What Will Happen to Jeremy Shane Hall?

Juries being queer animals, we won't presume to predict what will happen to the law suits five former prisoners of Russellville City Jail are about to file against that Franklin County town and its police department; however, we have spoken with a source willing to predict the fate of Russellville Police Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall concerning his criminal charges.

There are supposedly now five women who are participating in this civil suit. More are apt to come forward, and others will provide testimony as to what occurred in the jail with Sgt. Hall in charge. We may presume the same women will testify in any criminal suit, be it either State or Federal. Since Hall has now been arrested, we may expect his name to be added to the civil suit.

If these women should win their civil suits, Hall will lose any property in his name. He may already have begun the legal process to transfer titles to his wife, or should we say at-least-for-now-wife. We don't think standing by one's man should include his sexual abuse of females in his custodial care. He will also likely be banned from seeing his young son, a son who will grow up knowing just what evil his father is capable of.

As for the criminal case, our source says the ABI has a slam-dunk case, and Hall will go to either State or Federal prison--for many years. Upon his release, he will be labeled a sex offender. Employers won't be knocking at his door. Another sad commentary from Franklin County.

Related posts:

Russellville Hit with 20 Million in Lawsuits

Jeremy Shane Hall Arrested

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Mary Carton has updated us in her quest to find homes for the tombstones dumped on her farm. It seems the fifth is some decorative object and not an actual grave marker. Still, this stone was paid for by some loving family member and expected to adorn its chosen cemetery forever.

What kind of person steals tombstones? A person only slightly more morally evolved than Russellville Police Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall.



Shoalanda

Special Report: Jeremy Shane Hall Arrested

Friday afternoon, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation arrested Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall of the Russellville Police Department and charged him with three counts of sex abuse of female prisoners. ABI Regional Commander Larry Flippo and Alabama State Trooper Curtis Sommerville announced the arrest just after 2:30 p.m. Hall is currently being sued by five (one has just been added) former prisoners who have accused him of similar crimes:

Twenty Million in Law Suits

The 33 year-old Hall and his wife Tabatha live in Phil Campbell and reportedly have one son. A short bio of Hall:

A source at the Russellville Police Department has expressed surprise at the investigation into Sgt. Jeremy Hall. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation has refused to name Hall as the subject in their investigation, but Police Chief Chris Hargett has no such qualms. Hargett has said "some strong allegations are being made" against Hall.

Before joining the Russellville force in June 2003, Hall worked as a deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff's Department where he had a sterling record. Hall has served as commander of the Explorer program, an endeavor that seeks to bring teenagers into police work. In December 2009, Hall was honored by Mayor Troy Oliver for his role in apprehending the suspect in a string of pharmacy robberies that spanned three counties.

Hall was booked into the jail where he once worked. It should be pointed out that as director of the Explorer Program, Sgt. Hall came in contact with young teenage girls; this is very disturbing. Our source has indicated that more charges with be forthcoming, but all will involve former prisoners. While this is unsettling enough, we hope our source is correct in believing no high school students were involved.

The Criminal Case Against Jeremy Shane Hall

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation has finished its investigation of Russellville police officer Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall. The Phil Campbell resident is currently on unpaid leave pending an official hearing.

While four women have filed civil suits against Hall, the ABI's case involves only three, one of whom Hall is reputed to have had sex with. The case will now be presented to the next grand jury session. It was originally reported that five former Russellville City Jail inmates had filed civil suits; however, only four are listed in the May 13th complaint: Elizabeth Daniel Gassaway, Sarah Elizabeth Mayfield, Christy Trapp Sanders, and Christy Kelton. Police Chief Chris Hargett is also listed as a defendant in the suit.

Hall reportedly was married at the time of the complaints and is the father of three children. Sources say his employment hearing will not take place until after the grand jury meets.

Related post: Russellville Hit with 20 Million in Lawsuits

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Mayor Chuck Lansdell and Councilwoman Thelma Lambert were again no-shows at the last town council meeting in Cherokee. Reportedly the most important city business to be discussed was the addition of signatory names to the town's bank account; however, we're surprised the duo were not present to protest the action.

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Happy Birthday to Len Gregory, a name we hope to see on future Colbert County ballots!



Shoalanda

Do You Have a Photo ID? How About a Defense Attorney?

Will Alabamians soon be needing a photo ID to vote? Probably. Is this bad? Marcel Black thinks so. Lynn Greer doesn't. So, which is it?

Probably a little of both; however, we don't know any "aged or infirm" citizens who have neither a valid Alabama Driver License or Alabama Non-Driver ID. Not to mention, the Non-Driver IDs will apparently now be free to anyone of voting age. How much will this cost the state budget?

