Matrimony: Holy & Unholy/Date Rape Safety

Former Lauderdale Circuit Judge Jimmy Sandlin & Former C.I.T.Y. Director Rhonda Bogus

Oh, the irony...Jimmy Sandlin runs for Lauderdale County Circuit Judge on the platform or saving marriages and divorces his wife. He then becomes a divorce mediator/facilitator and marries his long time girl friend. Wonder if he's found her a government job in Huntsville yet?

Related post: Huntsville Mediation

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More irony on the marital front: Legal eagle sources tell us that Malana Gay Grissom White, currently under indictment for the attempted murder of her husband's former wife and mother-in-law, will plead not guilty and accuse her victims Christy and Mona Tucker of custodial interference.

It will be interesting to see how the Lauderdale District Attorney's office handles that defense. It was after all the charges of custodial interference that helped in the conviction of Neler Keeton in the manslaughter death of his former son-in-law Anthony Hunt.

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Apparently Lexington's answer to Thomas A. Edison has met a road block in the sales of his Date Rape Coasters. Francisco Guerra and partner Brian Glover had invented an index card size detector that supposedly identified the presence of GHB and ketamine, common date rape drugs.

Michael Ioffe of the Tel Aviv University has now invented a much smaller device that is 100% effective in identifying the same two drugs and will send a notice to the tester's cell phone if the results are positive, as well as providing color changes for those who don't mind holding the ultra small strip up to the light in a crowded club. Perhaps the answer is not to frequent those clubs in the first place?



Shoalanda

Huntsville Mediation: There Goes the Judge...

A longtime reader sent us a link to a site entitled Huntsville Mediation: Judge Jimmy Sandlin. On this site, our former Lauderdale Family Court judge identifies himself as a member of the Madison County Bar Association. Earlier, we had commented on a report that Sandlin was moving south; apparently it was only slightly to the south and much more to the east.

Scan to the bottom of the page and you'll see a list of towns, complete with various zip codes, that Sandlin serves. Looking at the zip 35631, we have to wonder how many divorces and custody suits are being filed by downtown Florence post office boxes. Since we don't see 35633, we infer things are pretty peaceable in Central, Cloverdale, Underwood, and Petersville...or perhaps these citizens are just deemed to have fewer funds for divorce arbitration.

A word to the wise: Simple divorces in which no children are affected can be had for as little as $300.00...and you don't even have to drive to Huntsville. As for less amicable divorces? We're eager to see what happens when Judge Jimmy Sandlin encounters his first knock down, drag out meeting of spouses at which he has no power to threaten jail time. He just may reconsider his new career.

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Time for a quiz: She was an elderly, uneducated lady who needed a job and a home. Taking a job as a caretaker, she put a roof over her head, but little else. She didn't even have indoor plumbing. Who was she? Was she abused by her employer, or was she simply getting what she deserved because she was ill-educated and had no retirement income?

The last time we checked even jails and prisons had indoor showers, sinks, and toilets. What kind of employer lets someone live like this? Tomorrow the answer.



Shoalanda

Masterson v. Morrow: Where Does the Truth Lie?

Photo courtesy of Alfa

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow has deep roots in Red Bay. Pictured above at his 300 acre Cypress Cove Farm, the former economics instructor at Northwest-Shoals Community College has come under fire this week for misappropriating over 77K of taxpayer dollars for his Franklin County farm. One of four children, Morrow is the only one to remain in Red Bay, where he resides on property that has been in his family for generations. Sources say with the property inherited from his parents and uncle, along came the financial means to keep up the land. So, why would Morrow risk everything for what might be a rather trivial amount to him?

Perhaps he hasn't. Sources say Morrow has taken out an ad in the Red Bay newspaper claiming that accusations by his opponent Jeff Masterson are motivated by more than Masterson's desire for the HD 18 seat; Morrow blames Indian casinos in Mississippi for much of the hubbub over state money spent on his land--land at least partially leased by the Bear Creek Development Authority to use for educational purposes. Besides the annual "Farm Week," local school children are welcome one day each month at Cypress Cove.

Seventy-seven thousand dollars for 16 days a year of education/entertainment at a venue where exhibits from the private sector also regularly set up? There must be something in the water in Montgomery...

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Jeff Masterson's response to Morrow and the Bear Creek Development Authority:

Today the board members of the Bear Creek Development Authority attacked the Masterson Campaign for telling the truth. The board members claim that the Masterson ads “harm the good name not only of BCDA, but also of the teachers...” The Masterson radio ad...does not mention the Bear Creek Development Authority or any teachers. There are absolutely no claims of any wrongdoing on the part of anyone except Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow.

