SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Governor Nathan Deal has announced a criminal investigation will be conducted against Spalding County Clerk of Court Marcia Norris.

Deal on Wednesday signed an executive order authorizing the investigation. This action followed multiple requests submitted to Deal by local officials.

Among those who requested Deal initiate the investigation were Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker, Spalding County State Court Judge Josh Thacker, Spalding County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bart Miller – who formalized the request on behalf of the entire board – and Griffin Judicial Circuit Senior Judge Christopher Edwards.

The GRIP has obtained copies of the requests submitted to Deal by Coker, Thacker and Miller, and the content of the three is virtually identical.

Coker’s letter, which was dated Aug. 28, read, “Dear Governor Deal, Please accept this letter as a formal request for investigation pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-82, into Madame Marcia Norris, Clerk of Superior Court and State Court of Spalding County. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 770.716.4250. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.”

The letters from both Thacker and Miller stated they had received and reviewed Coker’s letter, and supported his request for a criminal investigation.

The Georgia code section Coker cited – O.C.G.A. § 15-6-82 – pertains to the removal of Superior Court clerks, charges and trials, and states, “A clerk of the superior court is subject to be removed from office by the judge of the court for any sufficient cause, including incapacity or misbehavior in office. The charges must be exhibited to the court in writing, and the facts tried by a jury. The clerk shall be entitled to a copy of the charges three days before trial.”

Deal’s executive order states, “…upon criminal charges, alleged misconduct in office, or alleged incapacity of the clerk of superior court to perform the functions of his or her office, the Governor has the authority to appoint an investigative committee consisting of the Attorney General and two clerks of superior court who are members of The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia. Now therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as governor of the state of Georgia, it is hereby that Attorney General Chris Carr, Tina Blankenship of Webster County, and Greg Allen of Forsyth County are hereby appointed as the committee to investigate “criminal charges, alleged misconduct in office, or alleged incapacity” as it relates to Ms. Norris.

STAFF REPORT :::

A search warrant jointly-executed by agents of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Griffin Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit resulted in a variety of felony and misdemeanor narcotics, gang or weapons-related charges against three individuals.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the operation was conducted on Aug. 31, at 1910 Rosewood Drive.

The search warrant was the conclusion of an investigation into alleged drug distribution by Michael Antonio Jackson, age 51.

Authorities say agents recovered a quantity of prescription medication with an estimated street value of $2,500, a stolen handgun, multiple other firearms, marijuana, digital scales and drug packaging materials.

Jackson, who was not present when the search warrant was executed, was arrested during a later traffic stop by deputies from the SCSO C.A.G.E. Unit.

Jackson was charged with of sale of Schedule II narcotics, two counts possession of Schedule II narcotics, two counts of possession of Schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime – all felonies – and possession of drug-related paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

It was requested that Jackson be held without bond due to his previous charges stemming from a City of Griffin investigation for the Sale of Prescription Medication.

Also, while searching the residence, Deputies located several pieces of gang-related paraphernalia and documents in a room belonging to Michael Fitzgerald Lyons, age 26. Deputies from the C.A.G.E. unit researched Lyons and learned that he is a documented & validated member of the Bloods gang, and had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Lyons, who remains at large, has been charged with four counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, four counts of violating the Georgia Street Gang Act, theft by receiving a stolen firearm and violation of probation, which stemmed from an aggravated assault – all felonies.

Anyone with information about Lyons’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office at 770.467.4282 or dial 911.

Another resident, Trezmann Davis, age 23, was arrested on scene and charged with possession of a firearm during the commissioner of a crime, possession of Schedule II narcotics, Possession of Schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute – all felonies – and possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related objects – both misdemeanors.

“Prescription medication abuse is often overlooked when assessing a drug problem within a community, however, prescription medication is abused just as often as other drugs. These drugs, like others, can rip a family or community apart just as quickly as methamphetamine or crack-cocaine,” Dix said. “Today, we sent a message to some of those that choose to put these drugs and other drugs on the street, and the message is clear: We as a community are coming together to stop you. As for gang members who live in our community, you are not welcome here anymore and we are no longer turning a blind eye. People are tired of the violence, intimidation and living in fear. We will do anything we can to make your life

miserable, stop you and put you in prison. No, it is not based on skin color, where you live or the color of the clothes you wear, but it is based on facts and your documented behavior. Our community is becoming united in its cause to stop these problems and that stance is growing stronger every day.”

Sheriff Dix would also like to remind the citizens of Spalding County to utilize the new anonymous drug lip Line, which can be reached by calling 770.412.4399.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding County jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case of State of Georgia v. Hall, which resulted in a mistrial being declared.

According to a statement made by the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the jury deliberated “several hours” on Thursday and Friday.

“Hall was charged with shooting the victim in the case multiple times,” the statement read. “The team for the prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Donna GoPaul.”

The District Attorney’s Office has declared its intent to retry to case in January.

“While we were obviously disappointed that the jury could not reach a verdict, we thank them for their service. My office will never stop in its fight to bring justice to the victims of gang violence,” said District Attorney Ben Coker. “These cases are difficult, and I am so proud of my office and the work that they did on this case. Together, with law enforcement, we will continue in our pursuit to get gangs off of the street and make Spalding County safer and better.”

STAFF REPORT :::

The execution of two search warrants resulted in the arrests of multiple adults and the removal of several children from what has been described as “deplorable” within the Howards Mobile Home Park.

According to a press release from Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the Special Operations Unit on Aug. 24 completed an investigation that led to agents simultaneously executing two search warrants at 3264 Newnan Road.

The first location was identified as 3264 Newnan Road, which authorities described as a home located in the center of the mobile home park that is also utilized as the leasing office for the complex.

“Upon executing the search warrant, agents encountered several individuals and children. As the residence was being cleared, agents found the conditions of the home to be deplorable,” the release stated. “Agents removed everyone from the home and immediately contacted the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS).”

As a result of the search warrant the following individuals were arrested and charged as follows.

Joan Ryder – cruelty to children

Julia Penny – cruelty to children and possession of drug related objects

Raymond Paul Lott – sale of Schedule II control substance, possession of Schedule II with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II, cruelty to children and maintain a disorderly house.

Jordan Lott – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug related objects and cruelty to children

Anthony Wilson – possession of marijuana less than one ounce and possession of drug related objects

Teshia Lott – cruelty to children

Dalton Lott – cruelty to children.

All the children were turned over to the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Code enforcement has been contacted and the health department will be further investigating the living conditions of the residence and the entire premises.

The subpoena received by The GRIP demands for production, “Any investigative notes, records, recordings, text messages, documents, emails and things, including, but not limited to any articles published electronically or otherwise by The GRIP pertaining to The GRIP’s investigations into Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, former Sheriff Wendell Beam, Sheriff Darrell Dix, former Capt. David Gibson, Jessica Kelly, Catherine Lewis, Karen Law, Misty Piper, Kimberly Barnett, Melanie Bowen and/or Susan Bohannon.” The GRIP will not be providing the confidential records demanded.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has received a subpoena demanding numerous confidential materials – including those involving confidential sources – be produced in a federal civil rights law suit.

