken to State Elected Officials in Georgia? No Action. Why?
019---THE MOST HONORABLE JACK KINGSTON (AN ELECTED OFFICIAL FOR THE PEOPLE)
Posted by George Rhynes on 6/13/2004 09:43:52
The Honorable Jack Kingston:
I AM REQUESTING A RESPONSE FROM YOU AS TO WHY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA REFUSE TO RESPOND TO AMERICAN/GEORGIA CITIZENS. INMATES, PARENTS, PRESENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS. {NEEDED: A simple down to earth reason why an American Citizens cannot get even a courteous reply from their Elected Representative here in "LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA?"} I shall await your written (timely) response.
I AM A RETIRED VETERAN, MINISTER, A PERSON WHO WAS CONTACTED TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP CONCERNING THE JAIL, SINGLE PARENT OF THREE (3) CHILDREN, COMMUNITY ACTIVE PERSON, AUTHOR, RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM THREE (3) FORMER PRESIDENTS FOR A PUBLISHED WRITING. AND FRIEND OF THE ETERNAL GOD OF CREATION.
INFORMATION PRESENTED PERSONALLY DURING MONTHLY MEETING. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, THE LOWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND MANY OTHERS. TRYING TO GET SIMPLE ANSWERS TO FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS (inmates) who asked for assistance.
I received letters and notarized statement signed by eleven plus citizens (inmates) of the United States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member, the District Attorney.
However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller, Lowndes County Grand Jury, Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, and many others.
1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this 溺annual? ・
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
Luke 4:18 will not allow me to remain silent while God created beings are reaching out to me for help. Perceived or real---I know you overstand! I guess some people believe that nobody cares about another human being. But I assure you they are wrong, very wrong! (Galatians 6-7,8)
George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 6/13/2004 09:43:52
The Honorable Jack Kingston:
I AM REQUESTING A RESPONSE FROM YOU AS TO WHY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA REFUSE TO RESPOND TO AMERICAN/GEORGIA CITIZENS. INMATES, PARENTS, PRESENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS. {NEEDED: A simple down to earth reason why an American Citizens cannot get even a courteous reply from their Elected Representative here in "LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA?"} I shall await your written (timely) response.
I AM A RETIRED VETERAN, MINISTER, A PERSON WHO WAS CONTACTED TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP CONCERNING THE JAIL, SINGLE PARENT OF THREE (3) CHILDREN, COMMUNITY ACTIVE PERSON, AUTHOR, RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM THREE (3) FORMER PRESIDENTS FOR A PUBLISHED WRITING. AND FRIEND OF THE ETERNAL GOD OF CREATION.
INFORMATION PRESENTED PERSONALLY DURING MONTHLY MEETING. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, THE LOWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND MANY OTHERS. TRYING TO GET SIMPLE ANSWERS TO FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS (inmates) who asked for assistance.
I received letters and notarized statement signed by eleven plus citizens (inmates) of the United States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member, the District Attorney.
However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller, Lowndes County Grand Jury, Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, and many others.
1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this 溺annual? ・
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
Luke 4:18 will not allow me to remain silent while God created beings are reaching out to me for help. Perceived or real---I know you overstand! I guess some people believe that nobody cares about another human being. But I assure you they are wrong, very wrong! (Galatians 6-7,8)
George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
018: Patriots of Truth, Names of a few DEAD INMATES but who cares in Valdosta-Lowndes County? Where are the Believers in GOD?
018---MAJ GENERAL AND SPC. AMERICA’S BEST PATRIOTS OF TRUTH! REALLY?
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/13/2004 21:52:52
SUBJECT: True Patriots of this Republic ・Who Cares About Prisoners Anywhere?
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba of the Internet Pentagon Report on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. Guards at Abu Chriub in Baghdad and Army Spc. Joseph Darly a reservists military police office. These are the true patriots of this republic and represent the best reflections of our nation.
However, one can only imagine how many other American soldiers civilians, and Iraqis who may have tried to report the abuses in Iraq to their superiors, newspaper outlets, elected officials and others---but were ignored.
Here in Lowndes County Georgia for the last fifteen (15), years local citizens have been crying out for justice, and complaining about jailed inmates, living in unsanitary, inhumane, abusive conditions, and mysterious deaths. However, they have been ignored by law enforcement officials, elected officials, and others.
Just recently our only daily newspaper the Valdosta Daily times (VDT), reported, "there are major problems in the Lowndes County jail which resulted in living conditions that are inhumane, abusive, and unsanitary."
In 1999, the Lake Park Post (LPP), a local weekly newspaper received signed letters that were smuggled out of the jail. They were signed by eighty-nine (89), prisoners from cellblock 1, 2, and 3, alleging that flying water bugs were all over the shower walls, inmates were forced to take showers with leeches all over the floor, and that they came from under the sink in the drain pipe, that smelled so bad that staff had to turn on the exhaust systems to get the smell out of the hallways.
Yet, the VDT and local elected officials denied that these problems existed at all. Then on 26 August 2003, over eleven (11), inmates sent me signed letters, and notarized statements with over sixty (60), alleged discrepancies alleging that their constitutional rights were violated. One inmate wrote that pictures were taken of him without cloths.
Moreover, the (LPP) reported that two jail Administration Officers were fired. One was fired for allow an inmate to escape. The other was fired from his job because he lied on his job application in the State of Alabama.
In 1997, the Lowndes County Jail was under the Court Order of a U.S. District Court Judge Civil Action 89-54-VAL, "Federal Consent Decree" for Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta, Georgia Division that expired two (2) years from the date of the order. Then on 15 April 2004, the (LPP), published that the following inmates died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail:
Thanksgiving Liza Standers, 38, died in [2003], Another female died [Name withheld], in [2002], Rosemary King, 41, died in [2002], Ronzie (Sonny) Graham, 48, died in [2000], Willie James Williams, 49, died in [1998], Willie Lee Gay, 39, died in [1995], and years earlier, Willie McFarland, also an inmate died.
However, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners repeatedly ignored inmates request for help. They refused to provide even a courteous reply or answer questions presented to them in writing. Even though the Sheriff's Department reported over 21 discrepancies at the jail in the (VDT).
In addition, over fifty-one (51), more discrepancies reported from inmates in July-August 2003. In addition, Federal Court Judge Hugh Lawson ordered 105 violations be corrected within two years.
Several Professors from Valdosta State University put together a two-hour documentary video. This video was entitled "A Chorus of Fear" documenting the horror stories and the conditions that has festered in this South Georgia town---for decades.
Each member of the City Councilman and each Lowndes County Commissioner were given a copy of the Video "A Chorus of Fear." However, it seems that fear reigns supreme in Lowndes County Georgia.
These Jail problems have been given to the U.S. Justice Department, Georgia State Attorney General's Office, U.S. Representative, Senators, so called Black African American Leaders, their organizations, NAACP, NATIONS OF ISLAM, PUSH, newspapers across the nation, TV talk show hosts etc. However, many seem to have buried their head in the sand like the legend concerning the Ostrich.
This may have been the case in Iraq with the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. However, in the end truth has made its way onto the world stage. In addition, people who write editorials/opinions realizes that some seek to keep the American people in the white. Peace!
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/13/2004 21:52:52
SUBJECT: True Patriots of this Republic ・Who Cares About Prisoners Anywhere?
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba of the Internet Pentagon Report on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. Guards at Abu Chriub in Baghdad and Army Spc. Joseph Darly a reservists military police office. These are the true patriots of this republic and represent the best reflections of our nation.
However, one can only imagine how many other American soldiers civilians, and Iraqis who may have tried to report the abuses in Iraq to their superiors, newspaper outlets, elected officials and others---but were ignored.
Here in Lowndes County Georgia for the last fifteen (15), years local citizens have been crying out for justice, and complaining about jailed inmates, living in unsanitary, inhumane, abusive conditions, and mysterious deaths. However, they have been ignored by law enforcement officials, elected officials, and others.
Just recently our only daily newspaper the Valdosta Daily times (VDT), reported, "there are major problems in the Lowndes County jail which resulted in living conditions that are inhumane, abusive, and unsanitary."
In 1999, the Lake Park Post (LPP), a local weekly newspaper received signed letters that were smuggled out of the jail. They were signed by eighty-nine (89), prisoners from cellblock 1, 2, and 3, alleging that flying water bugs were all over the shower walls, inmates were forced to take showers with leeches all over the floor, and that they came from under the sink in the drain pipe, that smelled so bad that staff had to turn on the exhaust systems to get the smell out of the hallways.
Yet, the VDT and local elected officials denied that these problems existed at all. Then on 26 August 2003, over eleven (11), inmates sent me signed letters, and notarized statements with over sixty (60), alleged discrepancies alleging that their constitutional rights were violated. One inmate wrote that pictures were taken of him without cloths.
Moreover, the (LPP) reported that two jail Administration Officers were fired. One was fired for allow an inmate to escape. The other was fired from his job because he lied on his job application in the State of Alabama.
In 1997, the Lowndes County Jail was under the Court Order of a U.S. District Court Judge Civil Action 89-54-VAL, "Federal Consent Decree" for Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta, Georgia Division that expired two (2) years from the date of the order. Then on 15 April 2004, the (LPP), published that the following inmates died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail:
Thanksgiving Liza Standers, 38, died in [2003], Another female died [Name withheld], in [2002], Rosemary King, 41, died in [2002], Ronzie (Sonny) Graham, 48, died in [2000], Willie James Williams, 49, died in [1998], Willie Lee Gay, 39, died in [1995], and years earlier, Willie McFarland, also an inmate died.
However, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners repeatedly ignored inmates request for help. They refused to provide even a courteous reply or answer questions presented to them in writing. Even though the Sheriff's Department reported over 21 discrepancies at the jail in the (VDT).
In addition, over fifty-one (51), more discrepancies reported from inmates in July-August 2003. In addition, Federal Court Judge Hugh Lawson ordered 105 violations be corrected within two years.
Several Professors from Valdosta State University put together a two-hour documentary video. This video was entitled "A Chorus of Fear" documenting the horror stories and the conditions that has festered in this South Georgia town---for decades.
Each member of the City Councilman and each Lowndes County Commissioner were given a copy of the Video "A Chorus of Fear." However, it seems that fear reigns supreme in Lowndes County Georgia.
These Jail problems have been given to the U.S. Justice Department, Georgia State Attorney General's Office, U.S. Representative, Senators, so called Black African American Leaders, their organizations, NAACP, NATIONS OF ISLAM, PUSH, newspapers across the nation, TV talk show hosts etc. However, many seem to have buried their head in the sand like the legend concerning the Ostrich.
