Month: January 2015

Tallahassee, FL— Within two months of Tallahassee citizens voting via the ballot box by an overwhelming sixty-seven (67%) to end corruption in local government, Governor Rick Scott is giving a perfect example of what the citizens of Tallahassee has endured for decades—officials constantly violating laws—a breach of Public Trust. It was just November 4, 2014 when the citizens of Tallahassee elected to have an Anti-Corruption Amendment over government for many, many, many reasons. Governor Rick Scott and now former FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey’s “Scandal” is a prime is example of one of the reason for the amendment.

According to several recent media reports, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey claimed that he was forced out of office by Governor Rick Scott. Since being ousted, now former Commissioner Bailey has alleged that Governor Scott and his aides repeatedly asked him to engage in unethical and unlawful acts during his time as the head of Florida’s Top Law Enforcement Agency. Former Commissioner Bailey has been involved in law enforcement with the FDLE for decades, yet, he waits until he’s “forced out” of office to want to begin to open his mouth—when he’s done wrong by keeping his mouth closed all of this time. Why didn’t former Commissioner Bailey, speak up when he possibly would’ve been more creditable? That’s the question reporters need to ask. In addition, with former Commissioner Bailey keeping so near and dear, the many “SECRETS” of Governor Scott’s unethical and illegal actions, who else has former Commissioner Bailey been keeping “SECRETS” about? That’s the question ALL Floridians should be asking.

Here’s a starting point—Why did Commissioner Bailey refuse to investigate Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell for breach of Public Trust, after a complaint was filed against Sheriff Campbell for allowing a family friend of the Campbell’s to work as a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective? The family friend, Donald Odham, was not a certified law enforcement officer—neither did Mr. Odham have the qualifications to work as a detective. Mr. Odham, a Tallahassee businessman who’d sold his business and seemingly had nothing else to do with his time, was presented to the court via documents and court testimonies, as a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective. While Mr. Odham was not much respected by other certified Leon County Sheriff’s Detectives/Deputies, it was his friendship with Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, Jack Campbell, as to possibly why other Leon County Sheriff’s Detectives/Deputies and those within the Leon County Judicial System, yielded to Mr. Odham. (Fear of retaliation. Read about former Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year David Graham.) Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son, Jack Campbell, is an Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor in Leon County (2nd Judicial Circuit). Not only does State Attorney Willie Meggs assigns cases to Jack Campbell that his dad’s office (LCSO) has jurisdiction over the investigation, but State Attorney Willie Meggs seems to formerly charge everyone presented to him by Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Furthermore, Leon County and Circuit Judges seem to sign any search warrant and other court document presented to them by Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell. Clearly, Governor Rick Scott’s Administration is not the only group of people who have shown to be “spineless,” as many reporters have described them.

As far as Mr. Odham and Mr. Bailey, it is unknown if Mr. Odham and Commissioner Bailey (who was also a close friend of Sheriff Campbell’s) are/were friends. But what is known is that Commissioner Bailey, Sheriff Campbell, Captain Robert Swearingen and Mr. Odham were all present at a double murder scene in January 2011. Mr. Odham worked—processing the crime scene—alongside of several of Commissioner Bailey’s FDLE Agents. No one from the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office arrived on scene.

Another starting point—is the investigation of District Two Medical Examiner Associate Doctor Anthony J. Clark. Dr. Clark, who is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, is licensed to practice medicine in Florida and Georgia. According to Dr. Clark, he has provided expert testimony in over two hundred (200) cases. In the January 2011 double murder case of a brother and pregnant sister (State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas), Dr. Clark was called to testify as an expert witness for Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell. Dr. Clark testified that he performed the autopsies on both victims and took samples from the female’s fetus. Although State Attorney Willie Meggs refused to allow the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office to place the victims’ autopsy reports into public record, it was learned that Dr. Clark committed perjury.