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Perhaps Lauderdale County will have to worry less about any budget shortfalls if Harold Peck has his way. He proposes to save the county at least 400K each year by establishing a paid group of indigent defense lawyers. Well, this sounds good, but...

It seems these attorneys won't be allowed to do any other kind of work...no real estate transactions, pre-nups, or wills...just criminal defense cases in Lauderdale County. How many experienced attorneys will jump at a chance like this? We would guess few.

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We have been contacted by Tabitha Ergle Hall who was misidentified by sources with the Russellville Police Department in an earlier blog. Tabitha would like us to note the correct spelling of her name, as well as the fact she is not the current wife of Jeremy Shane Hall, but the ex-wife of his brother Josh and mother to Josh's three children. Since there are two newsmakers named Jeremy Shane Hall, we will also note that Sgt. Hall is the son of Jerry and Carol Hall.

We have been asked if our police sources are usually disgruntled employees. That may be true in some cases, but we also regularly hear from some Russellville officers and their wives who have nothing but kudos for the force. It usually runs about 50-50, while in comparison, our Florence sources stand behind their department 100%. We have said it before, but it certainly bears repeating: Florence is extremely lucky to have not only an honest, but also an efficient chief in Rick Singleton.



Shoalanda

Are Some Accused Criminals Getting Lucky?

Are some possible bad guys luckier than others? If they're running from the law in Lauderdale County, they just might be.

We mentioned two weeks ago that the sheriff's dispatch center upheaval to the basement of the courthouse left Lauderdale deputies unable to run checks for outstanding warrants. Originally it was thought this oversight would be corrected after the initial weekend move, but apparently deputies are still unable to obtain this info from the isolated dispatchers. Was this extremely poor planning? We would say so.

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The next Franklin County grand jury will meet in September. Considering the ABI's evidence against former Russellville Police Sergeant Jeremy Shane Hall, an indictment seems a foregone conclusion. Will Joey Rushing prosecute? Since the Franklin County District Attorney has obviously had dealings with Hall in the past, a recusal seems in order.

How about Judge Terry Dempsey? Will he try the case? According to our sources in Franklin County, Judge Dempsey once represented Hall in another matter before being elected Circuit Judge; ergo Dempsey's recusal is a given.

We can't say who will be tapped to hear the case, but a member of the Attorney General's staff will in all probability try it. Other sources have theorized not just former female jail inmates will testify against Hall, but additional women from the private sector. Perhaps they should sell tickets.

Related Post: The Criminal Case Against Jeremy Shane Hall



Shoalanda

Bernie Delinski Does Indeed Have a Fan Page!

Some months ago a Facebook wag questioned, "Bernie Delinski has a fan page?" Indeed he does, and we think he's well deserving of one, if for no other reason than his annual commencement address and his putting up with the editors/publishers of the Totally Decatur. If you enjoy Bernie, we encourage you to become a fan:

Bernie Delinski, Journalist

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For those who grow more and more disappointed with our daily rag, there's still:

The TimesDaily Sux

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Recently we've had a large number of inquiries concerning two individuals with high profile arrests in Franklin County. We have been informed today that the grand jury will meet next week, but the list of cases to be presented was not available. We will continue to call and to report in the days to come.

Obviously the charges against Jeremy Shane Hall should be of great interest to everyone. There has been a civil suit already filed against the former Russellville police sergeant. If not indicted or convicted of state charges, Hall could conceivably face Federal charges.

Related posts:

Kimberly Bynum

Jeremy Shane Hall

Shoalanda

Was Jeremy Hall Framed? We Think Not

A friend and contributor suggested to us that former Russellville police officer Jeremy Shane Hall may have been framed due to being involved in a domestic dispute. We realize that many husbands...and wives...are often victims in more ways than one when it comes to a divorce involving child custody. Do we think Hall was? No.

Five women filed civil suits against Hall and ostensibly more gave the ABI depositions in its criminal investigation of the good sergeant. Did they all lie? It's possible, but not probable. Yes, we've heard that some bragged they would be millionaires, and we don't doubt that some did. Exactly how much money each of these five women received is open to speculation. The insurance carrier for the City of Russellville settled, and city attorney Daniel McDowell said their claims were baseless.We contacted McDowell, but did not receive a response. That was not unexpected.

Another friend of our blogging group commented that she would not have told anyone if she had been subjected to sexual abuse while in jail. That, friends, is exactly why so many rogue officers know there is hardly any likelihood of being taken to task over their behavior. The following vignettes say a lot about our system.

