Month: July 2015

Tallahassee, FL—On January 27, 2011, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Wolf Creek Subdivision in regards to a mother returning home and finding her 20-year-old daughter, Laqecia Herring and her 17-year-old son, Sterling Conner Jr. deceased. Both victims were found in the livingroom of their two-story townhome located in southwest Tallahassee. As a standard protocol, the crime scene was roped off as officials conducted their investigation.

Several officials with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office reported Detective Don Odham as to having located the Laqecia’s cell phone in an upstairs bedroom tucked between a wall and a mattress. In Detective Don Odham own reporting, Don Odham notes that he, himself located Laqecia’s cell phone. There is an evidence form filled out by Detective Don Odham logging Laqecia’s cell phone into evidence. So why then, during trial, did State Prosecutor Jack Campbell ask Leon County Sheriff Sergeant Brian Pearson, if he’d located a cell phone at the crime scene? And why then, did Sergeant Brian Pearson answer, “Yes”?

Detective Don Odham drafted the Summary of Offense for Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Probable Cause charging 17-year-old DeShon Thomas with murdering Laqecia and Sterling. DeShon Thomas pled INNOCENT! Detective Don Odham signed the Complaint charging DeShon with murders. Without Detective Don Odham’s reports and documents, Chief Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappelman would not have been able to get a Grand Jury Indictment against DeShon on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. Detective Don Odham played a HUGE role in DeShon being charged with the murders. So again, why then, did Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, who approved the Summary of Offense for Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Probable Cause report that Leon County Sheriff’s Detective Don Odham drafted and filed—why during DeShon Thomas’ trial, did State Prosecutor Jack Campbell ask Leon County Sheriff Sergeant Brian Pearson, if he’d located a cell phone at the crime scene? And in turn, Sergeant Brian Pearson answered, Yes.

Had Sergeant Brian Pearson answered, no, to State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s question about the cell phone, then DeShon Thomas’ case would’ve been exonerated. Leon County Sheriff Detective Don Odham set the foundation for 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas, to be charged with Two Counts of Degree Murder. The truth of the matter is Don Odham NEVER worked for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Don Odham was a family friend to both Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell. Had Leon County Sheriff Sergeant Brian Pearson answered, no, to State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s question about the cell phone, then the deception of Sheriff Larry Campbell and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell would’ve been exposed. Sheriff Larry Campbell allowing a non-employee to impersonate a Crime Scene Detective is illegal. Chief Assistant Georgia Cappleman would not have gotten the Grand Jury to Indict DeShon Thomas using the reports and documents from a “Fake Cop”.

Was it smart for State Attorney Willie Meggs to assign Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell as prosecutor on cases where his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, was the leader of investigating team? Some Leon County Sheriff’s Officials have retired drawing six-figure salaries. So for those who want big pay checks, the decision becomes LIE or patrol parades.

Unfortunately, money fuels corruption in a judicial system that claims a person is Innocent until proven Guilty. DeShon Thomas’ mother paid a local defense attorney named, Greg Cummings, nearly $30,000 to represent DeShon. No way does DeShon’s mother have as much money and resources as The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Office. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Office met with Walter Cole Rayborn and Dawuan Williams, prior to DeShon’s trial.The meeting was to entrap DeShon in a Solicitation to Commit Murder plot against Trentin Ross. Greg Cummings was DeShon’s attorney at the time of the entrapment. However, Greg Cummings had heard that DeShon’s mother was looking to replace him. Greg Cummings got that information from other attorneys whom DeShon’s mother had been consulting. Greg Cummings was fired for a number of reasons—failure to disclose information, failure to communicate, etc. Neither Greg Cummings or DeShon’s court appointed attorneys would accept DeShon’s mother’s offer to hire a private investigator to assist on the case. Nobody whose paycheck came from Florida taxpayers was interested in DeShon Thomas receiving a fair and just trial. Even Greg Cummings, who was registered with the Regional Conflict Counsel’s office, double as a private and public attorney—so he too received a paycheck from Florida taxpayers on a more than regular basis.  The presiding judge, Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson, was a former Assistant State Attorney for State Attorney Willie Meggs, as well as an Assistant U.S. State Attorney for Florida’s 1^st District Department of Justice located in Tallahassee. After two years as the presiding judge, Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson was replaced with Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford. Again, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was a former Assistant State Attorney for State Attorney Willie Meggs. In addition, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was a former co-worker of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell. Instead of the two circuit judges presiding ethically and lawfully, they chose to violate DeShon’s basic U.S. Constitutional Rights. For nearly three years, DeShon’s judicial proceedings were more like DeShon Thomas and his family vs. The Blue Wall of Silence. DeShon is INNOCENT.

Don Odham should have NEVER been allowed to impersonate a law enforcement officer. DeShon Thomas’ case was not the only case that Don Odham was allowed to act as both crime scene detective and detective. However, it is believed that DeShon Thomas’ case was the only case in where Sheriff Larry Campbell replaced Lead Detective Melinda McBride and her team of veteran detectives, and assigned Don Odham as Lead Detective making Don Odham the 2^nd Lead Detective. It is noted that other detectives and deputies who were working on the investigation case quickly backed away from Don Odham, not having or wanting anything to do with him at all. Some deputies even calling Don Odham a “Disgrace.”

On the TV One popular show Fatal Attraction, Don Odham is shown entering into an Interrogation room on February 4, 2011. Don Odham is in the room with State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s key witness, Trentin Ross. Don Odham in the Interrogation Room underscores how Don Odham was allowed to Impersonate a detective.

During DeShon’s trial, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and DeShon’s defense attorney, Regional Counsel Director Daren Shippy when questioning witnesses referred to Don Odham as Detective Odham. However, when Don Odham was on the witness stand, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell labeled Don Odham as a Reserve Deputy—a volunteer. According to the Florida County Sheriff’s Association, there is a guideline that Reserve Deputy’s must follow and Reserve Deputies are limited to what they can and cannot do. They must be in official uniform and they may not work as detectives. “Reserve Deputies are to augment full-time law enforcement officials”—not replace full-time deputies working criminal cases. As shown in pictures taken at the crime scene and on the T.V. show, Don Odham is dressed in plain clothes—depicting a detective.

Also, during DeShon Thomas’ trial, Don Odham, a wealthy businessman, would not allow his pride to be tarnished. Don Odham NEVER acknowledged being a volunteer deputy. Instead, when asked by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell about being a Reserve Deputy, Don Odham skirted over the question—and then told jurors that he’d been assigned his own patrol car, blah, blah, blah. During DeShon’s trial, Don Odham was limited to “Monkey listen, Monkey Say,” status.

While Don Odham may have debuted in Fatal Attraction: Crippled by Blood, Don Odham is no Don Johnson. Don Johnson’s smile is priceless. The only image viewer’s got of Don Odham was the top of his balding head. Don Johnson got paid for his role in the hit series Miami Vice. Don Odham got a group of people to commit criminal acts and Bully an INNOCENT child into prison. Don Odham will NEVER be a bigger man than DeShon Thomas. Never!

Tallahassee, FL—Recently, both political parties have agreed on one particular topic, the reformation of the Criminal Justice System. Some politicians have called the Criminal Justice System operating on the state level, “out of control.”

The year 2014, was a record year for the exoneration of prison inmates across the United States. One hundred and fifty exonerations were registered with the Innocence Project. Some of those prison inmates who were exonerated had spent years on Death Row waiting to be put to death. If it had not been for brave defense attorneys willing to expose gross prosecutorial misconduct and exposure of judges who violate the Constitutional Rights of defendants, then hundreds, if not thousands of innocent prison inmates would still be sitting in prison slowly dying. Prosecutors have wide discretion when it comes to prosecuting cases and sentencing guidelines. There are a lot of plea deals that occur on cases that may not always be beneficial to the defendant.

For instances, a defendant who is offered a plea deal, just because the prosecutor has the “power to do so,” does not benefit the defendant. A defendant who commits a heinous crime may need mental health treatment more than just a plea deal. And a defendant who is denied the full ability to exercise his/her Constitutional Rights during their judicial proceedings—a guilty verdict is not justifiable—and does not bring about justice to the victims family. Wrongful convictions occur mainly because of prosecutorial misconduct on the basis that the prosecutor was not transparent during judicial proceedings. Just the thought of being a juror on a case where you convicted an innocent man to a life sentence or a death sentence is disheartening. So now who is to blame? Jurors can only rely on the sources that they received during the judicial proceedings. Most jurors believe that it is mandatory for prosecutors to be transparent during trial. How would you feel if you open up a newspaper or tuned in to the evening news and learned that a man or woman who spent ten years in prison was wrongly convicted? And then you saw that the man or woman was the defendant in the case that you served on a juror and you voted guilty? Now, how would you feel? Your immediate thought would probably be who lied to you or what information was withheld from you and your fellow jurors?

The New York Times and TV One are regarded as creditable media sources. They both have thousands, if not millions of faithful subscribers and viewers. As being regarded as creditable media sources, their subscribers and viewers trust them to be transparent in their reporting. Of course there is not a media source that reports on a 360 degree spin, but there’s no need to intentionally “dupe” your audience in to believing that reports are truthful to the best of their knowledge knowing that they’re not. Everyone knows that the opinion of the American people is strong! There are not very many creditable media sources still in existence. So for media source with such a far wide and vast audience—why chose to withhold anything? Especially when the reporting is seeking opinions from subscribers and viewers.

On January 4, 2013, The New York Times Magazine published an article by Paul Tullis titled, “Can Forgiveness Play a Role in Criminal Justice?” The article of the event happened in Tallahassee, Florida.  Eighteen-year-old Ann Grosmaire’s parent ability to immediately forgive the murderer of their daughter and the impact their forgiveness played in the judicial proceedings of her murderer. In March 2010, the murderer,  nineteen-year-old, Conor McBride, walked into the Tallahassee Police Department and confessed to using a shotgun to shoot his girlfriend, Ann Grosmaire. Conor told officers that prior to shooting Ann in the head, the two of them had been arguing. When the police went to Conor McBride’s parent home, where the shooting occurred, the police found Ann lying on the floor, she was barely alive. Ann’s parents kept her on life support. Meanwhile, as Ann was in the hospital without a brain in her head, Ann’s mother went to visit Conor at the Leon County Jail. Assuming the shooting was accidental, Ann’s parents immediately forgave Conor. After Ann was removed from life support, naturally she passed away (one cannot live on their own without a brain). Unnaturally, in an effort to ensure that Conor received a second chance in life, Ann’s parents quickly teamed up with Conor’s parents, as well as Greg Cummings (Conor’s attorney) and the Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office led by State Attorney Willie Meggs. As he often did with most high profile cases, State Attorney Willie Meggs assigned Conor’s case to Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell to prosecute. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell informed Ann’s parent that he could reduce charges and seek alternative sentences—possibly five years for manslaughter. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell made arrangements for Conor, who was in the Leon County Jail, to have a physical contact meeting with his parents and Ann’s parents. Ann’s mother was allowed to bring a large framed photo of Ann (the photo was supposed to represent Ann’s presence). A woman named Sujatha Baliga, was flown in from California. Ms. Baliga, a former public defender who specializes in restorative-justice, was brought in by Ann’s parents to moderate the meeting. It wasn’t until the writing was on the wall (during that particular meeting) as to when Ann’s parents learned that Conor’s actions were not accidental—yet, very much so intentional. Ann’s parents learned about things that Conor’s parents, Greg Cummings, and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell had known all along—Conor had a bad temper, and Conor had a history of physically and mentally abusing their daughter, Ann. Never did Conor’s parents inform Ann’s parents about the abuse. When Ann was alive, she hid the abuse from her own parents—who apparently loved Conor as if he were Ann’s husband. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell was not transparent with Ann’s family. Ann’s dad, who was studying to be a Deacon, had been out rallying members of his church and the community to embrace their understanding and reasoning for forgiving Conor and wanting Conor to have a second chance at life. All of those speeches that Ann’s dad gave—and all the while Ann’s family was in the dark about how their daughter cried and begged for her life, before Conor, the boy with a bad temper, pointed the barrel of the shotgun to her face and pulled the trigger. What was Ann’s parent to do, now? State Prosecutor Jack Campbell offered Conor 20 years in prison plus 10 years probation. Conor accepted the plea deal. Conor McBride, the teenager who blew his girlfriend’s brains out in cold blood with a shotgun, will be back in society before age forty.