In DeShon’s case process, it was clear for nearly three years, that Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell played a heavy role in the corruption that plagued DeShon’s case. Today, DeShon, who was 17-years-old and was attending Tallahassee Community College when he was charged with the murders—is without a doubt INNOCENT. The problem—for the most part, is finding a Florida attorney with a spine. One of five of DeShon’s former attorneys, Greg Cummings, conspired with Circuit Judge James Hankinson and Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, robbing DeShon and his mother of nearly $30,000. After DeShon and his mother fired Mr. Cummings, DeShon’s case defaulted back to the court to appoint an attorney—no one had the spine to protect DeShon’s rights. DeShon’s appeals process is being conducted pretty much the same way—Conflict Counsel Jeff Lewis’ Office continues to fall short of protecting DeShon’s rights.

DeShon Thomas is not the first teenager to be sent to prison for a crime that he DID NOT commit. However, it should be very sad for ALL Floridians—and the nation—to truly see elected and selected officials violating laws—publicly committing crimes—while officials know for themselves that an INNOCENT teen is in a Florida prison sentenced to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years. There are several complaints against those on the government pay role who committed a crime in order to get DeShon’s convicted. Complaints with Leon County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs—are going on without any acknowledgement of the complaints—they are mute.

Corruption within Florida’s government is what paved the way for DeShon to be convicted. Corruption that Governor Scott’s office continues to support. How can Floridians move forward—into the 21st Century, when their constantly being pushed backward by their own local government.

Dan Krassner, Executive Director for Integrity Florida, a nonpartisan watchdog group, has called on Federal Bureau Investigator, Special Agent Michelle Klimt and U.S. Attorney Pamela Marsh for Florida’s Northern District, to investigate the accusations brought forth by former Commissioner Gerald Bailey.

Tallahassee, FL—When the mother of DeShon Thomas visited the office of the Florida Innocence Project and spoke to staff members about details of court proceedings and how the Florida Bar failed to hold private Tallahassee Defense Attorney Greg Cummings responsible for violations that he committed, the staff members were in highly disbelief.

Tallahassee Defense Attorney Greg Cummings was paid nearly $30,000 of a $50,000 attorney fee to represent seventeen-year-old DeShon Thomas. Within four months after signing a contract with DeShon and his mother, Mr. Cummings began to show signs of misconduct. About fifteen months later, DeShon’s mother filed a complaint with the Florida Bar against Mr. Cummings. The following month, DeShon’s mother recommended to DeShon to fire Mr. Cummings. Unfortnately (yet, fortunately) DeShon’s mother was right, Mr. Cummings was unethical in his conduct.

DeShon’s mother learned that Mr. Cummings, along with Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson and Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell were conspiring against DeShon in order to protect the numerous of violations that had been committed by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, the father of Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, had assigned his wealthy, close, personal friend, Donald Odham, as Lead Detective on the case. Mr. Odham, who was being referred to in court documents and other official documents as “Leon County Sheriff Detective Don Odham,” was not on the Leon County Sheriff’s Office payroll—neither did Mr. Odham have the credentials to be a detective. It was “Detective Odham” as to who claimed to that he’d received incriminating statements from a single witness as to what led him (Detective Odham) to prepare a Summary of Offense for Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Probable Cause Report—which was approved by none other than Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell. Shortly thereafter, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell replaced then Lead Detective Melinda McBride and her team of seasoned detectives and deputies with his wealthy friend, “Detective Odham”. (Detective McBride and her team had spent over a week trying to make a clear connection between DeShon and the murders—to no avail. The same day Detective McBride and her team began investigating solid suspects in which the victims’ family members had originally given to them (DeShon was not one of the suspects), that’s when “Detective Odham” came with his incriminating statements from a witness in which Detective McBride and her team had already learned the same witness to be disgruntle—not creditable.)

In his rebuttals to The Florida Bar, in regards to DeShon and his mother’s complaints, Mr. Cummings didn’t deny many of DeShon and his mother’s complaints against him. This is in part why many find it baffling as to why The Florida Bar has failed to hold Mr. Cummings responsible for violating their rules. In DeShon’s mother’s complaint, The Florida Bar ruled that Mr. Cummings did not violate any of their rules. In DeShon’s complaint, The Florida Bar just didn’t rule at all.