This may have been the case in Iraq with the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. However, in the end truth has made its way onto the world stage. In addition, people who write editorials/opinions realizes that some seek to keep the American people in the white. Peace!
017: Inmates Appeal to District Attorney David Miller. Will HE HEAR THEM? Take peak!
017---INMATES REQUEST SENT TO LOWNDES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAVID MILLER. WILL HE REPLY?
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/11/2004 21:15:06
District Attorney
David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the united States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
Minster Rhynes please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller:
1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this Manual? ・BR>
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/11/2004 21:15:06
District Attorney
David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the united States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
Minster Rhynes please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller:
1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this Manual? ・BR>
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
016: Lowndes County Grand Jury and District Attorney Failed to ANSWER VALID QUESTIONS. WHY? Take a peak!
016—REPLY COMPLETE LETTER (Posting Mistake)
Posted by Complete Letter on 5/10/2004 20:55:58
9 April 2004
Lowndes County Court House (Clerk of the Court)
Attn: Chairman of the Grand Jury and Each Member (Respectively)
Valdosta, Georgia 31603
SUBJECT: QUESTIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE GRAND JURY (1ST Request)
(1st Addressed to Lowndes County Commissioners on 26 Aug 2003 No Reply)
TO: Lowndes County Grand Jury, (Chairman, and Every Member presently On the Grand Jury)
As a citizen of this Republic and this Local Community I forwarded the below information in part to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on 26 August 2003 and have not received even a courteous reply from them. Therefore, I am seeking your answers to the following questions on behalf of the many inmates incarcerated in our local jail. They asked for my help in getting someone or agency into the jail to ensure that they are treated---as citizens and human beings!
The Valdosta Daily Times reported recently that the Commissioners should work quickly to renovate the facility. However, renovation alone---cannot satisfy and will not resolve the many problems Judge Lawson identified back in 1989 ・1997 in Civil Action 89-54-VAL U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division ordered corrected---but from appearance were never corrected.
I shall await your (timely) reply on behalf of fellow human beings who deserves an answer from local government officials.
INFORMATION/QUESTIONS IN PART PRESENTED TO COUNTY OFFICIALS
Here in Lowndes County Georgia---where are the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
On 26 August 2003, I stood before the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners with Valdosta Daily Times Reporter present on behalf of eleven (11), plus American Citizen (PASSION ENTITLED), incarcerated inmates in the Lowndes County Jail. They asked me to present their concerns to their Elected Officials for help and relief!
I presented questions, copies of letters, notarized statements of alleged inhumane, unsanitary, and abusive conditions (See Valdosta Daily Times, dated 29 July 2003, and denial of their Constitutional Rights see (Civil Action # 89-54-1, VAL, U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia Division Valdosta District in 1989).
They also mentioned an incident involving an alleged firearm being swept under the rug. However, as of this date their elected officials have yet to address their complaints.
In my opinion the questions asked should be of interest to every concerned citizen in Lowndes County, State of Georgia and others who are concerned about protecting citizens Constitutional Rights.
QUESTIONS TO LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: (26 August 2003)
1. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association?
2. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated who ensures that corrections be made? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE担 COURT ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
3. Does the State of Georgia inspect the Lowndes County Jail? If so, when was the last in-depth inspection done? What was the rating? Who performed the inspection? Is it open for public review? If so, where in Lowndes County can copies be obtained?
4. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey been conducted by questioning the entire population of jailed inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated as they were in 1989 Ref: Civil Action 89-54-1, VAL U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia).
5. What has the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners or Lowndes County Grand Jury done to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in compliance with State, Federal and local Law?
6. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated/listened to IAW, Federal, State, and Local Law and procedures if applicable? And are citizens being abused because they used the established Complaint System? Has any type survey been conducted to insure complaints are properly reviewed and acted upon until resolved? Who is the oversight person who ensures the effectiveness of the system?
7. How often if ever, is the Medical Staff inspected on their competence and professionalism, and by whom?
8. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual kept up to date? And when was the last time it was reviewed by the State---if required? In what location are the manual kept? And what procedures are required for a citizen to review the manual?
9. On 29 July 2003, it was reported in the Valdosta Daily Times that there was approximately 30 plus discrepancies. This was reported by an employee at the Lowndes County Jail. Other correspondence received from various (local) organizations, family members, present, and former inmates, and others, totaling over 70 documented discrepancies. HOW COULD THESE DISCREPANCIES REAL OR PERCEIVED EXISTS IN 2004? SINCE OUR MOST RECENT 鏑OWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, GAVE A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH TO THE FACILITY---AS REPORTED IN THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES?
10. What individual if any is responsible for ensuring that all members of the Lowndes County Grand Jury are properly educated, trained, and given pertinent checklist for their Annual Tours of the Jail---if required? In addition, who signs off whether or not Federal, State or Local Laws are being complied with?
11. Request a written reply to this letter, and since some of these inmates is American Veterans. What will you do to help resolve inmate痴 problems perceived or real?
12. These are valid questions that every American Citizen should expect their elected officials to answer, and thank God for our freedoms!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
PS. The Valdosta Daily Times never posted a word concerning my presentation on behalf of inmates who requested my help in writing. Although, this was done in public---at the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Meeting!
Cc: Closed
Posted by Complete Letter on 5/10/2004 20:55:58
9 April 2004
Lowndes County Court House (Clerk of the Court)
Attn: Chairman of the Grand Jury and Each Member (Respectively)
Valdosta, Georgia 31603
SUBJECT: QUESTIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE GRAND JURY (1ST Request)
(1st Addressed to Lowndes County Commissioners on 26 Aug 2003 No Reply)
TO: Lowndes County Grand Jury, (Chairman, and Every Member presently On the Grand Jury)
As a citizen of this Republic and this Local Community I forwarded the below information in part to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on 26 August 2003 and have not received even a courteous reply from them. Therefore, I am seeking your answers to the following questions on behalf of the many inmates incarcerated in our local jail. They asked for my help in getting someone or agency into the jail to ensure that they are treated---as citizens and human beings!
The Valdosta Daily Times reported recently that the Commissioners should work quickly to renovate the facility. However, renovation alone---cannot satisfy and will not resolve the many problems Judge Lawson identified back in 1989 ・1997 in Civil Action 89-54-VAL U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division ordered corrected---but from appearance were never corrected.
I shall await your (timely) reply on behalf of fellow human beings who deserves an answer from local government officials.
INFORMATION/QUESTIONS IN PART PRESENTED TO COUNTY OFFICIALS
Here in Lowndes County Georgia---where are the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
On 26 August 2003, I stood before the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners with Valdosta Daily Times Reporter present on behalf of eleven (11), plus American Citizen (PASSION ENTITLED), incarcerated inmates in the Lowndes County Jail. They asked me to present their concerns to their Elected Officials for help and relief!
I presented questions, copies of letters, notarized statements of alleged inhumane, unsanitary, and abusive conditions (See Valdosta Daily Times, dated 29 July 2003, and denial of their Constitutional Rights see (Civil Action # 89-54-1, VAL, U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia Division Valdosta District in 1989).
They also mentioned an incident involving an alleged firearm being swept under the rug. However, as of this date their elected officials have yet to address their complaints.
In my opinion the questions asked should be of interest to every concerned citizen in Lowndes County, State of Georgia and others who are concerned about protecting citizens Constitutional Rights.
QUESTIONS TO LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: (26 August 2003)
1. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association?
2. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated who ensures that corrections be made? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE担 COURT ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
3. Does the State of Georgia inspect the Lowndes County Jail? If so, when was the last in-depth inspection done? What was the rating? Who performed the inspection? Is it open for public review? If so, where in Lowndes County can copies be obtained?
4. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey been conducted by questioning the entire population of jailed inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated as they were in 1989 Ref: Civil Action 89-54-1, VAL U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia).
5. What has the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners or Lowndes County Grand Jury done to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in compliance with State, Federal and local Law?
6. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated/listened to IAW, Federal, State, and Local Law and procedures if applicable? And are citizens being abused because they used the established Complaint System? Has any type survey been conducted to insure complaints are properly reviewed and acted upon until resolved? Who is the oversight person who ensures the effectiveness of the system?
7. How often if ever, is the Medical Staff inspected on their competence and professionalism, and by whom?
8. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual kept up to date? And when was the last time it was reviewed by the State---if required? In what location are the manual kept? And what procedures are required for a citizen to review the manual?
9. On 29 July 2003, it was reported in the Valdosta Daily Times that there was approximately 30 plus discrepancies. This was reported by an employee at the Lowndes County Jail. Other correspondence received from various (local) organizations, family members, present, and former inmates, and others, totaling over 70 documented discrepancies. HOW COULD THESE DISCREPANCIES REAL OR PERCEIVED EXISTS IN 2004? SINCE OUR MOST RECENT 鏑OWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, GAVE A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH TO THE FACILITY---AS REPORTED IN THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES?
10. What individual if any is responsible for ensuring that all members of the Lowndes County Grand Jury are properly educated, trained, and given pertinent checklist for their Annual Tours of the Jail---if required? In addition, who signs off whether or not Federal, State or Local Laws are being complied with?
11. Request a written reply to this letter, and since some of these inmates is American Veterans. What will you do to help resolve inmate痴 problems perceived or real?
12. These are valid questions that every American Citizen should expect their elected officials to answer, and thank God for our freedoms!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
PS. The Valdosta Daily Times never posted a word concerning my presentation on behalf of inmates who requested my help in writing. Although, this was done in public---at the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Meeting!
Cc: Closed
015: Valdosta-Lowndes County Jaial Is No Joke...But who cares? Is their Christians in Lowndes County Georgia etc.,
015—IRAQ PRISONERS NEED NUSTICE, AND SO DOES INMATES IN THE VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY JAIL.
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/9/2004 01:29:46
Dear Editor Message Boards Concerned Citizens - God of All Human Life & Beyond...
SUBJECT: THESE ARE AMERICAN CITIZENS AND NOT IRAQI PRISONERS!
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said there were no justification for the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq before the Armed Services Committee on 7 May 2004.
Moreover, that President Bush was shocked when he saw the pictures of the abuse.
I too was shocked by repeated telephone calls from the Lowndes County Jail, signed letters, and notarized statements from inmates allegedly suffering in the Lowndes County Jail---located in the State of Georgia.