The article, “Can Forgiveness Play a Role in Criminal Justice?” was popular! There were over 475 comments online. There were several comments from victims of domestic violence denouncing Conor’s sentence and the role “Forgiveness” played in Conor’s judicial proceedings—giving him a second chance at life, despite having taken Ann’s life. Conor was not a juvenile. Conor was an adult who was fully aware of his heinous crime and its consequences. On January 7, 2013, the parents of Anne Grosmaire appeared on the Today Show. Ann’s dad, who was studying to become a Deacon, stood by his forgiveness, but appeared to be struggling with the lost of Ann.

On Monday, July 20, 2015, TV One aired an episode of their hit show Fatal Attraction: ‘Crippled By Blood.’ The episode is about events set in Tallahassee, Florida. Full-time Tallahassee Community College freshman, seventeen-year-old, DeShon Thomas, who was convicted of the January 2011 murders of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, 20-year-old, Laqecia Herring and her 17-year-old brother, Sterling Conner Jr. The episode sums up the murders as an “unthinkable tragedy.” DeShon, who also worked nearly forty hours a week at Taco Bell, was at work texting Laqecia asking Laqecia about threats on her life that he’d seen on Facebook. Laqecia had ended the relationship with DeShon months earlier, but they remained friends. DeShon understood that a threat to Laqecia’s life was a threat to his unborn child’s life. In the text message exchange, DeShon asked Laqecia about her brother, Sterling. A month after DeShon was charged with the murders, in March 2011, while waiting to be assigned an attorney, DeShon was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. And then in August 2012, while still in the Leon County Jail awaiting trial, DeShon was charged with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder—informing that DeShon was a Blood gang member. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell was the lead investigating agency over the cases. DeShon pled not guilty to all charges. The Fatal Attraction show does not feature anyone directly representing the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. There are two employees with the Second Judicial State Attorney’s Office (State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Office)—and those two are Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell and State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin.  Don Odham, a “Pay-to-Play Cop, is shown in the interrogation room with the key witness. What is not depicted in the show is the corruption that riddled DeShon’s judicial process.  Several of DeShon’s defense attorneys, both private and court appointed attorney, deliberately withheld exculpatory evidence. There were two Second Circuit Judges who denied DeShon his Constitutional Rights and so on and so forth.

Media sources, such as the New York Times and TV One, really should be more responsible when it comes to their reporting. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, who is highlighted in both18-year-old, Ann Grosmaire’s gruesome murder case and 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas’ wrongful conviction case had a connection that probably no one else in a State Attorney’s Office has—and that is exclusive access to the Leon County Jail and power over the entire Leon County Judicial System, including the judges. The average citizen, the average reader, the average subscriber, the average viewer, was never told that Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell is the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell.

In the case of Ann Grosmaire, “forgiveness” is for the family. The judicial system, when laws are applied properly, is to deliver justice—not just to the victim’s family but to American citizens. Conor’s cold-blooded murdering mindset is within. Conor did not accept the plea deal because he was remorseful for having murdered Ann—Conor accepted the plea deal because Ann’s parents were forgiving him for having murdered Ann. If State Prosecutor Jack Campbell was not the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, the meeting that occurred at the Leon County Jail would’ve never happened. All jail facility security protocol was breached in order for that meeting to occur in a private room within the Leon County Jail. It is completely against the Standard Operation of Procedures in all jails across the United States for an accused murderer to have a contact visit with his victim’s family, let alone the murder’s family. During the meeting, Conor’s mother and father were able to hug and kiss their son. Ann’s parents will never hug and kiss their daughter on this earth again. No wedding, no grandkids—they have nothing but a framed picture and memories. In the state of Florida, it is the responsibility of the county’s sheriff to oversee jail operations. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell allowing that meeting to occur at the Leon County Jail was done as a favor to his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell—to build up Jack Campbell’s ego, his career and get Jack Campbell notoriety i.e. The New York Times article, “Can Forgiveness Play a Role in Criminal Justice.”

In the case of DeShon Thomas, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell utilized a close family friend named Don Odham, to conspire against DeShon. Don Odham, a “Pay-to-Play Cop,” replaced Lead Detective Melinda McBride and her team of veteran detectives to work the double homicide case. Don Odham, who was referred to as “Leon County Sheriff Detective Don Odham,” was never an employee with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. However, there are numerous legal documents, including probable cause reports, a formal complaint, along with information that had been presented to the grand jury referring to Don Odham as “Leon County Sheriff Detective Don Odham.” In the Fatal Attraction show, Don Odham is shown in the room with Tom (Trentin Ross) the key witness against DeShon. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell as the investigating agency on the double homicide case and his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell prosecuting the case is surely bias. The jury was not made aware of the fact that State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s dad was the signor on the paycheck of every Leon County Sheriff’s Office employee who provided witness testimony. Very few people may care about Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s big ego in little ol’ Tallahassee. But everyone knows that if in fact, there was enough evidence to convict DeShon of the crimes in which he has now been convicted then there would be no use for a “Play-to-Pay Cop”.  In the Fatal Attraction show, Trentin Ross is seen grasping his chest stating that he is about to have a “heart attack.” Instead of detectives rendering aid or contacting EMT, they continue to pressure him—“Bully” him. Trentin Ross’ incriminating statements are false.

DeShon’s mother, who has spent the majority of her life championing for children and young adults to be treated fair and with respect, will continue to support her son. Neither DeShon nor his family will allow any print, online or T.V reporting or dramatic show to hinder their pursuit for justice.

The New York Times and TV One are just media sources—creditable media sources…?

Tallahassee, FL—Jackie Fulford, who worked many years as Chief Assistant State Attorney for Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs, before being appointed to the bench to replace a retiring judge in 2009, is currently facing multiple counts of misconduct charged by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. In 2010, Circuit Judge Fulford ran unopposed and retained her position on the bench. Circuit Judge Fulford mainly presided over cases in the Wakulla County Courthouse in the city of Crawfordville, which is located twenty minutes from State Attorney Willie Meggs’ main office located inside of the Leon County Courthouse in the city of Tallahassee.

In June 2013, Circuit Judge Fulford spontaneously replaced Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson as the presiding judge in Leon County double murder and solicitation to commit first degree murder case, State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas. The replacement occurred shortly after DeShon’s mother contacted Governor Rick Scott in regards to what DeShon’s mother believed to be a conspiracy building for over two years in the criminal prosecution of her 17-year-old son, DeShon Thomas. In the case, State of Florida vs. DeShon Thomas, DeShon had been charged with the January 2011 double murders of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her younger brother. DeShon, a Black male, was a freshman at Tallahassee Community College and was working at Taco Bell at the time of being charged with the murders. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell alleged that DeShon murdered 20-year-old, Laqecia Herring because he did not want to pay child support and murdered her 17-year-old brother, Sterling Conner Jr. at the same time because of a gang relationship gone bad. Although the murder weapon had not been located, following the double murder charge, in March 2011, DeShon was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. Case events were occurring on DeShon’s case and motions granting DeShon court appointed attorneys were withheld from the Leon County Clerk of Courts by Circuit Judge Hankinson. As DeShon was awaiting trial, in August 2012, the State Attorney’s Office, not the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, charged DeShon with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder of a witness in the double murder case, Trentin Ross. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson signed the Summary of Offense for Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder and Probable Cause, as well as the Arrest Warrant.

The solicitation charge came about immediately following DeShon’s firing of his private paid attorney, Greg Cummings, whom DeShon’s mother had paid nearly $30,000. DeShon’s mother advised DeShon to fire Greg Cummings, for several reasons. According to Greg Cummings, DeShon was sitting in the Leon County Jail solely because of incriminating statements that Trentin Ross had provided to Leon County Sheriff Detective Don Odham. There was no physical evidence connecting DeShon to the murders. In July 2012, a month before his firing, Greg Cummings had not yet deposed and did not seem interested in seriously deposing Trentin Ross. In addition, Greg Cummings was deliberately ensuring that no one, not even DeShon, had access to the victims’ autopsy reports. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell refused to allow the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office to make public the victims’ autopsy reports. Dr. Anthony Clark had performed the victims’ autopsies. When DeShon’s mother heard from a source close to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office that Don Odham was not an employee with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, DeShon’s mother repeatedly asked Greg Cummings about Don Odham being a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective—never getting a response. DeShon’s Pre-trial Hearing was rescheduled more than four times due to State Prosecutor Jack Campbell repeatedly filing motions—Motion for Continuance. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, Greg Cummings and Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson were deliberately delaying DeShon’s trial and withholding exculpatory (favorable) evidence, thus violating DeShon’s Constitutional Rights.

When Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was brought onto the case, DeShon and his mother was hoping for fairness, for someone to protect DeShon’s Constitutional Rights. DeShon had nearly four court appointed attorneys who’d all filed motions to withdraw, without bringing any evidence out. Seemingly, no defense attorney wanted to argue DeShon’s case against State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Most of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s witnesses were his dad’s employees—staff members of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. As DeShon’s mother quickly realized, Circuit Judge Fulford was following along with whatever direction that her former colleague, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, instructed her in order to ensure DeShon’s conviction.

In October 2013, three months after Circuit Judge Fulford began presiding over DeShon’s case, she allowed perjured testimony to go to the jury. Subsequently, DeShon was found guilty on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. In December 2013, DeShon pled No Contest to Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent, a charge that had only been severed from the murder charges days before the October trial. Circuit Judge Fulford accepted the plea and then sentenced DeShon to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years.