For instance, DeShon’s mother learned that prior to hiring Mr. Cummings, Circuit Judge James Hankinson had been conducting crucial case events outside of DeShon’s presence and without having provided motions to the Leon County Clerk of Courts and without informing DeShon. Mr. Cummings was aware of these case events and never informed DeShon or DeShon’s mother. While at the same time Mr. Cummings spent weeks soliciting DeShon’s mother. Coupled with violating The Florida Bar rule 4-1.4 in regards to Communication, Mr. Cummings also violated rule 4.1-3 Diligence: A lawyer should pursue a matter on behalf of a client despite opposition, obstruction, or personal inconvenience to the lawyer and take whatever lawful and ethical measures are required to vindicate a client’s cause or endeavor. Mr. Cummings was fully aware of “Detective Don Odham” as an impostor—pretending to be a Leon County Sheriff Detective. Mr. Cummings also was fully aware of “Detective Don Odham” being supported by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the 2^nd Circuit State Attorney’s Office—with both offices having filed legal documents identifying Mr. Donald Odham as a “Leon County Sheriff Detective” plainly shows that the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the 2^nd Circuit State Attorney’s Office acted fraudulent and deceptive.

The Florida Bar’s failure to hold Mr. Cummings responsible for his actions in the case involving a child client—sends the message to all Floridians—when it comes to consumer protection—the hiring of an attorney—The Florida Bar is selective as to what attorneys they chose to hold accountable for violating their rules.

It is a sad day when even those who know the ends and outs of The Florida Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, like staff members at the Florida Innocence Project, are left scratching their head about the actions of The Florida Bar.

Tallahassee, FL—State Attorney Willie Meggs is asking for Sheriff Morris to release records in regards to inmates who were let out of jail on furloughs—while at the same time Mr. Meggs has completely ignored complaints filed with his office against Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell (the son of late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell) and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin. Both Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin orchestrated the release of Leon County Jail inmate Dawuan Williams within days of another State Attorney/Prosecutor with Mr. Meggs’ office filing a motion for Habitual Felony Offender against Dawaun Williams. (Mr. Williams had been delivered to the Leon County Jail by the Southeast Regional Task Force, after being captured in Tifton, Georgia. With the help of the Tifton County Sheriff’s Office, the Southeast Regional Task Force was able to apprehend Mr. Williams, who was fugitive for having committed two Armed Bank Robberies in Tallahassee.) Immediately upon Mr. Williams’ release from the Leon County Jail, Mr. Williams was provided with financial support from both the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Office.

While Mr. Meggs’ office may try to excuse the financing of Mr. Williams as an undercover gang operation, no one with the Leon County Jail’s Gang Task Force Unit was every notified or testified about the operation. (The Leon County Sheriff’s Office receives federal funding in order to have correctional officers and deputies specially trained on how to recognize and investigate inmates involved in gang activity.) According to court documents and testimonies—State Attorney Willie Meggs fully supported Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin’s illegal actions.

A few months after Mr. Williams’ release from the Leon County Jail, Mr. Williams went to Gadsden County where Mr. Williams was then arrested for Home Invasion Armed Robbery with Kidnapping and a slew of other felony charges.

Due to the illegal actions of State Attorney Willie Meggs, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin—along with the late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Ronald O’Brien—Mr. Dawuan Williams was able to victimize the citizens of Gadsden County and jeopardize the lives of all Gadsden County Sheriff’s Deputies, other Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders. Mr. Williams was a twice convicted felon who should have never been allowed to re-enter into the community. When one of State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor tried to ensure the public’s safety by filing the motion to show Mr. Williams as an Habitual Offender—his/her colleague, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, along with their boss, State Attorney Willie Meggs, chose to be selfish and put the public safety on the back burner in order to further conspire against teen Leon County Jail inmate, DeShon Thomas—who was a freshman at Tallahassee Community College.