The subpoena was issued as part of Civil Action No. 3-15-CV-163-TCB – Jessica Kelley, et al. v. Captain David Gibson, in his individual and official capacities, et al.

This is the civil rights law suit filed by six women including Kelley, Karen Law, Kimberly Barnett, Melanie Bowen, Misty Parker-Piper and Susan Bohannan, with each alleging they suffered various types of abuse at the hands of Gibson, who, over the course of his 27-year career, rose to the rank of captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division.

Also named in the law suit are the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office; Wendell Beam, who in November 2016 lost his bid for reelection as sheriff; Spalding County; and current Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix.

The information is being sought by Legare, Attwood & Wolfe LLC, the plaintiff’s attorneys.

According to the legal documents, this case’s plaintiffs seek to compel The GRIP to produce, “Any investigative notes, records, recordings, text messages, documents, emails and things, including but not limited to any articles published electronically or otherwise by The GRIP, pertaining to The GRIP’s investigations into Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Former Sheriff Wendell Beam, Sheriff Darrell Dix, former Captain David Gibson, Jessica Kelly, Catherine Lewis, Karen Law, Misty Piper, Kimberly Barnett, Melanie Bowen and/or Susan Bohannon.”

The state of Georgia is among 49 nationwide that have enacted legislation that extends privilege to journalist to protect them from being forced to provide information to the government or private entities. Wyoming is the lone state that has not yet afforded journalists such protections.

Georgia’s code, which can be found at OCGA § 24-9-30, states, “Persons, companies, or other entities engaged in gathering or dissemination of news for the public through a newspaper, book, magazine, or radio or television broadcast shall have a qualified privilege against disclosure of any information, document, or item obtained or prepared in the gathering or dissemination of news in any proceeding where the one asserting the privilege is not a party, unless it is shown that this privilege has been waived or that what is sought: (1) Is material and relevant; (2) Cannot be reasonably obtained by alternate means; and (3) Is necessary to the proper preparation or presentation of the case of a party seeking the information, document, or item.”

There is no federal journalist shield law.

Former Sheriff Wendell Beam on May 22, 2015, issued a press release stating Gibson had retired in lieu of termination on May 21. Beam said an Internal Affairs investigation was being conducted on Gibson at the time of his retirement. The allegations involved in that IA investigation included sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, conduct unbecoming a deputy, improper use of the Internet and violating his oath of office.

That investigation, which was conducted by Lt. Ronald Brainard, of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, was later sealed when Superior Court Judge Robert M. Crawford issued a temporary protective order on behalf of Ruby King, a Sheriff’s Office employee. King was represented in that proceeding by Johnnie Caldwell, who had previously resigned from his office as a Superior Court judge in the Griffin Judicial Circuit after a formal complaint against him alleging sexual misconduct was filed with the Judicial Qualifications Commission. In his current capacity as a state legislator, Caldwell was instrumental in successful efforts to do away with the Judicial Qualifications Commission.

That temporary protective order, which was used to deny the Open Records Act release of the Internal Affairs investigative case file, was lifted only after The GRIP uncovered another unsealed avenue to obtain the Internal Affairs case file.

Although Beam used the findings of that IA investigation – the findings of which were legally limited to administrative actions – to secure Gibson’s retirement, he did not request the GBI conduct a criminal investigation.

Beam did turn the IA file over to Scott Ballard, then the district attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit.

Ballard, who was also legally precluded from using any information contained within that case file as the basis of criminal charges, opted in late June to conduct an internal investigation in his office.

More than one month passed before Ballard announced he had requested a GBI criminal investigation.

That investigation resulted in Gibson’s Sept. 10, 2015, arrest on charges of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, influencing witnesses, stalking, public indecency, sexual battery, two counts of simple battery and violating his oath of office.

Just over one year later, on Sept. 15, 2016, a grand jury handed down a 14-count indictment against Gibson, including one count of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of public indecency, one count of sexual battery, one count of simple battery and one count of violating his oath of office. Gibson was also charged with seven additional counts of violating his oath of office, with each of those seven counts related to the aforementioned criminal charges.

Ballard stated he anticipated bringing Gibson to trial in the fall of 2016, but that did not occur.

Meanwhile, Ballard was elected to serve as a Superior Court judge in this circuit.

Ben Coker, who had served as Ballard’s senior assistant district attorney, was in November 2016 elected to succeed Ballard.

Gibson on June 8, 2017, appeared before Judge Crawford, entering a blind plea to two counts of violating his oath of office, which means his guilty plea was entered without prior knowledge of the sentence Crawford would impose.

Crawford handed down a combined sentence of 10 years, with three to serve in prison followed by seven years probation.

Gibson was granted first offender status.

Prior to Gibson entering the blind plea, Coker had agreed to dismiss all other charges the grand jury had handed down in its indictment.

The GRIP has reported extensively on all these developments and many others.

During its coverage, The GRIP was suspected of receiving improperly “leaked” information from the Sheriff’s Office. This suspicion led Beam to request a formal GBI criminal investigation, which found that no illegal “leak” existed.

Beam also later requested a formal GBI criminal investigation to identify source of The GRIP’s information. The GBI declined to conduct that investigation.

It has always been, and steadfastly remains, The GRIP’s policy that all communications will be protected, and that all confidential sources will remain just that – confidential.

In keeping with that principle, The GRIP will not be producing the information demanded in this subpoena.

Additional documentation provided with the subpoena relates information pertaining to The GRIP’s position of refusal to honor the demand for confidential information.

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedures 45(g) states, “The court for the district where compliance is required – and also, after a motion is transferred, the issuing court – may hold in contempt a person who, having been served, fails without adequate excuse to to obey the subpoena or an order related to it.”

While the state of Georgia does have a journalism shield law, there is no such protection in the federal code.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has learned that Tyler Cooper, a former officer of the Griffin Police Department, indicated deception on every question asked during his preemployment computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) – a form of polygraph examination.

Although the city of Griffin has for nearly seven months refused to release Cooper’s CVSA, The GRIP verified the outcome of that examination through other records.

GPD Chief Mike Yates has been credited with reviewing each page of Cooper’s records that were approved for release to The GRIP under the Open Records Act. Yates is also responsible for citing two federal laws that he alleges prohibit the release of Cooper’s CVSA and Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP), or psychological evaluation.

However, contained within the records Yates did approve for release was a report generated by Sgt. Joe Hudson, who in August 2016 was responsible for conducting the pre-hiring processes.

Within that report – the file review – was information regarding Cooper’s application, former employers, references, criminal history, driver’s history, physical agility test, Facebook inquiry, Google inquiry, oral assessment board, the PEP psychological evaluation and CVSA.

