LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event

Community, Education

DAHLONEGA, GA

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”

Last year, over 53% of  LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year!  We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K.  We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon.  Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year.  Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”

The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.

 

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McDaniel accepts plea deal in child molestation case

Featured Stories, News

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Erica McDaniel, 34, was sentenced to 15 years —  three to serve and 12 on probation — after pleading guilty to one count of child molestation during her court trial on Friday, Sept. 13.

McDaniel was arrested in September of 2018 for sexual misconduct with a minor that took place over a one-year span for included one count of child molestation and two counts of statutory rape. According to court records, McDaniel and her lawyer, Andrew Richman, entered a plea deal for one count of child molestation. According to the terms laid out in the plea deal, she will serve three years of her sentence in confinement, and the remainder will be served on probation.

In addition to the sentencing, court records reveal that McDaniel is also barred from Lumpkin County, “or the Enotah Judicial Circuit during the period of probation for any reason whatsoever.” Contact with the victim and/or his family is also prohibited.

McDaniel is also required by law to register as a sex offender, that will prohibit her from having contact with minors, residing with a minor, having images of minors, or entering relationships with anyone who is a parent or guardian of minors, with the exception being her own children.

The other two counts of statutory rape were dropped under Nolle Prosequi (NOL PROS), meaning “we shall no longer prosecute.” NOL PROS is used as a legal statement of dropped charges from the prosecutor in a criminal case.

 

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Dahlonega City Hall announces special called meeting

Community, Feature News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dahlonega City Council will hold a special called meeting at the Dahlonega City Hall on September 5, at 4:30pm to discuss Ordinance 2019-time, manner, and place, and Ordinance 2019-25.

According to City Hall, Ordinance 2019 is, “An ordinance regulating planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” Ordinance 2019-25 is, “An ordinance to encourage innovative and safe uses of unmanned aircraft while addressing concerns about accountability.”

The public is encouraged to attend.

 

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JQC Dismisses all Claims against Judge Brenda Weaver

Featured, News

“No evidence has been presented to show any violation of code of Judicial Ethics by Judge Weaver. Instead, the evidence appears to show a personal dislike of the Judge.”

Last week the Georgia Judicial Qualification Commission dismissed the complaint against Appalachian Judicial District Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda Weaver. 

Judge Brenda Weaver

“The complaint of Thomason, Stookey, Doss and the GCSPJ are without any basis in law or fact. The complaints are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to enlist the JQC in their fixation upon harming Judge Weaver. The JQC will have no further part in it. All complaints are hereby dismissed.”

The complaint was submitted to the JQC by Mark Thomason, former publisher of the Fannin Focus, his attorney Russell Stookey and Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss.

In the JQC conclusions they addressed the Georgia Chapters Society of Professionals Journalist complaint that Weaver mounted an attack on freedom of the press.

“Calling oneself a “journalist” and “reporter” should not be a cover for pursuing personal vendettas.”

Stookey and Thomason with the assistance of Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss raised a complaint to the FBI to initiate an investigation.   

JQC, “The FBI investigated the allegations raised by Stookey and Thomason but found no wrongdoing.”

On June 15th Atlanta Attorney Gerry Weber, representing Russell Stookey and Mark Thomason, sent a demand letter and Ante Litem Notice to Judge Brenda Weaver, District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee and Pickens County Board of Commissioners.

Part of Weber’s summary of claim, “This case has already garnered national attention. It involves breathtaking abuse of power by a Judge, prosecutor, and law enforcement who manipulated the criminal justice system to wage a personal vendetta against a local newspaper publisher and his attorney.”

Weber’s claim for damages conclusion, “Further accounting for damages stemming from the emotional distress in false arrest and malicious prosecution and for the punitive damages due to egregiousness of the actions leading to the arrests, Stookey’s and Thomason’s damages exceed 1,000,000.”

How far will this case go considering the FBI and JQC have closed their investigation both dismissing the possible charge of wrongdoing.

Click to read “Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested, Journalist or Vendetta?

 

Many downtown businesses will close on 9.14 due to rally

Feature News

DAHLONEGA, GA

The list of local businesses on the historic Dahlonega square that will be closed on September 14 has steadily increased as the impending rally approaches.