“Iʼm disappointed that the fine members of the authority would try and distort what my campaign has been saying,” said Masterson. “All we have said is the truth, which is that Johnny Mack Morrow has used Community Service grants to build buildings, install an irrigation system and hire a worker for his farm. These expenditures are documented in his own handwriting and none of them are through Bear Creek.

"I once again call on Johnny Mack Morrow to return to the state the over $75,000 of taxpayer money he has misspent,” said Masterson.

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There are new additions at Judge Sandlin's Locker.

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The Shoals Republican Club will host a luncheon featuring Angela Laughlin and Dr. Gerald Freeman, candidates for Alabama Senate District 1. The luncheon will be at Ryan's in Florence at Noon today.

At this time, we are happy to endorse Dr. Gerald Freeman for the Republican nomination. Dr. Freeman has been a local physician for many years and will make a great and much-needed addition to the State Legislature.


Shoalanda

Sexual Morality? Let's Talk about Ethics

Sexual Morality? Let's Talk about Ethics

A Guest Commentary by

Bailey Quarters

Let's bring (sexual) morality back to the Lauderdale County Courts? Shoalanda, I agree with your statement, but let's address an issue everyone can and should get on board with. Let's address Ethics.

I pay taxes because I work. This is what a responsible citizen does. Do I pay too much? I'm not sure what would be too much, but I pay a lot. I expect my tax dollars to keep Lauderdale County and the State of Alabama running. I do not expect my tax dollars to create a job for a judge's girlfriend.

I'm not sure why the taxpayers of this county have not rioted in the streets about this. I'm not sure why Stan Dean supports this man, this now-divorced judge.

So, let's leave the morality out of it and talk about an actual crime that took place. Rhonda Bogus is gone now, but CITY still has offices in Lauderdale County. What started out as a good idea became an excuse to waste taxpayer money. That's what you need to talk about, Shoalanda, the legal issues, not the morals.

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And now another guest commentary from Wayne Nix:

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Just a thought: Do you think when God handed out brains and common sense, he did it in reverse alphabetical order for the 50 states and ran short on the last one? (Translation: At his point we'll take either Artur Davis or Bradley Byrne.)


Shoalanda

In Judge Sandlin's Locker

In a recent blog, we asked what kind of change Judge Jimmy Sandlin had brought to the Lauderdale Circuit Court. We stated that the lives of Judge Sandlin's family have certainly changed since he was elected on the platform of saving marriages. One of Judge Sandlin's children has contacted us to say that he supports his father in all that has happened and has taken part in Sandlin's advertising campaign.

Our statement holds, but we have no desire to hurt Judge Sandlin's family. We have stressed to this young man that he is welcome to write a blog for us and we will be happy to publish it; however, it appears he does not wish to.

How about other change that Sandlin has wrought? Obviously, for every winner in family court, there is a loser, but we have previously been impressed by the work that Patricia Locker has done to bring certain court problems to light.

Patricia has begun a website called In Judge Sandlin's Locker. We invite you to visit this informative site and judge for yourself.

Yes, we support Willson Jenkins, a man we think will make a great judge. If there should be runoff between Sandlin and Billy Jackson, we will support Jackson. Let's bring morality back to the bench.

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Shoals Republican Club Hosts

Alabama State Senate Candidates

Jerry Freeman and Angela Laughlin

Thursday, May 27th

The Shoals Republican Club will host Republican Alabama State Senate District #1 candidates Angela Laughlin and Dr. Jerry Freeman on Thursday, May 27th from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Restaurant on Cox Creek Parkway in Florence.

Each candidate will be given time to introduce themselves and speak about the important issues facing our state and the Shoals area. Alabama State Senate District #1 encompasses all of Lauderdale County and a portion of Colbert County, including Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield. The Republican Primary for Alabama State Senate District #1 is Tuesday, June 1^st.

The Shoals Republican Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.

Shoalanda

Lauderdale Circuit Judge Place 1 - Not a Hard Choice

It is an honor and the fulfillment of a life-long dream to serve as your Family Court Judge. My heart and passion has always been for this Court. It is here that I can best apply my experience and background to make a difference in individual lives. - Jimmy Sandlin


Jimmy Sandlin has certainly changed many lives during his present term as Place 1 Circuit Court Judge in Lauderdale County--just ask his wife and children how their lives have changed. Or perhaps you could ask the taxpayers how they feel concerning those who benefited from the new jobs Sandlin created in the legal and social systems revolving around family court.

Just say no to Jimmy Sandlin, but if not Sandlin, who? Former District Attorney Billy Jackson and Florence attorney Willson Jenkins are opposing Sandlin in the June 1st Democratic primary. Jackson has previously run as a Republican, but now wears the mantle of the Democratic Party--quite a change in political direction. Jackson's website offers little but the basic rhetoric associated with campaigns of this nature, leaving the voter to wonder what Jackson actually brings to the race other than a moral compass not seemingly in Sandlin's possession.