It was on 26 August 2003, when I presented inmates concerns to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners--seeking relief from suffering and pain. However, they have ignored the inmate’s request.
Therefore, on 13 March 2004, I again addressed the Commissioners on behalf of these inmates but still they refused to reply to American Citizens (inmates) in writing. I also, sent a letter to the Lowndes County Grand Jury Chairman and each member. However, they too ignored these American citizens---not even a courteous reply was received.
Since 1989-2004, the following conditions have been documented and the following people and organizations have been contacted for relief. However, as in Iraq----sooner or later someone will feel their pain, suffering and reach the heart, soul, mind, and ears of God Loving People. If there be any remaining in America!
a. Ms Janet Reno, Georgia Attorney General Thurburt Baker, Rep Sanford Bishop, National Office of the NAACP, Operation Push, ACLU, Georgia Jail Project, the Congressional Black Caucus, (John Lewis), Shellie Jackson Lee, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner, several democratic presidential candidates John Dean, Al Sharp ton, and two democratic senators, NPR, AP, USA-Today, 60 minutes, 48 hours, Dateline, many other American News Media outlets---including our only daily news paper the Valdosta Daily Times, and many, many more.
However, seemingly they have given their silent consent decree to the following living conditions. Therefore, inmates in the Lowndes County Jail must continue living under the following conditions in the state of Georgia---LIKE PRISONERS IN IRAQ, BUT WHO CARES.
INFORMATION EXTRACED FROM ACTUAL INMATES LETTERS & NOTARIZED STATEMENTS. (In the Lowndes County Jail (19 July Aug 2003). These items were extracted directly from inmates DOCUMENTED comments. One should also see Capt. Yeager Report to the County Commissioners/Valdosta Daily Times on 19 July 2003, 29 Aug 2003], Georgia problems 1989 2003]
Notice: This does not include the many letters received at the Lake Park Post, a local newspaper and other community organizations all available for review!
1. Inmates are incarcerated for months without seeing their Court Appointed Attorney. Therefore, they are denied due process.
2. Deputy pulls out a pistol like object and waves all around before aiming squarely at inmate and telling inmate to get against the wall.・ All because inmates want to complete a complaint form on a deputy.
3. Inmates kneed in back by deputy and his forearm in the back of his neck and trying to push inmate (Name withheld but available), face into the wall ・at which time inmate (Name Withheld, but available), rightfully defended himself against those unwarranted, unprovoked acts by deputy.
4. Inmates denied the right to file a legitimate complaint form in the State of Georgia when it is against a deputy.
5. Georgia Inmates have problems getting regular complaint forms notarized as proof that action was taken deputy said; 的 ant痴 signing a damn thing ・get it signed yourself.・BR>
6. Inmates must show copy of sixth amendment to educate deputy on inmate rights. (The deputy tells inmate to get out of my face, and pushes inmate, unprovoked. All as a result of attempting to fill out a Georgia complaint form.
7. Incidents are swept under the rug rather than being properly investigated. And no one will listen to inmates concerns within Jail facility.
8. Inmates must endure cruel and unusual punishment at the jail. There must be an outside agency to inspect this jail for things to change.
9. Many tours are done through the jail. But the bad areas are not shown. Only tailored tours are given. The kitchen is not always shown; therefore, no valid review of the jail is done.
10. Drinking water is unfit to drink and food is terrible.
11. Inmates are required to live in inhumane, unsanitary and abusive conditions. (Squalid Conditions).
12. Cell doors sticks when opened from control booth --- that creates problems! Inmates are locked in cell because of malfunction!
13. Deputies play with the fans and taunts and agitate inmates in cellblocks where there is no ventilation or air conditioning.
14. Inmates must endure leaky water pipes, in dormitory; pools of water are over the floor. This is a hazard because inmates are required to wear flip-flops.
15. When inmates try to keep a potential bad situation from getting worst. Deputies often make things worst by not paying attention to the needs of inmates it was on 23 July 2003!
16. Lowndes County Administrations lie and don稚 acknowledge the handbook they give out to inmates.
17. Food is not nutritional, and inmates have questioned its cleanliness.
18. Two cells (cell 12 A & B) has no bed frame or nothing in it at all, besides out of order toilets and the sink does not work at all.
19. If an inmate does something like cursing a Sgt. or Officer. He will be booked 9 out of 10. He is going to one of these cells depending what Sergeant.
20. Inmates are stripped naked left in this conditions for long periods of time.
21. Jail staff will not provide water as needed and inmates do not get showers or wash his/her hands face or do any hygiene customs.
22. Inmates are placed in cell (12B) with no mattress or nothing else for necessities.
23. Inmates are placed in handcuffs and shackled for 7 days and six nights straight. (Copy of incident on File in Jail says inmates).
24. The jail has a restraint chair, inmates are not allowed to use the bathroom, and a chance to stretch as provided by polices in force by the State of Georgia.
25. Medical staff is very much on the side of the Sheriffs office, and does not administer the needs of inmates.
26. The Medical Staff lies, hides issues, and don稚 document incidents that happen that could cause legal trouble for the administration.
27. Inmates families are lied to by Jail administration when they call concerning their love ones welfare.
28. This jail is very unconstitutional and several inmates’ say that it is ran in a racist manner.
29. The jail handbook is a fraud; in fact, it is so easy to prove.
30. Inmates needs to be interviewed, and the facility should be inspected everywhere there is a swinging doors.
31. (Name Withheld but available), was recently fired; (Gender withheld but available), could be a vital witness in every issue if (Gender withheld), is willing to do so --- to confirm these horrendous conditions.
32. Since the Jail started toting lasers to Las inmates when out of control. But that痴 not how they are being used and I believe the situation will get worst.
33. Inmates are denied their rights to have access to the Law Library even without requests and that痴 not happening.
34. Inmates are taxed when they buy stamps and on store items.
(Inmates believe they are exempt from this practice.)
35. PERSONAL REQUEST: Inmates requested that I (George B. Rhynes) call on the community to sign a petition for the inspector’s office and the U. S. Marshals Office to inspect and investigate the Jail Administrations.
36. Inmates (Name Withheld but available) was left in the restraints chain for 18 hours straight on one occasion in the past.
37. HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS: Each inmate may designate up to twelve immediate family members etc. [This is not being done we are limited to six]
38.Each inmate will participate in an organized and supervised program of daily cleaning within his housing and common areas. [This is not being done at all]
39.Inmates in the hold (cell 8) do not ever get to clean his call --- practically have to beg to receive cleaning materials.
40. Each inmate will be entitled to shower daily and required to shower three (3) times a week. [This is not happening. Inmates in (cell 8,) and the (MP) area. Also medical isolated inmates are forced to receive the minimum (3 showers a week). Even officers try to rush inmates out of showers.
41.Disciplinary process must be fair and systematic so that no person staff or inmate may plead ignorance of the rules or bias in the procedures. Hasty arbitrary decision and/or corporal punishment shall not be allowed. [This is not the case]
42. Inmates are convicted by one person, where inmates are suppose to be placed in lock-up then incident is supposed to be investigated and then a hearing. [This is not being done}
43. ABOVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIOLATIONS: But there are many more including inmate private parts being photographed. (Letter of complaint documented-available).
44. The Medical Staff and Administration: (Name withheld, but available), LPN/RN is the Head Nurse. She distributes medication in water out of the capsule before she痴 in inmate’s presence. This violates inmates rights to confirm exactly what痴 in the water and if it痴 the correct medication.
45. (Name withheld but available), (LPN) ignores inmates verbal complaints. If it is about issues and Sheriff Admin Office say, they can稚 make medical to nothing.・BR>
46. Some nurses will refuse inmates his/her medicine if the inmates and nurse has had an altercation and jail Administrators condone the action and will not stop it.
47. Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights are still being violated as of 2003.
48. Inmates have exhausted all their avenues, and they seek outside help from any body that will help them. They believe many people only procrastinate about providing relief about the ill Administration in the Lowndes County Jail.
49. Some inmates are willing to take some steps but not nearly, enough that would be significant to bring enough stress on the jail to change their ill actions, inhuman, treatment towards inmates.
50. The whole issue of the extreme bad conditions in the jail rests on the Sheriff because of his lack of concern and interest of the Jail痴 operations.
51. The Sheriff is intentionally accepting fabrications from jail administrations to hide the facts that there are some serious violations inside his jail and with its operation in my opinion.
II. SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT OWN ADMISSION: Capt. Yeager from the Sheriffs Department as reported in the Valdosta, Daily times 29 July 2003!
52, We have massive plumbing problems.
53. Water runs non-stop in sections of the jail creating safety hazards.
54. Toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in attempt to stop leaks.
55. Water in cell refuse to discharge any water this is typical.
56. Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail especially shower areas.
57. Rusty shower frames, which Capt. Yeager said inmates are using to make shanks.
58. Heat swelter to over 100 degrees and no air.
59. Many windows no longer opens and oscillating fans only serve to push heat air around.
60. Cell locks are obsolete larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bed sheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement.
61. Control boards are also fading that controls operate most of the doors. The alternative is to give jail personnel individual keeps, which is a liability risk.
62. Jail held 570 people, but jail staff was forced to cook three meals in a 1956 kitchen designed to feed 80 prisoners.
63. Capt. Yeager said 鄭 jail our size should have a kitchen four times this size.・BR>
64. Jail intake area was designed to handle 120 people though they have 500 and there is no way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk.
65. The Infirmary has a capacity of only 10 prisoners. It has no negative air flow areas to handle infectious disease cases---it has become a logistic nightmare.
64.Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visitation areas.
66. Sewer lines are also corroded and the City of Valdosta has put the Sheriffs Office on notice that they jail will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the city痴 treatment system.
66. Doors jambs are stifling, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced opened.
67. The conditions at the jail also effect the 108 jail employees.
68. Employees should not be exposed to such bad conditions that now exist in the jail.
CONCLUSION: For more information read page 6B, of the Valdosta Daily times dated 5 September 2003. Also see expired Civil Action No. 89-54-VAL, Consent Order and Decree, from U.S. district Court for The Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division, Dated 6 June 1989.
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/9/2004 01:29:46
Dear Editor Message Boards Concerned Citizens - God of All Human Life & Beyond...
SUBJECT: THESE ARE AMERICAN CITIZENS AND NOT IRAQI PRISONERS!
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said there were no justification for the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq before the Armed Services Committee on 7 May 2004.
Moreover, that President Bush was shocked when he saw the pictures of the abuse.
I too was shocked by repeated telephone calls from the Lowndes County Jail, signed letters, and notarized statements from inmates allegedly suffering in the Lowndes County Jail---located in the State of Georgia.