Some of the first businesses to announce closing on the 14th are, Spirits Tavern, Gustavo’s, and Knuckles Sandwich Shop. Spirits posted on their reason for closing on their Facebook page, which was later shared by Knuckles  “Spirits Tavern will be closed on this day (Saturday, September 14). The safety of our employees and guests are our highest priority. The revenue lost is not worth acknowledging hate of any kind.”

Since then, several other businesses have taken to social media to announce their closing on 9.14, including Mayor Sam Norton’s business, the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery. According to Picnic Cafe’s Facebook page, “It’s not always about the dollar. Family values and a sense of community are what most businesses on the Square are about here in Dahlonega. We will close Saturday, September 14th and encourage others to be home with their family. We will reopen the day after these disruptive protests and counter-protests. We look forward to seeing you on Make-Up Monday (9/16/19).”

Crimson Moon told FYN that they will be closed during the day and open only to host the concert scheduled for Saturday night. Capers on the Square, Brad Walker Pottery, Paul Thomas Chocolates, The Dahlonega General Store, Jolie Day Spa, Walking Ghost Tours, and Studio Jewelers are amongst the businesses that will also be closed. The Dahlonega Farmer’s Market is also canceled for 9.14.

While many downtown businesses will be closed, there are some who will remain open, or open later Saturday evening. This includes The Fudge Factory and Outlaw Jerky will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, 19 Degrees North, Pueblos, Grapevines, Johnny B’s, Naturally Georgia, Giggle Monkey Toys, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, and Bourbon Street Grille, (downstairs dining only) will all remain open.

Deb Rowe, owner of Shenanigan’s and Bourbon Street Grille, explained that they will remain open, but the upstairs dining area and balcony area of Bourbon Street will be closed. Patrons will still have the option to dine downstairs at Bourbon Street. Both businesses expressed support and appreciation not for the rally, but for the many law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who will be diligently working to keep everyone safe during the rally,

“Shenanigans and Bourbon Street will be open on Saturday 9/14, offering our employee discount of 30% to all emergency personnel. We are aware that many businesses are taking a different approach, and that’s just as understandable. We will stand in the confidence of our law enforcement to monitor and protect, as well as being steadfast with safety and security ourselves. In addition to our local emergency personnel, there are several hundreds of additional officers coming to serve our community and it is our hope that after a contained and uneventful demonstration, we will be able to serve them in appreciation of their service to us all.”

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Chestatee Artists Group announces new Folk School

Business

DAHLONEGA, GA

The Dahlonega Chestatee Artists Group has opened registration for their upcoming Folk School from now until September 27, 2019. The first classes of the Folk School will be held the weekend of October 11 through October 13, beginning Friday evening at 7p.m. until 9p.m. and ending Sunday around 11:30a.m.

Credit: Beth Stull Morning Glow

There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, September 12 for those interested in learning more about the mission of Chestatee Artists, the Folk School, and to meet the instructors. The meeting will be at 6p.m., in the United Community Bank Community Room.

According to their website, a variety of categories will be offered to the public, “Our Folk School classes will be held in our beautiful city of Dahlonega twice a year with some of the finest instructors in many exciting categories. Leatherwork, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, wire wrapping, jewelry making, weaving and more.”

Instructor, Oscar Rayneri, teaching at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

 

 

For those who cannot attend in October, a second Folk School will be offered in March of 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Larson announces plans to run for re-election City Council Post 6

Community, Politics

DAHLONEGA, GA

City Councilman, Ron Larson, confirmed that he will run for re-election for the Post 6 Dahlonega City Council seat.

Larson has served as a City Councilman since 2016, and in a recent social media post he announced, “I registered today to run for re-election to the Dahlonega City Council, Post #6. Election day is November 5th. I hope I can count on your support to serve you for another 4 years (2020-2023). It has been an honor to represent the citizens of Dahlonega since January 2016. Thank you!”

Post 6 Councilman, Ron Larson at the grand opening of new Yahoola splash pad. Photo Credit: Lumpkin County Government

Larson is also a part-time lecturer at the University of North Georgia, in the Mike Cottrell College of Business Department of Management and Marketing, where he teaches management, ethics, and strategic

planning. He is also a member of the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary, where he served as the club president from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. His extensive work experience includes serving as the manager of Achasta golf community, manager for The Lake Club at Reynolds Plantation, as well as several CFO positions, since 1981.