We invite our readers to look closely at Willson Jenkins, a candidate with a vision for Lauderdale County and its courts. No, it's not a hard choice; we're happy to endorse Willson Jenkins for Circuit Court Judge Place 1.

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Today is Mother's Day. We know that we have friends who have recently lost their mothers, and even for those whose mothers have been absent for some time, the day is always difficult. If you still have your mother, we hope you will make every day Mother's Day.

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We recently added Coffee with Cathy to our blog links. Cathy Wood is a freelance writer for the TotallyDecatur, uh, TimesDaily, and we think you'll enjoy her witty work. Today we're adding a new blog, OB's Corner. OB is responsible for the Shoals Trivia Contest and is also a fixture at many Shoals area forums.


Shoalanda

Jimmy Sandlin to Again Run for Lauderdale Circuit Court

According to yesterday's TimesDaily, Judge Jimmy Sandlin will seek re-election as Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Place 1, commonly referred to as Family Court Judge. Sandlin is opposed by Florence attorney Willson Jenkins and presumably Billy Jackson who, if still in the running, is keeping a low profile.

Sandlin came to the judgeship four years ago after defeating Judge Larry Mack Smith. His platform during that campaign was "saving marriages." Since his election, Jimmy Sandlin himself has divorced and been the subject of much speculation concerning his ability to carry out the job to which the people of Lauderdale County elected him.

Almost immediately after the inception of this blog, we were contacted by a Lauderdale County woman who had experienced Sandlin's court firsthand. Now that Sandlin has officially announced his intent to run for a second term, this caring and articulate woman and mother has again contacted us. She will be setting up her own website to oppose Jimmy Sandlin's re-election, using her documented case specifics, as well as other personal information that we choose not to publish at this time.

However, we can publish some of the concerns this woman is seeking to address. Here, in her own words, are her (edited) complaints regarding Judge Jimmy Sandlin which she has included in a mailing to many of his supporters:


---------Sandlin refused to grant my children and me financial support or exclusive use of the home-place from Feb 2005 to Feb 2007, that we owned another home on the same property, that we repeatedly turned to Judge Sandlin for help, that Sandlin was given several opportunities to protect my children, and he refused to help them.

---------copies of 3 motions filed asking for immediate relief from the conditions we were in:

---------the first one coincided with the initial filing for divorce which stated that "the wife does not feel safe if required to reside with the husband", "there have been certain behavioral changes in her husband of late which support and give credence to her fears"...stated that the husband has other places to reside.

---------subsequent motions used the words "openly hostile".... "chronic tension".... "detrimental effects both on the parties and the parties' children"... "significant negative effects on the parties' three girls"... "there is suffering among this family and the brunt of the suffering is unfortunately borne by the parties' children"... "defendant routinely drinks to excess".... "(children) have too much to endure".... "indicative of their (children's) depression"..."he withholds money"..."makes their simple existence almost unbearable"...."deteriorating circumstances in the marital residence"..."increasing air of hostility"...."environment counter-productive and unnecessary"..."afford them the relief to which they are entitled". Strong language, yet Sandlin refused to respond to the numerous requests for relief and deliberately left us in the same house with (husband) for two full years.

---------my testimony that the court damaged my children by making us reside with (husband) under these conditions for 2 years and that Sandlin threatened to make my daughters wards of the state with no justification at all.

---------that it was suggested by legal professionals that the way Sandlin arranged my children's child support is not legal...he awarded them $1934/month and then kicked back to (husband) $734/month as "rent" even though both our homes were paid for. This $734 in rent was not recorded on the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. More than one attorney told me this was not legal.

---------my attorney's affidavit that neither he nor (husband's) attorney received notice of the ruling which cost us our opportunity to appeal Sandlin's decree.

---------a copy of the January, 2007, article from the Times Daily about Sandlin's commitment to mending marriages, the programs that he implemented, the same programs he bypassed when he got his own divorce in another county.

As stated, these comments are highly edited. When the website has been completed, we will be providing a link for those who wish to read the story in its entirety. For further reading, we include links to previous columns concerning Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judgeship Place 1:

Jimmy Sandlin
Willson Jenkins
Billy Jackson

Be a good Alabamian, be an informed Alabamian.

Shoalanda

Andrew Daniel Scott of Killen Arrested

Our series on Journey into Hope will continue tomorrow.