Since Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford presided over DeShon’s trial, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford remained in Leon County. Circuit Judge Fulford presided over the State of Florida vs. Logan Murphy. In September 2013, Logan Murphy, a White male, brought a gun into the Butler Family’s home and shot their son, 17-year-old, Robert Butler, a Black male. Robert Butler’s parents were outraged! His parents had no idea that Logan Murphy had brought a gun into their peaceful home. Despite immediately having the shooter, eyewitnesses and the murder weapon, there was no immediate arrest made by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. And when the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Logan Murphy, State Attorney Willie Meggs charged Logan Murphy as an adult. However, State Attorney Willie Meggs did not charge Logan Murphy with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. In 2014, Logan Murphy entered a plea of No Contest to manslaughter charges. Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford sentenced Logan Murphy to three years in a juvenile detention facility and 15 years of probation. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell withheld adjudication therefore, upon Logan Murphy’s release from the juvenile detention facility. Logan Murphy will not be a convicted felon. Robert Butler’s family, again, was outraged. Only this time about the outcome of the case—the Butler family was victimized three times—once by Logan Murphy, second by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and thirdly, by Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford.

In February 2015, again, in Leon County, as Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford presided over a Death Penalty case, the State of Florida vs. Henry Segura case, Mr. Segura’s defense attorney, Chuck Hobbs, sought out to have an inmate in an out of state institution submit a DNA test, to see if the inmate could be connected to the crime scene. Henry Segura, a young Black male, was charged in 2012 with the November 2010 murders of a young mother, her twin six year-old daughters and her three-year-old son. Mr. Segura was the father of the 3-year-old. Police allege that Mr. Segura murdered the victims because he did not want to pay child support. If convicted, Mr. Segura could be put to Death.

In April 2015, the JQC announced that Circuit Judge Fulford was being charged with three counts of misconduct. At least one of the counts of misconduct occurred prior to Circuit Judge Fulford presiding over DeShon Thomas’ trial and sentencing, as well as accepting Logan Murphy’s plea of no contest and light-handed sentence. Circuit Judge Fulford was not the original presiding judge on Mr. Henry Segura’s case, however, at least one count of misconduct that Circuit Judge Fulford has been charged, occurred before she began presiding on Mr. Segura’s Death Penalty case.

None of the counts of misconduct that Circuit Judge Fulford is facing has anything to do with the three above named cases. However, it was not until soon after the JQC announced their charges of Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, as to when a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement came forward about having been told to withhold DNA findings that had been forwarded to her by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In the report was possible exculpatory evidence in Mr. Segura’s case. The prosecutor on Mr. Segura’s case, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, was two weeks away from selecting a jury to decide whether Mr. Segura murdered four helpless people, including his own son. Mr. Segura’s trial has been delayed. Mr. Segura has been in the Leon County Jail for nearly four years without any shred of physical evidence against him.

Following the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s denial to dismiss charges of misconduct against Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, two letters of support from the legal community have been filed by Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford’s defense team. One of the letters of support has come from local Tallahassee attorney, Benjamin Crump of Parks and Crump Attorney at Law. Mr. Benjamin Crump is a highly acclaimed attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases.

Another letter of support has come from Donald M. Hinkle of Hinkle and Foran Attorney at Law. Mr. Donald Hinkle has had a successful career in medical malpractice cases.

As Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford desperately seeks the support from the legal community to have a positive impact on her misconduct case, the families of defendants and victims whose cases Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford presided over with a favorable mindset (bias) to her former colleague, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, continue to desperately seek justice for the life and death of their loved ones.

Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford should never be allowed to preside over another case in any courtroom.

Click on the link below to view letters of support.

Click to access Filed_07-14-2015_JQC_Notice_Filing.pdf

Tallahassee, FL—In early 2011, Gary Michael Hilton was convicted in the decapitation of Cheryl Dunlap, a 46-year-old North Florida school teacher whose body was found in the Apalachicola National Forest. Sixty-four-year-old, Gary Michael Hilton, was a drifter, who was also charged with the kidnapping and the decapitation of Meredith Hope on Blood Mountain located in North Georgia in 2008. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson sentenced Gary Michael Hilton to death.

In 2013, the mother of DeShon Thomas contacted Florida Governor Rick Scott in regards to Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson conspiring against her son, DeShon. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson had been presiding over DeShon’s case for more than two years. In those two years, Judge Hankinson, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and DeShon’s private paid Defense Attorney Greg Cummings were conspiring to have DeShon convicted on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. Within days of DeShon firing Greg Cummings, Judge Hankinson approved probable cause and signed an arrest warrant charging DeShon with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder of that of a witness in the case. For more than two years Judge Hankinson directly violated DeShon’s Constitutional Rights.

In 2011, DeShon Thomas, a 17-year-old freshman at Tallahassee Community College, had been arrested and charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. DeShon pled Not Guilty. DeShon’s case process was being handled by Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, whose agency was investigating the double murders, and then his son, Jack Campbell, was prosecuting the case. State Attorney Willie Meggs overlooked forty plus of his Assistant State Attorneys and specifically assigned Jack Campbell as prosecutor. DeShon’s mother believed this type of father/son judicial interaction was extremely bias—and was sure to have many problems. After DeShon’s mother had repeatedly been told that there was nothing unethical about the father/son working together, DeShon’s mother knew to keep a close eye on all involved. DeShon’s mother learned that numerous local Tallahassee defense attorneys feared going into the courtroom against State Prosecutor Jack Campbell due to favoritism shown by judges and all other local state agencies. Several sitting Circuit Judges, including James C. Hankinson worked as Assistant State Attorneys under Willie Meggs before being elected/appointed to their bench. Immediately after DeShon’s mother contacted Governor Scott about Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson’s violations of DeShon’s rights, Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson was replaced by Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, another former Assistant State Attorney who worked under State Attorney Willie Meggs and alongside of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell. The issue with Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson immediately being replaced was that for two years Governor Scott’s response was that he could not get involved with ongoing criminal investigations.

Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford came along and picked up where Judge Hankinson left off. She also violated DeShon’s Constitutional Rights. In October 2013, four months after Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford began presiding over DeShon’s case, DeShon was convicted on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. DeShon was instructed to take a plea on the charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. In December 2013, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford sentenced DeShon to Two Life Sentence plus 30 years.

In 2014, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford began presiding over a quadruple murder case. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell is the prosecutor on the case. The defendant in the case, Henry Segura, is facing the Death Penalty if found guilty. Early on in this case, Mr. Segura had another judge. Mr. Segura’s defense attorney, Chuck Hobbs, complained to that judge about what he believed to be violations by jail officials. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, also was the overseer of the Leon County Jail where Mr. Segura is being held in solitary confinement awaiting trial. Mr. Hobbs had asked the courts that due to the biasness and harassment of his client,Mr. Segura, that Mr. Segura be moved to a jail in a nearby county. Mr. Segura remains in the Leon County Jail.

In April 2015, it was announced that Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was being investigated by the Judicial Qualifications Commission for numerous counts of misconduct. Shortly after the announcement, Judge Jackie Fulford removed herself from the bench. The counts of misconduct occurred before and after Judge Jackie Fulford began presiding over DeShon Thomas’ case and Mr. Segura’s Death Penalty case.

In June 2015, a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Tallahassee came forward about having been ordered not to provide officials with evidence that had been forwarded to her from the Federal Bureau of Investigations in Mr. Segura’s case. The evidence is favorable to Mr. Segura’s defense.

Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson and Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford have presided over Death Penalty cases that demanded high quality morals and judicial ethics. The two judges being named in regards to conspiring against a minor child should bother everyone in Florida and in the World. DeShon was 17-years-old when he was charged with heinous crimes. DeShon was 19-years-old when he was charged with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. DeShon was 20-years-old when he was sent to prison. Nonetheless, DeShon was a minor child when his life was abruptly turned upside down and judicial officials began conspiring against him. Had DeShon been 18-years-old at the time of his arrest, DeShon would have been facing the Death Penalty. And had there been the same conspiring judicial paths to get State Prosecutor Jack Campbell a guilty verdict—DeShon would be on Death Row. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson and Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford should never be allowed to preside over another case again.

The Florida Supreme Court should help protect Floridians.

Tallahassee, FL—In 2011, nearly ten months after seventeen-year-old, DeShon Thomas, was charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent, the mother of DeShon Thomas contacted Florida Governor Rick Scott’s Office in regards to what she believed was disturbing issues of her son’s judicial process. The double murders were being investigated by Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. State Attorney Willie Meggs had overlooked forty plus of his other Assistant State Attorneys and assigned his Assistant State Attorney, Jack Campbell, to prosecute DeShon’s case. Jack Campbell is the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Another disturbing issue, DeShon’s private defense attorney, Greg Cummings, whom DeShon’s mother was paying thousands of dollars, had not provided the victims autopsy reports or conducted any depositions on record. These issues and others were definitely hindering DeShon’s case from proceeding through the court. DeShon, who pleaded NOT GUILTY, was sitting in the Leon County Jail awaiting his day in court, with absolutely nothing occurring with his case. In part, DeShon’s mother was seeking a special prosecutor to prosecute the case. With State Attorney Willie Meggs’ son, Wiley Meggs, working as Leon County Sheriff’s Sergeant, maybe State Attorney Willie Meggs was having some issues going after his son’s boss. And commonsense should tell a person that a son should not be prosecuting cases that his dad, an elected official, is directly involved (Sheriff Campbell and Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell (really)).  In response to DeShon’s mother contacting Governor Scott, DeShon’s mother was told that he (Governor Scott) could not get involved with ongoing criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, DeShon’s mother continued paying money to Greg Cummings. Also, DeShon’s mother began reaching out to several people seeking advice in what a “blind man” could see were some serious issues with DeShon’s case process. One of the people who DeShon’s mother contacted was Mr. Sandy D’Alemberte, former president of Florida State University and former president of the American Bar Association. Mr. D’Alemberte has extensive knowledge of Civil Rights. In 2012, Mr. D’Alemberte, along with the Florida Innocence Project, was present when Governor Rick Scott apologized to wrongfully convicted William Dillon for the 27 years he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. (Article by Aaron Deslatte, Tallahassee Bureau Chief titled, “Scott apologizes, signs bill giving William Dillon $1.35M” 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-dillon-claims-bill-passes-20120301-story.html )

At first, the communication exchange between Mr. D’Alemberte and DeShon’s mother was great! Mr. D’Alemberte was eager to review court documents. After DeShon’s mother sent him documents that she’d obtained from the Leon County Courthouse, it was clear that Mr. D’Alemberte was floored by documents that he’d reviewed. Mr. D’Alemberte truly believed that there had to be something missing from the court documents, something had to be missing. DeShon’s case was nearly two years old and there was nothing more than a court docket and few pages. Mr. D’Alemberte contacted his resources. There were a few other exchanges in communication –and then nothing. The communication between Mr. D’Alemberte and DeShon’s mother was left open end.

In mid-2013, DeShon’s mother contacted Governor Scott again. After having fired Greg Cummings as DeShon’s attorney and then reviewing DeShon’s court records, DeShon’s mother began to realize that there was more than just State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Greg Cummings being sinister in their actions. DeShon’s mother began looking at the judge. By all means, a part of Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson’s job was to ensure that DeShon’s Constitutional Rights were not being violated. As DeShon’s mother looked closer at DeShon’s case, it was clear that Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson had been violating DeShon’s Constitutional Rights. In her letter to Governor Scott, DeShon’s mother explained to Governor Scott that she strongly believed that Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson had purposely withheld court documents from the Leon County Clerk of Courts (public records) and that he (Hankinson) had been conducting case events on DeShon’s case outside of DeShon’s presence—without DeShon’s knowledge. Immediately following DeShon’s mother’s letter to Governor Scott, the next action on DeShon’s case was a new presiding judge. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson was replaced with Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford. (At a later date, a copy of the letter that was sent to Governor Scott was posted to this blog site.)

Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, a former Assistant State Attorney for Willie Meggs, did not make the case process any better. Listening to Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s instructions, she also violated DeShon’s Constitutional Rights. On October 18, 2013, DeShon was convicted. In December 2013, DeShon was sentenced to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years. (Currently, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford is off of the bench as she is being investigated by the Judicial Qualifications Commission for three counts of misconduct—including violation (s) that occurred prior to her replacing Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson.)

In retaliation for the August 2012 firing of Greg Cummings, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and State Attorney Willie Meggs charged DeShon with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson approved a Summary of Offense for Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder against Trentin Ross that had been prepared by State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin. DeShon, who was still in the Leon County Jail, was put in solitary confinement and had all of his privileges taken away. Unable to have visitors or call home, DeShon was not able to make arrangements with his mother for another private attorney. DeShon was assigned several court appointed attorneys, whom all immediately filed Motions to Withdraw. DeShon’s case finally settled with Jeff Lewis’ office—1^st Regional Counsel.

In the Summary of Offense for Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder, State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin named Dawuan Williams and Walter Cole Rayborn as the Leon County Jail inmates who had direct information about DeShon having plotted to have State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s key witness in the double murder case, Trentin Ross, murdered. Dawuan Williams, a twice convicted felon, had been delivered to the Leon County Jail by the Southeast Regional Task Force and the Tifton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, on two warrants in Tallahassee for robbing two banks. Shortly thereafter, Dawuan Williams was introduced to DeShon. Dawuan Williams was immediately provided with his freedom and money from the Leon County Sheriff and State Attorney’s Office. After Dawuan Williams followed instruction by both the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office, Dawuan Williams disappeared into society. In less than six months of being released from the Leon County Jail, Dawuan Williams was arrested in a neighboring county for Armed Home Invasion Robbery with Kidnapping and other charges. Dawuan Williams is currently facing more than fifty years in prison.

Upon Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford presiding over DeShon’s case, Judge Fulford did not disclose to the court that she is a close family friend of Walter Cole Rayborn’s family. Walter Cole Rayborn, a convicted felon with a lengthy arrest record, was recently named in the execution style double murder of two young men in Tallahassee. The victims, Cornelius Poole and Lance Love, where found in a bathtub—they’d been bound and shot in the head. They there was an attempt to set the apartment (Lance’s) on fire. Walter Cole Rayborn’s court documents show that he was constantly given special treatment by the court and the Leon County Sheriff’s office in spite of the seriousness of his offenses.

Did Governor Scott “meddle” in the double murder case against 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas? If so, it would not be the first time Governor Scott has been accused of meddling. Could it be that State Attorney Willie Meggs’ refusal to investigate Governor Scott in regards to FDLE Sunshine State Law violation, a case that Governor Scott has been accused of meddling, could it possibly be that in part of State Attorney Willie Meggs’ refusal to investigate Governor Scott is because of Governor Scott’s meddling in DeShon Thomas’ case? Surely it is not a coincidence that Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson was spontaneously replaced by Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford—just because. Governor Scott had the authority to put a special prosecutor on DeShon’s case—but would not. (Criminals Protecting Criminals in Tallahassee—leading to wrongly convicting children.)

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article8602808.html

Tallahassee, FL—We the People of Florida, greatly depend on our state Legislators to protect our rights. There should be no difference in judicial proceedings in Central Florida and judicial proceedings in Tallahassee—or anywhere else in Florida for that matter. A defense attorney from Central Florida called the Leon County Courthouse, spoke with someone in State Attorney Willie Meggs’ office and the woman said, “That’s not the way we do things here in Leon County.” The Basic Principles of Ethics in Florida starts as follows:

 A public office is a public trust. The people shall have the right to secure and sustain that trust against abuse. Article II Section 8. Constitution of the State of Florida: No man can serve two masters. A situation which “tempts” to dishonor.

NO MAN CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS. A SITUATION WHICH “TEMPTS” TO DISHONOR.

Too many Black youths have been sent to Florida prisons based on criminal investigations that were handled by the late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, and then handed over to Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs and then assigned to be prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell (Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son). This assignment of cases to be prosecuted by State Attorney Willie Meggs widely opened the door for Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell and all of Sheriff Larry Campbell’s employees within the Leon County Sheriff’s Office—to serve two masters—putting these individuals in a position that may tempt them to dishonor their responsibilities. Although the State Constitution refers to people elected to public office, no elected official should initiate such biasness. For over fifteen years defendants and employees of Sheriff Larry Campbell endured this type of injustice and demoralization. State Attorney Jack Campbell filed complaints with Internal Affairs against Leon County Sheriff’s Deputies when they did not cooperate with his terms. Defense attorneys all over the state of Florida have argued this biasness in Leon County Courtrooms, only to be ruled against by 2^nd Circuit and Leon County Judges. In most cases, some of the judges (both Circuit and County) were former employees of State Attorney Willie Meggs, hence, former colleagues of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell.  Family members of defendants have sought out some form of intervention or change of prosecutor due to the obvious bias—to no avail. Second Circuit Judges, Leon County judges, and other government officials refused to intervene. In the majority (if not all) of the cases where Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell held investigative jurisdiction that were then prosecuted by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, most of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s witnesses were Leon County Sheriff’s detectives, deputies and other employees who were given the “Green Light” to commit perjury—“Help” Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son get convictions.

It is a fact that State Attorney Willie Meggs and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division are responsible for bringing charges against law enforcement officers who commit perjury. In a judicial family formation with the Campbell’s and the Meggs’, nobody—neither ordinary citizens nor law enforcement officials are safe. “No man can serve two masters. A situation which “Tempts” to dishonor.”  Law enforcement officials with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office have been repeatedly put in positions to dishonor their badge. Are Florida Legislators “Content” with State Attorney Willie Meggs and Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell giving deputies the “Green Light” to commit perjury?

In June 2015, Governor Rick Scott signed his first executive order to reform prisons in Florida. However, over three hundred prisoners have died in Florida’s prisons a.k.a. “Death Camps.” Many correctional officers in Florida have attempted to speak out against the harsh practices within prisons. Many correctional officers are in fear of their superiors. There are correctional officers who have committed suicide after being Indicted on charges of inmate abuse. It’s a culture that most correctional officers must be abusive or outcasts. There are several correctional officers who have been linked to White Supremacy groups. While other states across America are forming task forces to combat prison abuse of inmates by correctional officers and to investigate possible wrongful convictions, Governor Scott’s executive orders does not form any task force to address these issues. Governor Scott’s executive orders leave prison reform in the same agency that turned a blinded eye to the hundreds that were murdered in prison, the Department of Corrections. (The wolf guarding the hen house.) Is Governor Rick Scott “Content” with inmates dying in prison due to abusive correctional officers? Is Governor Scott “Content” with inmates being convicted wrongfully due to prosecutorial misconduct?

In April 2011, Orlando Sentinel columnist, Scott Maxwell, wrote a column that brought favorable attention to Pam Bondi, who was then the Republican candidate running for Attorney General. The article titled, “Tackling wrongful convictions—will Bondi keep her word?” quotes Pam Bondi as vowing to be “a crusader for justice.” The article goes further stating Bondi specifically, “promised to do more than her predecessors about Florida’s shameful record of wrongful convictions—a growing problem that costs taxpayers money and the victims decades of their lives.”  Pam Bondi won the Attorney General race.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-04-26/news/os-scott-maxwell-bondi-dogs-mia-0427120110426_1_wrongful-convictions-innocence-commission-wrong-person

In September 2014, Mr. Maxwell wrote about his “buyer’s remorse” for having supported Pam Bondi in 2011. In the article titled, “Pam Bondi played games with executions, convictions and donations,” Mr. Maxwell outlines the various actions that Attorney General Pam Bondi reneged on, including investigating a string of wrongful convictions.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-pam-bondi-sheldon-scott-maxwell-20140909-column.html

Pam Bondi is not a crusader for justice. When seventeen year-old DeShon Thomas’ mother repeatedly contacted Attorney General Pam Bondi about acts of corruption that was preventing her son’s case from proceeding through the Leon County Judicial System, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s response was to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In 2011, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell charged DeShon with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent.  DeShon plead NOT GUILTY. As DeShon sat in the Leon County Jail awaiting trial, DeShon’s mother took notice that DeShon’s case process was distorted—absolutely nothing was happening—no depositions, nothing. In 2012, what DeShon’s mother’s didn’t realize at the time of contacting Attorney General Pam Bondi was that Ms. Bondi, herself, was being investigated for violating at least one of the same problems that was hindering DeShon’s case from proceeding through the judicial system. Both Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott were facing charges for violating Florida’s Public Records law. According to the flow chart, it was up to State Attorney Willie Meggs to bring charges against Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi. (CRIMINALS PROTECTING CRIMINALS! THE FLOW CHART IS EXACTLY WHY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IN TALLAHASSEE/ LEON COUNTY FEEL “BOXED IN”—THEY HAVE NO PROTECTION) In part, DeShon’s mother complained that after having paid defense attorney, Greg Cummings nearly $30,000, over the span of sixteen months to represent her son, Greg Cummings, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson were conspiring against DeShon. In part, State Attorney Willie Meggs and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, refused to allow the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office to release to DeShon and the public, the victims’ autopsy reports—which is a violation of Florida’s Public Records law. (A 17-year-old kid that is in an adult jail, facing his lifetime in prison if convicted, he’s named as the only suspect, and State Attorney Willie Meggs and the prosecutor, Jack Campbell, refuses to allow the medical examiner’s office to release the victims autopsy reports—and—his defense attorney Greg Cummings—refuses to discuss the autopsies with him and refuses to file the autopsies with the court to make them public record.) After Greg Cummings was fired from DeShon’s case, State Attorney Willie Meggs and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell still would not allow the victims autopsy reports to be released.

DeShon, who at the time of his arrest was a freshman at Tallahassee Community College and working at a fast food restaurant, had no reason to want the victims, 20-year-old, Laqecia Herring and her 17-year-old brother, Sterling Conner Jr. murdered. Laqecia was pregnant at the time of her murder. Prior to Laqecia’s murder, she’d named DeShon and another young man as the father of her unborn baby. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell held investigation jurisdiction over the double murders, citing DeShon wanted Laqecia to have an abortion. DeShon’s mother, along with many Americans and citizens abroad believe that if Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and State Attorney Willie Meggs together had the evidence to prove that DeShon Thomas was the cold-blooded murderer of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her brother, then Mickey Mouse could’ve prosecuted the case and gotten a conviction. But since Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son were paired together, State Attorney Willie Meggs, who has a staff of over forty Assistant State Attorneys over six counties, would not separate Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell from his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. The father/son team had to stay together. And this father/son team was supported by Circuit and Leon County judges, who were determined to make sure State Prosecutor Jack Campbell convicted DeShon, a child—no matter what the cost.

In November 2014, Mr. Maxwell called attention to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, in his article titled, “Bondi named in pay-to-look-away scandal.”