Led by Larson in 2018, the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club raised $20k for the assistance of the Lumpkin County Commission with the expedited installation of the Yahoola Creek Park splash pad for the benefit of Lumpkin County. During his current tenure as Post 6 City Councilman, Larson supported the installation of the Wayfare Signs around the Dahlonega City Square, the Historic Dahlonega Shuttle service, and the Dahlonega Gold Adventure All-Abilities park, as well as several other projects that have benefited Lumpkin County.

Election Day will be on November 5, 2020.

Post 6 Councilman, Ron Larson. Photo Credit: Ron Larson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Boil water advisory in effect for Crooked Creek Subdivision

Community, Health

LUMPKIN CO., GA

According to a press release from the Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority,

“LCWSA experienced a water main break in the Crooked Creek Subdivision which caused a localized loss of system pressure. When this occurs a potential health hazard may exist in these areas of zero pressure from backflow of water of unknown quality into the water system. In order to protect the public from a potential health hazard, all Crooked Creek residents that live on High Creek Drive, White Oak Trail and Oak Springs Trail that have experienced a water outage and/or low pressures are advised to “boil” all water prior to use for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food. The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil. Once LCWSA has tested the water and confirmed that the water in the distribution system is safe for human consumption, LCWSA will post a message on Lumpkin County’s Website and at High Creek Drive to notify the public that the boil water advisory has been lifted. If you have questions please call LCWSA at 706-867-6580.”

 

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City Council approves ordinances that impact upcoming events

Business, News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Dahlonega City Council held a special called meeting on September 5 and approved ordinances that impact coming events, including the well-publicized Sept. 14 rally in support of President Donald Trump.

Ordinance 2019-24 will help regulate the time, place, and manner of “planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” According to Dahlonega Mayor Sam Norton the ordinance, “Gives the city manager the authority to issue an order and broad discretion on how to investigate the time, manner, and place [of city events].”

According to 2019-24, the city manager is, “Authorized to issue content-neutral time, place, and manner regulations to govern upcoming demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in the city,” through written orders.

With this, the city manager will have the authority to “restrict the time and length of the event or place regulations on the number of participants who may gather or congregate upon public property, public sidewalks, public rights-of-way, and places of public assembly to which the public has access.” The purpose is to protect the “public’s use and enjoyment of public spaces.”

Dahlonega City Manager Bill Schmid explained that those who wish to participate in demonstrations held on public property would be designated to a specific “free-speech zone,” where they would also be required to follow any rules set forth by the city. Schmid explained that there would be, “Signage created to identify the rules,” and they would also be posted on the internet and handed out to participants as they arrive at the event.

City Marshal Jeff Branyon explained that law enforcement would be present to ensure all participants followed the regulations, and the proposed rules will be available online for the public prior to the event. The Council also set a “Sunset Date” for December 31, at which time they will revisit the ordinance and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

Ordinance 2019-25 will restrict the use of drones during festivals or large events that are held in the city on public property, and although they will be permitted otherwise, the City Council must be notified prior to use; those who wish to fly drones over the city on public property, will have the option to notify the proper persons online.

“This is a public safety issue,” explained Braynon. He also stated that the University of North Georgia Drill Field is designated as a landing pad in the event of an emergency, and the use of drones during festivals and large events may interfere.

 

 

Dahlonega City Council announces public hearing to discuss millage rate

Politics

DAHLONEGA, GA

The Dahlonega City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, to discuss setting the 2019 millage and the adoption of the 2020 Fiscal Year Budget. The meeting will take place at the Dahlonega City Hall at 4:00p.m., immediately before the City Council Work Session.

The Work Session will cover department reports from the following:

  • Dahlonega City Marshal
  • Historic Preservation Commission
  • Downtown Development Authority
  • Finance Department
  • Public Works Department
  • Water and Waste Water Plants Department
  • Cemetery Committee

Other topics to be discussed:

  • 2019 LMIG Off System Safety Vendor Selection for Signs & Stripes
  • Ordinance 2019-14 Dilapidated Structure
  • Memo RE DOR (Department of Revenue) Sales Tax Information
  • Banking Services Contract Renewal

 

FBI Investigation? Fannin County House of Cards

Featured, Featured Stories, News

“Some would rather climb a tree to tell a lie than stand on the ground and tell the truth” BKP

Monday afternoon July 18th in a Pickens County Courtroom Senior Judge Richard Winegarden signed the nolle prosequi orders dropping the charges against Fannin Focus publisher Mark Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey.