According to the Law & Order report in Sunday's TimesDaily, Andrew Daniel Scott, 20, of Killen, Alabama, has been arrested in Florence for the possession of a controlled substance (non-marijuana) and related drug paraphernalia. Known as "Hotty Scotty," this Brooks High graduate was a frequent subject in Shoals cyberspace late last year when he attempted to win custody of his illegitimate son. Judge Jimmy Sandlin of the Lauderdale County Circuit Court ruled that the child's custodial parents could proceed with finalizing the adoption, at which point Scott appealed the decision. The case was to have been heard as early as April; however, the direction the Scott/Odom families will now take is unknown.

According to Roger Scott, Andrew's father, the younger Scott has already spent thousands of dollars in legal fees and in preparing a home for the child. According to arrest records, Scott listed his current address as 10 Terrapin Close in Killen, the home of his mother Pam Odom and her current husband.

Whether the conviction of this offense, if it should occur, is a felony or misdemeanor, depends in large part on the amount of drugs involved. In either case, Scott would not be eligible for Federal financial programs to assist in his education for one year after the conviction date. Scott is also scheduled to enroll in the University of North Alabama Nursing School next September. His admittance into this program is in jeopardy as well. Most institutions use the "five year rule," making Andrew Scott, if convicted, ineligible to enter the program until 2015.

It has always been the opinion of us at Shoalanda that the best permanent placement of the child is with the stable custodial parents. We also hope this unfortunate incident is a reminder to us all that actions speak volumes of character, while mere words are often as serpentine as the proverbial snake in the grass.

Related Articles: Who are Rylan's Real Parents?, Soylent Green Still Has Some Lessons for Us


Holiday Haze: So wiped out from Valentine's that you forgot today is President's Day? If you really want to celebrate George Washington's birthday, you still have time--it's not until February 22nd. We're sure you can find the comedy The Time of Their Lives on eBay or Amazon. This 1946 film is so amusing that even Florence City Council critics will laugh.

Shoalanda

Jimmy Sandlin's Paternity Court

The TimesDaily today published an article featuring Jimmy Sandlin's Paternity Court. Judge Sandlin oversees what is commonly referred to as "family court," but we have no idea what "paternity court" may entail.

Perhaps the TD was actually referring to parenting classes that are mandated in some divorce/custody trials. With Judge Sandlin's flair for unusual wording to create colorful acronyms, we can't be sure...

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During a town council meeting Monday night, the town of Anderson "fired" seven reserve officers--individuals who serve as police officers without training or pay. Such officers can be a boon to towns with an extremely small budget for public safety, but they can also present a great liability. Apparently the latter had become an issue, and Mayor B. J. Tully, along with a majority of the town council, voted to terminate the reserve force until further notice.

That leaves only Chief Mark Bowers to patrol the extremely small Lauderdale County town at this time. Bower's brother Brian was one of the seven officers who were dismissed. Commenting on the situation he stated:

If we're not around to protect him (Mark Bowers), watch his back, uh, they could actually hurt him or kill him. So, that's their agenda.

Are we to understand it's the agenda of the Anderson Town Council to hurt or kill the current police chief? Stay tuned--the council meets to discuss Chief Mark Bower's employment next Monday, February 1st.


Shoalanda

Is Willson Jenkins the Next Lauderdale Circuit Judge?

Is Willson Jenkins of Florence destined to be the next Lauderdale County Family Court Judge, or, perhaps more importantly, is he the right man for the job? We think he might be. We also know that whoever succeeds the incumbent will not have an easy task before him or her. As we have stated many times, Family Court has no real winners, and the losers are often not deserving of that status--that's the cost of divorce.

However, we firmly believe that Family Court can be returned to the model of fairness and integrity it was before Jimmy Sandlin took office. We spotlighted Mr. Jenkins in February when he was one of three finalists to replace Circuit Court Judge Mike Suttle. Mr. Jenkins is now associated with the law firm of Bunch and James; we look forward to bringing you more on Willson Jenkins as the campaign progresses.


What's up with this: Interested in the program on Constitutional reform to be presented next Sunday? What, you missed that tidbit? Perhaps the TimesDaily should have placed the announcement in the Forum/Politics section, but then they wouldn't have had room for the articles on Iranian immigrants and squirrel colonies, now would they?

Shoalanda

Lauderdale's Diminutive Judge to Run Again?

Several comments in The Courthouse Forum concerning Lauderdale Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Sandlin have assured his detractors that the diminutive jurist will not be running for re-election in 2010; however, two sources that we consider to be extremely reliable tell us that Sandlin will indeed be seeking a second term. Sandlin originally ran against incumbent Larry Mack Smith on the platform of saving marriages and keeping families intact.