Dawaun Williams and DeShon Thomas were introduced approximately two weeks after Mr. Williams was brought to the Leon County Jail. (DeShon had been in the Leon County for over a year a waiting Pre-Trial). Approximately a week after their meeting, Mr. Williams was released from the Leon County Jail. All in all, Mr. Williams had been in the Leon County Jail for less than a month—when suddenly Mr. Williams was released on a $1500 bond. (Where it normally takes anywhere from six to eight hours for an inmate to walk out of jail after bond has been posted, Mr. Williams walked out of jail within an hour of his first meeting with State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin. According to court testimony—State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin stated, “He (Mr. Williams) wasn’t supposed to get out so fast. He wasn’t supposed to get out until the next day.” Yet, State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin denies being aware that Mr. Williams was going to be released from the Leon County Jail.)

The documentation is clear—this message is clear—“As long as State Attorney Willie Meggs is in office—ALL CITIZENS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS—in Leon County, Gadsden County, Wakulla County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County are in danger—NOBODY IS SAFE!”

Tallahassee, FL—Governor Rick Scott announced Florida’s first-ever “First Responders Appreciation Week” to take place during the very week of his swearing in to serve his second term as governor. To mark “First Responders Appreciation Week,” Governor Scott asked Floridians to “Honor” and “Encourage” law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs.

Without a doubt, the majority of Floridians have “Honor” for First Responders. At any given time, when a First Responder arrives on the scene—rather it be an accident or a homicide—it’s the First Responders who immediately witness and have to interact with the highly emotional scene. The majority of calls to 911 come without an agenda. The majority of calls to 911are from citizens, who are sincerely seeking some form of assistance—maybe not defined as an emergency—but some form of assistance.

The safety of First Responders are not so much as put into jeopardy by citizens—for the most part it’s the ‘Hidden Agendas’ of elected officials, who continue to “Dishonor” those who sincerely serve communities.

In November 2011, it was reported by St. Cloud Police that an 18-year-old, White male, by the name of David Alyn Penney, who was dressed in military clothing, a tactical vest with several pockets for holding magazines of ammunition, and combat boots. It was reported that Mr. Penney purposely unloaded 30 shot magazines from his AK-47s through several homes—completely terrorizing the neighborhood. In response to the shooting, two officers sustained injuries. Mr. Penney shot Officer Clinton Wise in the foot. And Officer Spencer Endsley suffered glass fragments to his face and arms. In a suicide attempt, Mr. Penney shot himself with his AK-47, but survived.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol helped the St. Cloud Police during the attack. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was expected to conduct a separate investigation. Despite Mr. Penney’s violent episode being described by law enforcement as an “Ambush,” that almost took the lives of others—including two law enforcement officers, Mr. Penney was not sentenced to the maximum  time allotted—in fact, Mr. Penney maybe out of prison before his fortieth birthday.

It is a “Dishonor” by elected officials to First Responders to offer a plea deal to a teenager via a plea deal for charges of Attempted Murder on law enforcement officers.

In October 2013, Dr. Anthony J. Clark, an Associate Medical Examiner with Florida’s District Two Medical Examiner’s Office and an affiliate with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, committed perjury during his testimony in the trial of State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas. Had Dr. Clark testified truthfully, DeShon would not have been convicted.

In early 2011, DeShon Thomas, a 17-year-old, Black male, was charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder. The victims were his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her 17-year-old brother. During search of the victims’ townhome (crime scene) the Leon County Sheriff’s Office located the female victim’s cell phone. As reported by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the last outgoing cell phone activity from the female victim’s cell phone was on January 26, 2011 at 10:59 p.m. The victims’ mother and those known to the female victim would not hesitate to inform anyone—including the Leon County Sheriff’s Office—that 10:59 p.m. is extremely early for the female victim to stop using her cell phone.

Mr. Thomas, who was at work from the early evening of January 26, 2011 until the early morning hours of January 27, 2011—worked straight through his shift without ever leaving the property. Mr. Thomas did not have a car—the victims lived 19 miles away from Mr. Thomas’ place of employment.

The victims’ mother discovered her children deceased at 10:15 a.m. on January 27, 2011. Almost immediately the Leon County Sheriff’s Office went after Mr. Thomas. It was Mr. Thomas’ old non-violent charges as to what may have led to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office jumping to conclusions…a hunch.