True or False: Only evil and immoral women are in jail? Misty was celebrating her first anniversary and her husband wanted to make it special. He planned to refrain from drinking that night at dinner, but after Misty had partaken of two drinks, he decided to join in. Hubby realized he shouldn't be driving, but Misty was in much worse condition than he, so he got behind the wheel. After a Tuscumbia police officer spotted their car weaving, he turned on his blue lights. Hubby, who had a previous DUI unknown to Misty, made a quick turn into a vacant lot, exited the car, and ran. Misty was left bewildered, charged with public intoxication, and taken to jail where she remained overnight. She may not have shown the best judgment, but neither was she Bonnie Parker.

True of False: Police officers never come on to a woman first? Jen was driving in a rain storm when she saw the blue lights behind her. She quickly pulled over into a large parking lot where her car was visible to anyone passing by. After the Florence officer gave her a verbal warning about her brake lights, he returned her driver license, and touched her hand. He really liked her and planned to stop her again if he had the chance. Jen was dumbfounded, but she didn't report it. The officer was 10 to 15 years younger than she, and it wasn't as if touching her hand was sexual. She shrugged it off until a year later when the officer was charged with checking underage girls out of school. Maybe she should have reported the incident, but would anyone have believed her?

No, just being in jail doesn't make someone a liar and just being a police officer doesn't make someone above abusing his power. In the end, it may boil down to a male-female take on the former Sgt. Hall. Still, you can bet the ABI officers who investigated Hall are just slightly familiar with interrogation; if Hall's accusers had been lying, these agents would have tripped them up.

Goodbye, Sgt. Hall. It wasn't nice for the City of Russellville to have known you.



Shoalanda

Danny McDowell Said What?

Jeremy Shane Hall has received a suspended sentence (read: slap on the wrist) for his alleged sexual assault of several female Franklin County prisoners. Perhaps we should look at the good and rejoice that he can no longer work as a police officer in the state of Alabama.

Where is he working? We hear an ambulance service in Red Bay where he has already brought abject terror to one patient. A career in french fries seems to be in order.

Related post:  Hall Arrested

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Now on to Russellville city attorney Danny McDowell. When asked to comment on the money paid to Hall's victims, he was quoted as saying: We didn’t believe there was any merit to the claims made against the city or city employees.

Really, McDowell? Not all filed civil lawsuits, did they? What...they just picked out Hall because they didn't like the way he looked? Please elaborate as to why you felt this way. Women everywhere are extremely interested.

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Ryan Anthony Allen is in a lot of trouble for allegedly beating and shaking his girlfriend's two-month old baby. Allen's sister is defending him by saying he chastised her for spitting on her own infant. Perhaps members of Allen's family should remain silent?



Shoalanda

Who Loves a "Badass?"

Who? We do, that's who. "Badass" Brooklyn Animal Rescue has several Facebook pages, but there's one you should especially be interested in:
  

From Florence Animal Shelter Dog to Badass Dog

You'll find our abused friend whose ears were chopped off with scissors, as well as others you may recognize, on their site. These dogs have been adopted and can't be happier. Well, maybe on days it snows they may miss Florence just a little, but for the most part they're ecstatic to have a new loving home! Be sure to like the page and show them how thankful you are that they're rescuing these wonderful animals.

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We've had a few more questions concerning the Jeremy Shane Hall misdemeanor conviction. It seems that some think if the Russellville officer had been guilty, he would have been tried for the original felony charges. We can't speak for the special prosecutors who would have tried the case, but almost any case is a crap shoot.

There were certainly victims, but they lost no money. In fact, five of them gained money for their problems. We doubt they felt satisfied, but we can see how many would feel they should. Also, the plea demands that Hall never work as a police officer in Alabama again. We predict he can't find work in any other state as well.

Yes, the plea was a sweet deal for Hall, but we understand he will be paying his attorney fees for some time. Everything in life is a trade off.



Shoalanda

"What, Exactly, Did Bronner Do?"

The title of today's blog is a question sent to us by a faithful reader. What did Dr. David Bronner do to recruit Navistar to the Barton rail car plant? We cannot answer that question, but obviously much is owed to Forrest Wright. We can comment on the timeline.

On August 21st of last year, the TimesDaily announced that National Rail Car Ltd. in Colbert County had been purchased by RSA and renamed National Alabama. That would make the purchase just over 13 months ago. Now we're told that Bronner, etal., had been working on the Navistar deal for "more than a year." Obviously the intent of purchasing the ivory pachyderm was to enable a sale to a company of RSA's choice.

We understand the need for secrecy, but wouldn't a "no comment" have been more honest than the smokescreen of supposed accomplishments propagated by our local rag? That being said, we now have a second rumor running amok at National Alabama.