Thomason and Stookey were arrested Friday 6-24-16. Thomason was charged with three counts; identity fraud, attempt to commit identity fraud and making a false statement. Stookey was charged with two counts; identity fraud and attempt to commit identity fraud.

Appalachian Judicial District Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda Weaver filed the complaint with the District Attorney’s office. District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee presented the charges to a Pickens County Grand Jury made up of sixteen citizens. The Grand Jury returned true bills on both Thomason and Stookey.

When the charges were dropped that made the file concerning this case open for the public to view, FYN spent Friday afternoon thoroughly reviewing the file.  I listened to the witness interviews several times.

Immediately after the court adjourned Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss did an interview with Channel 2’s Mark Winne.  (Doss interview with Mark Winne.)  She told Winne she has spoken with the FBI three times since March.

Mark Thomason, Russell Stookey, Lynn Doss, and Fannin Probate Judge Scott Kiker have made claims that there is currently an FBI investigation into Judge Brenda Weaver and Judge Roger Bradley.  Thomason, Stookey, and Doss have made the same claims concerning the FBI during interviews.  Witness interviews claim Kiker told them about the FBI investigation in detail.

Throughout the DA’s investigation one name kept coming up, County Attorney Lynn Doss. It is common knowledge in the Appalachian Judicial District that Doss does not care very much for Judge Roger Bradley.  I stated in a previous article a comment Doss made to me regarding her feelings for Bradley.

Doss serves as the Attorney for Fannin County, Fannin County Water Authority, and the Fannin County Board of Education.  Her husband Harry Doss is the Fannin County Juvenile Public Defender and the Fannin County Probate Judge Public Defender. The Doss’s have received a lot of money for several years from Fannin County taxpayers.  Side note, FYN has researched Doss and Kiker court cases from Cobb to Towns Counties and have found several cases where Lynn Doss and Scott Kiker are co-counsel.  See any conflict with that?  Doss is public defender in Kiker’s courtroom.  Also what happened to the promise Kiker made the voters of Fannin County that he would be a full-time Probate Judge?  Far from it, Kiker has private cases in several counties. And that is a story for another day.

Lynn Doss thoroughly understands attorney/client privilege so why would she risk losing a client like Fannin County Board of Commissioners who pays her $5,708 per month, $68,496 a year?  I asked Chairman Bill Simonds if he knew that Fannin County was being investigated by the FBI and also if he knew Doss was speaking to the FBI? Simonds told us he just found out in the last couple of weeks and was not aware of any conversations Doss was having or may have had with the FBI.

Remember the checks from the Judge’s account which Thomason claimed appeared to have been illegally cashed?  Who gave the checks to Stookey or Thomason?  During an interview with DA Investigator Greg Arp, Simonds told Arp he understood that Doss said she thought the FBI would be contacting her and so Doss wanted the checks.  Simonds went on to say, his understanding was that Doss gave the checks to Stookey who in turn gave them to Thomason.  

So if Doss told Simonds about the FBI possibly contacting her why did she not come back to her client (Fannin County) and confirm her involvement with the FBI investigation once she was actually contacted?

Investigator Arp asked Simonds if Doss ever admitted to him who she gave the checks to?  Simonds replied “Oh Yeah!  She gave the checks to this Stookey guy. She is the county attorney.  She has no F****** business giving checks out to nobody especially another attorney.  She said ‘I do that all the time, I give out numbers.’  Simonds said, ‘Lynn this is a lot different than a F****** telephone number, this ain’t no telephone number.’  She lied about it.  I think this is a d*** vendetta.  Lynn is vindictive.”

The DA’s investigators Greg Arp and Christy O’Dell interviewed Rita Davis Kirby.  Kirby is Fannin County’s CFO.  Kirby told investigators that she gave the check in question to Doss and only Doss.  