The actual CVSA and psychological evaluation had been removed from the record, but Hudson’s report – the synopsis/investigator’s comments – referenced Cooper having been sent to the Lagrange Police Department for a polygraph.

Hudson indicates Cooper was “very helpful and courteous” during the investigation, supplied all paperwork in a timely manner and was spoken of “very highly” by his references. Hudson later references having questioned Greg Corbit, the LaGrange PD polygraph examiner, who reported that Cooper “did very well on the exam showing no deception.”

“I explained to Mr. Corbit how the candidate (Cooper) showed deception on the voice stress for every question, even the control questions, like, “Am I wearing a tie and do I have a mustache?” Hudson reported. “Mr. Corbit advised this is because the candidate (Cooper) thinks so deeply about the questions and everything else.”

Unlike the city of Griffin, the LaGrange Police Department immediately released all records related to Cooper’s polygraph examination including the pretest written responses, the pretest verbal interview, video recording of his practice exams, video of the formal polygraph test and Corbit’s written evaluation of Cooper’s responses.

Despite Corbit’s assertion that Cooper showed no deception on his polygraph examination, The GRIP has reviewed the full test and discovered inconsistencies with information contained within Cooper’s employment records. An article detailing those issues, as well as the response of Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith, will be published Sept. 14.

Tropical Storm Irma ripped through Griffin-Spalding County leaving significant damage in her wake. The strong winds uprooted trees throughout the area, including this one in front of the old school building on Taylor Street. Photo courtesy of Jason Turner and Jennifer Elizabeth Blanton

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Tropical Storm Irma stormed through Griffin-Spalding County, leaving in her wake much property damage and thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

Widespread damage has been reported throughout the city of Griffin and Spalding County. Much of the damage appears to have been caused by fallen trees toppled by strong winds.

“We’ve all got crews out all over the county. We’ve all got crews out all over the county. There’s trees down. There’s power lines down all over the city and the county,” said County Manager William Wilson, who said the damage is widespread. “I’ve heard all the way out to West McIntosh and all the way out to South McDonough, North McDonough, so it’s a good area out in the county, and I’ve heard about lots of damage in the city.”

Wilson said city and county officials are working closely together in Griffin’s Emergency Operations Center, where authorities gathered for a meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, and at the Spalding County Fire Department’s Administrative Headquarters for a noon meeting.

“We’re going to meet again with the city in the morning at 9 a.m. at the city’s EOC in their basement,” Wilson said.

Wilson stressed the dangers posed by ongoing hazardous conditions, and urged residents to stay off the roads.

“If you see lines down, go around. Don’t assume they’re dead,” he said for those who must travel.

Wilson said county services are working according to plans.

“They’ve (the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department) got extra folks coming in and they’re rotating shifts and things like that. Along with Public Works and the 911 Center, everything is operating per the Emergency Operation Plan,” Wilson said.

City Manager Kenny Smith said Irma had created hazardous conditions in Griffin

“It’s hectic. It’s pretty bad – a lot of trees down, a good bit of power outage,” Smith said, citing ongoing dangers. “People just need to stay at home and stay off the roads, especially like College, Maple and Hill where we have these big trees that hang over the roads. We’ve got several in the road and we’ll get to them as quick as we can, but it only takes is just a limb or tree coming down on a car and you’ve had it.”

Smith said emergency services is fully-staffed for the storm response, but said calls are being prioritized.

“We’ve got ample manpower out. We are categorizing our calls and responding to priority one calls. We need to keep those guys off the road, too, unless it is absolutely necessary to go out,” he said, as he explained which calls for service are receiving responses. “Basically, an emergency, a life and death type situation or some emergency situation – auto accident with injuries, people trapped in a house, something like that. We’re not going to worry too much is someone’s got their keys locked in a car. Those are the kinds of things we aren’t going to worry about, but if there’s an emergency, people have an emergency, they need to call 911 and we’ll get to them just as quick as we can.”

Smith also requested that residents be patient during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irma.

“If the winds are 35 to 40 miles per hour, we’re not going to put the guys in a bucket, so there are some cases where power is out and it’s just going to have to stay off until conditions are safe enough for those guys to do something. Just be patient is the main thing. We pretty much know where the power outages are. The Systems Operation Center can tell which circuits are operational and which are down, so if they call and get a busy signal, don’t fret because the phones are ringing off the hook, but still, we pretty much know where the outages are,” Smith said. “And like I said, once it goes out, it’s probably going to be out for a while. It isn’t like it happened without notice – we knew that it was coming – so hopefully people have got their flashlights ready and they’re just going to have to hunker down and be patient for a while.”

Smith said projections call for continued strong winds and rain through early Tuesday morning.

“I don’t see any relief any time soon,” he said. “Once it gets dark, it will be even more dangerous for the crews, so just hunker down and we’ll reassess it with daylight Tuesday.”

A countywide curfew has been put in place from 10 p.m. Monday through 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“It doesn’t apply to folks going to work and stuff like that. It just applies to people who are out with no purpose – sight seers,” Wilson said. “We realize people have different shifts and things like that, so it doesn’t impair them going to or coming from work or anything like that. It’s for people who are out driving around looking at damage.”

All nonessential city of Griffin and Spalding County offices will be closed Tuesday.

STAFF REPORT :::

City of Griffin officials say progress is being made in efforts to restore electricity to those without power in the wake of Tropical Storm Irma.

As Tropical Storm Irma passed over Spalding County on Monday, many areas experienced extensive damage from falling trees and downed power lines.  As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, several roads were closed and many residents of the city and county were still without power.

According to a press release issued by the city of Griffin, Griffin Electric crews worked throughout the entire day and night Monday and resumed working early Tuesday morning to clear downed trees and debris and restore power.

Upon assessing the overall damage, it was decided to bring in 17 linemen and additional equipment from Alabama to assist with the efforts.

“We’re no stranger to sending lineman and resources to areas that have been hit by natural disasters,” said city of Griffin Electric Director Dan Thompson. “It’s good to know that when we need that same assistance, there are people out there who have our backs as well.”

Eleven of the linemen are coming from Opelika, Ala., and six are coming from Decatur, Ala. The eleven linemen from Opelika arrived Tuesday, with the others expected to arrive Wednesday.

Officials say they expect to have all power fully-restored by Thursday.

Widespread power outages also mean traffic signals may be out. If you find yourself approaching a traffic signal that is out, treat it as a four-way stop. Many roads still present dangers and everyone should exercise extreme caution while driving.

Authorities continue to suggest that citizens avoid travelling roadways over the next few days if possible.

The aftermath of the storm also left many yards with storm debris from falling trees and limbs.

“With the amount of damage and debris we experienced, it’s going to take some time to clear it all,” said Central Services Director Phill Francis. “Our service will resume on Wednesday but some road debris and closures might make it difficult to service everyone on each route. We’re going to be out there working diligently and if we have to bypass an area due to road closures, we’ll be sure to get there as soon as we can access that street.”