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-pam-bondi-dickstein-shapiro-scott-maxwell-20141115-column.html

The Innocence Project stated that in 2014, The National Registry of Exonerations recorded 125 exonerations in America. Of the 125 exonerated, only 2 were exonerated in Florida.

http://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/detaillist.aspx?View=%7bFAF6EDDB-5A68-4F8F-8A52-2C61F5BF9EA7%7d&FilterField1=Exonerated&FilterValue1=8_2014

Has the “Greed” of money and power in Florida’s political arena so desperate, so EVIL that sentencing an innocent 17-year-old to prison for the rest of his life and blatantly robbing his single mother of thousands of dollars, considered to be ok? Is everybody in politics and judicial officials ok with that? Is Regional Counsel Jeff Lewis ok with his 2^nd Circuit Director, Regional Counsel Daren Shippy, filing subpoenas with fictitious names on them in an attempt to conceal a witness from his juvenile client and the courts?

DeShon was 17-years-old when his life was turned upside down. DeShon was sentenced to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years. DeShon just recently spent his fourth birthday in custody (3 birthdays in the Leon County Jail and 2 birthdays in State Prison). Now, at twenty-two years, DeShon continues to grow in Christ and continues to maintain his INNOCENCE. (Was Christ not wrongfully convicted and crucified?) Today, as the Regional Counsel’s Office casually Waltz dance with DeShon’s appeal, DeShon and his family knows that justice will prevail. Since DeShon’s incarceration, the Criminal Justice System is being shaken like it’s NEVER been shaken before—by both political parties.

Recently, President Obama stated that he’d called on Iran to release all four Americans being held as prisoners. The families of Jason Rezaian, Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati, and Robert Levinson have expressed to the world about their loved on being held in Iran’s prison for more than over four years on trumped up charges. The family of DeShon Thomas understands the four families feelings of turmoil. The only difference—DeShon Thomas’ family is being intimidated and threatened right here in the United States by their own local government officials—out of Florida’s capital city—Tallahassee. DeShon and his family are sickened by the blatant LIES and EVIL by adults in authority. Sadly, the corruption and greed of the Criminal Justice System on the state level, including Florida, which makes the United States Criminal Justice System look weak. Former President Bill Clinton admitted that when it comes to the Criminal Justice System during his time in office, he made a “mistake.” Not realizing the bill that he signed was going to cause law enforcement agencies and courts on the local level to “Run Wild” and turn inmates–prisons into high profit businesses.

DeShon Thomas is not the first child to be wrongly convicted on double murder. In 1944, the State of South Carolina, convicted and executed fourteen-year-old, George Stinney Jr. for murdering two preteen white girls. George Stinney Jr. was the youngest to ever be executed in the United States. Over sixty years later, in 2014, George Stinney Jr. was exonerated. Although the Supreme Court has halted the death penalty of youths, as well as life in prison sentences, are Florida Legislators, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi content with allowing corruption to occur in Florida’s courtrooms?

Tallahassee, FL—Ask current appointed Leon County Sheriff Mike Wood anything about his late boss, the late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, and more than likely he will give all positive answers. Surprised? Of course not. In the months (if not years) prior to Sheriff Larry Campbell’s death, Sheriff Campbell pre-planned for Sergeant Mike Wood to be his Undersheriff. In June 2014, Sergeant Mike Wood had retired from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office after finishing the Deferred Retirement Option Program also known as D.R.O.P. The D.R.O.P. program is a state retirement program that some people criticize because it gives certain government officials the opportunity to receive six-figure salaries during their retirement and then return to work after six months and earn a regular paycheck on top of their retirement. On December 24, 2014, media reports stated that Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell died of Cancer. Following Sheriff Campbell’s death, Governor Rick Scott first appointed Captain Robert Swearingen as Leon County Sheriff. Just as Captain Swearingen began to enjoy his newly appointed job position, Governor Scott turned and appointed Mike Wood, who was retired, as Leon County Sheriff.

Sheriff Larry Campbell, who was also a beneficiary of the D.R.O.P. program, had been battling Cancer for some time. Sheriff Larry Campbell’s possible obsession with ensuring that Mike Wood return as his Undersheriff, may have led up to the chaotic incident that led up to Leon County Sheriff Deputy Chris Smith’s assassination by a deranged gunman in November 2014. In spite of Leon County Sheriff’s Sergeant Wiley Meggs’ admission of red flagging the gunman’s residence as having threatened to shoot law enforcement officers and first responders if they were to come on or near his home, it’s the Leon County Sheriff’s Office that is more to blame than the dispatch service. The gunman lived in a busy subdivision, far from some backwoods off-road parcel of land. The gunman’s home was located a few blocks away from one of Tallahassee’s busiest public elementary schools. Leon County Sheriff’s Sergeant Wiley Meggs should’ve escalated the man’s threats to the highest officials. Tallahassee Fire & Rescue were not aware of the deranged man’s threats. Leon County Deputy Chris Smith and Deputy Colin Wulfekuhl unknowingly drove into a “Kill Zone.”

Where was Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell when his deputies were being shot down in the streets like wild animals?

The gunfire ambush of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Smith and Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Colin Wulfekuhl could have been prevented. Instead of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office admitting that they fell short in their communications process, Sergeant Wiley Meggs, the son of 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs, blamed the dispatch service. State Attorney Willie Meggs, who is in charge of prosecuting criminal cases in Leon County, was all onboard for blaming dispatch workers and not show a shred of blame toward his son, Sergeant Wiley Meggs. While it was natural for fathers to protect their sons and vice-versa (sons to protect their dads), it was not natural for a county sheriff to be absent for over 24 hours following a gunfire ambush of his deputies and Tallahassee first responders.

Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell did not speak publicly or hold a press conference until over twenty-four hours after Deputy Chris Smith and Leon County Deputy  Colin Wulfekuhl’s blood poured out onto the Leon County street that they faithfully patrolled. When Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell finally appeared in front of news camera, Sheriff Larry Campbell’s appearance was frail and his speech was slurred. Sheriff Campbell looked like someone had dressed him—attempted to clean him up for the cameras. If in fact Sheriff Larry Campbell’s health was failing and he could no longer perform his duties as sheriff effectively due to either his failing health or the side effects of the medication he was consuming to treat his Cancer diagnosis, then Sheriff Larry Campbell should’ve been more thoughtful and put the safety of his deputies and the citizens of Leon County above all else and stepped down as sheriff. The citizens of Leon County elected Larry Campbell to immediately protect and serve them. Not to pretend to protect them and then speak to them at his convenience. Deputy Chris Smith was murdered because Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell was selfish and would do anything and everything to have it his way—even if it meant putting his deputies and the citizens of Leon County at risk of becoming victims of crime.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/23/florida-deputy-ambush-killed-identified/19446091/

Many people in the community (in the Black community) have distaste for Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Sheriff Larry Campbell’s repeat election winnings only symbolize the fear and the intimidation that many people in Leon County truly felt for more than fifty years. Although Sheriff Larry Campbell was the active sheriff for less than twenty years, Larry Campbell had been involved in the local law enforcement arena for more than thirty years. Second State Attorney Willie Meggs’ son, Wiley Meggs and Wiley Megg’s wife, worked as deputies for Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Sheriff Larry Campbell’s son, Jack Campbell, works for State Attorney Willie Meggs as an Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor. For far too many years Tallahassee’s Judicial System has been run by these “crime families.” State Attorney Willie Meggs has six counties all located in the Florida panhandle under his jurisdiction. State Attorney Willie Meggs repeatedly (if not exclusively) looked over his forty plus Assistant State Attorneys only to appoint Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell to prosecute criminal case in that his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, held investigative jurisdiction and manned the jailhouse where defendants were housed until their trial. Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell would get judges to sign frivolous search warrants, probable cause reports and arrest warrants. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell, along with State Attorney Willie Meggs filed documents containing false information with the courts. In some cases, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell recruited a wealthy friend by the name of Don Odham to act as a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective. Don Odham’s actions on several criminal cases denied justice to many families and caused many deputies to commit perjury to cover up for Sheriff Campbell and Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell’s criminal acts.

In 2011, a team of veteran detectives with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the double murder of a sister and brother in southwest Tallahassee, seeking to connect 17-year-old, Tallahassee Community College student, DeShon Thomas to the double murders. When their investigation began to turn away from DeShon Thomas, as being the murderer, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell positioned his wealthy friend, Don Odham, as lead detective. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell replaced the team of veteran detectives with Don Odham. Veteran detectives stated that “Detective” Don Odham was not truthful in his reports and was a “Disgrace to the badge.” Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell replacing a team of veteran detectives with a non-deputy, a non-detective, a non-member of the law enforcement family had to be demoralizing to those veteran detectives/deputies who have worked so hard and are committed to their badge and the community that they serve.

Former Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy David Graham had received Deputy of the Year award in 2011, for his outstanding and impressive accomplishments over the span of his career. In 2012, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell filed numerous criminal charges against Deputy David Graham. It was stated by a source that shortly before Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell filed charges against Deputy David Graham, Sheriff Larry Campbell learned that Deputy David Graham had authored several anonymous letters that had been emailed to a Tallahassee blogger exposing corruption, racism, unethical and unlawful practices directly in Sheriff Larry Campbell’s office. Following the criminal charges, Deputy David Graham was fired from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Not long thereafter, David Graham’s wife was also charged with crimes. David Graham was exonerated at trial. His wife did not go to trial.

http://www.examiner.com/article/leon-county-2011-deputy-of-the-year-arrested

Several Tallahassee families have become victims after Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell allowed his wealthy friend, Don Odham, to act as a Leon County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Detective and Lead Homicide Detective. Sheriff Larry Campbell’s deception to families of crimes only tainted families’ chances for justice. In some cases criminal charges were not filed and in other cases defendants were wrongly convicted. Leon County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Director Captain Todd McKissack, has yet to respond to complaints that he’d received in regards to several deputies who committed perjury and smuggled contraband into the Leon County Jail. It was not unusual or impossible for Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, Assistant State Attorney/Prosecutor Jack Campbell to run the Leon County Jail like it was their own residence.

Many Leon County citizens have stated that Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell refused to hold deputies accountable after they were accused of Domestic Violence. Seemingly, deputies beating their wife or girlfriend were acceptable at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Seemingly, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell kept those whom he knew owed him dearly close by his side. Which takes us back to Sergeant Mike Wood.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is where Sergeant Mike Wood started his career over thirty something years ago. Prior to becoming a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy, Mike Wood had gotten busted for drugs. Not very many people who get busted for drugs can go on to have a career in law enforcement and then earn six-figures in retirement and six-figure in a paycheck all at the same time. Let alone get appointed to be sheriff by the governor. Sheriff Mike Wood owes Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, dearly. If Mike Wood is the “Best Man” to replace Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell as sheriff, then what does that say about all of the other deputies—including those that were on Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell’s Command Staff?

Would the citizens of Tallahassee be better off if Governor Scott had appointed his former general counsel, Pete Antonacci, as Sheriff Campbell’s replacement? (Any man that can walk into the office of a thirty-two year career law enforcement official (“former FDLE Top Cop Commissioner Gerald Bailey”), and verbally instruct Commissioner Bailey to resign—without any supporting documentation bearing a rubber stamp signature on it—must be “Top Cop” worthy in Governor Scott’s eyes.)