“She is the only one who had the checks. The only person who had copies of those checks.  It’s obvious that Lynn is the only one with copies of the checks from Fannin County.  If Mark Thomason has a copy of them it came to him from Lynn Doss.  In March Lynn comes in and asks me for a copy of the third quarter, second, third and fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 of Judge Bradley’s checks.  She said I have gotten word the FBI is going to be looking into this and they will probably call me so if you will just go ahead and get those for me I will have them when they contact me.  I got her the copies and sent them to her. She sent me an email and said could I go ahead and give her the other two judges just for the sake of not singling any one judge out. Something to that effect.  She emailed me. Kirby said Doss never came back and said anything about the FBI investigation. “

Kirby was asked if the FBI had made any requests to the commissioner’s office?

“No, and that is what’s strange to me as well.”

Kirby recounted a meeting with investigators between Doss, Simonds, and herself concerning who Doss gave the checks to and how she knew they had been cashed. “ When Bill got a copy of the Open Records Request that Thomason sent Chairman Rob Jones in Pickens County, Lynn came in and was in Bill’s office.  Kirby went into Bill’s office and sat down.  Lynn read a copy of the email and told Bill she needed to talk to him about this.  She needed to explain.  She said this is crazy (Lynn), I could kill Mark Thomason (jokingly).  All I know about this is ‘Mark Thomason received copies of these checks from Rita,’ and I (Kirby) stopped her.   I said “No, Lynn, No he didn’t.”   “I thought I had given him those checks but I didn’t.  I went back to verify that.  I did not give those checks to Mark Thomason, you are the only one I gave those checks too. She said (Lynn) I’m not sure how he got them.”

The reasoning behind the investigation is there is a problem about ‘if’ the checks have been cashed and they’re not supposed to be cashed.  Lynn said on the back of the check in the upper left hand corner on Judge Bradley’s checks there are numbers that go across and we understand and were told it was a teller override. (Rita said) I told her that was not a teller override and Lynn said, I spoke to Ruth Jordan and she told me that it was a teller override.

Kirby said she was in the room when Simonds asked Doss who she gave the checks to. “Doss told Bill she gave the checks to Stookey who is Mark Thomason’s Attorney.  At that point Bill looked at her and said, “you did what?”  She said it’s open records and I gave them to Stookey.  She said it’s no different than me giving a phone number to an attorney without asking if she could give the number out.  Bill said that ain’t quite the same thing.”

Kirby implied throughout the interview that she feels that Doss shares county information with Thomason.

Did Ruth Jordan tell Lynn Doss that the checks appeared to have been cashed because of the numbers on the back of the check? Jordan is the Blue Ridge Branch Manager of Community & Southern Bank.

DA Investigators O’Dell and Arp interviewed Jordan. Jordan immediately let them know she could not answer questions for the bank but she could talk about procedural issues.

If we show you the back of the check could you tell us if it’s a teller override?

Jordan, “You would not be able to tell anything about the back of the check, I think that is the whole issue somebody doesn’t understand.”

So you couldn’t look at the back of the check and tell if it’s a teller override?

Jordan, “no,no.”

Jordan, “This is what I told everyone I did have a conversation with but I have not had a conversation with any attorney.”

So you haven’t talked with Miss Doss?

Jordan, “No.”

Jordan, “Concerning the back of the check in question, “this is a routing number, that is all that is.”

Investigator Odell, is there anything on the back of the check that you can tell that it’s been

cashed, deposited, whatever….?

Jordan,

“Absolutely not.”

Jordan,

 “Procedural-wise, as far as Community and Southern’s bank policy, a check like that should never be cashed. That’s a business check. It’s a business check. One person does not have ownership of that check. So that check should have been deposited.  Now, there is a For Deposit Only here. There is nothing on the back of this check that can tell you the check has been cashed, deposited, you can’t tell anything. There is nothing back there to tell that. It’s a routing number, branch number and teller number.”

Investigator, The only reason you are here is because your name specifically has come up as having a conversation with a certain attorney that has indicated that you were able to tell them from the back of that check. You have not had any conversation with Mrs. Doss regarding any of this?

Jordan, “No”

Any conversation with Mrs. Doss regarding teller overrides? “No”

Jordan, “I have not spoken to Lynn Doss.  I will not disclose anyone’s personal information. It’s not going to happen.”