Within two weeks of the double murder investigation, Mr. Thomas was charged with murders. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office reported that they have solid evidence and a witness to prove that Mr. Thomas committed the murders at 4:15 a.m. on January 27, 2011—after he’d gotten off from work.

As documented, the timeframe between the Leon County Sheriff’s Office stating that Mr. Thomas committed the murders and the victims’ mother calling 911 is six hours. As documented, no one from the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office was present at the crime scene. As documented, Dr. Anthony J. Clark, stated in his reports taken at the time of the victims’ autopsies, dated January 28, 2011, both victims were in different stages of rigor mortis. However, in October 2011, Dr. Anthony J. Clark, who took the witness stand with a ton of notes—testified that the victims were in the same stage of rigor mortis—full.

Any medical examiner that does not have stake in Mr. Thomas’ case will surely testify that full onset rigor mortis does not occur in six hours.

Dr. Clark’s testimony had to fall in line with the agenda of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Florida’s 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. It was the relationship between Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell—who were desperately seeking the conviction of Mr. Thomas—due to the fact that they’d both acted hastily in their actions to charge Mr. Thomas.

Mr. Thomas pled not guilty. His case was riddled with corruption.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office “Dishonored” First Responders—including their own deputies—in order to fulfill their own personal agenda.

First Responders from several agencies respond to scene of accidents and murders. While each First Responder may be affected differently to what they witness and have to interact with on the scene—the work that they put in is necessary. And for the most part, members of all of the responding agencies are treated with respect by citizens. The work that First Responders do is crucial —at the time. The only time when their work is not acknowledged is when their work does not coincide with “Hidden Political Agendas.”

Think about it—in the case of State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas—had someone from the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at the crime scene—that person could’ve been in the pool of First Responders. Dr. Clark’s report at the time of the victims’ autopsies were more than likely accurate because at that time the Leon County Sheriff’s Office had little to no information. But once “Political Agendas” were in place—Dr. Clark had to go off of his report original report and provide a false testimony—commit perjury. In order to assist Dr. Clark, the State Attorney’s Office refused to release the victims’ autopsy reports—a violation of Florida’s Public Records law. Dr. Anthony J. Clark, who testified to having provided expert testimony in over 200 cases in Florida and Georgia—continues on… While an INNOCENT teenager has been sentenced to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years, in part, due to Dr. Clark’s perjured testimony.

Recently, Governor Scott, himself, was found to be in violation of Florida’s Public Records law. Attorney General Bondi has admitted to failing to comply with Florida’s Public Records law.

Governor Scott and Attorney Bondi are elected officials whose main responsibility is to protect “ALL” Floridians. Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi have already “Dishonored” Floridians by putting their personal agendas first—and everyone and everything else—including the safety of First Responders—second. Governor Scott called for “First Responders Appreciation Week,” but where is Governor Scott’s honor?

Tallahassee, FL—It has been about two weeks since Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell died from Cancer. Sheriff Campbell employed two of 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs’ adult children. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son, John “Jack” Campbell, is employed by State Attorney Willie Meggs as an Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and State Attorney Willie Meggs—this crime family—operated deceptively in Tallahassee for more than two decades.

A few years ago, some Tallahassee citizens who keep up with law enforcement and judicial officials, discussed how Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell wanted Deputy Meggs, the son of State Attorney Willie Megss, to be his successor. Meanwhile, State Attorney Willie Meggs wanted Jack Campbell, the son of Sheriff Larry Campbell, to be his successor. By keeping the leadership roles of law enforcement and in the Leon County Courthouse—“all in the family”, the citizens of Tallahassee could be further subjected to judicial corruption.  A few citizens said that Deputy Meggs had no interest in becoming the next Leon County Sheriff. But that’s not what has been said about Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, who by his own words has stated that he “ordered judges to appoint certain attorneys to indigent defendants’ cases.” In a recent news article, it was reported that Jack Campbell has said that he will run for Florida’s 2^nd Judicial State Attorney if Willie Meggs’ declines to seek re-election. (Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit consists of six counties—Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Hamilton, Wakulla, and Madison.)