Sheriff Larry Campbell severely deceived the citizens of Leon County—Tallahassee citizens. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell is a CRIMINAL. Any building, statute, street, pothole or garbage landfill named after the late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell will only remind the citizens of Leon County—the citizens of Tallahassee—of a time when fear, corruption, racism, intimidation and deception plagued the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Tallahassee communities.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/02/10/sheriffs-office-will-named-larry-campbell/23199231/

History will show that Sheriff Larry Campbell was nothing more than a total “Disgrace” to the badge of law enforcement officials and a “Disgrace” to the community of Leon County.

The people of Charleston, South Carolina and many cities and states across the south have significantly rid their communities of Confederate Flags. It’s just a matter of time before the people of Florida—particularly those in Tallahassee—will rid their communities of people like the late Sheriff Larry Campbell, his son, Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell, 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs, 2^nd Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford and everyone else whose unlawful acts hinder Floridians from moving forward in culture, peace, love and prosperity forever.

Tallahassee, FL—How loud must Florida parents scream to receive justice for their children? How many letters must parents write to Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi pleading for them to intervene in the abusive, unethical and unlawful practices being inflicted on their children at the hands of law enforcement and judicial officials?

Government officials ask Floridians to inform them of any suspicious or possible terrorist plots or activities. The majority of Floridians will answer the call to protect their state. So who can Floridians rely on to protect them when law enforcement and judicial officials are the terrorists? Who are Floridians supposed to inform when officials plot/conspire and interact with citizens, jail/and or prison inmates, judges and attorneys to plot against innocent people—including innocent children?

Government officials, especially elected officials, are supposed to perform their jobs in a professional manner—well above jobs on an average level. Government officials are paid by all taxpayers—regardless of political party affiliation. No matter who can bring the most money to the table and pull the most strings, it is not for government officials to blatantly ignore the needs of taxpayers while in office. (Not everyone voted for Rick Scott and Pam Bondi, but they are Florida’s leaders.)

Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi, both Republicans, have mastered ignoring the needs of Floridians. Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi were informed years ago in regards to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office mishandling of crime scene investigations, and how the 2^nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office had filed documents with the courts knowing that the documents contained false information, and how 2^nd Circuit Judges violated defendants Constitutional Rights to due process. Governor Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi chose not to do anything to protect Floridians.

In October 2012, Ms. Frankie Fudge and her attorney reached out to Governor Rick Scott seeking some form of intervention in regards to the traffic investigation that led to the death of her 13-year-old daughter, Darrielle Copeland. By all accounts, Darielle’s mother’s letter, along with documents, showed that the horrific traffic crash investigation that claimed the life of her precious baby, Darrielle, was mishandled by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, possibly the Florida Highway Patrol and ultimately State Attorney Willie Meggs’ Office. The woman who caused the traffic accident is the wife of a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy (a co-worker of Willie Meggs’ son). According to Darrielle’s mother, the woman “barreled through a red light.” The woman was not held liable for Darrielle’s death. Darrielle’s mother was left feeling empty. Darrielle’s family is still fighting for some form of justice.

Between late 2011 and late 2013, the mother of DeShon Thomas contacted Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi hoping to get a special prosecutor or some form of intervention in the judicial proceedings in Leon County where State Prosecutor Jack Campbell had been assigned by State Attorney Willie Meggs to prosecute her son, 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas. When DeShon’s mother contacted Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi, DeShon had been arrested and charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. (DeShon is innocent!) Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, the dad of State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, had jurisdiction over the double homicide investigation and also was the overseer of the Leon County Jail where DeShon Thomas was being held while awaiting trial. In the letter(s) that DeShon’s mother sent to Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi, DeShon’s mother outlined the severe mishandling of the double murder investigation (mainly at the crime scene). Also, DeShon’s mother tells about the one private paid defense attorney (whom was fired) after having been on DeShon’s case for over a year and despite having been paid thousands of dollars, the attorney, Greg Cummings, never deposed a single witness on DeShon’s behalf. Following Mr. Cummings’ firing were two court-appointed defense attorneys. (There were a total of four court-appointed defense attorneys assigned to DeShon’s case in a three year period none of them deposed witnesses to build a defense for DeShon. And they all filed Motions to Withdraw.)  Clearly, they were being pulled in to conspire with State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson to have DeShon convicted. Instead of bringing some form of competence into the bias judicial proceedings, Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi kicked the can back to DeShon’s mother. Attorney General Bondi advised DeShon’s mother to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Meanwhile, as DeShon continued to sit in the Leon County Jail, Circuit Judge Charles Dodson and Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson continued to hinder DeShon’s case from proceeding to trial. Circuit Judge Dodson and Circuit Judge Hankinson’s intentional delays bought State Prosecutor Jack Campbell time to gather a team to help build a Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder case against DeShon. In doing so, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell instructed State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin to go to the Leon County Jail to meet with inmate, Dawuan Williams. At the time, twenty-seven year-old, Dawuan Williams had been in the Leon County Jail for two months on two bank robbery charges. Dawuan Williams was released from jail immediately following the first meeting between State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin. Soon thereafter, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, along with State Attorney Jason Newlin instructed Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Ronald O’Brien to smuggle contraband into the Leon County Jail. The contraband (a written gang coded letter from Dawuan Williams to DeShon) was placed where processed mail is placed so that the unsuspecting Correctional Officer on the POD in that DeShon was housed, will deliver the letter to DeShon during regular mail call. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell’s familiarity of the Leon County Jail and the jail’s standard of operations, provided for the direction of where Deputy O’Brien was supposed to put the letter (Deputy O’Brien did not work in the jail).

In the probable cause for Solicitation to Commit 1st Degree Murder, State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin states that on July 10, 2012, he (Newlin) had received a call from an attorney named John Kelly, who informed him that his (Kelly) client, Walter Cole Rayborn, who was a Trustee at the Leon County Jail, may have information that will save someone’s life—saying that Walter Cole Rayborn had hand received five hand written letters from DeShon. Walter Cole Rayborn never gave a deposition or provided trial testimony. There is absolutely nothing in DeShon’s court records that will show where any of DeShon’s court appointed attorneys reached out to speak with Walter Cole Rayborn in any form or fashion. According to Walter Cole Rayborn’s court documents, Walter Cole Rayborn, was a convicted felon, who should have been in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections (in prison) during the time of his attorney, John Kelly, reporting that Walter Cole Rayborn was serving as a Trustee at the Leon County Jail.

DeShon never asked Dawaun Williams to murder anyone. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell took a phone conversation that DeShon and Dawaun Williams were clearly having about the rapper “Rick Ross” and misconstrued it—redacted the voice recording—yet, and still DeShon never instructed or asked Dawuan Williams to murder Trentin Ross. For Dawuan Williams’ cooperation with State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, Dawuan Williams was immediately released from jail and given money by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office. Instead of Walter Cole Rayborn being turned over to the Florida Department of Corrections and being put in prison, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and his dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, along with others within the judicial system allowed Walter Cole Rayborn to serve as a Trustee at the Leon County Jail and possibly serve as a jailhouse snitch whenever needed—Completely eliminating the use of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Jail’s Gang Task Force.

In less than six months after Dawuan Williams was released from the Leon County Jail, Dawuan Williams became desperate for money. In late 2012, Dawuan Williams was arrested in Gadsden County for Home Invasion Robbery, Kidnapping, and a list of other charges.

In March 2013, not long after Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson denied Regional Counsel Daren Shippy’s Motion to Withdraw from DeShon’s case, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford began presiding over DeShon’s case. (Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford coming on to the case was like replacing a round peg with round peg.)

In October 2013, perjured testimony by the medical examiner, Dr. Anthony Clark, law enforcement officials and others, including a fake cop, Don Odham, led to DeShon being found guilty on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. The jury was not polled. (Considering all of the corruption that had defeated him for nearly three years, DeShon plead no contest to Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent which had been severed from the other charges.) While DeShon was preparing to go into the Department of Corrections on a wrongful conviction, Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi continued smiling for their friends in order to bring in money for the Republican Party. Governor Scott wasted no time attending a fundraiser that was hosted by GEO Group, the owner of private prisons in Florida.

Unaddressed problems don’t just go away—they grow, and grow and grow…

In early February 2015, during the mid-morning hours, fourteen-year-old, Ansley Rayborn was one of five passengers in a Chevy Tahoe that was being driven by a 15-year-old boy. Reports state that after the boy had lost control of the Tahoe, the Tahoe rolled over and crash in a ditch. Ansley was ejected. Ansley died at the scene of the accident. The other kids suffered minor injuries. In the days following the crash, several media outlets reported that liquor bottles and drug paraphernalia was located at the scene of the accident.

In a heartwarming article published in the Tallahassee Demorcrat by reporter Sean Rossman, titled, ‘A Family’s nightmare: Chiles fresman killed in car wreck,’ Mr. Rossman tells the story of Ansley Rayborn’s parents during the moments leading up to their daughter’s death and the aftermath that their family is experiencing. In part, Mr. Sean Rayborn, Ansley’s dad, tells how when he arrived at the scene, he saw a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy that he knows on a first name basis. Mr. Rayborn says that the deputy gives him a “bear hug” and informs him of Ansley’s death. Mr. Rayborn goes on to state how he saw a pink blanket on the ground that was covering his daughter’s body, and how he went to where his daughter’s body lay and he lay on the ground beside her. Mr. Rayborn states that the deputy joined him on the ground.

 http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/2015/02/09/families-nightmare-chiles-killed-car-wreck/23153399/

While the article is very heartwarming, Mr. Sean Rayborn’s accounts upon arriving at the crime scene is probably why State Attorney Willie Meggs has not filed charges against the 15-year-old driver of the Chevy Tahoe.

Let’s face it—victims’ families are not the only ones who hurt and feel pain when crimes are committed—whether crimes are committed by accident or deliberate. The victims’ families are not the only ones who suffer the lost of a loved one(s). The families of defendants hurt and feel pain too. And in some cases, the defendant themselves hurt—especially the innocent defendants.

In most criminal and civil cases, it is the job of the attorney to represent their client’s best interest. (Although this was not so in DeShon Thomas’ case). An attorney representing his client (the defendant) in a traffic accident such as Ansley Rayborn, will rely heavily on the investigation of the crime scene—the site of the crash. In Ansley death, the defendant is not just the 15-year-old boy. The defendants are insurance companies—auto insurance, homeowners insurance, property insurance, medical insurance, life insurance, etc. And all of these companies have attorneys—these insurance companies are co-defendants. And their attorneys will strive to protect their clients. While Mr. Sean Rayborn may have innocently gone to lay on the ground next to his daughter’s lifeless body, joined by a friendly Deputy Sheriff, in the eyes of attorneys representing insurance companies and attorneys for any of the kids and their families—Mr. Sean Rayborn and that Deputy Sheriff contaminated the crime scene—botched the investigation. When that Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene and saw that a Chevy Tahoe had rolled over, saw that there was a young dead girl on the ground, saw that liquor bottles and/ or signs of drugs and alcohol were near the Chevy Tahoe—that deputy’s job at that point was to recognize that the scene was not just the scene of an accident—it was the scene of a crime. All of those involved were under the age of 21. The deputy’s job was to secure the crime scene—regardless of any personal connection that the deputy had with the victim’s father. It is every parent’s worse nightmare to lose their child—let alone arrive at a scene and see their child’s lifeless body on the ground. However, when children are victims of an accident or a crime, “Cooler heads” must prevail. The “Cooler heads” are experienced law enforcement officers. It is the job of law enforcement officers to inform grieving parents that if they have any hope of getting answers to any questions that they will have, an investigation must be conducted thoroughly and properly. In such, the parent should not go anywhere onto the crime scene. Any competent lawyer will tell a jury that it is impossible for any crime scene detective to testify that a grieving parent and a sheriff’s deputy did not contaminate the crime scene once they entered onto the crime scene—specifically by laying on the ground next to the deceased child. Loose items such as bottle caps, drug herbs and so forth—when combined with dirt will stick to clothes, bare skin and shoes. These items could’ve easily been brought onto the crime scene or taken away from the crime scene or relocated at the crime scene—the bottom-line—the deputy’s actions were incompetent.