When discussing the subpoena Jordan said, “I was shocked and amazed. I have never gotten a subpoena that was not served by an officer.  If a deputy would have showed up with that subpoena it would have been filled out by someone before they got here with it. Generally when I get one on something like that they serve notice and generally they want someone to sign showing I received it.  They were here literally wanting us to give them something and I’m like what, we don’t do that.  I don’t think they understood.  I was shocked that they had what looked like nearly a blank subpoena and I just said I don’t know anything about this.  I don’t know what you’re looking for.  You’re going to have to give me some information.”

Investigators showed Jordan the check that supposedly had been cashed illegally. Jordan said there was nothing on the check that indicated a teller override or that it had been cashed.

A check when deposited with a teller show the teller’s number so why not just go to the teller and ask if they cashed or deposited the check?

So why did Doss tell Simonds and Kirby that Jordan said the check appeared to be cashed? Who told Thomason the check appeared to be cashed?  Remember that is what Thomason said in the email he sent Pickens County Commissioner Rob Jones. The email to Jones was an for an open records request.  Who gave Thomason his information?

What about the FBI Investigation?   In one witness interview with “Mr. X” he tells Arp and O’Dell that there are two FBI agents doing the investigation. FYN has learned the name of one FBI Agent, Jamie Harter.

Mr. X told Arp and O’Dell the following:  Scott Kiker told me that a whistleblower came to Mark Thomason.  Kiker would never tell me who the whistleblower was.  Only thing Kiker told me was that the whistleblowers had been granted immunity from prosecution. There are two FBI agents.

Kiker said the reason he got involved was he and Thomason had to sign a paper before the FBI would investigate. They had to sign a paper saying that Mark had asked them to come up here.  Thomason told Kiker he was afraid to sign it without some legal representation so he requested Scott Kiker to be his legal representation and then he signed the thing and gave it back to the FBI.

So if Scott Kiker is Thomason’s legal counsel concerning the FBI investigation does he know who the whistleblower is?  Does he know whom the FBI offered immunity?  FYN has reached out to Lynn Doss and Scott Kiker with a list of questions.  At the time of this article they have not responded.  At the bottom of this article you will see a list of questions we have asked both Doss and Kiker.  We will post their answers as soon as they respond.

Remember the attempt to commit identity fraud in the indictment of Thomason.  We found something very interesting in the DA’s file.  It may be irrelevant but we feel it’s worth mentioning.

In this letter from Assistant District Attorney Chase G. Queen of the Enotah Judicial Circuit, Thomason may have committed identity fraud.

(Article continues under the letter)12ChristyLetter800Check back as this story continues to develop “Fannin County House of Cards.”

FYN would like to be clear regarding the allegations of “cashed checks” there hasn’t been any proof presented at this time which supports the claims of checks being cashed.

Below is the list of questions for Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss and Fannin County Probate Judge Scott Kiker.

Mr. Kiker,

I have reviewed the entire file including listening to all of the witness interviews in the case that was dropped last week against Mark Thomason and Russell Stookey.

  1. One witness stated that Thomason had to sign a form and send it back to the FBI before they would look into Thomason’s complaint. The witness stated that he (Thomason) brought the paperwork to you and I understand you signed as Thomason’s Attorney. Did you sign a document along with Mark Thomason that was sent back to the FBI?
  1. Have you spoken to or met with the FBI?
  1. Have you and Lynn Doss ever spoken with or met with the FBI together?
  1. Did Lynn Doss tell you she was speaking with the FBI? When was the first time you knew that Lynn Doss was involved with the FBI investigation?
  1. One witness said that you told him there was a whistleblower at UCBI and the FBI has granted this person immunity from prosecution. How are you aware of this information?  Who told you (Mark Thomason, Lynn Doss, FBI…)? Do you know the identity of the whistleblower?
  1. One witness said that when he confronted you about the whistleblower  and UCBI you said it was a rumor Mark Thomason started.  Is it a rumor?
  1. Did you represent Greg Joseph Staffins in a shoplifting case in Union County?
  1. Does the Fannin County Probate Court have or use investigators?
  1. Has Mark Thomason ever worked for the Probate Court as an investigator?
  1. Are you aware that allegedly Mark Thomason went into the Blairsville Wal-Mart and identified himself to Wal-Mart employee Jeff Griffin as an investigator for the Fannin County Probate Court specifically Judge Scott Kiker’s Investigator?
  1. According to Jeff Griffin, Thomason asked to see Wal-Mart case reports on the shoplifting case against Greg Joseph Staffins. Was your office ever contacted by the Union County DA’s office inquiring about Thomason’s relationship to the Probate Court and yourself?