The Griffin was hit by a powerful tropical storm. Many of the men working to restore power are still without power themselves. We are asking everyone to be patient as we work to restore power to all areas as quickly and safely as possible, the press release stated.

For additional information about the city of Griffin, visit www.cityofgriffin.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofgriffin and on Twitter @CityofGriffin.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin-Spalding County School System and central office will resume operations at standard hours Thursday, Sept. 14.

Bus transportation may be delayed due to impassable roads and drivers utilizing alternate routes.

The Kids in Action Elementary Afterschool program will resume at all sites, as well as other GSCSS afterschool events and activities.

The Middle School Curriculum Night for Carver, Cowan Road, Kennedy Road and Rehoboth Road middle schools that was scheduled for Sept. 14 has been postponed to Sept. 28.

For ongoing updates, please continue to check the district’s web site at www.spalding.k12.ga.us, download the Griffin-Spalding K12 app or follow the GSCSS on social media on Twitter @GriffinSpalding and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/@gscss.

From the Shadows of the Past, a re-enactment group, will once again appear at the annual Doc Holliday BBQ & Music Festival in historic downtown Griffin. The group will present three performances of the historic shootout at the OK Corral that pitted the Earp brothers against the Clanton-McLaury gang in Tombstone, Arizona. Photo courtesy of the Doc Holliday BBQ & Music Festival

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The annual Doc Holliday Barbecue and Music Festival will return to downtown Griffin Sept. 22 and 23, bringing with it entertainment of the past and present.
This family-friendly event not only offers entertainment for all, but has made it more affordable than ever before.

In past years, the festival was a gated event and required payment to enter, but not this year.

“It’s a non-gated event, so there’s no cost; it’s free. The concerts and kid’s activities – it’s all free,” said Will Doss, of Eagle’s Way Church and the Spalding Collaborative, two of the event’s organizers.

The weekend’s festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with concerts in The Park at 6th. Performing will be The Garrett Collins Band, Mixed Tribe and Griffin Rhythm. A variety of vendors will also be on hand beginning Friday night.

“We’ll have a ton of food and beverages, several apparel-type things and a couple of non-profits,” said Doss. “Vendors will be set up Friday night and all day Saturday.”
Another hugely popular annual event – the Southside Riders’ Association Tab Run – will also take place Saturday morning, with the ride finishing up at the Doc Holliday BBQ & Music Festival.

“There will be 300 to 400 motorcycles riding in,” Doss said.

The SRA will be providing free entertainment for kids, offering bounce houses and train rides.

One key highlight of the weekend – the barbecue competition – promises to make your mouth water.

“The Georgia Barbecue Association competition will be great. We’re anticipating about 40 professional teams because we are having a double-points contest this year,” Doss said.

The barbecue teams will be set up in the Spalding County Annex parking lot across from the train tracks on Broad Street.

“The general public can purchase a sampler platter with twelve teams barbecue for $5. It’s called the People’s Choice, and if they purchase it, they’ll actually get to vote, and there is a prize for that,” Doss said.

In addition to the live concerts, DJ Matt Floyd will be playing a wide variety of music all day Saturday.

From the Shadows of the Past – a re-enactment group – will return to the festival to present three shows in The Park at 6th depicting the shootout at the OK Corral. Each show will run about 30 minutes, and show times are slated for approximately 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Another quite popular event will return – the ancillary cookoff competitions.
Open to the public, there will be three categories – chicken wings, barbecue sauce and desserts.

Registration is ongoing, with a fee of $25 per category.

The ancillary competition will be held Friday evening, and additional information and registration is available online at http://www.dochollidayfest.com.

Another popular event is the raffle, with this year’s prize being a smoker valued at $2,500, that was donated by Stump’s Smokers, who, along with Penrose Construction, is a primary festival sponsor. Tickets are only $5 each and will be available for purchase until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Six partners – the Griffin Main Street Program, the Exchange Club, Eagle’s Way Church, the Downtown Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Spalding Collaborative – make the festival possible.

All profits from the event will go to the Spalding Collaborative’s Children’s Charity Fund.
“One of the biggest things they do is the Backpacks 4 Kids program through the school system,” Doss said. “It identifies children who might be at risk of going the weekend without eating and provides food to them.”

The festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, but bleacher seating in The Park at 6th will be provided.

This editorial column written by Dusty Takle appeared in a recent print edition of The GRIP.

Decide.

The word decide came alive for me not long ago. I was sitting up in my bed, scrolling through social media and came across a video on positive thinking posted by a dear friend. In the video, several well-known actors and voices shared philosophies and thoughts that have been foundational for their successes.

You’ve probably heard most of these thoughts. You see the memes on positive thinking. You read the inspirational quotes people share, but I heard the word “decide” in a way I haven’t heard it before.

Will Smith shared, “You just decide what’s gonna be, who you’re gonna be, how you’re gonna do it. Just DECIDE. And then from that point, the universe is gonna get out of your way. It’s water. It wants to move and go around stuff.”

Internalizing that quote, that word, I asked myself, “What am I missing, because I haven’t decided to do something or become something?”

In as much as life is good, what else is there that I am not stepping into? What am I missing? What are others missing, because I haven’t decided to do or create something?

So, I had to revisit my vision.

Most of us have vision boards. If you have a Pinterest account, you have a virtual vision board.

However, those visions mean nothing until you actually print the recipe and cook the meal. Until you DECIDE to do something with it. The beauty of the word decide is that it’s always followed by action. If my husband decides to divert his aircraft, action immediately follows.

Vision is important.

Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)

This isn’t a literal death, but rather the absence of life….a coming alive.

Focusing on the vision creates momentum, because where focus goes, energy flows. The more momentum I created focusing on visions I have had in my life, the more it spun until I finally decided to create them. To do them. To move in them. To think and act from them instead of about them.

Visions must become decisions. That’s where the real magic happens.

You must know that are you created for more. There is more to you than you know.

There is more to your life than settling for what is. Stop thinking about the things you don’t want in your life.

Begin thinking about the things you do want. Decide to do them. Don’t let fear stop you.
Position yourself around people who will inspire you and encourage you. Whatever inspires you will strengthen you. Whatever strengthens you will sustain you to not give up. Enlarge your thoughts. Enlarge your vision.

Decide what’s gonna be, who you’re gonna be, how you’re gonna do it. So much more awaits you.

Your possibilities are limitless because the God of the impossible is within you.

This editorial column written by Maria McCoy previously appeared in a print edition of The GRIP.

My seven-year-old acted out at the sitter’s house the other day. She was angry, and she was screaming at the sitter. When I got home, I addressed the situation with her. I wanted to make sure she understood that this was definitely not okay. She seemed to be listening.

Afterwards, she went and drew a picture. In this picture, a dinosaur was yelling at a small stick figure. The drawing made me incredibly sad because in this picture, my daughter was the dinosaur. Knowing that she sees herself this way was really sad to me because that means she sees me that way when I am hollering.