It was on 26 August 2003, when I presented inmates concerns to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners--seeking relief from suffering and pain. However, they have ignored the inmate’s request.
Therefore, on 13 March 2004, I again addressed the Commissioners on behalf of these inmates but still they refused to reply to American Citizens (inmates) in writing. I also, sent a letter to the Lowndes County Grand Jury Chairman and each member. However, they too ignored these American citizens---not even a courteous reply was received.
Since 1989-2004, the following conditions have been documented and the following people and organizations have been contacted for relief. However, as in Iraq----sooner or later someone will feel their pain, suffering and reach the heart, soul, mind, and ears of God Loving People. If there be any remaining in America!
a. Ms Janet Reno, Georgia Attorney General Thurburt Baker, Rep Sanford Bishop, National Office of the NAACP, Operation Push, ACLU, Georgia Jail Project, the Congressional Black Caucus, (John Lewis), Shellie Jackson Lee, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner, several democratic presidential candidates John Dean, Al Sharp ton, and two democratic senators, NPR, AP, USA-Today, 60 minutes, 48 hours, Dateline, many other American News Media outlets---including our only daily news paper the Valdosta Daily Times, and many, many more.
However, seemingly they have given their silent consent decree to the following living conditions. Therefore, inmates in the Lowndes County Jail must continue living under the following conditions in the state of Georgia---LIKE PRISONERS IN IRAQ, BUT WHO CARES.
INFORMATION EXTRACED FROM ACTUAL INMATES LETTERS & NOTARIZED STATEMENTS. (In the Lowndes County Jail (19 July Aug 2003). These items were extracted directly from inmates DOCUMENTED comments. One should also see Capt. Yeager Report to the County Commissioners/Valdosta Daily Times on 19 July 2003, 29 Aug 2003], Georgia problems 1989 2003]
Notice: This does not include the many letters received at the Lake Park Post, a local newspaper and other community organizations all available for review!
1. Inmates are incarcerated for months without seeing their Court Appointed Attorney. Therefore, they are denied due process.
2. Deputy pulls out a pistol like object and waves all around before aiming squarely at inmate and telling inmate to get against the wall.・ All because inmates want to complete a complaint form on a deputy.
3. Inmates kneed in back by deputy and his forearm in the back of his neck and trying to push inmate (Name withheld but available), face into the wall ・at which time inmate (Name Withheld, but available), rightfully defended himself against those unwarranted, unprovoked acts by deputy.
4. Inmates denied the right to file a legitimate complaint form in the State of Georgia when it is against a deputy.
5. Georgia Inmates have problems getting regular complaint forms notarized as proof that action was taken deputy said; 的 ant痴 signing a damn thing ・get it signed yourself.・BR>
6. Inmates must show copy of sixth amendment to educate deputy on inmate rights. (The deputy tells inmate to get out of my face, and pushes inmate, unprovoked. All as a result of attempting to fill out a Georgia complaint form.
7. Incidents are swept under the rug rather than being properly investigated. And no one will listen to inmates concerns within Jail facility.
8. Inmates must endure cruel and unusual punishment at the jail. There must be an outside agency to inspect this jail for things to change.
9. Many tours are done through the jail. But the bad areas are not shown. Only tailored tours are given. The kitchen is not always shown; therefore, no valid review of the jail is done.
10. Drinking water is unfit to drink and food is terrible.
11. Inmates are required to live in inhumane, unsanitary and abusive conditions. (Squalid Conditions).
12. Cell doors sticks when opened from control booth --- that creates problems! Inmates are locked in cell because of malfunction!
13. Deputies play with the fans and taunts and agitate inmates in cellblocks where there is no ventilation or air conditioning.
14. Inmates must endure leaky water pipes, in dormitory; pools of water are over the floor. This is a hazard because inmates are required to wear flip-flops.
15. When inmates try to keep a potential bad situation from getting worst. Deputies often make things worst by not paying attention to the needs of inmates it was on 23 July 2003!
16. Lowndes County Administrations lie and don稚 acknowledge the handbook they give out to inmates.
17. Food is not nutritional, and inmates have questioned its cleanliness.
18. Two cells (cell 12 A & B) has no bed frame or nothing in it at all, besides out of order toilets and the sink does not work at all.
19. If an inmate does something like cursing a Sgt. or Officer. He will be booked 9 out of 10. He is going to one of these cells depending what Sergeant.
20. Inmates are stripped naked left in this conditions for long periods of time.
21. Jail staff will not provide water as needed and inmates do not get showers or wash his/her hands face or do any hygiene customs.
22. Inmates are placed in cell (12B) with no mattress or nothing else for necessities.
23. Inmates are placed in handcuffs and shackled for 7 days and six nights straight. (Copy of incident on File in Jail says inmates).
24. The jail has a restraint chair, inmates are not allowed to use the bathroom, and a chance to stretch as provided by polices in force by the State of Georgia.
25. Medical staff is very much on the side of the Sheriffs office, and does not administer the needs of inmates.
26. The Medical Staff lies, hides issues, and don稚 document incidents that happen that could cause legal trouble for the administration.
27. Inmates families are lied to by Jail administration when they call concerning their love ones welfare.
28. This jail is very unconstitutional and several inmates’ say that it is ran in a racist manner.
29. The jail handbook is a fraud; in fact, it is so easy to prove.
30. Inmates needs to be interviewed, and the facility should be inspected everywhere there is a swinging doors.
31. (Name Withheld but available), was recently fired; (Gender withheld but available), could be a vital witness in every issue if (Gender withheld), is willing to do so --- to confirm these horrendous conditions.
32. Since the Jail started toting lasers to Las inmates when out of control. But that痴 not how they are being used and I believe the situation will get worst.
33. Inmates are denied their rights to have access to the Law Library even without requests and that痴 not happening.
34. Inmates are taxed when they buy stamps and on store items.
(Inmates believe they are exempt from this practice.)
35. PERSONAL REQUEST: Inmates requested that I (George B. Rhynes) call on the community to sign a petition for the inspector’s office and the U. S. Marshals Office to inspect and investigate the Jail Administrations.
36. Inmates (Name Withheld but available) was left in the restraints chain for 18 hours straight on one occasion in the past.
37. HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS: Each inmate may designate up to twelve immediate family members etc. [This is not being done we are limited to six]
38.Each inmate will participate in an organized and supervised program of daily cleaning within his housing and common areas. [This is not being done at all]
39.Inmates in the hold (cell 8) do not ever get to clean his call --- practically have to beg to receive cleaning materials.
40. Each inmate will be entitled to shower daily and required to shower three (3) times a week. [This is not happening. Inmates in (cell 8,) and the (MP) area. Also medical isolated inmates are forced to receive the minimum (3 showers a week). Even officers try to rush inmates out of showers.
41.Disciplinary process must be fair and systematic so that no person staff or inmate may plead ignorance of the rules or bias in the procedures. Hasty arbitrary decision and/or corporal punishment shall not be allowed. [This is not the case]
42. Inmates are convicted by one person, where inmates are suppose to be placed in lock-up then incident is supposed to be investigated and then a hearing. [This is not being done}
43. ABOVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIOLATIONS: But there are many more including inmate private parts being photographed. (Letter of complaint documented-available).
44. The Medical Staff and Administration: (Name withheld, but available), LPN/RN is the Head Nurse. She distributes medication in water out of the capsule before she痴 in inmate’s presence. This violates inmates rights to confirm exactly what痴 in the water and if it痴 the correct medication.
45. (Name withheld but available), (LPN) ignores inmates verbal complaints. If it is about issues and Sheriff Admin Office say, they can稚 make medical to nothing.・BR>
46. Some nurses will refuse inmates his/her medicine if the inmates and nurse has had an altercation and jail Administrators condone the action and will not stop it.
47. Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights are still being violated as of 2003.
48. Inmates have exhausted all their avenues, and they seek outside help from any body that will help them. They believe many people only procrastinate about providing relief about the ill Administration in the Lowndes County Jail.
49. Some inmates are willing to take some steps but not nearly, enough that would be significant to bring enough stress on the jail to change their ill actions, inhuman, treatment towards inmates.
50. The whole issue of the extreme bad conditions in the jail rests on the Sheriff because of his lack of concern and interest of the Jail痴 operations.
51. The Sheriff is intentionally accepting fabrications from jail administrations to hide the facts that there are some serious violations inside his jail and with its operation in my opinion.
II. SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT OWN ADMISSION: Capt. Yeager from the Sheriffs Department as reported in the Valdosta, Daily times 29 July 2003!
52, We have massive plumbing problems.
53. Water runs non-stop in sections of the jail creating safety hazards.
54. Toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in attempt to stop leaks.
55. Water in cell refuse to discharge any water this is typical.
56. Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail especially shower areas.
57. Rusty shower frames, which Capt. Yeager said inmates are using to make shanks.
58. Heat swelter to over 100 degrees and no air.
59. Many windows no longer opens and oscillating fans only serve to push heat air around.
60. Cell locks are obsolete larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bed sheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement.
61. Control boards are also fading that controls operate most of the doors. The alternative is to give jail personnel individual keeps, which is a liability risk.
62. Jail held 570 people, but jail staff was forced to cook three meals in a 1956 kitchen designed to feed 80 prisoners.
63. Capt. Yeager said 鄭 jail our size should have a kitchen four times this size.・BR>
64. Jail intake area was designed to handle 120 people though they have 500 and there is no way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk.
65. The Infirmary has a capacity of only 10 prisoners. It has no negative air flow areas to handle infectious disease cases---it has become a logistic nightmare.
64.Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visitation areas.
66. Sewer lines are also corroded and the City of Valdosta has put the Sheriffs Office on notice that they jail will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the city痴 treatment system.
66. Doors jambs are stifling, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced opened.
67. The conditions at the jail also effect the 108 jail employees.
68. Employees should not be exposed to such bad conditions that now exist in the jail.
CONCLUSION: For more information read page 6B, of the Valdosta Daily times dated 5 September 2003. Also see expired Civil Action No. 89-54-VAL, Consent Order and Decree, from U.S. district Court for The Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division, Dated 6 June 1989.
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
014: Supreme Court Appeal Results Not a shocker in Valdosta-Lonwdes County Georgia....There is no real justice.....
014---GA. SUPREME COURT VERDICT IS NO SURPRISE TO INFORMED CITIZENS OF VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA.