In June 2013, Governor Rick Scott suspended Liberty County Sheriff Nick Finch without pay, after allegation that Sheriff Finch order jailers to release an inmate. Instead of State Attorney Willie Meggs, himself, prosecuting the case, Willie Meggs assigned Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell as lead prosecutor. In October 2013, a jury acquitted Liberty County Sheriff Nick Finch. Sheriff Finch resumed his duties as sheriff.

In September 2014, State Attorney Willie Meggs filed documents seeking to have Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young in Contempt of Court.

Rewind back to late June 2012, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin—both employees of State Attorney Willie Meggs—arranged for the release of Leon County Jail inmate, 28-year-old Dawuan Williams to be released from the Leon County Jail within an hour of Mr. Williams agreeing to assist the State Attorney’s Office set up another Leon County Jail teenage inmate, DeShon Thomas. Mr. Williams was brought to the Leon County Jail from Tifton, Georgia by the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, after it was reported that he was wanted for the Armed Bank Robberies of two banks in Tallahassee. After Mr. Williams was released from the Leon County Jail, both State Attorney Willie Meggs’ office and the Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s office financially provided for Mr. Williams. Along with Mr. Williams, the State Attorney’s Office recruited Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Ronald O’Brien to smuggle contraband from Mr. Williams to DeShon Thomas into the Leon County Jail. Once the additional charges were filed against DeShon Thomas, Mr. Williams was no longer being financially supported by the State Attorney’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office.

In August 2012, it is believed that State Attorney Willie Meggs misled citizens in Leon County and other surrounding counties into believing that they were safe from Mr. Dawuan Williams—when in fact, they were not. Without any means of financial support, instead of Mr. Williams robbing more banks, it is documented that Mr. Williams went to neighboring Gadsden County and committed an Armed Home Invasion Robbery, a Kidnapping and a slew of other felony charges—adding to his own personal list of crime victims—thanks to State Attorney Willie Meggs and Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s offices.

Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Florida Department Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey, The Florida Bar, and the Judicial Qualifications Commission (an organization of Governor Scott’s favorable) have all refused to address complaints of corruption that is embedded in Tallahassee (Leon County) government. It’s no wonder why the citizens of Tallahassee recently voted to enact an Anti-Corruption Amendment for their city. Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida—what a disgrace it is for such a place to be plagued with so much corruption. Recently, it was reported that Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles Francis declined to appoint a single appointee to the newly created Ethics Board as it is stated for the Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge to appoint a member in the Anti-Corruption Amendment.  (Is anyone surprised by Chief Judge Charles Francis’ decision to decline to appoint someone?  Think about this—a few of the Second Circuit Judges were once Assistant Attorneys/Prosecutors of State Attorney Willie Meggs and co-workers of Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell. With Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell telling judges what to do—there’s no telling what State Attorney Willie Meggs—their once former boss—has told the judges what to do i.e. sign legal documents containing false information.

Governor Rick Scott’s mansion is less than five blocks away from the Leon County Courthouse where State Attorney Willie Meggs’ office is located. Governor Scott and State Attorney Willie Meggs have had the actions of two elected sheriffs—Finch and Young—both in the Second Judicial Circuit—appear in front of judges to defend their actions. While complaints about actions of both the Leon County Sheriff’s office and State Attorney Willie Meggs’ office filed with Governor Scott’s office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have gone without resolve.

Tallahassee, FL— On December 18, 2014, President Obama announced the creation of a Task Force on 21^st Century Policing. In part, the task force will examine how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and communities that they protect, while promoting effective crime reduction. Also, the task force is to engage in federal, state, tribal, and local officials; technical advisors; young leaders; and nongovernmental organizations to provide a transparent process to engage with the public.

As in any case, whether it is civil or criminal, from the time law enforcement files an incident report all the way through court proceedings, transparency is the key to having a fair and just outcome.

The Constitution of Florida (Ethics Law of Florida), Article II Section 8, which states—A public office is a public trust. The people shall have the right to secure and sustain that trust against abuse. No man can serve two masters. A situation which “tempts” to dishonor. The meaning and understanding of this law is clear—particularly—no man can serve two masters.

