Month: January 2014

Tallahassee, FL—In early 2011, Assistant State Attorney Eric Trombley falsified information on court documents regarding Tallahassee Community College freshman, 17-year-old DeShon Thomas. Soon thereafter, Chief Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman lied about significant evidence that brought an Indictment—officially charging DeShon Thomas with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. Although DeShon Thomas was said to be the only perpetrator in the late January 2011 double murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, 20-year-old Laqecia Herring and her 17-year-old brother, Sterling Conner Jr., State Prosecutor Emmett “Jack” Campbell refused to allow the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office to make the victims’ autopsy reports Public Record. According to staff at the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office—after months which turned into years—after the completion of the victims’ autopsy reports, the State Attorney’s Office refused to change the status of the double murder case—citing the case as “Ongoing Investigation” versus Closed. According to the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office, the normal change of status regarding homicide cases is normally upon an arrest of the suspect, the investigation status is changed from Ongoing to Closed. DeShon Thomas was charged with the murders on February 7, 2011 (eleven days after the murders).

 

Florida’s Public Records Law; Chapter 119 in part states, “Autopsy reports made pursuant to law are Public Records which must be made available for public inspection and examination unless exempted by special act. If not exempted from disclosure by special act, an autopsy report may be kept confidential only to the extent necessary to ensure that a criminal investigation would not be significantly impeded and enable violators of the criminal laws to escape detection and apprehension. Documents or records made confidential by statutes do not lose such status upon receipt by the medical examiner.”

 

According to Florida’s Attorney General website, an exception commonly used to exempt autopsy reports as category of records from s. 119.07 (1) F.S., is the principal commonly known as the “police secret rule.” This exception is applied only where the effect would be to significantly impair or impede the enforcement of the law and enable violators to escape detection. In DeShon Thomas’ case—he was incarcerated, thus, unable to escape. DeShon Thomas had five attorneys assigned to his case (1 private and four court appointed) all refused to even discuss the victims’ autopsy reports with him—let alone provide the victims’ autopsy reports to him and the Public. DeShon Thomas was convicted without disclosing evidence that could’ve clearly exonerated him. DeShon Thomas’ court appointed Regional Conflict Counsel Daren Shippy failed to Impeach those that he, himself knew were committing Perjury. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell lied to the jury.

 

Why?

 

What type of “tone” has State Attorney Willie Meggs set for his Assistant State Attorneys in order for them to feel comfortable filing court documents containing false information, lying to the public about significant evidence and violate several laws—all in an effort to have DeShon Thomas, a 17-year-old college student with no violent record what-so-ever, charged with not one but Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder. On top of that—a murder that resulted in the death of possibly his unborn baby girl—yet, leaving Laqecia Herring’s toddler daughter unharmed alone in the townhome.

 

In mid-October 2013, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell continued on with the stockpile of lies that he needed in order to get guilty verdicts against DeShon Thomas (now 20-years-old). State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, along with hisinside recruits, such as District Two Medical Examiner Associate Dr. Anthony J. Clark, State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin, Leon County Sheriff’s Deputies Brian Pearson and Ronald O’Brien violated laws that all played a significant part to have DeShon Thomas convicted.

 

While Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and State Attorney Willie Meggs basically stating that they agree with the handling of the “investigation” regarding the Jameis Winston case, all of the named above were repeatedly contacted about the misconduct by those within the Second Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee regarding DeShon Thomas.

 

If one were to look in the Archives on the blog site http://tallahasseeo.com in December 2011, the first article regarding the botched investigation by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s dad’s agency (Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell)—clearly one would find an investigation that prompts more questions than answers as to what and why was 17-year-old DeShon Thomas charged and arrested for the double homicide. If one were to read articles (past and present) on the blog site http://maul10.com established in early 2012 to document DeShon Thomas’ case in an effort to share with the Public the misconduct that was sure to come down the pipe (simply because Perjured testimony of witnesses was the only way to get DeShon Thomas hauled into Florida’s Department of Corrections—in which the blog site shows just that).

