TBI, state auditors investigating County Clerk employee for embezzlement

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, the district attorney’s office and the state Comptroller’s office are investigating the disappearance of thousands of dollars from the Dickson County Clerk’s office.

County Clerk Phil Simons told the county commission at a called budget committee meeting last night that between $14,000-$15,000 had been taken from the Dickson satellite office through an elaborate scheme in which the books appeared to balance at the end of each day.

The situation came to light in mid-September when the deputy clerk who allegedly took the money was off work and another deputy worked at that desk where paperwork was found, leading to the discovery of the alleged theft, Simons said.

He said the employee allegedly manipulated reports through failure to record or voiding cash transactions, then using other peoples’ checks to pay the fees that had been paid in cash.

Simons said as soon as he discovered the alleged theft he went to county attorneys and they notified the district attorney's office.

The DA contacted the TBI and an auditor from the state Comptroller's Office.
He said the stolen cash came from automobile registration renewals, business licenses, registrations and other fees that the employee allegedly pocketed.

The investigation is still ongoing and Simons did not identify the employee. However, he said the employee was terminated by mail on the grounds of employee misconduct after walking out of the office following an interview by the TBI and the Comptroller’s Office of Audit.

“There was no admission of guilt and no confession,” Simons said.

When asked why the employee was fired without admitting to the theft and the investigation is incomplete, he said that’s why she was fired for employee misconduct.

“It’s very broad,” he said.

Simons said the county would have to cover the missing money until the case is prosecuted but that either the county's insurance or a blanket bond, which covers all employees who handle money, will reimburse the county.

Simons said there are normally 10 employees working the Dickson office and he doesn’t plan to fill the position vacated by the former employee.

“I have some other ideas in mind,” he said. “But we have nine other people that we don’t have a problem with. I trust everybody until it’s proven otherwise.”


http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091202/DICKSON01/91202049/TBI-state-auditors-investigating-County-Clerk-employee-for-embezzlement

WAY TO GO K.T. Now Just Keep Working That :)

Sheriff Taylor's sticking to his Taser - policy

Department policy says 'use of the Taser on young children is discouraged,

except in extreme situations.'
By NICK BONHAM
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
December 04, 2009 01:24 am


Days after a deputy stunned an "out of control" 10-year-old, Sheriff Kirk Taylor said his office has no plans of altering its Taser policy in regard to the device's use on children.

"It's not black and white. Every scenario is different. The threat is different. (Using a Taser), that discretion needs to be left to the officer and then it needs to be scrutinized, and trust me, it's been scrutinized," Taylor said at a press conference Thursday.

The Pueblo County Sheriff Department's policy says "use of the Taser on elderly persons and young children is discouraged, except in the most extreme situations."

The boy was stunned and arrested Monday after Deputies Mark Myers and Randy Mondragon were sent to the boy's Pueblo West foster home.

The call was in regard to a "out of control" juvenile who was destroying property and threatening his foster father, Daniel Biby, with a pipe, a stick and throwing landscape timbers at him. The boy, who Taylor said has a violent history and record of running away, fled from officers holding a 2-foot-long pipe.

The boy ran to a neighbor's house where he cornered himself between a camper trailer and a pontoon boat that were backed against a fence.

Taylor said the area in which the child was in was no wider than 3 feet.

The boy ignored commands to drop the pipe and was stunned with a Taser by Myers. Mondragon then apprehended the child, who was later booked into Pueblo Youth Center on suspicion of menacing with a deadly weapon.

Neither the boy, deputies or Biby were injured in the incident.

Taylor maintained on Thursday that the deputy's Taser use and method of arrest was appropriate and justified.

"We get no joy in doing what had to be done. My officers feel pretty bad but they acted appropriately," Taylor said. "My reaction was no different than the public's outcry. I probably would've deployed my Taser as well. Would have I been happy about it? No. But I can tell you, after looking at the fact-scenario, they acted appropriately."

Taylor described the physique and size of the boy, who's name hasn't been released because he's a juvenile, as that of a "normal 10-year-old."

The sheriff described Myers as a "thick" man at 6 foot 2 inches tall. He also said he knew Myers to be a chaplain with the local order of the Fraternal Order of Police.

"Myers is like a gentle giant," Chief of Law Enforcement Charlene Graham said.

Taylor said this was the fourth time this year that deputies had used a Taser.

In October, the device's manufacturer, Taser International, issued a recommendation to include the chest in the non-preferred target area, which also includes the head, neck and testicle areas.

The boy was struck by two darts in the preferred target zone, one in the lower abdomen and the other in the left leg, Taylor said.