In 2011, shortly after Rick Scott took the oath as Governor of Florida, Mr. Scott promised a continuation of government transparency—the Office of Open Government, which is supposed to help Floridians gain easier access to public records.

On December 8, 2014, shortly after Rick Scott was re-elected governor, it was reported that Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles Frances ruled that Governor Scott had violated Public Records law by using his personal Gmail account to conduct state business. In addition to the ruling, hundreds of emails from Governor Scott’s personal Gmail account revealing state business being conducted were released to the public. (Governor Scott had all along denied having used his personal Gmail account to conduct state business.)

Between December 2011 and October 2013, the mother of DeShon Thomas, had been in contact with Governor Rick Scott’s office. The major charges against DeShon Thomas were Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. First, DeShon’s mother begged Governor Scott for a special prosecutor to be assigned to the case. Despite Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs, himself, not directly prosecuting the case, Mr. Meggs had assigned the case to one of his Assistant State Attorneys/Prosecutors to prosecute the case. The Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor in which Mr. Meggs had assigned to the case was John “Jack” Campbell. Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell is the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. The Leon County Sheriff’s office was in charge of the investigation involving the charges in which then 17-year-old DeShon was facing.

After DeShon had been in the Leon County Jail, in which Sheriff Larry Campbell was the overseer, DeShon and his mother had hired a private attorney by the name of Gregory Cummings. However, Mr. Cummings seemed to be struggling with doing what was best for DeShon, as a private paying client, and maintaining a certain “status/relationship” with Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Second Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson.

No man can serve two masters.

DeShon’s private attorney, Gregory Cummings, also represented indigent clients. Mr. Cummings, who has been working as an attorney for over thirty years, is registered with Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel’s Office as a contract attorney. The Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel’s Office receives criminal cases from the Leon County Clerk of Courts involving indigent clients. Often times the Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel’s Office has to outsource some of their cases to registered private attorneys. According to private attorneys and judges, there is a standard of procedure in order for registered private attorneys to be assigned cases. However, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, himself, has stated, “I have ordered judges to assign cases to certain attorneys.”

It is believed that Mr. Cummings struggled with trying to “serve two masters.” On one hand, Mr. Cummings was being directly paid as a private attorney to represent DeShon. But on the other hand, Mr. Cummings and Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell had worked a number of cases together. In the past, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell had given his son, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Mr. Cummings special privileges at the Leon County Jail. Without a doubt, Mr. Cummings had a close relationship Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell—who could “order judges” to provide income to certain attorneys registered with the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel.

No man can serve two masters.

Any adult who publicly denies being bias in public business involving his/her parent is a troubled adult. Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell denied being bias when prosecuting cases involving his dad’s agency—the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Yet, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell used several of his dad’s employees (deputies) to smuggle contraband into the Leon County Jail and commit perjury.

In November 2014, two Leon County Sheriff’s Deputies were ambushed by a lone gunman. One of the deputies and the gunman died at the scene. The day following the ambush, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to discuss the details leading up to the ambush. Front and center at the press conference was Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his forty-year-old son, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell. After Sheriff Larry Campbell spoke a few words to the media, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell spoke to the media. Absent from the press conference (or just maybe not in front of the cameras) was Second Judicial State Attorney Willie Meggs. Mr. Meggs has been the Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney for over 25 consecutive years. Considering Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell was at the press conference, Mr. Megg’s absence was highly noticeable. In fact, it proved that Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell is bias—and Mr. Meggs’ supports that bias.

A deputy killed in the line of duty is something that no sheriff wants to experience—but unfortunately—it happens. What do not happen are the appearance and a speech to the media from the State Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office—especially not by an Assistant State Attorney. Considering Mr. Meggs has made appearances to address the media when there was questions in regards to the investigation (or lack thereof) involving Florida State University and Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston, one could only see it as disrespectful to not make an appearance to address the community via media, after the ambush of two Leon County Sheriff’s Deputies, in which one deputy died. Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s presence at the press conference showed his support for his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell—which shows a natural, healthy relationship between father and son. But also shows that “no man can serve two masters.” Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell should have never been allowed to prosecute cases in which his dad’s agency had jurisdiction.