Sometimes the stress of life and the anxiety I have recently felt makes me have a short temper when it comes to repetitive questions and actions from my kids, but this photo means that my short temper is affecting my children.

Can you imagine your child feeling so upset that in their mind they see you as the “mean dinosaur” towering over the little stick figure? It hurts my heart to know that sometimes that is exactly what my children see.

I have had to reevaluate lately and restructure how I handle my children. Now, they rarely get spanked, but I do tend to yell to get their attention or when they make me upset. I always tell myself, “Well, at least I’m not hitting them!!”

I say this because I was very well disciplined as a child. So much so that I could never imagine doing similar to my children. To put it simply, my dad used a leather belt on us and we would get lash after lash until his arm got tired.

That shaped me. I mean, I don’t blame my dad because that was how he was raised, so that’s what he knew. Secondly, that was also the 80s when discipline of such nature was expected. I turned out pretty awesome, too, but it did shape me because I never wanted my kids to feel that sort of pain.
Instead, I have inadvertently caused similar pain anyway, because more often than not, I tend to yell, and lately, I have been under an enormous amount of stress, so my family has been feeling the bulk of my stress, too.

I took a picture of that photo and I saved it to my phone and every time I get stressed out or I feel like I’m not really doing so hot at this whole parenting thing, I look at it. I remind myself that I don’t want to be a dinosaur. I don’t want that to be what my kids remember about me.

The underlying issue is the stress. I have some personal stress associated with things outside my control, but let’s focus on the things I can control – the way I respond to the expectations of how good parents act.

Guess what? There is no rule book on how you must behave. Sure, we can unequivocally say that abusing your child or neglecting your child is bad parenting. That’s not what I am talking about. I’m talking about the judgy-judgers who tell you that you are a bad parent for other, more subjective things. So, here’s what I think and this is the only rulebook you will ever need if you decide you need one.

I think that it’s okay to feed your kids cereal for dinner or even ice cream sometimes because you forgot to thaw something. Likewise, pizza for breakfast, eh, I’m not turning it down. I think that it’s okay to have a few piles of laundry on your couch. I think it’s okay to spend an entire Saturday watching television and taking naps. I think it’s okay if you let your kids watch television on that Saturday so that you can nap on the couch while pretending to watch it with them. I think it’s okay if you make your children a culinary masterpiece and all they want is to eat Cheetos. I think it’s okay to let them play so long at the park that they crash right into their bed when they come home. And……okay. I think it’s okay to pretend the water park or pool or sprinkler they just played in got them clean enough to skip a bath that night.

You do not have to follow any set of rules made by people who don’t even have to deal with your kids on a daily basis, and once you let the stress of good parent/bad parent go, you will feel a lot less like the dinosaur and maybe a little more like the stick figure. You, dear readers, are amazing parents. How do I know that? Because I said so!!

STAFF REPORT :::

One man was wounded and five people have been arrested in connection to a Tuesday shooting.

According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1321 Lyndon Ave., at approximately 12:19 a.m. in reference to a report of a person having been shot.

Upon arrival, officers of the Uniform Patrol Division located the victim, Raul Mendez, who had what officials say appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Mendez was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The investigation of the incident led to the arrest of five people:

Crystal Chambers, a white female, age 18, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, party to the crime of aggravated assault and party to the crime of armed robbery.

China Chandler, a black female, age 27, was charged with party to the crime of aggravated assault and party to the crime of armed robbery.

Lizbeth Amador, a Hispanic female, age 18, was charged with party to the crime of aggravated assault and party to the crime of armed robbery.

Darius Allen, a black male, age 23 was charged with party to the crime of aggravated assault and party to the crime of armed robbery.