After the incident was reported in the morning edition of The Chieftain, Taylor said he received phone calls from media as far away as New York. He said he was interviewed for "Inside Edition."

Tasers are controversial in their use, but much of the national interest stems from the recent firing of an officer in Arkansas who stunned an unruly 10-year-old girl with a Taser.

The officer was not fired for stunning the girl but failing to follow department procedure for not activating a built-in camera on the Taser.

Taylor said Tasers his officers use do not have cameras and that this incident "is nothing like the one in Arkansas."

Many of the comments posted on The Chieftain's Web site were critical of the sheriff department's Taser use on the boy.

"Nobody wants to Tase a 10-year-old. My hope is that this young man gets the help he needs," Taylor said.

The 10th Judicial District's Critical Incident Team is not investigating the incident. The team consists of investigators from every law enforcement agency in the county that are charged with probing controversial incidents involving officers, such as in-custody deaths, shootings and serious accidents.

nickb@chieftain.com







http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/12/04/news/local/doc4b18c14be4be0333474716.prt

Legally Kidnapped: DHS Lawsuit

Legally Kidnapped: DHS Lawsuit

Child advocates plan rally, memorial service in Indianapolis

Child advocates plan rally, memorial service in Indianapolis

By Tim Evans
tim.evans@indystar.com

Advocates for children and families today planned a rally outside a local office of the Indiana Department of Child Services to demand greater accountability.

The rally was set for 4 p.m. at the Marion County office of the the state department, 4150 N. Keystone Ave.

The purpose of the Northside rally is to call for greater accountability by the state child protection agency, said Jennifer Cobb of … and Justice for All Inc., one of the event organizers.

Following the rally, the group will move to the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, 1701 E. 25th St., for a memorial service honoring children who have died under the care of Department of Child Services over the past two years.

Speakers at the Near Northside memorial service will include Byron Alston, Dawn Robertson, Cobb, Pastor Joe Zelenka, The Rev. Richard Willoughby and Samuel Carson. Musical guests will include Gary Antelept.

For more information, contact Cobb at (317) 222-8476 or andjusticeforallinc@gmail.com.

2 clients claim Knoxville attorney does nothing after retainer fees

Posted: Nov 16, 2009 4:57 PM EST

"He just wants me to go away. He will be pleased to return my file or deliver it to my new counsel," Brian Duncan says, referring to the letter he received.

"I have not seen Mr. Threadgill for any meetings. I have not had any personal conversations with him since leaving my retainer there," Emily Lee said.

"I've exercised my best legal effort and judgement based on 40 years of experience," attorney John Threadgill said.

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- If you've ever needed a civil issue resolved legally, the best advice is to hire an attorney to win your case. But several people have called 6 On Your Side to complain about an attorney they say has done little to help win their cases.

Under an oath attorneys take in Tennessee, they adhere to standards that include completing their work in a timely manner and keeping their clients informed.

But that's not what's happening for two people who hired the same attorney, John Threadgill, in Knoxville.

In Maryville, Brian Duncan installs and services garage doors. A few years ago, he sued a former employer he says owed him a lot of money.

Brian figured his case was pretty solid. He hired Threadgill in August 2007, paid him several thousand dollars and says their spirits were high about resolving the case.

"When I showed him all the documents I had, he said this is an open and shut case. Give me a $2,500 retainer and I'll take it on contingency," Brian said.

But he also says it's been a bumpy road with his attorney.

When asked what happened, he said, "Nothing, a little over two years of not being able to get a hold of my lawyer. The only paperwork that I've had from him so far regarding my case were questions I had to answer for the opposing side that he sent to me that I answered."

In Knoxville, Emily Lee, a licensed clinical social worker, hired Threadgill in March 2008 to settle a business issue. She meet him once in March 2008 when she wrote a check for his retainer.

"I have not seen Mr. Threadgill for any meetings. I have not had any personal conversations with him since leaving my retainer there," Emily said.

Fourteen months ago, she wrote a letter to Threadgill, explaining she was disappointed in his representation. "Responsiveness is something that's required in my profession, and I would have hoped with his."

Threadgill wrote to Brian Duncan in October saying he's no longer representing him, but earned his $2,500.

John Threadgill declined the 6 On Your Side request for on camera interview, but defended himself saying, "I've been to court eight or nine times on behalf of Mr. Duncan. His case file is two inches thick."

Threadgill said Emily Lee's case is still pending.

He went on to say everything has been done that could be for Duncan and Lee.

He concluded saying, "I've exercised my best legal effort and judgement based on 40 years of experience."

The state Supreme Court's Board of Professional Responsibility slapped John Threadgill with a petition for discipline in August. It's his third discipline petition in five years.

To get consumer information about the Board of Professional Responsibility, click here.