Mrs. Doss,

I am working on an article concerning a possible FBI investigation you discussed in a recent interview.  I have listened to the witness interview from the Mark Thomason-Russell Stookey case and have several questions.

  1. You said you have communicated with the FBI 3 times. Were those phone conversations or meetings?
  2. Did you provide the FBI with any Fannin County documents?
  3. At any time did you make the Fannin County Chairman Bill Simonds aware of your involvement with an FBI investigation?
  4. Who (name) did you talk to at the FBI?
  5. Did you give the checks in question to Russell Stookey or Mark Thomason?
  6. Did you contact the FBI first?
  7. Did Ruth Jordan tell you the numbers on the check showed the checks had been cashed?
  8. Did you tell Chairman Simonds, with Rita Kirby present, that you gave the checks to Stookey and that Ruth Jordan told you the checks had an override number on them indicating they had been cashed?
  9. Did you tell Mark Thomason the checks appeared to have been cashed?
  10. Have you ever had a conversation with Scott Kiker concerning the FBI investigation in this matter?
  11. Has Scott Kiker or Mark Thomason shared with you the name of the whistleblower?
  12. Have you signed any paperwork with the FBI?

Related articles:

Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested, Journalist or Vendetta?

Subpoena that Landed Journalist Mark Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey in Jail

Ads in Fannin Focus do not show up correctly in Sheriff Candidates Campaign Financial Reports

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Subpoena that Landed Journalist Mark Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey in Jail

News

In the case of the Fannin Focus publisher Mark Brannon Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey,  there a several questions that remain unanswered about the subpoena for bank records. How did they get the bank account number on the subpoena? Who gave them checks with the account number? Thomason said some checks appeared to have been cashed. Who told him the checks appeared to have been cashed? FYN held interviews with Russell Stookey, Fannin County Financial Director Rita Davis Kirby. Subsequent to those interviews, Mark Thomason released a statement concerning the checks, but first some back story.

Thomason and Stookey were arrested Friday 6-24-16. Thomason was charged with three counts; identity fraud, attempt to commit identity fraud and making a false statement. Stookey was charged with two counts; identity fraud and attempt to commit identity fraud.

Appalachian Judicial District Chief Superior Court Brenda Weaver filed the complaint with the District Attorney’s office. DA,  B. Alison Sosebee presented the charges to a Pickens County Grand Jury made up of sixteen citizens. The Grand Jury returned true bills on both Thomason and Stookey.

The State and National media pounced on the sensationalism of “journalist went to jail violating his First Amendment Rights, freedom of the press”. They didn’t seem to be interested in researching any of the facts of the case. So why should they research when they have hooked the big fish, head of the JQC (Judicial Qualifying Commission), Brenda Weaver. Now that is a fish you don’t throw back into the water regardless the facts.

Judge Weaver sent DA Sosebee a letter requesting the charges against Thomason and Stookey be dropped. DA Sosebee has prepared a motion to have the case dropped.

Senior Judge Richard Winegarden has announced he will hold a hearing for the dismissal of the charges brought against Mark Thomason and Russell Stookey on July 18 at 3pm in Pickens County court.

If Judge Winegarden dismisses the case, that still begs the question, were the un-redacted checks given to Thomason or Stookey or both?

When an open records request is filed with the County for banking information, it is the responsibility of the County CFO to redact the account and routing numbers from the check before releasing the check. The Fannin County CFO is Rita Davis Kirby.

FYN interviewed Russell Stookey Tuesday on our morning show, “Good Morning from the Office”. Here is the transcript of some questions we asked Stookey about the subpoena and checks during our interview.

BKP

What were you looking for with the subpoena?

Copy of the redacted subpoena. Question how did they know what check number they were looking for?

Copy of the redacted subpoena. Question – how did they know what check number they were looking for?

Stookey

“We were looking for one check, that’s all we needed. We got in trouble because we were asking for that one check”.