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/1/2004 07:00:07
SUBJECT: GEORGIA SUPREME COURT APPEALS
In regards to the Georgia Supreme Court ruling against the Honorable Al Parson, Charles Moore, and the Lake Park Post in Lowndes County Georgia.
The verdict should not come as a surprise to anyone. Unless they are suffering from deceptive intelligence. Professors from Valdosta State University put together a video entitled, 鄭 Chorus of Fear, revealing the extreme level of fear in this South Georgia Town. Especially when it includes certain segments of our community.
Prior to the Death of Mr. Willie James Williams, many CITIZENS came to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP---with complaints concerning our local jail.
Therefore, many community organization members know the truth. These REPEATED Georgia courts verdicts will not escape God Bar of Justice!
Moreover, there have been countless numbers of letters, telephone calls from inmates, former inmates, parents, and former employees---yet to be addressed.
In addition, on 26 August 2003, and again on 13 March 2004, I presented local citizens concerns to The Honorable Lowndes County Board of Commissioners at their request. However, not even, a courteous reply did they provide.
In March 2004, I also wrote the Lowndes County Grand Jury and each member. The same 10-18 questions were asked to them. However, they too chose to ignore members of the voting public. As the Hip-Hop, generation would say what痴 with that?
It appears that the video 鄭 Chorus of Fear extends to our elected official痴. Therefore, I pray that ignoring voters will not be rewarded----in the up-coming election.
I remain vigilant as a retired Vietnam era veteran that the white Clouds, over this county will eventually produce 滴only Rain Drops of Justice.・ With the Bartender of Justice, (GOD), holding the scale and balance in his hands----to pronounce the ultimate verdict (Galatians 6:7). Then all the people of God will say---- Amen!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 5/1/2004 07:00:07
SUBJECT: GEORGIA SUPREME COURT APPEALS
In regards to the Georgia Supreme Court ruling against the Honorable Al Parson, Charles Moore, and the Lake Park Post in Lowndes County Georgia.
The verdict should not come as a surprise to anyone. Unless they are suffering from deceptive intelligence. Professors from Valdosta State University put together a video entitled, 鄭 Chorus of Fear, revealing the extreme level of fear in this South Georgia Town. Especially when it includes certain segments of our community.
Prior to the Death of Mr. Willie James Williams, many CITIZENS came to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP---with complaints concerning our local jail.
Therefore, many community organization members know the truth. These REPEATED Georgia courts verdicts will not escape God Bar of Justice!
Moreover, there have been countless numbers of letters, telephone calls from inmates, former inmates, parents, and former employees---yet to be addressed.
In addition, on 26 August 2003, and again on 13 March 2004, I presented local citizens concerns to The Honorable Lowndes County Board of Commissioners at their request. However, not even, a courteous reply did they provide.
In March 2004, I also wrote the Lowndes County Grand Jury and each member. The same 10-18 questions were asked to them. However, they too chose to ignore members of the voting public. As the Hip-Hop, generation would say what痴 with that?
It appears that the video 鄭 Chorus of Fear extends to our elected official痴. Therefore, I pray that ignoring voters will not be rewarded----in the up-coming election.
I remain vigilant as a retired Vietnam era veteran that the white Clouds, over this county will eventually produce 滴only Rain Drops of Justice.・ With the Bartender of Justice, (GOD), holding the scale and balance in his hands----to pronounce the ultimate verdict (Galatians 6:7). Then all the people of God will say---- Amen!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
013: Inmates Own Words! Valdosta Daily Times Published Article: George Responds and set the record straight.
013---RENOVATION ALONE WILL NEVER FIX THE MANY PROBLEMS IN THE JAIL.
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/19/2004 22:16:37
The Valdosta Daily times (VDT) are our only daily newspaper in Lowndes County Georgia.
And on 14 Aril 2004, the (VDT), article by Michelle Taylor reported George Rhynes questioned why his letter had not been responded to and that no amount of renovation of the jail will help inmates.・
My actual quote:
The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that the Lowndes County Commissioners should work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.
THE FOLLOWING IS MY REASONS FOR MAKING THE ABOVE STATEMENT BEFORE THE Lowndes County Board of COMMISSIONERS.
AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN I WILL----REPEAT THE SAME STATEMENT TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND FELLOW AMERICANS-----BASED UPON THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS FROM REAL INMATES SIGNED LETTERS, AND NOTARIZED STATEMENTS SENT TO ME---ASKING FOR MY ASSISTANCE.
LOWNDES COUNTY JAIL PROBLEMS:
Information Provided From: [Inmates in the Lowndes County Jail (19 July - Aug 2003), who sent correspondence reflecting the following conditions. These items were extracted directly from their comments. One should also see Capt. Yeager Report to the County Commissioners/Valdosta Daily Times on 29 Aug 2003] [Located in Valdosta, Georgia problems 1989 ・2003] Notice: This does no include the many letters received at the Lake Park Post, and other community leaders available for review!
1. Inmates are incarcerated for months without seeing their Court Appointed Attorney. Therefore, they are denied due process.
2. Deputy pulls out a pistol like object and waves all around before aiming squarely at inmate and telling inmate to get against the wall.・ All because inmates want to complete a complaint form on a deputy.
3. Inmates kneed in back by deputy and his forearm in the back of his neck and trying to push inmate (Name withheld but available), face into the wall ・at which time inmate (Name Withheld, but available), rightfully defended himself against those unwarranted, unprovoked acts by deputy.
4. Inmates denied the right to file a legitimate complaint form in the State of Georgia when it is against a deputy.
5. Georgia Inmates have problems getting regular complaint forms notarized as proof that action was taken deputy said; 的 ant痴 signing a damn thing ・get it signed yourself.・BR>
6. Inmates must show copy of sixth amendment to educate deputy on inmate rights. (The deputy tells inmate to get out of my face, and pushes inmate, unprovoked. All as a result of attempting to fill out a Georgia complaint form.
7. Incidents are swept under the rug rather than being properly investigated. And no one will listen to inmates concerns within Jail facility.
8. Inmates must endure cruel and unusual punishment at the jail. There must be an outside agency to inspect this jail for things to change.
9. Many tours are done through the jail. But the bad areas are not shown. Only tailored tours are given. The kitchen is not always shown; therefore, no valid review of the jail is done.
10. Drinking water is unfit to drink and food is terrible.
11. Inmates are required to live in inhumane, unsanitary and abusive conditions. (Squalid Conditions).
12. Cell doors sticks when opened from control booth --- that creates problems! Inmates are locked in cell because of malfunction!
13. Deputies play with the fans and taunts and agitate inmates in cellblocks where there is no ventilation or air conditioning.
14. Inmates must endure leaky water pipes, in dormitory; pools of water are over the floor. This is a hazard because inmates are required to wear flip-flops.
15. When inmates try to keep a potential bad situation from getting worst. Deputies often make things worst by not paying attention to the needs of inmates it was on 23 July 2003!
16. Lowndes County Administrations lie and don稚 acknowledge the handbook they give out to inmates.
17. Food is not nutritional, and inmates have questioned its cleanliness.
18. Two cells (cell 12 A & B) has no bed frame or nothing in it at all, besides out of order toilets and the sink does not work at all.
19. If an inmate does something like cursing a Sgt. or Officer. He will be booked 9 out of 10. He is going to one of these cells depending what Sergeant.
20. Inmates are stripped naked left in this conditions for long periods of time.
21. Jail staff will not provide water as needed and inmates do not get showers or wash his/her hands face or do any hygiene customs.
22. Inmates are placed in cell (12B) with no mattress or nothing else for necessities.
23. Inmates are placed in handcuffs and shackled for 7 days and six nights straight. (Copy of incident on File in Jail says inmates).
24. The jail has a restraint chair, inmates are not allowed to use the bathroom, and a chance to stretch as provided by polices in force by the State of Georgia.
25. Medical staff is very much on the side of the Sheriffs office, and does not administer the needs of inmates.
26. The Medical Staff lies, hides issues, and don稚 document incidents that happen that could cause legal trouble for the administration.
27. Inmates families are lied to by Jail administration when they call concerning their love ones welfare.
28. This jail is very unconstitutional and several inmates’ say that it is ran in a racist manner.
29. The jail handbook is a fraud; in fact, it is so easy to prove.
30. Inmates needs to be interviewed, and the facility should be inspected everywhere there is a swinging doors.
31. (Name Withheld but available), was recently fired; (Gender withheld but available), could be a vital witness in every issue if (Gender withheld), is willing to do so --- to confirm these horrendous conditions.
32. Since the Jail started toting lasers to Las inmates when out of control. But that痴 not how they are being used and I believe the situation will get worst.
33. Inmates are denied their rights to have access to the Law Library even without requests and that痴 not happening.
34. Inmates are taxed when they buy stamps and on store items.
(Inmates believe they are exempt from this practice.)
35. PERSONAL REQUEST: Inmates requested that I (George B. Rhynes) call on the community to sign a petition for the inspector’s office and the U. S. Marshals Office to inspect and investigate the Jail Administrations.
36. Inmates (Name Withheld but available) was left in the restraints chain for 18 hours straight on one occasion in the past.
37. HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS: Each inmate may designate up to twelve immediate family members etc. [This is not being done we are limited to six]
38.Each inmate will participate in an organized and supervised program of daily cleaning within his housing and common areas. [This is not being done at all]
39.Inmates in the hold (cell 8) do not ever get to clean his call --- practically have to beg to receive cleaning materials.
40. Each inmate will be entitled to shower daily and required to shower three (3) times a week. [This is not happening. Inmates in (cell 8,) and the (MP) area. Also medical isolated inmates are forced to receive the minimum (3 showers a week). Even officers try to rush inmates out of showers.
41.Disciplinary process must be fair and systematic so that no person staff or inmate may plead ignorance of the rules or bias in the procedures. Hasty arbitrary decision and/or corporal punishment shall not be allowed. [This is not the case]
42. Inmates are convicted by one person, where inmates are suppose to be placed in lock-up then incident is supposed to be investigated and then a hearing. [This is not being done}
43. ABOVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIOLATIONS: But there are many more!
44. The Medical Staff and Administration: (Name withheld, but available), LPN/RN is the Head Nurse. She distributes medication in water out of the capsule before she痴 in inmate’s presence. This violates inmates rights to confirm exactly what痴 in the water and if it痴 the correct medication.
45. (Name withheld but available), (LPN) ignores inmates verbal complaints. If it is about issues and Sheriff Admin Office say, they can稚 make medical to nothing.・BR>
46. Some nurses will refuse inmates his/her medicine if the inmates and nurse has had an altercation and jail Administrators condone the action and will not stop it.
47. Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights are still being violated as of 2003.
48. Inmates have exhausted all their avenues, and they seek outside help from any body that will help them. They believe many people only procrastinate about providing relief about the ill Administration in the Lowndes County Jail.
49. Some inmates are willing to take some steps but not nearly, enough that would be significant to bring enough stress on the jail to change their ill actions, inhuman, treatment towards inmates.
50. The whole issue of the extreme bad conditions in the jail rests on the Sheriff because of his lack of concern and interest of the Jail痴 operations.
51. The Sheriff is intentionally accepting fabrications from jail administrations to hide the facts that there are some serious violations inside his jail and with its operation in my opinion.
II. SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT OWN ADMISSION: Capt. Yeager from the Sheriffs Department as reported in the Valdosta, Daily times!
52, We have massive plumbing problems.
53. Water runs non-stop in sections of the jail creating safety hazards.
54. Toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in attempt to stop leaks.
55. Water in cell refuse to discharge any water this is typical.
56. Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail especially shower areas.
57. Rusty shower frames, which Capt. Yeager said inmates are using to make shanks.
58. Heat swelter to over 100 degrees and no air.
59. Many windows no longer opens and oscillating fans only serve to push heat air around.
60. Cell locks are obsolete larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bed sheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement.
61. Control boards are also fading that controls operate most of the doors. The alternative is to give jail personnel individual keeps, which is a liability risk.
62. Jail held 570 people, but jail staff was forced to cook three meals in a 1956 kitchen designed to feed 80 prisoners.
63. Capt. Yeager said 鄭 jail our size should have a kitchen four times this size.・BR>
64. Jail intake area was designed to handle 120 people though they have 500 and there is no way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk.
65. The Infirmary has a capacity of only 10 prisoners. It has no negative air flow areas to handle infectious disease cases---it has become a logistic nightmare.
64.Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visitation areas.
66. Sewer lines are also corroded and the City of Valdosta has put the Sheriffs Office on notice that they jail will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the city痴 treatment system.
66. Doors jambs are stifling, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced opened.
67. The conditions at the jail also effect the 108 jail employees.
68. Employees should not be exposed to such bad conditions that now exist in the jail.
CONCLUSION: For more read the legal section on page 6B of the Valdosta Daily Times dated 5 September 2003. And ask the real question-
Who· is responsible for allow this jail to get into this condition?
Note: Most of the violations are the same ones identified in U. S. District Court For the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division. Civil Action No. 89-54-VAL, Consent Order And Decree, and Class Action dated June 6, 1989, and should have been corrected and complied with. HOWEVER THIS DECREE IS NO LONGER VALID AS I UNDERSTAND IT.
a. The Question to this community should be who ensured that this order was complied with? Was it the DA, County Commissioners, Sheriff, or the concerned citizens! Somebody should be held accountable! Information compiled from letters received from Inmates & Valdosta Daily times.
No end to this story----only God can and will resolve this nightmare! I thank God for allowing me to help complete Luke 4:18, of his divine word. Peace!
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/19/2004 22:16:37
The Valdosta Daily times (VDT) are our only daily newspaper in Lowndes County Georgia.
And on 14 Aril 2004, the (VDT), article by Michelle Taylor reported George Rhynes questioned why his letter had not been responded to and that no amount of renovation of the jail will help inmates.・
My actual quote:
The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that the Lowndes County Commissioners should work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.
THE FOLLOWING IS MY REASONS FOR MAKING THE ABOVE STATEMENT BEFORE THE Lowndes County Board of COMMISSIONERS.
AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN I WILL----REPEAT THE SAME STATEMENT TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND FELLOW AMERICANS-----BASED UPON THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS FROM REAL INMATES SIGNED LETTERS, AND NOTARIZED STATEMENTS SENT TO ME---ASKING FOR MY ASSISTANCE.
LOWNDES COUNTY JAIL PROBLEMS:
Information Provided From: [Inmates in the Lowndes County Jail (19 July - Aug 2003), who sent correspondence reflecting the following conditions. These items were extracted directly from their comments. One should also see Capt. Yeager Report to the County Commissioners/Valdosta Daily Times on 29 Aug 2003] [Located in Valdosta, Georgia problems 1989 ・2003] Notice: This does no include the many letters received at the Lake Park Post, and other community leaders available for review!
1. Inmates are incarcerated for months without seeing their Court Appointed Attorney. Therefore, they are denied due process.
2. Deputy pulls out a pistol like object and waves all around before aiming squarely at inmate and telling inmate to get against the wall.・ All because inmates want to complete a complaint form on a deputy.
3. Inmates kneed in back by deputy and his forearm in the back of his neck and trying to push inmate (Name withheld but available), face into the wall ・at which time inmate (Name Withheld, but available), rightfully defended himself against those unwarranted, unprovoked acts by deputy.
4. Inmates denied the right to file a legitimate complaint form in the State of Georgia when it is against a deputy.
5. Georgia Inmates have problems getting regular complaint forms notarized as proof that action was taken deputy said; 的 ant痴 signing a damn thing ・get it signed yourself.・BR>
6. Inmates must show copy of sixth amendment to educate deputy on inmate rights. (The deputy tells inmate to get out of my face, and pushes inmate, unprovoked. All as a result of attempting to fill out a Georgia complaint form.
7. Incidents are swept under the rug rather than being properly investigated. And no one will listen to inmates concerns within Jail facility.
8. Inmates must endure cruel and unusual punishment at the jail. There must be an outside agency to inspect this jail for things to change.
9. Many tours are done through the jail. But the bad areas are not shown. Only tailored tours are given. The kitchen is not always shown; therefore, no valid review of the jail is done.
10. Drinking water is unfit to drink and food is terrible.
11. Inmates are required to live in inhumane, unsanitary and abusive conditions. (Squalid Conditions).
12. Cell doors sticks when opened from control booth --- that creates problems! Inmates are locked in cell because of malfunction!
13. Deputies play with the fans and taunts and agitate inmates in cellblocks where there is no ventilation or air conditioning.
14. Inmates must endure leaky water pipes, in dormitory; pools of water are over the floor. This is a hazard because inmates are required to wear flip-flops.
15. When inmates try to keep a potential bad situation from getting worst. Deputies often make things worst by not paying attention to the needs of inmates it was on 23 July 2003!
16. Lowndes County Administrations lie and don稚 acknowledge the handbook they give out to inmates.
17. Food is not nutritional, and inmates have questioned its cleanliness.
18. Two cells (cell 12 A & B) has no bed frame or nothing in it at all, besides out of order toilets and the sink does not work at all.
19. If an inmate does something like cursing a Sgt. or Officer. He will be booked 9 out of 10. He is going to one of these cells depending what Sergeant.
20. Inmates are stripped naked left in this conditions for long periods of time.
21. Jail staff will not provide water as needed and inmates do not get showers or wash his/her hands face or do any hygiene customs.
22. Inmates are placed in cell (12B) with no mattress or nothing else for necessities.
23. Inmates are placed in handcuffs and shackled for 7 days and six nights straight. (Copy of incident on File in Jail says inmates).
24. The jail has a restraint chair, inmates are not allowed to use the bathroom, and a chance to stretch as provided by polices in force by the State of Georgia.
25. Medical staff is very much on the side of the Sheriffs office, and does not administer the needs of inmates.
26. The Medical Staff lies, hides issues, and don稚 document incidents that happen that could cause legal trouble for the administration.
27. Inmates families are lied to by Jail administration when they call concerning their love ones welfare.
28. This jail is very unconstitutional and several inmates’ say that it is ran in a racist manner.
29. The jail handbook is a fraud; in fact, it is so easy to prove.
30. Inmates needs to be interviewed, and the facility should be inspected everywhere there is a swinging doors.
31. (Name Withheld but available), was recently fired; (Gender withheld but available), could be a vital witness in every issue if (Gender withheld), is willing to do so --- to confirm these horrendous conditions.
32. Since the Jail started toting lasers to Las inmates when out of control. But that痴 not how they are being used and I believe the situation will get worst.
33. Inmates are denied their rights to have access to the Law Library even without requests and that痴 not happening.
34. Inmates are taxed when they buy stamps and on store items.
(Inmates believe they are exempt from this practice.)
35. PERSONAL REQUEST: Inmates requested that I (George B. Rhynes) call on the community to sign a petition for the inspector’s office and the U. S. Marshals Office to inspect and investigate the Jail Administrations.
36. Inmates (Name Withheld but available) was left in the restraints chain for 18 hours straight on one occasion in the past.
37. HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS: Each inmate may designate up to twelve immediate family members etc. [This is not being done we are limited to six]
38.Each inmate will participate in an organized and supervised program of daily cleaning within his housing and common areas. [This is not being done at all]
39.Inmates in the hold (cell 8) do not ever get to clean his call --- practically have to beg to receive cleaning materials.
40. Each inmate will be entitled to shower daily and required to shower three (3) times a week. [This is not happening. Inmates in (cell 8,) and the (MP) area. Also medical isolated inmates are forced to receive the minimum (3 showers a week). Even officers try to rush inmates out of showers.
41.Disciplinary process must be fair and systematic so that no person staff or inmate may plead ignorance of the rules or bias in the procedures. Hasty arbitrary decision and/or corporal punishment shall not be allowed. [This is not the case]
42. Inmates are convicted by one person, where inmates are suppose to be placed in lock-up then incident is supposed to be investigated and then a hearing. [This is not being done}
43. ABOVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIOLATIONS: But there are many more!
44. The Medical Staff and Administration: (Name withheld, but available), LPN/RN is the Head Nurse. She distributes medication in water out of the capsule before she痴 in inmate’s presence. This violates inmates rights to confirm exactly what痴 in the water and if it痴 the correct medication.
45. (Name withheld but available), (LPN) ignores inmates verbal complaints. If it is about issues and Sheriff Admin Office say, they can稚 make medical to nothing.・BR>
46. Some nurses will refuse inmates his/her medicine if the inmates and nurse has had an altercation and jail Administrators condone the action and will not stop it.
47. Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights are still being violated as of 2003.
48. Inmates have exhausted all their avenues, and they seek outside help from any body that will help them. They believe many people only procrastinate about providing relief about the ill Administration in the Lowndes County Jail.
49. Some inmates are willing to take some steps but not nearly, enough that would be significant to bring enough stress on the jail to change their ill actions, inhuman, treatment towards inmates.
50. The whole issue of the extreme bad conditions in the jail rests on the Sheriff because of his lack of concern and interest of the Jail痴 operations.