Since his election, Sandlin himself has been divorced by his wife of many years. Numerous comments concerning his current domestic situation may be found at this link. In the past we have published several blogs concerning Sandlin, including Judge Jimmy Sandlin and Judge Jimmy Sandlin & Ethics. While it's hard to unseat an incumbent in almost any election, Sandlin did so three years ago, and we believe the right candidate can easily defeat Jimmy Sandlin in 2010.


Tomorrow: The Right Candidate

Shoalanda

He Said, She Said, Judge Jimmy Sandlin Said - Part II

A second account from Judge Jimmy Sandlin's Family Court for which we make no claims as to validity:

I live in an area, Florence Al., that practices "politics and who you know LAW". I have witnessed first hand, such practice, on more than one occasion. My most recent involvement with Lauderdale Co. family court and judge JIMMY SANDLIN began in mid April, following Spring Break of this yr. My 11 yr old son, let be known to my niece, of same age, "My Daddy raped me..." with heart wrenching detail's. My ex-sis-in-law revealed to me, on April 19th, the matter, as her daughter had told. My son, himself, told me, too, "My Daddy raped me...", in graphic details, the following Friday April 24th. I was heart broken and in disbelief.

My son would not let me out of his sight, and made it clear, and in tears, "I don't want to see or talk to my Dad." He, my son, refused to go to school, fearing his Dad could get him from school. I contacted my attorney, on Monday April 27th, she was out of town until the following Monday. On that Monday I met with her for counsel and direction, thinking I had done the right thing and my son would be protected. Two day's later, I tried to file a Protection Order for my and self, (the Dad has a long history of prior abuse) with the court per judge JIMMY SANDLIN,< person literally attacked and threatened me, saying I had coerced my son, and what a terrible mother I was for doing so, and if DHR and the Cramer Center discover such, quote "You will never see your kid again." and "I'll give you one chance to back out of these allegations" and "This order is a Custody Order not a Protection Order." I said, "I can't not do that, my son needs you." My atty responded, "She has nothing to gain in doing this, thing's are going well, between the mother and her son." I was terrified as "THAT person gave me one of the most evil, peircing glares, I have ever seen." And, the protection order did not include my son, just myself, with a clause, no visitation pending investigation per DHR and the Cramer Center and so-called GAL.

The following week, the Cramer Center (Monica Haddock) with DHR (Laura Johnson) did a Forensic Interview, that did not include, (but should have, according to Bud Cramer guidelines) a detective or investigator from the Florence PD. This is referred to as interagency cooperation, therefore children are not subjected to more interviews and trauma. It also came out in THEIR so-called interview that my son had tried to kill himself 2x, by cutting his wrist, and there is scarring from past cutting on his forearm (my son had told me he had gotten in briars) and a small cut on his wrist, that had been recent. He had to sign a paper, that he would not try and kill himself before they would allow him to leave, both myself and 25 yr old daughter were witness
to.

Approximately 1 wk later, my son was taken from me and placed in foster care per DHR and Cramer Center, whom told the judge, I had coerced him, "the child parrots the mother and I was uninsightful to my mental instability" thus mentally abusing my son. DHR, Laura Johnson, FAILED to tell the judge, I had been informed of the molestation/rape by my ex-sis-in-law, whom Laura Johnson had spoke to, as well as her sister, whom had heard my niece tell her. Had this not been omitted, I strongly feel my son would not have been put in foster care.

On July 9th, a hearing was held, with full intent to give full custody to the dad, as well as let him move ny son out of state, and note this, MY atty was out of town, that day, and I given a "fill in" atty whom knew nothing of the case. My daughter is in law enforcement and referenced the "Law" related to rights to counsel, so the case became Pendalite, the father was given temporary custody and allowed to move him out of state and a final hearing to be "sometime in Sept." Only of recent have found out the court date to be Sept. 10th. Also, I was given supervised visitation, which as of today still has not been "worked out" per the GAL. I have not seen my son since July 8th, have spoke with him only 3x, the dad told me, he doesn't want to see or talk to me. My atty say's, he's just at that rebellious stage. So this is where I am at...Lost, in desparate need of advice, I have limited funds, and I fear, to be truthful, that thing's could get much worse...I still have faith that, the GOOD LORD, is watching over my child...and, Oh, how I pray and pray and pray...

There is much more to my story, but, for now, I will leave y'all with the short story...and, I ask for your prayers, too.

I do need this question answered, has anyone out there been ordered to pay for any service's by the Cramer Childrens Advocacy Center, in Florence AL., I was ordered Forensic Evaluation at the expense of the mother, ordered by GAL, DHR and signed by judge JIMMY SANDLIN? I have recently found out that the Cramer Center is a non-profit organization, with 501(c)3 status/IRS...