Injustice is not justice.

Unintentionally, Mr. Sean Rayborn gave weight to what so many families have been yelling about for too many years—law enforcement officials in Tallahassee botch crime scenes. Whether they botch these crime scenes intentionally or by mistake or due to lack of experience, it’s a proven fact that crime scenes are botched by law enforcement officials. And when Tallahassee law enforcement agencies receive lab reports from outside agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, they pick and choose which lab report to go include in the Discovery Report. If the lab reports favor the defendant, the lab reports are not provided as part of the Discovery. As in the recent case of Henry Segura.

As reported, Mr. Segura has been in the Leon County Jail for nearly four years awaiting trial on quadruple murder. Mr. Segura is facing the death penalty. A month before Mr. Segura’s scheduled trial date, there was a change of the judge. Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, who had replaced Circuit Judge Mark E. Walker was replaced by Circuit Judge Terry Lewis. (As mentioned earlier in this article, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford is currently being investigated by the Judicial Qualifications Commission.)   Again, approximately two weeks before Mr. Segura’s scheduled trial date, Mr. Segura’s attorney, Chuck Hobbs, received information about a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement had received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in regards to DNA evidence that could prove to be used as exculpatory evidence. The DNA analyst stated that years earlier, when she originally received the information from the FBI, she was told by her supervisor not to pass the information on.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Tallahassee Police Department have an extensive history of botching crime scene investigations that often led to State Attorney Willie Meggs’ inability to prosecute cases that should be prosecuted. There are many convictions that have been processed without having any physical evidence against the defendant, mostly murders. All murders cannot possibly be clean murders—not leaving a single trace of physical evidence. In separate cases, two 17-year-old Black boys were convicted of Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder. Neither case yielded any physical evidence against the boys.

In November 2014, Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Smith and another deputy were ambushed by a single man who reportedly had warned law enforcement officials that he would shoot any law enforcement official who came near his home. According to reports, Leon County Sheriff Sergeant Wiley Meggs, the son of State Attorney Willie Meggs, did not verbally inform other deputies about the warning. Within weeks afterward, Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Smith was responding to a call about the man’s home being on fire. Upon Deputy Chris Smith arriving at the man’s home, Deputy Chris Smith was killed. Deputy Chris Smith did not realize that he was entering into a death trap.

Most recently, on July 5, 2015, two young men were found murdered in an apartment in Tallahassee. Reports state that the young men, 21-year-old, Cornellius Poole, and 22-year-old, Lance Love, were found in a bathtub—they’d been bound and shot execution style. Their murderer attempted to set the apartment on fire but there was only a lot of smoke—no flames. The Tallahassee Police Department has jurisdiction over the double homicide case. Police have stated that they believe that money was the motive, stating that the victims had been robbed.

On July 8, 2015, just three days after the victims were found murdered an arrest was made in the neighboring city of Quincy (Gadsden County). The Tallahassee Police Department arrested 21-year-old, Walter Cole Rayborn, and charged him with two counts of murder, robbery and other charges.

Court records show that both Walter Cole Rayborn and Dawuan Williams had been comforted and protected by Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, and State Attorney Willie Meggs. Both Walter Cole Rayborn and Dawuan Williams have proved that despite having their connection with State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, they will continue to commit crimes in order to get money. While Walter Cole Rayborn deserves his day in court, the citizens of Tallahassee deserve to know that criminals are being provided with finances and favoritism by elected officials.

Officials in Tallahassee do not follow any ethical and lawful standards. Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, a former Assistant State Attorney for Willie Meggs, is representing a “Culture of EVIL” that she’s become accustom to. Although none of the counts of misconduct in that she’s being investigated are in regards to DeShon Thomas’ case, at least one of the counts occurred prior to Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford presiding on DeShon Thomas’ case. And all of them occurred before Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford began presiding on Henry Segura’s case. (State Prosecutor Jack Campbell is prosecuting the Henry Segura case).

The Florida Bar, the Judicial Qualifications Commission, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies have chosen to ignore complaints against those individuals who have sworn to protect Florida citizens. These agencies who are following the poor example of the leadership set by Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi have tremendously failed Floridians.

Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi closing their ears to families who are being terrorized by law enforcement and judicial officials, have further opened the gates to allow the blood of innocent children to pour out into communities all over Tallahassee. Leaving families lost, confused and without justice. Families who were providing console, following injustice acts, are quickly finding themselves having to be consoled.

Will your family be the next?

#FREEDESHONTHOMASNOW

Tallahassee, FL—Its has been reported that recently, a father and daughter taking a peaceful stroll on a pier in San Francisco turned into a tragic event when his daughter was shot in a random (possibly accidental) act. His daughter, 31-year-old, Kathryn Steinle, was hit with a bullet in her torso. Despite immediate efforts to save her, she died. The alleged shooter was identified as Francisco Sanchez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico.

According to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Mr. Sanchez had at least seven prior felony convictions and had been deported back to Mexico at least five times. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement also reported that they (ICE) turned over Mr. Sanchez to local law enforcement officials on an outstanding warrant and had requested to be notified upon Mr. Sanchez’s release. Local law enforcement did not notify the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement of Mr. Sanchez’s release. Kathryn Steinle’s family is grieving their lost. http://abcnews.go.com/US/san-francisco-woman-shot-killed-strolling-pier-father/story?id=32210463

As reported, In November 2010, twenty-eight-year-old, Brandy Peters, along with her twin 6-year-old daughters and 3-year-old son, were found brutally murdered in their home in Tallahassee. Early on in the quadruple murder investigation, law enforcement officials received information about Ms. Peters possible involvement with major drug dealers and was possibly involved in other high stakes events involving other convicted felons that may have led to the murders of her and her family. However, in September 2011, law enforcement officials arrested the father of Ms. Peters’ son, Henry Segura, and charged him with the murders, stating, “Mr. Segura did not want to pay child support.” Mr. Segura is facing the Death Penalty.

Today, Mr. Segura has been sitting in the Leon County Jail for nearly four years waiting trial. According to reports, three weeks ago, on the eve of Mr. Segura’s scheduled upcoming trial, a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) located in Tallahassee, came forward and stated that over a year ago, she’d received a letter from the Federal Bureau of Investigation stating that DNA evidence belonging to a well-known drug dealer from Columbia, was a partial match of DNA located at the crime scene. The Columbian drug dealer had been released from custody in close proximity to the time of the murders. DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement stated that her supervisor told her not to move forward with the information. (It should also be noted that long time serving Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner, Gerald Bailey, was fired from the FDLE in December 2014. Mr. Bailey’s firing possibly brought relief to FDLE employees—allowing them to come forward in cases where vital information had been suppressed.)

By the time Mr. Segura’s attorney, Chuck Hobbs, received the information regarding the Columbian drug dealer’s DNA being located at the crime scene, the Columbian drug dealer had been deported back to Columbia. Mr. Hobbs, who is representing Mr. Segura pro bono, was angry about this information being withheld from him. Mr. Hobbs and other defense attorneys may be seeking to have the Federal Bureau of Investigation open up an investigation into the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for purposely withholding vital information.

Mr. Hobbs had long asked the courts (former presiding judge Circuit Judge Mark Walker), to dismiss the prosecutor, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, but Mr. Hobbs’ request was denied. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell is the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. Not only was Sheriff Campbell the overseer of the jail in which Mr. Segura was taken soon after his arrest and is currently residing, but Sheriff Campbell also was a former employee at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Sheriff Campbell and FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey worked together for years.

Many people believed it to be bias for State Attorney Willie Meggs to assign Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell to prosecute cases in that which his dad, Sheriff Campbell either housed the defendants in the Leon County Jail and/or where Sheriff Campbell was the leading investigating agency. State Attorney Willie Meggs is responsible for six counties, the need to assign Jack Campbell as prosecutor on cases in Leon County, has proven to be disgustingly bias.

In December 2013, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received a complaint in regards to Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell, having filed court documents identifying a wealthy family, Don Odham, as a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective and then assigning Don Odham to be lead detective on a double homicide case and actively working other cases. Don Odham, was never an employee with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Don Odham had been provided with a badge, allowed to assume the position as a detective, both a crime scene and a homicide detective. Don Odham was used to get grand jury indictments and provided testimony in several controversial trials, along with other cases where both families of victims/and defendants believed corrupt actions led to injustice of their loved ones. Sheriff Campbell allowing Don Odham to “Impersonate a law enforcement officer” was clearly a “Breach of Public Trust.” Commissioner Gerald Bailey refused to investigate Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son.

In February 2015, Mr. Hobb’s filed court documents to obtain DNA from another possible suspect in the murders with Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, who replaced Circuit Judge Mark Walker as the presiding judge. In late April 2015, it was announced that Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford is being investigated by the Judicial Qualifications Commission on three counts of misconduct that occurred prior to being assigned to Mr. Segura’s case.

As reported, after learning of DNA being suppressed by the FDLE DNA analyst, Mr. Hobbs filed a Motion to Dismiss the quadruple murder charges against Mr. Segura. Mr. Hobbs called FDLE actions, “conscious, willful, and deliberate.”

www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2015/06/16/attorney-drop-murder-charges-lawyers-call-action/28805467

After hearing testimony from the supervisor of the DNA analyst at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the current presiding judge, Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, denied Mr. Hobbs’ motion, citing FDLE’s actions were “unintentional.”

Good Ole Boys? Local government officials against Federal government officials.

Communities need federal law enforcement officials to remind local law enforcement officials that they are not above the law—they are not an independent city or state. While it may be easy for local law enforcement officials to get caught up in their “power of authority” and lose sight of laws—the right things to do–the truth of the matter is, when local law enforcement officials ignore and/or downplay Federal law enforcement officials, regardless of the matter, results have proven to be tragic. The shooter of Ms. Kathryn Steinle is in jail. Where is the Columbian drug dealer?

#FREEHENRYSEGURA

#TALLAHASSEEONALERT

#FREEDESHONTHOMAS

#WHOMURDEREDFSUPROFESSORDANMARKEL

Tallahassee, FL—In June 2013, Second Judicial Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, a former Assistant State Attorney for Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs, abruptly began presiding over the 2011 double murder and the 2012 solicitation to commit 1^st degree murder case, of DeShon Thomas.