Jody Evans, a black male, age 23, was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Gang charges will also be pursued against each suspect, authorities say.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Griffin Police Department urges anyone with information in this case to contact Investigator Dexter McCune at 770.229.6452 extension 544.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Griffin Police Department Internal Affairs investigation of Curtis Keys and Dwayne Hancock substantiated both officers falsified multiple official records and violated their oath of office pertaining to the agency’s Off Duty/Extra Duty Job Policy.
This information was obtained subsequent to an Open Records request submitted to the city of Griffin Aug. 1. The city declined to release the records at that time citing that both Keys and Hancock remained under investigation.
More than a month later, on Sept. 7, a portion of the requested records was released.
The records received indicate the GPD conducted an administrative investigation under which Keys and Hancock were advised of their rights under Garrity and had signed a Garrity waiver, which requires the officer to cooperate with the investigation without legal counsel, with the assurance that its findings will not be used in a criminal prosecution. The findings can be used administratively.
According to GPD Chief Mike Yates, who is listed as the complainant, Hancock was initially questioned as a witness in an Internal Affairs investigation of Keys, before becoming a suspect himself.
“During this investigation, information was received that indicated that Sgt. Hancock was violating the aforementioned policy (the city of Griffin Police Department’s Off Duty/Extra Duty Job Policy – Special Order 16-00009),” the report stated. “While Sgt. Hancock was originally interviewed as a witness, it soon became obvious that he too was involved in or engaging in practices that were not permitted as they relate to the off duty/extra duty job policy.”
The investigative summary stated Keys’ records show he participated in part-time employment while on the clock for the city of Griffin. The evidence included video surveillance footage from Griffin United Bank branches, and while examining those videos, Hancock was allegedly observed providing service to United Bank while wearing his GPD Criminal Investigation Division training uniform.
“A check of his Paychex time card showed that he was on the clock during this service as on this day, he clocked in at 8:12 a.m. and out at 4:33 p.m.,” the summary stated. “Clearly, providing this service was outside the scope of his duties and assignment in the Criminal Investigation Division where he was supposed to have been engaged in the investigation of criminal cases assigned to him…..”
Yates reported that during a June 26, interview, Hancock, while under a Garrity warning, acknowledged he provided those services to United Bank for Keys to “help him out,” but denied he received compensation for that service. GPD records indicate Hancock did not requisite signed permission form to provide off duty service to United Bank.
During that interview, Hancock was also questioned about his off-duty employment by the Griffin Housing Authority.
“During this series of questioning, Sgt. Hancock admitted that some portion of the patrol log sheets he turned into the Housing Authority were not accurate. When questioned further, he admitted that there are patrol log sheets that he filled out, indicating that he (Hancock) was in a particular place in the Housing Authority at a particular time engaged in a particular patrol related activity that would reflect he was engaged in said activities when in fact, he was not,” Yates report stated. “He further admitted and agreed that this type of activity could be considered fraud.”
Yates stated Hancock “attempted to justify this practice” by explaining he had actually worked the hours for which he was paid at other times when he “rode through or handled some problem and essentially credited himself with the time toward providing this service.”
“A review of the daily log sheets produced by Sgt. Hancock for the Housing Authority for the period reviewed created a scenario where each of the sheets appeared to be essentially a rubber stamp of the others. The log sheets did not reflect any significant law enforcement activity (no arrests, no tickets, no traffic stops, etc.) and there was no significant variation in the reports. Variation in activities conducted would be expected if such enforcement and patrol services were actually performed,” Yates reported. “In subsequent interviews, Sgt. Hancock essentially stated that he would from time to time ‘ride through’ in the Housing Authority areas while in his personal vehicle (to provide service) in off hours after leaving the ball field or some other activity. There is no provision in his contract for the use of his personal vehicle and the use of his personal vehicle for law enforcement activities is also prohibited by policy. This justification appears to be nothing more than an attempt to indicate hours performed, not listed on the patrol log sheets, as a method to justify hours worked that were not performed or reflected appropriately on the log sheets.”
Based on Hancock’s statements during the June 26 interview, which the Chief classified as an admission of intentional log sheet inaccuracies, and the reported “attempts at justification of said inaccuracies as well as the questions that arose regarding his off-duty job conduct,” Yates determined that Hancock would be sent to the LaGrange Police Department to undergo a polygraph examination.
In his summary, Yates contends that in the pre-polygraph questioning, Hancock denied falsifying the patrol log sheets, and “attempted to justify the manipulation of these patrol log sheets by interjecting the concept of ‘comp time.’”
Yates further contended there is no provision for said comp time in Hancock’s contract with the Griffin Housing Authority, and that the Police Department does not apply the use of such as it relates to off-duty employment.
In a letter addressed to GPD Lt. Mike Natale, the LaGrange Police Department polygraphist, Greg Corbitt, stated, “On June 29, 2017, Dwayne Hancock was administered a polygraph examination concerning an allegation of officer misconduct. It is the polygraphist’s opinion that the physiological responses, which are indicative of deception, were noted when Dwayne Hancock answered ‘no’ to the following relevant questions:
‘Did you get payments for scouting movie locations while on official duty?’
‘Did you falsify the Paychex time clock system to get off-duty payments?’
‘Do you know the names of other officers double dipping on official duty?’
‘Did you falsify your log sheets for the Housing Authority?’
Therefore, it is the polygraphist’s opinion that the chart recordings indicate that Dwayne Hancock was deceptive.”
“Given the results of the interviews, evidence and polygraph, it is apparent that Sgt. Hancock claimed to have performed particular services for the Housing Authority at particular places and times (as reflected on his logs) which he in fact did not perform in the manner reflected. He attempted to cover this act by interjecting fabricated concepts of comp time and by justifying his failure to produce accurate time records by interjecting other actions in the Housing Authority during times and places where there was no record produced. Sgt. Hancock essentially made one admission during his first interview on June 26, 2017, but responded with a conflicted account during his polygraph. Sgt. Hancock could not have been truthful during both official inquiries as his stories differed considerably in content and fact. Lastly, during interviews, Sgt. Hancock also admitted providing services to filming crews by briefly stopping traffic etc. while on duty, while assigned to CID (the Criminal Investigation Division), but he denied being compensated for such,” Yates reported. “In conclusion, it is clear that Sgt. Hancock produced false patrol log sheets for the Housing Authority for performing services he in fact did not perform in the manner he reflected, if at all. He violated the off-duty policy by allowing it to interfere with his assigned duties and used his personal vehicle to allegedly provide law enforcement services. His statements regarding these issues were also inaccurate as he made one set of admissions in one interview and purported a different set of explanations and facts in another.”
The summary of a July 6, interview Natale conducted indicates Hancock denied the allegations against him.
Hancock denied falsifying the Paychex time clock system, and said he no longer had the ability to modify those records.
When asked if he knew the names of other officers double dipping on official duty, Natale said Hancock responded by saying, “No, I don’t, and that question seems like I am double dipping and I am not.”
Hancock also provided other statements related to the allegations.
“I asked Sgt. Hancock, ‘Did you falsify your log sheets for the Housing Authority?’ and he replied no, and that he explained to me about comp time that he would go to the housing complex and help them do an inspection on the way home for an hour and a half then take that time off his regular schedule,” Natale reported. “He said it may have been poor paper keeping and poor record keeping on our behalf. Sgt. Hancock stated that he would go watch his kids play sports and then go to the complex in his POV (personally owned vehicle). I asked him if the management knew about him patrolling in his POV, and he replied, ‘No, I never told them.’ He said, ‘I only did that because I did not want anyone to think that I was out socializing in my police vehicle’ because his family would go out to eat.”
Also in the records produced was a document prepared by Natale regarding the investigation of Keys.
It included brief summaries of interviews conducted with four individuals with each being asked detailed questions regarding their involvement with Keys and off-duty employment.
In totality, the findings read, “It was determined during the course of the investigation that all three persons listed on Lt. Curtis Keys’ Griffin-Spalding County Housing Authority log sheet were determined to be false. He had listed said individuals on several log sheets as if they were working when in fact they were not. Mr. Keys was subsequently compensated for each false log sheets (sic).”
Natale’s conclusion read, “The allegations against Lt. Curtis Keys has been substantiated based on the investigation. This officer’s (Natale’s) investigation is only a small segment of the entire investigation by Chief Michael Yates.”
While the city of Griffin did provide Natale’s record on Keys, Yates’ investigative records were not released under the claim the investigation remains ongoing. That investigation is being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The GRIP has further confirmed that while the allegations Hancock and Keys faced – receiving funds while on duty, violation of GPD policies, violation of the code of ethics and violation of their oath of office – appear to be the same, only Keys has been the subject of a criminal investigation.
According to Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith, Hancock has been the subject of only the internal administrative investigation.
“I was told by the District Attorney that there was no (GBI) investigation into Dwayne Hancock,” Smith said.
When asked if Yates had requested a GBI investigation of Hancock, Smith said, “I thought he (Yates) did, but there must have been some confusion between he and the D.A.’s Office, because the D.A. told me that he did not ask the GBI to investigate Hancock. You would have to ask the D.A. what information he received or if he took it upon himself not to ask the GBI or whether he misunderstood the Chief’s request or what. All I know is he told me there was no investigation into Dwayne Hancock.”
The GRIP asked Smith if Yates intends to specifically request a GBI criminal investigation of Hancock, Smith said, “You’ll have to ask the Chief that, but to the best of my knowledge, he’s not.”
Asked why Yates would not request that investigation now if he intended to do so previously, Smith said, “You’ll have to ask him that. I would assume since Curtis Keys and Dwayne Hancock – since the allegations were similar and I believe the District Attorney is investigating Curtis – that if something was found through the Keys investigation, then he might come back and ask for a Hancock investigation. If nothing was found based on the Keys investigation, then he probably would not, but that’s just surmising on my part.”
Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker clarified the situation by stating he has not seen all the GPD records.
“The Internal Affairs investigation of Officer Keys and Officer Hancock have not been turned over to my office,” Coker said, later adding, “It hasn’t been turned over to my office because it can’t be the basis of a criminal investigation.”
Coker also addressed the matter of Keys being the sole subject of a GBI criminal investigation.
“The allegation that was brought to my attention was involving Officer Keys, so that’s the request I made,” Coker said.
Questioned as to why Yates would have Coker request a GBI investigation rather than simply requesting one himself, Coker replied, “That’s something you’ll have to ask the Chief. He brought the allegations to me to determine if it was criminal. I looked at it, I was made aware of some of the findings in the Internal Affairs, and I asked the GBI to determine if the allegations were criminal or administrative, and that was for Curtis Keys only.”
He described the GBI’s involvement as a review, and said it is ongoing.
“I wrote the letter to the GBI requesting the investigation based on some allegations in the Internal Affairs, but the GBI conducted their own investigation. It’s ongoing, so I don’t know the results at that time,” he said. “What the GBI is doing is a review process. I asked them to determine if there was something criminal there based on information that was brought to me by Chief Yates It’s an administrative review is what it is. It’s to determine if any actions by officer Keys are deemed criminal or if it should be handled administratively, so it’s a review process is what the GBI told me.”
It is unclear precisely what information Yates turned over to Coker, however, included in the documents The GRIP received was a notice of disciplinary conference provided to Hancock by Yates that cited numerous alleged violations to be discussed during that conference.
It also stated, “During this administrative investigation, as the falsification of documents for the Housing Authority arose, the administrative investigation gave rise to speculation as to the possibility of theft by deception or fraud on Sgt. Hancock’s part,” Yates wrote. “Given this reality, the administrative investigation was essentially concluded as it is believed that an outside entity should be responsible for any type of review associated with criminal allegations. Based on GPD policy, when the possibility of a criminal act occurs, I am compelled to report the facts and circumstances to the District Attorney’s Office for review. It is my recommendation that this part of the investigation be referred to the District Attorney upon completion of the administrative action.”
How Keys became the officer subject to GBI criminal investigation remains unknown.
The GRIP did reach out to Yates for comment, but he declined to be interviewed. He initially declined based on the ongoing nature of the investigation. When given assurance the scope of the interview would be strictly held to Dwayne Hancock – who is no longer under investigation – Yates again declined to be interviewed, but said he would respond to some questions by email.
The GRIP responded, “As I’ve previously explained, I don’t conduct interviews by email. In this particular instance, some of my questions pertain to an off the record conversation. Putting those questions in writing would generate a public document subject to release under the Open Records Act, thus nullifying my prior assurances that the statements made were, indeed, off the record.”
Yates replied by stating, “With consideration to whether or not a reporters (sic) “word” has value, or not, an assurance of an “off the record” conversation either “is” off the record or it is “not” off the record. I trust that your word has value and that your journalistic integrity is just that, or not.