 

State Attorney Willie Meggs is an elected official who is responsible for setting the “tone” in the Office that he has been entrusted to hold. Failing to remove any staff members—especially Assistant State Attorneys—that have committed Perjury or violated any other law (s) —is a violation of his elected position—therefore, validates an Ethics Complaint.

 

When lawmakers for the State of Florida decided that accused juvenile offenders could be charged as adults in criminal court, I have to believe that they were not opening the door for Law Enforcement Officers, State Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Judges, Medical Examiners and others involved in the judicial process to set aside Florida and U.S. Constitutional Laws and act out their own disgusting tactics to render guilty verdicts.

One disgusting tactic that I personally witnessed is an accused juvenile offenders’ Constitutional Rights repeatedly being violated by several of those in authority. Another disgusting tactic that I personally witnessed is an accused juvenile offenders’ lack of understanding of the judicial process and inability to clearly understand the significance of scientific evidence against him—thus, going to trial without the victims’ autopsy reports being made public record. These are just two of many disgusting tactics that I personally witnessed taking place in adult court against an accused juvenile offender.

My name is Carissa Chambers. I am the mother of DeShon Thomas—accused juvenile offender. In early 2011 DeShon was a full-time college student at Tallahassee Community College (in his 3rd successful semester) and working at Taco Bell (nearly 1 year)—he was 17-years-old.

On February 7, 2011 DeShon was charged with the murders of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, 20-year-old Laqecia Herring and her brother, 17-year-old Sterling Conner Jr. DeShon pleaded Not Guilty!

The victims were found murdered the morning of January 27, 2011. Not only did the Leon County Sheriff’s Office immediately focus all of their manpower/resources on gathering evidence against DeShon, but when Lead Detective Melinda McBride and other full-time experienced deputies began to conclude their investigation as to DeShon having committed the murders—without sufficient Probable Cause to charge DeShon, Det. McBride was replaced by an inexperienced 17 year Reserve Deputy by the name of Don Odham.

Don Odham, being a close friend of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, did not have respect from other deputies. But what Don Odham did have was the full support of Sheriff Larry Campbell and Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son, Florida’s 2nd Judicial Assistant State Attorney Emmett “Jack” Campbell. While Sheriff Larry Campbell had jurisdiction over the double murder investigation, his son, Jack Campbell was set to prosecute DeShon. The Campbell’s/Odham plan may have been to walk Reserve Deputy Don Odham through the prosecution process of DeShon—and then celebrate DeShon’s conviction—or it could’ve been a simple bet of $1 similar to that in the 1980’s movie Trading Places—in order to get Don Odham recognition for “solving” a double murder—we really will never know what they were thinking—but one thing for sure is that it didn’t take long for their plan to fall apart. And when their plan fell apart—State Prosecutor Jack Campbell became very desperate to set another plan into place. It is obvious that he began recruiting anybody willing to commit Perjury in the case against DeShon. Through Perjured testimony of others was the Only way State Prosecutor Jack Campbell could get guilty verdicts.

DeShon had five attorneys on his case in two years (1 private and 4 court appointed). DeShon’s private attorney, Gregory Cummings was hired early on in his case. After sixteen months and having been paid nearly $30,000 Mr. Cummings was fired for unethical practice as well as other reasons. DeShon also had two Circuit Court Judges assigned to his case.

The week of October 14, 2013 marked the beginning of DeShon’s long awaited trial. Although crucial evidence such as the victims’ autopsy reports and DeShon’s AT&T cell phone records still had not been disclosed to him or the Public, it was clear to me that Defense Regional Counsel Daren Shippy had jumped on State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s sickening bandwagon to railroad DeShon into Florida’s Prison System—thus, proceeded with trial.

On October 16, 2013 State Prosecutor Jack Campbell called District Two Medical Examiner Associate Dr. Anthony J. Clark, M.D. to the witness stand (Dr. Clark performed the autopsies on both victims). Not long into Dr. Clark’s testimony, it was clear to me that Dr. Clark also had chosen to jump on State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s sickening bandwagon to railroad DeShon into Florida’s Prison System. Without a doubt Dr. Clark committed Perjury.