51. The Sheriff is intentionally accepting fabrications from jail administrations to hide the facts that there are some serious violations inside his jail and with its operation in my opinion.
II. SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT OWN ADMISSION: Capt. Yeager from the Sheriffs Department as reported in the Valdosta, Daily times!
52, We have massive plumbing problems.
53. Water runs non-stop in sections of the jail creating safety hazards.
54. Toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in attempt to stop leaks.
55. Water in cell refuse to discharge any water this is typical.
56. Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail especially shower areas.
57. Rusty shower frames, which Capt. Yeager said inmates are using to make shanks.
58. Heat swelter to over 100 degrees and no air.
59. Many windows no longer opens and oscillating fans only serve to push heat air around.
60. Cell locks are obsolete larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bed sheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement.
61. Control boards are also fading that controls operate most of the doors. The alternative is to give jail personnel individual keeps, which is a liability risk.
62. Jail held 570 people, but jail staff was forced to cook three meals in a 1956 kitchen designed to feed 80 prisoners.
63. Capt. Yeager said 鄭 jail our size should have a kitchen four times this size.・BR>
64. Jail intake area was designed to handle 120 people though they have 500 and there is no way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk.
65. The Infirmary has a capacity of only 10 prisoners. It has no negative air flow areas to handle infectious disease cases---it has become a logistic nightmare.
64.Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visitation areas.
66. Sewer lines are also corroded and the City of Valdosta has put the Sheriffs Office on notice that they jail will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the city痴 treatment system.
66. Doors jambs are stifling, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced opened.
67. The conditions at the jail also effect the 108 jail employees.
68. Employees should not be exposed to such bad conditions that now exist in the jail.
CONCLUSION: For more read the legal section on page 6B of the Valdosta Daily Times dated 5 September 2003. And ask the real question-
Who· is responsible for allow this jail to get into this condition?
Note: Most of the violations are the same ones identified in U. S. District Court For the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division. Civil Action No. 89-54-VAL, Consent Order And Decree, and Class Action dated June 6, 1989, and should have been corrected and complied with. HOWEVER THIS DECREE IS NO LONGER VALID AS I UNDERSTAND IT.
a. The Question to this community should be who ensured that this order was complied with? Was it the DA, County Commissioners, Sheriff, or the concerned citizens! Somebody should be held accountable! Information compiled from letters received from Inmates & Valdosta Daily times.
No end to this story----only God can and will resolve this nightmare! I thank God for allowing me to help complete Luke 4:18, of his divine word. Peace!
012: Television, Newspaper, and Radio doing what they do best: Ignore the NEWS and Keep citizens deaf, dumb, and blind to the facts. Why?
012---RHYNES RESPONDS TO VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COMMENTS ON RENNOVATION OF JAIL.
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/15/2004 21:28:24
3 April 2004,
It was reported in the Valdosta Daily times that commissioners pick architect for project "renovating our local jail." And that the preliminary plans for the jail include new inmate housing, a new jail Administration building, a new service/intake access, a new access road and room for expansions on the administration building and new inmate Housing.
This is a great step in the right direct, however while this appears good to the untrained eye. This alone will not fix the many discrepancies noted and ordered corrected in 1997, by Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U.S. District Court Middle Georgia Valdosta Division.
Moreover, the VDT never mentioned community involvement and input to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners in their article. In my opinion local citizens should have been invited to an open meeting and discussion on the cost of this most important community issue.
I truly hope the citizens of Lowndes County Georgia are not being ignored by their elected officials---as the eleven- (11) plus American citizens (inmates). As their case was presented to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on 26 August 2003---but ignored.
Moreover, to resolve the jail problems in Lowndes County Georgia the documented discrepancies listed in (Civil Action #89-54-VAL, Court Order and Consent Decree should have been complied with. The court allotted two years to fix the discrepancies.
However, in July 2003 the discrepancies are the same as in Civil Action #89-54-VAL, from letters, and notarized statements within the archives of organizations and local citizens. Therefore, the old court order was apparently never complied with in this community.
Moreover, nothing was published in our only newspaper concerning inmates request for help from their local Commissioners. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
still a concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/15/2004 21:28:24
3 April 2004,
It was reported in the Valdosta Daily times that commissioners pick architect for project "renovating our local jail." And that the preliminary plans for the jail include new inmate housing, a new jail Administration building, a new service/intake access, a new access road and room for expansions on the administration building and new inmate Housing.
This is a great step in the right direct, however while this appears good to the untrained eye. This alone will not fix the many discrepancies noted and ordered corrected in 1997, by Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U.S. District Court Middle Georgia Valdosta Division.
Moreover, the VDT never mentioned community involvement and input to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners in their article. In my opinion local citizens should have been invited to an open meeting and discussion on the cost of this most important community issue.
I truly hope the citizens of Lowndes County Georgia are not being ignored by their elected officials---as the eleven- (11) plus American citizens (inmates). As their case was presented to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on 26 August 2003---but ignored.
Moreover, to resolve the jail problems in Lowndes County Georgia the documented discrepancies listed in (Civil Action #89-54-VAL, Court Order and Consent Decree should have been complied with. The court allotted two years to fix the discrepancies.
However, in July 2003 the discrepancies are the same as in Civil Action #89-54-VAL, from letters, and notarized statements within the archives of organizations and local citizens. Therefore, the old court order was apparently never complied with in this community.
Moreover, nothing was published in our only newspaper concerning inmates request for help from their local Commissioners. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
still a concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
011: Another Address "Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on Inmates Inhumane Living Conditions. Do they Care?
011---COMMISSIONERS IGNORED INMATES, (RHYNES SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TIMES ARTICLE
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/14/2004 20:19:42
George Rhynes, Speaks to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners!
Mr. Chairman and Board of Commissioners---First allow me to apologize for being here on an old issue. However, you have not responded to my 26 August 2003 letter on behalf of inmates, incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail.
I have had a cockatiel bird for 12 years. When she have needs she chirps, and I respond to her needs.
Between 1989-1997, Judge Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia Valdosta, Division. He too, heard chirps coming from (Some Jailbirds incarcerated in) the Lowndes County Jail.
On 21 October 1997, he issued a Court Order and Consent Decree that inmates 1st, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States had been violated. He gave two (2), years for Lowndes County to comply.
However, on 26 August 2003, I stood before you because like Judge Lawson. I too, heard some chirps from the Lowndes County Jail. They came in the form of signed letters, and notarized statements. Many were the same chirps or violations---listed in Civil Action #89-54-VAL.
After standing before you on behalf of (over) eleven (11) inmates, their parents, and former employees---for relief... You ignored our request. All I could give them was the 35TH Psalm of David, as a symbol of hope!
The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that you should work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.
This is my actual retirement document. It is proof, that I put my life on the line for over 20 years for this Republic. I helped to insure that our nation would remain a government OF, BY, AND FOR the people. I even received several Commendation Medals.
However, if I---cannot get a reply on the outside from you---one can only imagine what inmates must go through in confinement. But they have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. They are not ---Shiites, Sunni----or terrorists from Afghanistan, nor Iraq. They are fellow American citizens; many are Veterans and deserve to be heard by their elected representatives.
Attorney Robert W. Cullen for the plaintiffs of Atlanta, Attorney Oris Blackburn Jr. for the defendant Lowndes County---knows of this Decree. But the decree---seems to be Valdosta痴 best kept secret---thanks in part to the Valdosta Daily Times in my opinion.
I love this country, but I do not like the way----you have treated me, inmates, parents or former employees. The Bible says; as it is written, so shall it be done. ・BR>
Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations: Moreover, the signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix all of the following:
- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present. (Violations and or/recommendations)
34 ・Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 ・Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 ・Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 ・Violations under------ Population.
8 ・Violations under------ Visitations.
6 ・Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 ・Violations under-------Food.
3 ・Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 ・Violations under-------Recreation.
2 ・Violations under-------Commissary
2 ・Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 ・Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 ・Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 ・Violations under--------Change Provision
1 ・Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.
Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COVERAGE OF THE MEETING, (14 April 2004). (Renovations to Lowndes County Jail, land rezoning also discussed.
George Rhynes questioned why Commissioners had not responded to his letter concerning several inmates at the Lowndes County Jail. Although the jail will be renovated, Rhynes said no amount of renovation would help the inmates.・BR>
Rod Casey, chairman of the board answered that an architect had been chosen, beginning the process of renovations to improve the jail.
Casey also informed Rhynes that he could visit Case痴 office to discuss any other problems or concerns.・BR>
Posted by George Rhynes on 4/14/2004 20:19:42
George Rhynes, Speaks to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners!
Mr. Chairman and Board of Commissioners---First allow me to apologize for being here on an old issue. However, you have not responded to my 26 August 2003 letter on behalf of inmates, incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail.
I have had a cockatiel bird for 12 years. When she have needs she chirps, and I respond to her needs.
Between 1989-1997, Judge Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia Valdosta, Division. He too, heard chirps coming from (Some Jailbirds incarcerated in) the Lowndes County Jail.
On 21 October 1997, he issued a Court Order and Consent Decree that inmates 1st, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States had been violated. He gave two (2), years for Lowndes County to comply.
However, on 26 August 2003, I stood before you because like Judge Lawson. I too, heard some chirps from the Lowndes County Jail. They came in the form of signed letters, and notarized statements. Many were the same chirps or violations---listed in Civil Action #89-54-VAL.
After standing before you on behalf of (over) eleven (11) inmates, their parents, and former employees---for relief... You ignored our request. All I could give them was the 35TH Psalm of David, as a symbol of hope!
The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that you should work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.
This is my actual retirement document. It is proof, that I put my life on the line for over 20 years for this Republic. I helped to insure that our nation would remain a government OF, BY, AND FOR the people. I even received several Commendation Medals.
However, if I---cannot get a reply on the outside from you---one can only imagine what inmates must go through in confinement. But they have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. They are not ---Shiites, Sunni----or terrorists from Afghanistan, nor Iraq. They are fellow American citizens; many are Veterans and deserve to be heard by their elected representatives.
Attorney Robert W. Cullen for the plaintiffs of Atlanta, Attorney Oris Blackburn Jr. for the defendant Lowndes County---knows of this Decree. But the decree---seems to be Valdosta痴 best kept secret---thanks in part to the Valdosta Daily Times in my opinion.
I love this country, but I do not like the way----you have treated me, inmates, parents or former employees. The Bible says; as it is written, so shall it be done. ・BR>
Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations: Moreover, the signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix all of the following:
- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present. (Violations and or/recommendations)
34 ・Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 ・Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 ・Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 ・Violations under------ Population.