Also, the dad, has been convicted of domestic assault on me, and has other documented history of abuse to me in police reports, hospital reports, nothing physical recent. The GAL has squashed using his past history of abuse and I don't understand.?

And, Yes, WE>any and all of us whom have been victimized by the system(s), must fight with our hearts, beings and souls to protect our children and God given right to be parent's....

Thank You, for your time and any advice and prayers....

Robin

Note: The above account originally appeared in The Alabama Family Rights Association website. It has been edited only for spelling and truncation into more easily readable paragraphs.


Shoalanda

He Said, She Said, Judge Jimmy Sandlin Said - Part I

We have commented before that no one agrees with every ruling by every judge, especially in Family Court. In Lauderdale County, Circuit Judge Jimmy Sandlin presides over what is commonly called family court--that is most of the time. Noted exceptions to this rule would include cases in which there was a conflict of interest necessitating Judge Sandlin recuse himself from a particular case. One would think such recusals would be rare; however, since Judge Sandlin's sister Cindy Schuessler is a practicing Lauderdale County attorney, such cases may not be as rare as one would think.

One such case in Judge Jimmy Sandlin's court involved local optometrist Rory Smith. After many delays in Sandlin's court, the case was transferred to Judge Mike Jones' courtroom, resulting in a second series of delays.

Dr. Smith decided to present his story to the public in the form of a website. How to Ruin Your Husband is a compelling read. We offer no opinion here, but will let our readers judge for themselves. No matter the guilt or innocence of either party in this divorce, the children are the real victims in such endless legal wranglings.

How to Ruin Your Husband


What's up with this: Apparently TK the AG has just called Luther Strange a "small man." TK is probably the only one who sees no humor in that.

Shoalanda

Alabama's Putative Father Registry - Part II

Yesterday, we looked at a specific Lauderdale County adoption case in which the Putative Father Registry Law was used to end any legal rights of a 19 year-old biological father. First, has this law been declared unconstitutional? Appeals courts have overturned specific cases on the grounds that the father had established paternity by DNA testing before the time limit had expired or that the father had led an active role in the child's life for ten years or other similar justifications. Apparently Judge Jimmy Sandlin, does not think those specific cases nullify the entire law. In all probability, an Alabama Appeals Court will decide this case as well.

Second, is 30 days enough time for a putative father to attempt to establish paternity? Obviously there has to be some time limit. For every day a child is in the care of the state, it loses precious time with the adoptive parents. For every day a child is in the care of the state, we the taxpayers support the child. If the State of Alabama should extend this time limit, what would be a fair time limit? If any of you think this law is unfair, please contact your state legislators about changing it; however, we would think 30 days would be sufficient time for any potential father to come forward unless there were extenuating circumstances.

The biological grandfather of the child in question has again contacted us, stating his main thrust in this matter is to have the law changed and not to dredge up specifics in this case. We can understand his reasoning in this matter; however, while we will not further mention any names, we will address some posts that have been made by others on the Courthouse Forum as well as Facebook.

Whenever custody is challenged, the state appoints a Guardian ad Litem who in turn makes a recommendation concerning the case. This GAL is, or should be, totally impartial in his or her findings. The GAL in this case has been called "an old washed up attorney who doesn't believe in God." Another poster wrote, "there is factual knowledge of child swapping/trading in Judge Sandlin's court...GALs are notoriously dirty in this county." Some person with a pathology beyond our ken wrote that an adoptive parent cannot love a child as much as a "real parent." I doubt that the Guardian ad Litem is seriously upset by these remarks, but they do demonstrate the thinking, or non-thinking, of those seeking to overturn Judge Sandlin's decision.

While I'm sure the biological father has many good qualities, it does take a certain amount of maturity and commitment to bring up a child. This young man's Facebook contains an icon advocating "Free Love," as well as listing his membership in Friends of Lil Steve's, Louie Louie's, and College Campus's Need an Open Bar (a UNA group advocating liquor on demand 24/7)--remember this young man has not yet reached the legal age to consume alcohol in Alabama.

Indeed, there are many morals in this sad tale; however, we will leave you with just one:

If you have unsafe and unprotected sex, you either demonstrate that you do not care about yourself or your partner, or you demonstrate that you are not intelligent enough to know how to protect yourself. Either way, it speaks volumes about you.

Shoalanda

Who Are Rylan's Real Parents? Part I

Foreword: Any real names in this article have been published previously online in Facebook, the Courthouse Forum, or other public sites. Names marked with an asterisk are aliases to protect the identity of those who have not yet been named publicly. Further, this two-part article is based on moral principals and contains a moral conclusion. If you have no use for morals, moral thinking, or ethics based on such, please do not read further.