We've received several reports that despite assurances by Navistar execs, most employees can expect to receive their walking papers in the near future--presumably after Navistar hires a skeleton crew to maintain the plant. This rumor is extremely hard to assess since the Huntsville engine manufacturer has not yet commented on what it will be producing...if it even knows what it will be producing.

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We've confirmed that Jeremy Shane Hall, the former Russellville police sergeant, was indicted by the most recent Franklin County grand jury on seven counts of sexual abuse. This is in addition to the civil suits brought against Hall and the city for the alleged crimes

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Tomorrow: .Those who "have taken a stand for what is right" lose a round, but the fight continues.



Shoalanda

Revisiting Some Recent Blogs

We recently blogged on Martini's Bar and Lounge in Sheffield. We were given the information by authorities in Sheffield and found a Facebook page with this name. A reader has made us aware that the official name of the establishment is, or was, Celebrities Martini Bar and Lounge.

This prompts two questions: Did any celebrities ever frequent this watering hole? Did any patrons ever actually order and drink martinis? We're going to guess the answer to both questions is "no."

It's a moot point now since the bar is closed. No word on any new owners or names, but the odds would seem good that some will come along. The Sheffield club actually producing the two gun fights was JD's Glass in downtown Sheffield. You've now been warned.

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Another reader asked about the deleted comments on a blog mentioning alleged child abuser Ryan Anthony Allen. While we're happy to publish comments that disagree with us as long as they don't contain profanity, etc., we don't choose to give anyone a platform for child abuse. Neither do we choose to enable those who use private communications to make threats and vulgar language to enhance these threats.

It's probably pointless to try to engage in any rational debate with someone who lists their occupation as a mother you would love to f**k. Why is anyone surprised that those who have no morals or shame are usually the first ones to abuse a child--then make excuses for it?

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Still another reader asked about some questionable language we allowed in the comment section on a blog concerning a lawsuit against the City of Muscle Shoals. As a rule, we don't publish such comments, but the language in this case was borderline and came from someone wishing to answer a charge made against him.

We do ask for all commenters to proof their remarks. If you wouldn't say it in front of a judge, please don't say it here.

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Tomorrow we'll take another look at Jeremy Shane Hall and answer some questions concerning our previous blog on his misdemeanor conviction.



Shoalanda

Doesn't William Edwards Deserve More?

William Edwards was 72 years old and lived alone. Authorities know that Claude P. Riddle Sr. struck Edwards at 12:57 a.m. yesterday morning and left the scene. The 50 year old Riddle is a tractor-trailer driver from Russellville. Sources say Riddle lives with his mother Mary Katherine Riddle at 1830 Bailey Lane off County Road 55. Authorities theorize the evidence shows Riddle left the roadway and struck Mr. Edwards in the median.

Why would anyone suggest no charges might be filed? Riddle not only knew he hit someone, he knew the exact time and apparently had lost control of the vehicle when he did so. Mr. Edwards' family deserves more...

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We have received several inquiries regarding Kimbery Bynum Garner, the Vina teacher charged with second degree rape, and Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall, the former Russellville police officer charged with rape and several sex crimes against city jail inmates as well as possibly one other underage person. Neither of these has been indicted. The next Franklin County grand jury is in September, but we have not been able to ascertain if either or both these individuals is on the docket.

Anyone seeking information is being referred to the Franklin County District Attorney's office. The number to call is 256-332-8886.

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If you're a fan of Hillbilly Deluxe, you'll probably love the Happy Goat Band. Here's a little of their music. Our favorite? For some reason Mississippi National Guard...if Johnny Horton were still with us, we could picture him performing it.

Mississippi National Guard

Shoalanda

Locker Property Site of New Hospital?

Last September, Lauderdale County Commissioner Rhea Tays Fulmer (pictured) was quoted in the TimesDaily as stating the property under consideration for the new RegionalCare hospital was on Hwy. 47 just north of Cox Creek Parkway. A source close to Fulmer has now identified the property as part of a large tract owned by John Locker Jr. of St. Florian.

The tract has easy access from several directions and is centrally located in Lauderdale County. Will this be the site of our new hospital? We await RegionalCare's decision.

Related article in the Quad-Cities Daily: Link

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Shane Marshall Rea, the Phil Campbell resident shot late Tuesday night while participating in an assault in Muscle Shoals, has several previous arrests for drug possession. While living in Spruce Pine in 2010, Rea was arrested for the possession and manufacture of a controlled substance. The wife of Rea's victim credits Muscle Shoals Officer Jeremy Behel with saving her husband's life. Kudos to Officer Behel.

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The race for Probate Judge in Lauderdale County is officially on. The two announced candidates are already experienced campaigners:

James Edwards Hall II

William Smith



Shoalanda