8 ・Violations under------ Visitations.
6 ・Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 ・Violations under-------Food.
3 ・Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 ・Violations under-------Recreation.
2 ・Violations under-------Commissary
2 ・Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 ・Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 ・Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 ・Violations under--------Change Provision
1 ・Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.
Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COVERAGE OF THE MEETING, (14 April 2004). (Renovations to Lowndes County Jail, land rezoning also discussed.
George Rhynes questioned why Commissioners had not responded to his letter concerning several inmates at the Lowndes County Jail. Although the jail will be renovated, Rhynes said no amount of renovation would help the inmates.・BR>
Rod Casey, chairman of the board answered that an architect had been chosen, beginning the process of renovations to improve the jail.
Casey also informed Rhynes that he could visit Case痴 office to discuss any other problems or concerns.・BR>
010: Address to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on Inmate, and Family Members Pain! Do they Care?
010—INMATES FEEL PAIN, HURT AND NEGLECT! WHO WILL HELP THESE AMERICAN CITIZENS?
Posted by George Rhynes on 3/21/2004 23:30:40
13 March 2004
Lowndes County Board of Commissioners
325 W. Savannah Ave
Lowndes County Georgia 31601
Dear Chairman/Each Lowndes County Commissioner
PURPOSE OF LETTER: To state again for the record, that these eleven (11) inmates are human beings capable of feeling pain, hurt, and neglect! And that on 9 March 2004, I came before you again because I never received a response to my original letter:
On 26 August 2003, I presented a letter to you on behalf of eleven (11) Jailed American Citizen (inmates) who believed their Constitutional, State, and Local Rights were being denied in the Lowndes County Jail.
These inmates requested (my personal) help in getting an outside agency to come investigate, and provide some relief---to their unheard cries!
I immediate turned to you on behalf of these eleven (11) inmates, and gave the Board a copy of my letter, a copy of their letters with their individual names blotched out (although they wanted them used), for their own safety and protection, along with an official statement, signed, and valid questions for inspecting jails in the State of Georgia. Moreover, it included a notarized statements legally signed and stamped with an Official Georgia State Seal.
I also provided questions---many taken from Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U.S. District Courts of the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division.
I further, asked for a reply in writing on behalf of these many inmates---who asked for my assistance. However, as of the above date I have not received even a courteous reply.
I am a retired Vietnam period Retired Veteran, minister of truth, single parent, business owner for 14 years, home owner, concerned citizen, former member of the Lowndes County High School Advisory Committee, Valdosta High School Council, Valdosta Project Change Board of Directors, Member of the Valdosta Lowndes County Board of Directors (NAACP), Member of Operation Push, Peoples Tribunal, and other local organizations.
However, I am frustrated because of the prolonged, alleged inhumane, unsanitary, abusive conditions that I have record of presented to me from local inmates, and their family members.
I am also appalled that you have chosen to ignore my urgent request for help on their behalf. Especially since others in the community have given each member of your Board a copy of a two-hour documentary videotape compiled by Valdosta State University entitled, 鄭 Chorus of Fear.・ Therefore, you are fully aware of the alleged problems inmates must endure in the Lowndes County Jail which have been made public through local news media on several occasions.
Since my presentation before the Board, I have received more letters from inmates filled with additional alleged horror stories. Therefore, I was compelled to seek outside help beyond Lowndes County for assistance. Informing them of the alleged problems citizens are having in this community but not being addressed by local officials. If they are they are not being published through local media to the citizens.
It is my ultimate goal to establish a platform wherein our community can began to address the issues perceived or real------that has inmates, their attorneys, pastors, visitors, and their families in outrage.
Lowndes County in 1998 had over 2,000 citizens in an uproar it was only through faith in the system was feeling, and emotions controlled. Today, even the local ministers have lost faith in the system. Therefore something must be done to meet the needs of the people and STOP the pain!
The Valdosta Daily times (VDT), our only daily news papers seems uninterested in keeping the citizens in Lowndes County informed on the real problems confronting the community---in my humbled opinion. Letters have been received from several governmental and organizational bodies concerned about the welfare of our local jailed inmate痴 population and their Constitutional Rights.
Personally, I respect your decision and right to ignore me and the (11) incarcerated inmates whom you apparently was-not elected to represent---in Lowndes County. In addition, it appears that your Board stands outside the mainstream of our democratic form of government---which is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Therefore, it is my patriotic, duty---to continue seeking help from other agencies with this letter serving as the morale and religious base for my request. These inmates have a right to be heard---some of whom are American Veterans themselves, and some whose sons, and daughters are (now) serving in Iraq.
It is sad these inmates cannot receive help from their elected officials here in Lowndes County. Had these inmates been the children of President George W. Bush, Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Zell Miller, Sanford Bishop, Georgia Attorney General, the late Honorable Rainwater, or one of your own children? Some elected official would find time to investigate, inspect, and ensure that a complete valid survey among the entire jail population was conducted---because they are human beings.
When I stood before the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, I stood because Galatians 6; 7, says 敵God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sow that shall he also reap.・ So as I, placed my life on the line---in a foreign nations for people---that I did not know. Then truly, I should be wiling to support, help, and fight for the rights of my fellow Americans here at home. (Luke 4; 18)
The pertinent questions I asked in my original letter were extracted from a valid checklist and should be of concern to every citizen in Lowndes County. (Psalm 35, I give to the inmates for comfort in their hour of despair). Thanks!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A Retired Veteran/Concerned Citizen & Brother of Humanity!
CC: Closed, except to ---Each Jailed Inmate.
PS: Be it known to all people of conscious that ---I am not afraid, to stand on behalf of fellow Americans as a patriot of this Republic. Therefore, I speak truth, because in the end, only truth, love, justice, and understanding will unlock the cell door that leads unto eternal life---and a free conscious!
Posted by George Rhynes on 3/21/2004 23:30:40
13 March 2004
Lowndes County Board of Commissioners
325 W. Savannah Ave
Lowndes County Georgia 31601
Dear Chairman/Each Lowndes County Commissioner
PURPOSE OF LETTER: To state again for the record, that these eleven (11) inmates are human beings capable of feeling pain, hurt, and neglect! And that on 9 March 2004, I came before you again because I never received a response to my original letter:
On 26 August 2003, I presented a letter to you on behalf of eleven (11) Jailed American Citizen (inmates) who believed their Constitutional, State, and Local Rights were being denied in the Lowndes County Jail.
These inmates requested (my personal) help in getting an outside agency to come investigate, and provide some relief---to their unheard cries!
I immediate turned to you on behalf of these eleven (11) inmates, and gave the Board a copy of my letter, a copy of their letters with their individual names blotched out (although they wanted them used), for their own safety and protection, along with an official statement, signed, and valid questions for inspecting jails in the State of Georgia. Moreover, it included a notarized statements legally signed and stamped with an Official Georgia State Seal.
I also provided questions---many taken from Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U.S. District Courts of the Middle District of Georgia Valdosta Division.
I further, asked for a reply in writing on behalf of these many inmates---who asked for my assistance. However, as of the above date I have not received even a courteous reply.
I am a retired Vietnam period Retired Veteran, minister of truth, single parent, business owner for 14 years, home owner, concerned citizen, former member of the Lowndes County High School Advisory Committee, Valdosta High School Council, Valdosta Project Change Board of Directors, Member of the Valdosta Lowndes County Board of Directors (NAACP), Member of Operation Push, Peoples Tribunal, and other local organizations.
However, I am frustrated because of the prolonged, alleged inhumane, unsanitary, abusive conditions that I have record of presented to me from local inmates, and their family members.
I am also appalled that you have chosen to ignore my urgent request for help on their behalf. Especially since others in the community have given each member of your Board a copy of a two-hour documentary videotape compiled by Valdosta State University entitled, 鄭 Chorus of Fear.・ Therefore, you are fully aware of the alleged problems inmates must endure in the Lowndes County Jail which have been made public through local news media on several occasions.
Since my presentation before the Board, I have received more letters from inmates filled with additional alleged horror stories. Therefore, I was compelled to seek outside help beyond Lowndes County for assistance. Informing them of the alleged problems citizens are having in this community but not being addressed by local officials. If they are they are not being published through local media to the citizens.
It is my ultimate goal to establish a platform wherein our community can began to address the issues perceived or real------that has inmates, their attorneys, pastors, visitors, and their families in outrage.
Lowndes County in 1998 had over 2,000 citizens in an uproar it was only through faith in the system was feeling, and emotions controlled. Today, even the local ministers have lost faith in the system. Therefore something must be done to meet the needs of the people and STOP the pain!
The Valdosta Daily times (VDT), our only daily news papers seems uninterested in keeping the citizens in Lowndes County informed on the real problems confronting the community---in my humbled opinion. Letters have been received from several governmental and organizational bodies concerned about the welfare of our local jailed inmate痴 population and their Constitutional Rights.
Personally, I respect your decision and right to ignore me and the (11) incarcerated inmates whom you apparently was-not elected to represent---in Lowndes County. In addition, it appears that your Board stands outside the mainstream of our democratic form of government---which is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Therefore, it is my patriotic, duty---to continue seeking help from other agencies with this letter serving as the morale and religious base for my request. These inmates have a right to be heard---some of whom are American Veterans themselves, and some whose sons, and daughters are (now) serving in Iraq.
It is sad these inmates cannot receive help from their elected officials here in Lowndes County. Had these inmates been the children of President George W. Bush, Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Zell Miller, Sanford Bishop, Georgia Attorney General, the late Honorable Rainwater, or one of your own children? Some elected official would find time to investigate, inspect, and ensure that a complete valid survey among the entire jail population was conducted---because they are human beings.
When I stood before the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, I stood because Galatians 6; 7, says 敵God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sow that shall he also reap.・ So as I, placed my life on the line---in a foreign nations for people---that I did not know. Then truly, I should be wiling to support, help, and fight for the rights of my fellow Americans here at home. (Luke 4; 18)
The pertinent questions I asked in my original letter were extracted from a valid checklist and should be of concern to every citizen in Lowndes County. (Psalm 35, I give to the inmates for comfort in their hour of despair). Thanks!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A Retired Veteran/Concerned Citizen & Brother of Humanity!
CC: Closed, except to ---Each Jailed Inmate.
PS: Be it known to all people of conscious that ---I am not afraid, to stand on behalf of fellow Americans as a patriot of this Republic. Therefore, I speak truth, because in the end, only truth, love, justice, and understanding will unlock the cell door that leads unto eternal life---and a free conscious!
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