We were recently contacted by Roger Scott, an employee of the University of North Alabama. Mr. Scott and his ex-wife are the parents of Andrew Scott, a 2007 graduate of Brooks High School and currently a nursing student at UNA.

In July 2007, Andrew, then 17, had unprotected sex with a 16 year-old girl. According to Andrew it was his only encounter with the young woman who was known to be actively engaging in physical relations with at least two other young men during the same period. When Sandra* realized she was pregnant, she assumed a lover other than Andrew was the child's biological father.

Wisely not wishing to be a teenage parent, Sandra made plans to place her unborn child with her brother and sister-in-law, a childless couple in a stable marriage. After Sandra gave birth, Art and Denise Smith* took Rylan Kade home with them and initiated legal adoption proceedings. At this point, the Alabama Putative Father Registry Law comes into play.

The Putative Father Law states:
(i) Any person who claims to be the natural father of a child and fails to file his notice of intent to claim paternity pursuant to subsection (a) prior to or within 30 days of the birth of a child born out of wedlock, shall be deemed to have given an irrevocable implied consent in any adoption proceeding.

This law is not unique to Alabama; the majority of states have similar laws in order to finalize adoption proceedings and place unwanted infants in permanent homes as soon as possible.

For whatever reason (possibly because such tests in utero can endanger the fetus), DNA testing was not done until the child's birth in March 2008. Both of Sandra's long-time lovers agreed to provide a DNA sample; however, neither lover proved to be the child's biological father.

By now, the Smiths' adoption proceedings had reached Judge Jimmy Sandlin's Family Court. Approximately 45 to 60 days from the birth had passed when Andrew Scott came forward asking to be tested for the paternity of Rylan Kade Smith.


To be continued tomorrow...

Shoalanda

C.I.T.Y. and the Fair Dismissal Act

The Fair Dismissal Act--now there's a name that fairly screams George Orwell's 1984. Now, 60 soon-to-be former employees of the Community Intensive Training for Youth program are invoking this law in a quest to retain their jobs. The problem is that by demanding to be paid while their dispute is in arbitration, they have forced their one-time employer to close its doors, resulting in the loss of 30 more positions.

According to system Chancellor Bradley Byrne, the financial burden of providing salaries for these employees past their official dismissal date of May 1 will deplete C.I.T.Y. funds by the end of June, when the highly controversial organization will cease to exist. C.I.T.Y runs programs in both Florence and Russellville; the one in Florence having been the personal pet of Lauderdale Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Sandlin.

While the original intent of the C.I.T.Y. program was admirable, it unfortunately became associated with State Rep. Sue Schmitz, good ol' boy politics, and unfettered spending. Those who believe in financial accountability for government can rejoice at the demise of this tax dollar vortex; however, one has to wonder how such a well-intentioned program morphed into oinking pork. Yes, pork, and we understand that in at least one location it did wear lipstick.


What's up with this: What Shoals county government employee was recently referred to as Loni Anderson in the Courthouse Forum? Well, there is some resemblance to WKRP in most county offices.

Central Coach Greg Brewer Revisited

According to the latest reports, Central High School Coach Gregory Brewer's case was not dismissed. Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Jimmy Sandlin deferred Brewer's sentencing until the former coach/math teacher formally resigned and returned his teaching license to the State Board of Education.

This may sound good on the surface, but taxpayers are still providing Brewer with an income through June 10--all this while he's working another job. While it will be on Brewer's Alabama record that he forfeited his license because of nefarious activities, he may still apply to other states that perform less than thorough background checks.

What else could Judge Jimmy Sandlin have done? The maximum sentence for contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor is one year in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Most accused of this type of crime do not receive a maximum sentence, but most are not teachers who have sexually kissed a twelve year-old student. If Judge Sandlin was not sickened and appalled by Brewer's behavior he should have been. It seems that Sandlin's campaign promises of saving local marriages have morphed into a soft on sex crimes approach.

On that note, for those who have asked about reporting local judges to Troy King in light of his new investigation into family courts: Yes, even if you and your family are no longer in the system, you need to report any suspicious or unethical behavior by any family judge with whom you've been involved.

For those who are mainly concerned about our tax dollars being used to support friends of various jurists, please continue to report this behavior to King's office, as well as filing complaints with the Alabama Ethics Commission. If we do not hold our elected officials accountable, we can never expect ethical government.


What's up with this: It seems more than physical characteristics run in some families; we've learned that a certain indicted rapist is not the first in his family to be arrested for a sex crime.

Shoals Healthy Marriage Coalition

The State of Alabama has the sixth highest divorce rate per capita in the country. Many blame Alabama's no-fault divorce laws for the soaring number of marriages that end in failure; others blame an educational system that fails to fit the average citizen with adequate emotional coping skills.