The subpoena on Stearns Bank had account numbers on it and during the interview, Stooked agreed that when you do an open records request for checks, the account numbers are to be redacted..

BKP

Where did you get the bank account numbers to do the subpoena?

Stookey

“ They were from checks that had been used to pay other bills,”

I showed Stookey a copy of the subpoena on my computer.

BKP

“This is the subpoena that was been posted online.”

Stookey

“That’s the first time I have seen that”

BKP

“Where did you get the checks?”

Stookey

“I believe he (Thomason) got those checks from either the County Attorney or I think it might have been Mrs Kirby.”

BKP

“So you already had some so checks from 2015?”

Stookey

“I don’t know…I never saw the checks.”

BKP

“You never saw them?”

Stookey

“I never saw the checks.”

BKP

“Checks appeared to have been cashed?”

Stookey

“A banking officer had told Mark that a check appeared to be irregular because it had been cashed.”

I asked Stookey if he had seen the letters from the three county CFO’s (Pickens – Faye Harvey, Gilmer – Sandi Holden and Fannin – Rita Kirby) stating that after reviewing the checks that they appeared to be properly endorsed and deposited. Stookey responded that he had not seen them but he was aware of them.

Click to watch our video interview with Russell Stookey.

After our interview with Stookey, Mark Thomason the publisher of the Fannin Focus released the following statement:  “Any and all information contained on a subpoena served to Stearns Bank was acquired through open records request filed on Fannin County by Mark Thomason. Copies of checks and any banking information were provided to the Fannin Focus by Fannin County Financial Director, Rita Kirby. No banking numbers were redacted by Mrs. Kirby and were disclosed through a proper open records request that was filed”.

FYN interviewed Fannin County Chief Financial Director Rita Davis Kirby last Friday live on our show from Sycamore Crossing in downtown Blue Ridge.

BKP

“Did you give un-redacted checks to Mark Thomason?”

Kirby

“First and foremost, I did not give them (the checks) to Mark Thomason. The checks he received were received through means other than myself.  I gave those checks he’s talking about directly to our County Attorney Lynn Doss”.

BKP

“Did you give un-redacted checks to County Attorney Lynn Doss?”

Kirby

“Yes, the County has attorney client privilege.”

BKP

You did give checks?

Kirby

“I did”.

BKP

County Attorney asked for them?

Kirby

“She did”.

BKP

And you gave them to her?

Kirby

“Correct”.

BKP

Not Mark Thomason?

Kirby

“Not Mark Thomason”.

Click to watch our video interview with Rita Davis Kirby.

Please note: It is not necessary for Kirby to redact information when giving the information to the County Attorney.

When Kirby wrote her letter concerning her review of checks possibly being cashed, she stated that the checks appeared to be endorsed and deposited properly but Kirby went one step further by referencing her previous banking career.

After Kirby’s comments stating that she gave the checks to County Attorney Lynn Doss,  FYN reached out to Doss for a comment. Doss sent FYN the following response:

Sir: As you are aware there are pending investigations as to the matters

you referenced. As you are also aware, I am listed as a witness.  

Therefore, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment.  Thank you”.

Judge Richard Winegarden may dismiss the case against Thomason and Stookey Monday but one thing is for sure, he can’t dismiss the facts. FYN has done an open records request for the complete file on this case. We want to know the full story concerning the checks. This story will not end Monday…it will be just the beginning.

Related Stories.

Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested, Journalist or Vendetta?

Ads in Fannin Focus do not show up correctly in Sheriff Candidates Campaign Financial Reports

Superior Court Judge Weaver Drops charges, Publisher Mark Thomason will not stand trial

Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested along with Thomason’s Attorney Stookey – Transported to Pickens Jail

Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Indicted along with attorney Russell Stookey, 1 Count Making False Statement, 2 counts Identity Fraud

 

 

 

Marc Urbach 6/13/16

GMFTO
Constitutional expert, Supreme Court expert, maybe the best in the republic pertaining to how the Court unconstitutionally removed FIVE religious freedoms from the schools and society. A man who believes in republican principles, loyal & dedicated Orthodox Jew, former teacher, journalist and author of “BELIEVE, Do We Need a Third Great Awakening”
Find his book on amazon.com
Marc Alan Urbach
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