You have been offered an opportunity for an “interview” regarding the issues you have requested to discuss (Keys/Hancock) on multiple occasions, to be conducted upon conclusion of the investigation/s at hand but you have declined that offer, thus far. I have offered to answer what questions I can, even before the conclusion of said investigation/s, by e-mail (which is my practice when I cannot rely on the reporter to accurately relay my statements, in context, without omission). Additionally, since our proposed “interview” will be or would be recorded by my office ( to assure accuracy) your “off the record” related questions would be thrust into the realm of open records anyway which renders you (sic) argument moot. Again, conversation is either “on” the record or it is “off” the record and I think it appropriate to rely on your “word” and integrity, or not. Based on our conversation (by e-mail) today, I have offered a future interview, (again) at the appropriate time, and, I have offered to answer your questions, as appropriate, given the circumstances, even before the conclusion of said investigation/s, but, given your responses I assume you are declining my offers to accommodate your wishes, thus our correspondence is concluded until such a point in time as I am on duty.”
The administrative disciplinary action imposed against Keys and Hancock was demotion. Keys was reduced from the rank of lieutenant to sergeant, and Hancock was reduced from the rank of sergeant to corporal.

STAFF REPORT :::

A lengthy investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit resulted in the arrest of David Dover, of 513 Johnny Cut Road, on multiple felony counts related to distributing methamphetamine in Spalding County.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the investigation revealed Dover had an active warrant for his arrest for violation of probation related to a previous conviction for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Special Operations agents on Sept. 9, located Dover and attempted to apprehend him with a traffic stop. Officials say when deputies of the Career Apprehension Gang Enforcement (C.A.G.E.) Unit approached to initiate the stop, Dover fled the scene in a vehicle.

Dix said deputies did not pursue Dover due to safety concerns, but did recover a loaded .45 caliber handgun Dover allegedly threw from the vehicle.

Dover was arrested Sept. 12, at 935 Experiment St., at which time a quantity of methamphetamine and cash was recovered.

Stephanie Ard, of Smyrna Church Road, Thomaston, was also arrested.

“Over the next several days agents were able to intercept communications between Dover and others while he was in jail. In one of the conversations Dover stated that he had hidden quantity of methamphetamine near the Runaway Lakes subdivision and was looking for someone to retrieve it for him. Dover was very detailed as to the location, and manner that the methamphetamine was packaged in particular. Based on the information intercepted, agents went to the area and located two individuals who admitted that they were attempting to locate the methamphetamine for Dover,” Dix said. “Agents located the package Dover described and they secured it for him. At 9:30 last night I, along with two Special Operations agents and a GBI agent, met with Dover in the jail and let him know that we had his methamphetamine in our possession and assured him that it was indeed secure.”

The quantity of methamphetamine recovered was sufficient for agents to charge Dover with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, abandonment of a dangerous drug and unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug transaction.

From the previous encounter with officer from which authorities allege Dover fled, he has been charged with violation of parole, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects, multiple traffic violations, reckless conduct and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Special Operations agents also seized two vehicles and approximately $3,000 cash.

Ard was charged with possession of drug related objects and possession of methamphetamine.

“David Dover has been distributing methamphetamine in Spalding County for years and we consider this a substantial arrest. Dover has multiple methamphetamine related convictions on his record and his disregard for the law and our community is obvious,” Dix said. “He and others like him will continue to feel the pressure increase and we will use all lawful means to stop them. Their days are numbered.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

After reporting on the Griffin Police Department’s Internal Affairs administrative investigation of Curtis Keys and Dwayne Hancock, which resulted in both officers being demoted one rank, and Keys being the subject of a GBI criminal investigation, The GRIP was alerted that pertinent information had been omitted.

The GRIP then notified the city of Griffin that all information pursuant to its original Aug. 1, 2017, Open Records request in this matter had not been produced. After two further attempts, the originally-omitted information has been received.

Following GPD Chief Mike Yates’ disciplinary conference with Hancock, Yates submitted a disciplinary recommendation to Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith.

According to Yates, Hancock “offered little substantive information that would mitigate the disciplinary decision-making process,” which resulted in the Chief recommending Hancock be demoted from the rank of sergeant to master patrol officer, and that he be prohibited from engaging in any off-duty/extra-duty employment for a period of at least six months.