Whatever the reason for our high divorce rate, obviously no one is proud of it. Ask anyone if they're in favor of divorce, and see how many answer yes. In other words, the anti-divorce stance is just good politics.

Therefore, it's not surprising to find that Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Sandlin campaigned on lowering the divorce rate in Lauderdale County. One of the programs he initiated is the Shoals Healthy Marriage Coalition.

We think anyone who visits this site will be impressed; however, we also hope that more than 50% of this program is just "blah-blah." Perhaps the good judge has been too busy with other activities to check out all of his own programs.

http://www.expertpcadvice.com/shmcdemo/about.htm

What's up with this: Former Central High School coach Greg Brewer will be paid his full salary through June. Isn't it time the citizens of Alabama take a stronger stand against sexual predators in our schools?

Coach Gregory Ryan Brewer Resigns

Central High School sits in the western end of Lauderdale County. The 4-A institution is rich in history and justly proud of its athletes, known as the Wild Cats. When Steve Mayfield took over as head coach in 2006, he had hopes of restoring Central's football team to its former glory. Yet after two years at the helm, Mayfield was fighting lymphoma and reflecting on a 1-19 record. On May 7, 2008, Coach Steve Mayfield officially resigned from his position stating that it was time for someone else to take the helm.

Few doubted that the someone would be Assistant Coach Gregory Ryan Brewer. Brewer (pictured at right) was 31 years old and had been employed at Central High School for nine years. A member of the Northwest Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brewer taught 7th grade math as well as coaching both football and basketball. A one-time TimesDaily baseball coach of the year, Brewer was married to the former Andrea Jill Hagood, a counselor at Central. The Lauderdale County Board of Education appointed Brewer interim coach, a strong indication that the permanent position would go to the assistant coach when announced on the afternoon of May 27, 2008.

On the morning of May 27th, rumors began to circulate around the school. Greg Brewer was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 12 year-old female student. Instead of an offer to become Central High School's head football coach, Brewer received orders to take an administrative leave. In early June, the Board appointed Zachary Cooper to replace Brewer during his absence.

Both the school system and the state Department of Human Resorces investigated the accusations that Brewer engaged in text messaging with the pre-teen, as well as indulging in embraces and kisses. After an investigation of several weeks, the Board and DHR turned over their findings to the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office. Since the Lauderdale office employed a relative of Brewer, Chris Connolly immediately turned the case over to the Colbert County District Attorney to prosecute.

William Hovater represented Brewer in his appearance before family court judge Jimmy Sandlin. On Friday, March 20, 2009, Sandlin dropped the charges against Brewer on the condition that he resign from his position at Central High School. Brewer also still retains his teaching license. At this point, the citizens of Lauderdale County have paid the former coach his full salary while on an administrative leave totalling nine months and three weeks.

Now Gregory Ryan Brewer is free to take his teaching certificate and apply for work elsewhere within the State of Alabama. We will be watching.

What's up with this: Rumors are already circulating that Brewer also voluntarily gave up his teaching certificate. Wise man?

Lauderdale County Children's Policy Council

Do the children of Lauderdale County and the Shoals area need help? I'm sure many of them do. The salient point is what kind of help and who should provide it.

The Children's Policy Council consists of over 60 Lauderdale County citizens, each of them knowledgeable in his or her field. These individuals, under the leadership of Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Sandlin, have formulated policies with many admirable goals and some not so admirable. The council membership list and its agenda may be viewed at:

http://children.alabama.gov/CMS/Files/Downloads/Lauderdale%20all.pdf

After reading the council's policy, I am confident that this group excels in its ability to manufacture acronyms, if nothing else. Many of the council's goals are also the goals of the Lauderdale and Florence school systems; in other words, duplication again rears its ugly head. Other goals are nebulous or should not be the concern of the public at large.

While I'm sure adults with self-esteem and a good self image make better parents and caregivers, is it really the job of the general public (read: taxpayers) to make sure these individuals cultivate a positive image? Perhaps we could better understand this goal if the agenda provided specific examples.

The same could be said for the council's advocacy of character awards. If one expects an award for doing good, is it really a positive character trait or an example of the general moral deterioration in our society?

Somehow after reading the goals of the Lauderdale County Children's Policy Council I'm reminded of signs in fast food franchises that tell us coffee is hot. Yes, coffee is hot and corruption in government is theft.


What's up with this: It seems attorney John Caylor, husband of Alabama Board of Education member Mary Jane Caylor, is paid $60,000.00 a year to formulate policy for the CITY program. The state director of CITY says that Caylor's services are invaluable. I somehow doubt the taxpayers feel that way.