There were five attorneys on DeShon’s case at different times. After DeShon and his mother fired Mr. Cummings, DeShon’s case defaulted back to the court to assign an attorney. The Public Defender’s Office filed a Motion to Withdraw—which was granted. Then DeShon’s case was assigned to the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel’s Office. After six months the attorney resigned from the office. And the attorney who replaced him filed a Motion to Withdraw, that attorneys motion was denied.

Soon after the denial of the attorney’s Motion to Withdraw, DeShon learned that the presiding judge, Circuit Judge Hankinson, had been playing a role in purposely denying DeShon’s right to Due Process. After a complaint to Governor Scott’s Office, another circuit judge was assigned to DeShon’s case.

Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford picked up with the conspiracy where Circuit Judge Hankinson left off.

DeShon’s was convicted without key pieces of evidence ever being given to him and the public. Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, along with Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs withheld the victims’ autopsy reports and DeShon’s cell phone records provided by AT&T. None of DeShon’s attorneys shared the evidence with DeShon neither did they push for their release to the public.

Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell, along with Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs intentionally filed court documents containing false information. Along with Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs supported a man impersonating a law enforcement officer. This man, Don Odham, was a family friend of the Campbell’s. It was Mr. Odham who paved the way for 17-year-old DeShon Thomas, a full-time freshman at Tallahassee Community College and employee at a fast-food restaurant, to be charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder without any physical, material or circumstantial evidence against him. DeShon was convicted because of the refusal of transparency.

Are Police Chiefs, Sheriff’s and State Attorneys across the state of Florida using “fake cops” to win the convictions of innocent defendants in order to fill Florida’s Department of Corrections 143 facilities? Not only is DeShon innocent—but DeShon is an inmate in Florida Department of Corrections.

In 2014, shortly after DeShon’s conviction, it was reported that Governor Scott attended a fundraiser for his re-election campaign at the home of GEO Group Chief Executive Officer. GEO Group operates two of Florida’s prisons.

According to reports, in September 2014, the Florida of Department Corrections Chief Mike Crews fired 32 Correctional Officers over the abuse and death of inmates.

On November 6, 2014, Tallahassee reporter Mike Vasilinda posted an article in regards to a Correctional Officer who feared for his/her life and job if he/she reported the abuse which is the “culture” of the job. The Correctional Officer asked for anonymity.

On November 24, 2014, it was announced that the Florida Department of Corrections Chief Mike Crews was resigning. Mr. Crews was the third Department of Corrections Chief under Governor Scott. Currently, the position is being filled on an interim basis.

On December 16, 2014, in an abrupt manner, it was reported that longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey was replaced—his position is being filled on an interim basis.

On December 24, 2014, longtime Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell passed away. Governor Scott has the sheriff’s position being filled on an interim basis.

Recently, December 29, 2014, it was reported that one of the 32 Correctional Officers who was fired—a former captain—had committed suicide.

It was reported that Governor Scott spent nearly $100,000 of taxpayers money fighting to prevent emails from his Gmail account from being provided to the court. Next, Governor Scott began using his own personal money. Nearly three years later, the fight ended with Governor Scott having violated Public Records law. Could it be that Governor Scott fought so hard for so long because he knew that he was guilty of violating the law?

Could it be that Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs and Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and others have intentionally committed crimes and violated DeShon’s Constitutional Rights because they know that DeShon is innocent?

While other states have already announced their plans to reform their Criminal Justice System, in 2015, Florida State Legislature need to embrace President Obama’s 21^st Century Policing and move forward to reform Florida’s Criminal Justice System. No man can serve two masters. Florida State Legislature cannot move to protect Floridians from the abuses of the Criminal Justice System (President Obama’s 21 Century Policing) and allow prosecutors to work with their relatives and “fake cops” to keep Florida’s Department of Corrections 143 facilities full via wrongful convictions. DeShon Thomas is innocent!