On October 18, 2013 DeShon was found guilty of Two Counts of 1st Degree Murder and Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder. There is no physical evidence connecting DeShon to the murders or the Solicitation to Commit Murder. DeShon did not murder anyone. DeShon never asked anyone to murder anybody. This is why the witnesses testimony, including Dr. Clark’s was so crucial in DeShon’s trial.

On December 16, 2013 DeShon was sentenced to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years. I chose not to attend DeShon’s sentencing. As a mother, I’d witnessed firsthand my child being railroaded by those in Leon County’s Judicial System—I witnessed their Evil.

State Prosecutor Jack Campbell filed a document with the court accusing me of having played a role in the Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder plot—a baseless accusation—just one of many tactics to intimidate me—yet, possible grounds to try to railroad me into Florida’s Prison System like they did to my son.

Days after my son’s sentencing I received a letter from Florida Department of Health Consumer Services Unit in response tm complaint against Dr. Clark which I’d mailed on December 5, 2013. Their response letter, which was dated December 17, 2013, is basically in support of Dr. Clark’s Perjured testimony. While the letter basically states that the information that I mailed does not support Dr. Clark having committed Perjury, the letter states information in the complaint remains confidential—“Florida law requires that all information in this complaint remain confidential.” (Please Click the Link to read the letter from Florida Department of Health)   DOH Rsp

The only documents included in my complaint against Dr. Clark are documents that prove Dr. Clark to be a LIAR—Dr. Clark’s own documents. Receiving this letter from DOH basically stating that evidence that can exonerate my son remain confidential—even after his conviction and sentencing—additionally supports my complaint against Dr. Clark as well as the corruption that has plagued DeShon’s case.

The letter also adds the Department of Health to have jumped on State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s bandwagon to railroad DeShon—an Innocent teenager—into Florida’s Prison System. Florida State Government Agency whose

The Department of Health has a Vision is to be the Healthiest State in the Nation—it’s Mission is to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Surely, their Vision or their Mission cannot be accomplished with Dr. Clark’s Perjured testimony going without consequences. Committing Perjury is a violation of the law. Furthermore, there is no protection for the community when Dr. Clark’s Perjured testimony leaves a cold-blooded murderer on the streets.

Mr. Armstrong and Governor Scott, it is your responsibility to uphold the integrity of Florida’s Government Agencies (DOH). I’m asking you to further investigate Dr. Clark’s Perjured testimony and apply the necessary consequences that will protect Florida citizens.

Thank you in advance for your attention regarding this matter.

Appreciatively,

Carissa Chambers

cc: DeShon Thomas

Tallahassee, FL— Parents, are you prepared to handle law enforcement officers and other adults who hold positions in judicial authority to LIE on your kids while they’re away in college? Remember, your kid may be in an unfamiliar territory. Grant it—Not every college town has a forty-something year old State Prosecutor whose seventy-something year old dad is the local Sheriff—having over fifty years of active law enforcement with a stockpile of friends in high places.

Parents, are you prepared to pay the high cost of an out-of-town attorney because most of the local defense attorneys are also on the State of Florida’s payroll as Conflict-Free Attorneys—which may make you raise your eyebrows and question whether or not if the local attorney is practicing ethically? (Don’t depend on the Florida Bar for support.)

And lastly, Parents, while we teach our kids to view law enforcement officers and adults of authority as being trustworthy—remember—the State of Florida has a ton of more prisons that need to be filled than classrooms on college campuses. In the City of Tallahassee, most law enforcement officers want to go to football games on Friday and Saturday nights—they want to go fishing—hunting, etc. very few want to thoroughly investigate a criminal case—i.e. the case against DeShon Thomas, most recently the rape case allegations against Jamies Winston and the case that no one will ever forget—that of Rachel Hoffman. All of these case involved college students—all of these case could’ve had better results—if only law enforcement officers had simply taken the timeout to thoroughly investigate their cases—versus rushing to gain the spotlight or elude the spotlight.