“It should also be noted that the incidents and materials giving rise to this disciplinary action were limited in scope to a brief period of time and in the context of an administrative investigation. Given the possibility that criminal actions may have been indicated during the conduct of the administrative investigation, the matter will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review as policy requires,” Yates wrote. “Should the District Attorney’s Office conclude that criminal acts occurred, further disciplinary action in this matter cannot be discounted and this possibility must be acknowledged in regards to this recommendation.”

In response, Smith noted, “I concur with Chief Yates’ recommendation.”

Despite Yates’ statement that he referred this matter to Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker, The GRIP has confirmed that no GBI criminal investigation of Hancock was requested. According to Coker, Yates’ request was limited to Keys, with the Chief having made no request regarding Hancock.

After receiving notification of Smith’s approval of Yates’ disciplinary recommendation – which took effect July 31 – Hancock on Aug. 4, submitted notice of his intent to appeal that disciplinary action.

Records indicate Hancock was provided a document listing the names of individuals willing to voluntarily serve on the appeals panel. From that list, he was instructed to select four people to serve on his appeals panel.

“This completed list must be at the city of Griffin’s HR (Human Resources) Department no later than Aug. 16, 2017, otherwise we will consider you to have forfeited your right to appeal,” the letter stated.

The completed form indicates Hancock selected four volunteer panelists, however, the document also notes – in handwritten script – “Appeal not timely. Returned approximately 1.5 weeks after deadline.”

Based on his alleged failure to return the information prior to the documented Aug. 16, deadline, Hancock’s appeal was forfeited and the disciplinary action stands.

In a separate action, Hancock personally addressed Smith in a letter in which he requested the city manager reconsider the six-month prohibition against working part-time off-duty jobs.

“I have always performed in such a manner at my full-time job with the city of Griffin and with my part-time employees that I have never had any disciplinary issues of any kind that would warrant them to stop this income,” Hancock wrote. “For that matter, my supervisors have always been very pleased with my performance. My inability to work these part-time jobs hurts not only my family and I, but it also hurts my part-time employers because they have relied on me and my abilities for a long time. They are having to replace me with someone else that they may not be familiar with. I would greatly appreciate you reconsidering this punishment and allow me to work my part-time jobs.”

In response, Smith wrote, “In recognition of the ongoing criminal investigation related to the same or similar actions currently being conducted by the District Attorney’s Office, I am not inclined to reconsider the city’s administrative actions at this time.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

After refusing since Feb. 3 to produce certain personnel records sought in an Open Records request submitted by The GRIP Publisher Sheila Mathews, the city of Griffin on Sept. 1 reversed that long held decision and released the exempted documents.

At the crux of the dispute were the pre-employment computer voice stress analysis and psychological evaluation – or Personnel Evaluation Profile – of Tyler Cooper, a former patrol officer of the Griffin Police Department.

GPD Chief Mike Yates has been involved from the beginning of the dispute, as he was the person responsible for determining which records would be released pursuant to The GRIP’s Open Records request.

Yates initially cited two criteria for withholding Cooper’s CVSA and psychological evaluation – the federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act and HIPAA, respectively.

The GRIP protested not only the basis of withholding the records, but also $40 of the total fee assessed by the city of Griffin based on the expenditure of Yates’ time.

The Georgia Open Records Act requires agencies to “utilize the most economical means reasonably calculated to identify and produce responsive, non-excluded documents,” and stipulates that fees “shall not exceed the prorated hourly salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the reasonable discretion of the custodian of the records, has the necessary skill and training to perform the request; provided, however, that no charge shall be made for the first quarter hour.”

Diane Martin, who the city legally identifies as one of its two assistant Open Records clerks, is Yates administrative assistant with well more than ten years’ experience producing records responsive to Open Records requests.

However, in this instance, city officials argued that Yates is in fact the lowest paid employee with the knowledge of the federal laws under which the information The GRIP requested was exempt from release.

The GRIP maintained its argument that the fee was wrongly assessed because the federal laws of which Yates had expert knowledge were nonapplicable to the Open Records request in dispute.

To support its position, The GRIP provided multiple resources in its long-term effort to obtain the requested information.

A letter to the editor penned by Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith – which was also emailed to all seven sitting city commissioners – as well as The GRIP’s response and further actions taken against Sheila Mathews can be read here: https://the-grip.net/2017/06/29/city-manager-responds-to-open-records-stand-off/

Yates later alleged additional grounds to support his position that the records were exempt from release. One such argument was that to release the records could have compromised the identify of a confidential source in an internal investigation. However, when The GRIP submitted an Open Records request for that investigation’s case number, the city responded that it did not exist.

Despite seven months of repeated efforts, The GRIP was repeatedly denied the requested records until Sept. 1, when they were produced via an email that read, “Sheila, please accept this supplemental response to your Open Records Act request of February 3, seeking the following information on Tyler Cooper, then of the Griffin Police Department.

“The employee personnel record; All records pertaining to the hiring process including test information, evaluation information, referrals and/or recommendations and interviews; All FTO records to include any and all reviews; All performance reviews; All disciplinary records.”

We provided everything in our initial response, except for the attached records, a PEP and Voice Stress Analysis, which we cited as exemptible under O.C.G.A. 50-18-72 (1), (2) and (7). Our City Attorney has opined that these particular records, cannot, in fact, be exempted and they are provided herewith. The cost for provision of this information is $2.80 (28 pages at $.10 per copy), payable to the City of Griffin, P.O. Box T, Griffin, GA 30224.”

The GRIP has attempted to learn the catalyst for the change in the city’s stance, but that information has not been forthcoming.

Publisher’s note: The GRIP will this week publish an article online at http://www.the-grip.net detailing the information received in the long sought after public records.

STAFF REPORT :::

Free flu shots are available today at the Spalding County Health Department.

The Spalding County Health Department, in conjunction with the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security, is conducting the annual Point of Dispensing exercise, with the dispensing of free flu shots provided by Griffin-Spalding County Hospital Authority.

Flu shots will be distributed as a drive thru in the parking lot of the Spalding County Health Department located at 1007 Memorial Drive.

The free flu shots will be available on a first come, first served basis and while supplies last.

Enter the drive thru on the Harlow Avenue access and exit out on the right to Memorial Drive.

STAFF REPORT :::

Funding has been approved for the construction of a 49,175-square foot Veterans Administration health clinic in Pike County.

The GRIP thanks Pike County Times Editor Becky Watts for sharing this story. For additional information on this developing story, please visit http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSvaclinic9.27.17.html#.WcwEVLKGPIU.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has confirmed one person was shot and killed Wednesday night by a deputy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, the deputy involved in the shooting was uninjured in the incident.

Neither the decedent nor the deputy have been identified.

Dix has requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conduct the investigation of the officer involved shooting.

The GRIP will continue to report additional information as it becomes available.