"He just wants me to go away. He will be pleased to return my file or deliver it to my new counsel," Brian says, referring to the letter he received.

Threadgill says he has responded to the discipline petition, but declined to give details.

If you have a consumer issue, call the 6 On Your Side hotline at 865-633-5974.

Was this your custody evaluator? Stephen Doyne, Phd

Facebook | Lisa R Smith 

Concerned Citizens:

We are looking into professional misconduct of . This will be a collective complaint to protect the public.

Superior Court of California

County of San Diego

330 West Broadway

San Diego, CA 92101

Case: 37-2008-00093885-CU-BT-CTL

Emad G. Tadros, M.D., Plaintiff vs. Stephen E. Doyne, Defendant

Complaint:

1. Violation of BPC 17200 et seq.

2. Breach of Contract

3. Negligence; and,

4. Fraud.

Exhibits:

1. In correspondence, Doyne claims to be a “Diplomate American College of Forensic Psychologists.” There is no organization called the American College of Forensic Psychologists.

2. The American College of Forensic Psychology in a letter dated September 18, 2007 the American College of Forensic Psychology writes back to Plaintiff stating, “…Doyne is not, and has not never been, a member of the American College of Forensic Psychology. We do not have Diplomates and he lists the group as American College of Forensic Psychologists, which is not our group.”

3. The American College of Forensic Examiners is a sham organization owned by a con artist named Robert O’Block that provides fake diplomas for a price, he operates a “certification mill.” A pet cat has been issued the same credentials as Doyne; he has the certification that Zoe the cat has. Robert O’Block has also certified a murderer while he was incarcerated in prison; it was mailed it to him while he was in prison (see forensic evidence review by Professor of Law Carol Henderson pp 7 & 8; also Google “the credentialing con” & “the print by mark hansen expertise to go”).

**As implied, Doyne does not possess certification by the one and only well respected forensic Board named the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). The ABPP is the one and only to be recognized by all state licensing boards and the American Psychological Association (APA), and specifically in Forensic and/or Family Psychology specialty.

4. San Diego Family Court did not have record of Doyne’s curriculum vitae (CV). The court ordered Doyne to release his CV upon Plaintiff’s request. Doyne’s CV lists false and misleading credentials such as:

a. In page 1 under honors and awards, Doyne’s CV states he is a Diplomate in Psychology, American College of Forensic Examiners, which is a sham organization selling fake diplomas (2750 East Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65804).

b. CV states Doyne is a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Examiners (child custody evaluators), a sham organization run by the same con artist (2750 East Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65804).

5. Page five, under Teaching Experience, Doyne’s CV states he was an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law. In a letter of response to Dr. Tadros dated August 7, 2007 from the Office of the Vice President and Provost, the Assistant VP for Academic Administration of the School of Law at USD states, “I have searched our paper and digital records back to the mid-1970’s and do not find a record of Stephen Doyne ever teaching at the University of San Diego.”

6. Page five, under Teaching Experience, Doyne’s CV states he was an Instructor at the University of California at San Diego. In a letter of response to Dr. Tadros dated November 6, 2007 UCSD states that, “after extensive research of our payroll documentation, it has come to our attention that Stephen Doyen has not been directly employed by the University of California, San Diego.”

7. Page five, under Teaching Experience, Doyne’s CV states he was an Instructor at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). In a letter of response to Dr. Tadros dated September 5, 2007 CSPP states, “that we do not have employment records.”

If you would like further information please send an email to: itsinthecredentials@gmail.com . We will send you additional information.

Parents for Accountability of Credentials of Court Appointed Experts

Parents for Accountability

Posted in California, Stephen E. Doyne. 1 Comment »

Historic Hate Crimes Legislation Signed

Historic Hate Crimes Legislation Signed

President Barack Obama signed the historic Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act yesterday. The bill extends the definition of federal hate crimes to include attacks motivated by sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability and empowers federal authorities to help local law enforcement investigate hate crimes.

In his remarks yesterday, President Obama said, "In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all...no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability."

The law is named for two men who were slain in alleged hate crimes in 1998. Matthew Shepard, a gay university student, was murdered in Wyoming, and James Byrd, Jr., an African-American man, was dragged to death by white supremacists in Texas. Previously, the federal hate crimes law only covered attacks motivated by race, color, national origin or religion.

Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard wrote, "The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged...But with President Obama's support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen."

The Senate passed the legislation last week on a 68 to 29 vote. The bill passed in the House on October 8 with a vote of 281 to 146.

Media Resources: Feminist Daily Newswire 10/23/09; Remarks of President Barack Obama 10/28/09; Statement of Judy Shepard 10/29/09