Is it not a fact that every person is entitled to have access to an attorney? Is it not a fact that a defendant has the right to have all evidence that will be used against him or her to be fully disclosed to him or her in a timely manner? Is it not a fact that when a person contacts law enforcement then that person is the one seeking help in some form or fashion? If someone asks you to murder their spouse—and you contact law enforcement to report that person’s proposition—is law enforcement helping you or are you helping law enforcement? Let’s just say you’re helping each other. Now, how would one expect an experienced law enforcement officer or an experienced investigator to testify in court to explain to the jury regarding the investigation? Would you expect an experienced investigator to say—that you’re helping them, they’re helping you or as we worked together to build a case…?

First of all—State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell has the means to activate an underhanded/unethical plot to support their charges—prosecution—conviction. In State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas, not only did State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin (a.k.a Spike the Bulldog and Chester the Terrier), drop a Huge bombshell of a LIE during an Evidentiary Hearing on August 19, 2013 about how/who initiated the Solicitation to Commit Murder investigation against Mr. Thomas—they tried to clean up their LIE during an Entrapment Hearing on October 7, 2013 and then they brought their LIES and a New LIE into the trial on October 16, 2013.

Originally, State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin reported that an anonymous complainant contacted him and told him that he (Inv. Newlin) needed to contact Leon County Jail inmate, Dawuan Williams… In the Evidentiary Hearing, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell boldly let it be known that he requested Inv. Newlin to go make contact with Dawuan Williams. Unable to get out of the quick sand that State Prosecutor Jack Campbell had pushed him in—Inv. Newlin went on to testify that Dawuan Williams agreed to “help” them. Despite this revelation—Defense Regional Counsel Daren Shippy did not move to Impeach Inv. Newlin nor did Defense Regional Counsel Daren Shippy ever bring it up during the Entrapment Hearing or at trial. Inv. Newlin repeatedly stated, “Mr. Williams agreed to help us.” Inv. Newlin stated, “help us,” because all of the evidence presented clearly showed that they planned and plotted to have Mr. Thomas charged with Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder. Mr. Thomas pled Not Guilty to the charge. During trial there was a letter or two presented as well as recorded phone conversations between Mr. Williams and Mr. Thomas—clearly some of the recordings were redacted—even still—there was nothing presented that supported Mr. Thomas asking Mr. Williams to murder Mr. Ross. State Attorney Jack Campbell had his co-counsel read Mr. Thomas’ testimony that seems like a confession—however, if the testimony was read in its entirety—that is nowhere near a confession. Yes, tricks played in the courtroom—well—one must hear the testimony in its entirety. Either way—it doesn’t excuse Perjured testimony.

State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Investigator Newlin work directly under State Attorney Willie Meggs—so the questions is—was State Attorney Willie Meggs aware of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin’s underhanded plan/plot to entrap Mr. Thomas? If so—then that would make State Attorney Willie Meggs just as Big of a LIAR—as he (State Attorney Willie Meggs) was quoted on WCTV News website commenting about the case a couple of days after Mr. Thomas was charged with Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder (showing support of the charge). If State Attorney Willie Meggs did not know about State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin’s inside plan/plot to build a Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder case against Mr. Thomas—then it is his (State Attorney Willie Meggs’) responsibility to take appropriate disciplinary action against them.

Conviction or no conviction—it is Never acceptable to LIE on court documents, to a judge or under oath—which are all of the same. If State Attorney Willie Meggs gives the “thumbs up” for his staff to give Perjured testimony—then what other violations of the law is he giving the thumbs up too? (Note: Perjured testimony committed by State Attorney Willie Meggs’ staff is not just a Mr. Thomas problem—it’s the entire 2nd Judicial Circuit problem.)

(Please Click on the Link to read complaints filed against State Prosecutor Emmett “Jack” Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin)

Campbell Meggs

Newlin Meggs