DeShon was seventeen-years-old when he was charged with Two Counts of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent in early 2011. DeShon plead Not Guilty. Second Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson, the preside judge, was a former Assistant State Attorney for Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney for Willie Meggs and a former United States Assistant Attorney for the Department of Justice for Florida’s Northern District. State Attorney Willie Meggs assigned Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell to prosecute DeShon, whose case was in adult court. Assistant State Attorney/ Prosecutor Jack Campbell is the son of Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell. The investigation of the double murder case was under the jurisdiction of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

DeShon’s pre-trial had been reset at least four times within sixteen months by motions filed by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell. y DeShon’s defense attorney, Greg Cummings never objected. Circuit Judge Hankinson granted the all of the Motions for Continuances. One of the Motions for Continuance filed by State Prosecutor Jack Campbell was due to a conflict with Don Odham’s vacation plans. In the motion, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell states six reasons for the motion, the first four states: (1) The case has been set for trial for June 11, 2012. (2) An essential witness is Don Odham formerly of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. (3) Detective Odham was the lead detective in the case and conducted numerous interviews including those with the defendant. Furthermore, he collected items of evidence. (4)Detective Odham has now left the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and has a scheduled trip with his extended family during the month of June. Extricating him from this trip will cause a significant cost to him and his family.

Don Odham did play a significant role in DeShon’s double murder case. Don Odham searched and collected evidence at the crime scene. Don Odham signed the Miranda Waiver of Trentin Ross. Don Odham wrote in a case detective report that Trentin Ross had voluntarily provided him with incriminating statements pointing to DeShon as having committed the murders.  Don Odham signed the Complaint that was notarized by Leon County Sheriff Detective Dawn Dennis. Don Odham prepared and filed a Summary of Offense for Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Probable Cause—State Prosecutor Jack Campbell approved the probable cause obtained the signature of County Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richarcdson in finding probable cause and issue an Arrest Warrant. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell replaced Leon County Sheriff Detective Melinda McBride and her team of veteran detectives with Don Odham—only after Detective McBride and other detectives began following up on other possible suspects—due to no significant statements or evidence pointing to DeShon as a suspect, let alone the murderer. Don Odham violated the civil rights of DeShon and his mother the day after the victims’ were found murdered. DeShon and his mother walked into the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to give a voluntary statement. Don Odham took what was an innocent act of civility by DeShon and his mother, and turned it into a chaotic experience, fueled by racism and arrogance. Don Odham denied DeShon access to an attorney, held both DeShon and his mother against their will by locking them in an interview room, and these are just a few of the things that he did. After DeShon was charged with the murders, DeShon’s mother was not surprised to see that Don Odham was the lone-wolf driving the murder charges. However, DeShon’s mother was surprised to hear that Don Odham was never an employee with Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Don Odham was never officially “Detective Odham” as Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell had referred to him to the court, to the grand jury and to the public—the very people whom elected Larry Campbell to be their sheriff—to serve and protect them—Larry Campbell lied and deceived them. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and his son, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell blatantly lied in order to have 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas, charged with Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. Don Odham was/is a wealthy businessman who was merely a friend of the Campbell’s. Don Odham owed no truths to Florida taxpayers.

DeShon’s defense attorney, Greg Cummings, did not disclose information about Don Odham to DeShon or the court. Mr. Cummings was paid nearly $30,000 of the $50,000 that he’d charged to represent DeShon. During the sixteen months that Greg Cummings was on DeShon’s case, Greg Cummings did not take any depositions or do anything to build a defense for DeShon. Mr. Cummings refused to discuss the victims’ autopsy reports with DeShon. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell refused to allow the District Two Medical Examiner’s Office to make the victims’ autopsy report public record, they were kept confidential. In August 2012 Greg Cummings was fired. Immediately following Greg Cummings firing, State Attorney Willie Meggs announced that DeShon was being charged with Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder—the target was said to be Trentin Ross. The arrest warrant had been handed down by Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson. DeShon plead not guilty.

In April 2013, Regional Counsel Daren Shippy was court appointed as DeShon’s attorney. Daren Shippy immediately filed a Motion to Withdraw, but Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson denied the motion. After learning of Circuit Judge Hankinson’s previous acts of deception to the court and to DeShon, DeShon’s mother contacted Governor Rick Scott and State Attorney General Pam Bondi. Immediately, Circuit Judge Hankinson was replaced with Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford had previously worked together as Assistant State Attorneys under State Attorney Willie Meggs.

During DeShon’s evidentiary hearing, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell told Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford that he had instructed State Attorney Investigator Jason Newlin to make the necessary arrangements to have DeShon charged with solicitation to commit 1^st degree murder. State Attorney Jack Campbell also ordered Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford as to how to conduct court proceedings. DeShon’s court appointed attorney, Regional Counsel Daren Shippy, who is a Circuit Director under Florida’s 1^st District Regional Counsel Jeffery E. Lewis, along with Lead Public Defender Nancy Daniels, stood idle and witnessed Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford accept instruction from State Prosecutor Jack Campbell.

Nearly three years after DeShon had been charged with the murders and possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent, and a little over a year after he’d been charged with solicitation to commit 1^st degree murder, DeShon went on trial. During his trial, Regional Counsel Daren Shippy and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell presented Don Odham to the jury as a Leon County Sheriff’s Detective. Regional Counsel Daren Shippy’s malicious act of betrayal to DeShon was disgusting. Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford allowed Don Odham’s testimony to be heard before the jury. Three Leon County Sheriff’s Detectives committed perjury to cover up Don Odham’s actions. There was no physical, circumstantial or material evidence against DeShon. On October 18, 2013, it was announced that the jury had convicted DeShon on Two Counts of 1^st Degree Murder and Solicitation to Commit 1^st Degree Murder. (In August 2013, Regional Counsel Daren Shippy had filed a Motion to Severe the Possession of a Firearm charge.)

On December 17, 2013, after DeShon had been instructed to do so by Regional Counsel Daren Shippy, DeShon entered a plea of No Contest to the Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent charge. Also, on December 17, 2013, Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford sentenced DeShon to Two Life Sentences plus 30 years. DeShon was sentenced to 10 years for the Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent—this sentence was set to run concurrent with the others.

The victims in the murder case were twenty-year-old, Laqecia Herring, and her brother, 17-year-old, Sterling Conner Jr. At the time of Laqecia’s murder, she was five months pregnant. Laqecia and DeShon had previously dated for six weeks but had ended their relationships three months prior to the murders. Although Laqecia had told DeShon and his mother that DeShon was the father of her unborn baby, after the murders, detectives learned that Laqecia’s boyfriend at the time of her death had believed that he was the father of Laqecia’s unborn baby. The boyfriend had previously dated Laqecia for over a year before the brief break in their relationship, at which time Laqecia had dated DeShon. There were numerous of suspects that had been named by the victims’ relatives—DeShon was not one of them. Greg Cummings told both DeShon and his mother that had Laqecia been a week or two further into her pregnancy, DeShon would’ve been charged with the murder of her unborn baby (Three Counts of 1^st Degree Murder). Also, if DeShon had been eighteen-years-old when the murders occurred, DeShon would’ve been facing Florida’s Death Penalty. Greg Cummings told DeShon and his mother these horrible things and then Greg Cummings preyed on DeShon and his mother (a single mother with four kids). Greg Cummings collected her money—knowing that DeShon had been falsely arrested and knowing that State Prosecutor Jack Campbell was building a double murder case and a possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent case against DeShon on the use of a “Fake Cop” and a bunch of lies and liars. And all of the court-appointed attorneys that followed Greg Cummings continued to play the same games.

In February 2012, Henry Segura’s attorney, Chuck Hobbs, filed a motion with the court arguing that State Prosecutor Jack Campbell be dismissed as lead prosecutor in the capital case of his client. Mr. Hobbs’ client, Henry Segura, was charged in the 2010 of the brutal quadruple murder of a twenty-seven year-old mother and her three children. Mr. Hobbs, along with other Tallahassee defense attorneys, believed it to be prejudice for State Attorney Willie Meggs to assign Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell to prosecute cases where the defendants were being held in the Leon County Jail—the jail in which Assistant State Attorney Jack Campbell’s dad, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, was the overseer. (State Attorney Willie Meggs represents six counties.) At the time of Mr. Hobbs filing the motion, Circuit Judge Mark E. Walker was presiding over Mr. Segura’s case. Later that same year, in December, Circuit Judge Mark E. Walker was sworn in as a Federal Judge for United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. State Prosecutor Jack Campbell was not removed from Mr. Segura’s case.

More than two years later, in March 2014, Mr. Hobbs filed a motion asking the court to collect and analyze DNA from a possible suspect. The presiding judge on the case was Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford. Once again, Circuit Judge Fulford and State Prosecutor Jack Campbell were working together—this time on a Death Penalty case.

A year later, in April 2015, it was announced that Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was under investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission for three counts of misconduct. At least one of the counts of misconduct occurred prior to Circuit Judge Fulford having abruptly replaced Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson in the case against 17-year-old, DeShon Thomas.

On or about June 12, 2015, two months after Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford fell under investigation, Mr. Segura’s attorney, Mr. Hobbs, learned that a crime lab analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), was ordered by her supervisor to disregard DNA evidence findings by the FBI in regards to DNA found at the crime scene which was a partial match to a convict already in the database. Mr. Segura’s trial, which is now being presided over by Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, has once again been postponed. Mr. Segura has been in the Leon County Jail for nearly four years awaiting trial.

Two years ago, in April 2013, State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Defense Attorney Greg Cummings argued the case of Elijah James. In 2010, Elijah James was charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell oversaw the murder investigation. Circuit Judge James Hankinson presided over the case. Greg Cummings, who is a private attorney, is also registered with the State of Florida’s Department of General Counsel as a Conflict Attorney. Greg Cummings was court-appointed to Mr. James’ case. Mr. James’ case was considered to be a high profile case because Mr. James’ case was the first murder case in Tallahassee to be tried without a body.

According to court records, Greg Cummings was court appointed to Mr. Elijah James’ case in March 2011. Soon thereafter, Greg Cummings contacted DeShon’s mother begging her to hire him (in which was just one of many previous phone calls). Needless to say DeShon’s mother hired Greg Cummings. While Greg Cummings, along with State Prosecutor Jack Campbell and Circuit Judge James C. Hankinson were showing dotted I’s and crossed T’s in Mr. James’ case, they were performing like the Three Stooges in DeShon Thomas’ case. Reports have stated that if detectives would’ve located the body of Mr. James’ ex-girlfriend, then Mr. James’ case would’ve easily been a Death Penalty case—with or without physical evidence. Subsequently, Mr. James was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The judicial structure in Tallahassee (Leon County) is terribly flawed. When a judge who has the power to sentence people to Life in Prison or to the Death Penalty (Florida’s Death Row) is being questioned about having shown a “Pattern of Misconduct”, that is highly disturbing. There’s no justice for the victims’ families or communities in Florida. We have all witnessed that wrongful convictions and innocent people being put to death only adds pain to the victims’ families, as well as the families of the wrongful convicted. Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford began to show misconduct before she was assigned to preside over DeShon Thomas’ cases and Henry Segura’s case. Now, what was the purpose of recycling this already ill-minded judge?

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