"Twenty Years" or "Life"

We recently linked the following article on our Facebook page:

Zip City Woman Gets Twenty Years

One reader commented that she should have been given a life sentence. What would the difference be?

The difference is that she might actually be supervised for a shorter period of time if she had received a life sentence. Both sentences would bring eligibility for parole at around seven years. If paroled from a 20 year sentence, Hanback would then face 14 years of monthly supervision. How about "Life?" That would be a crap shoot. Since her crime was non-violent, her parole officer would have the discretion to ask to end the supervision after a few years.

That's the way the wonderful laws of Alabama work. The laws aren't fair in themselves and they are not administered fairly. Are other states better? We hear not always, but at least some of the time.



Shoalanda

Cotey Allen Speyer Strikes Again

Several months ago we blogged on two individuals who had recently been arrested for several serious crimes. One was Cotey Allen Speyer: Low Down Druggie Blues.

We actually added an addendum to our blog after one reader asked if Cotey's crimes were really so bad. Yes, for some reason, we felt stealing the actual safe from Freedom House was just a little anti-social. So has Cotey gotten his act together?

Apparently not. Cotey is now wanted for escape. If you see Cotey, there's a reward for his capture; however, hope springs eternal, and we hope the young man will choose to turn himself in, face whatever may await, and get his life on the right track.

Overlooking crimes as serious as Cotey's is never the right answer.



Shoalanda

Jamey DuBose's Trousers Are Aflame

It’s nothing to talk about. Don’t know how it gets started. People say stuff like that. People try and make life difficult. Nothing should be in the paper. There’s nothing to say. I’m happy where I am. I’m staying here.

Yes, folks, those were the words of Florence High head football coach Jamey DuBose, cousin of  former University of Alabama head football coach Mike DuBose. Many football fans remember the Mike DuBose era at UA, most notably due to the distinct possibility the women's teams were to take their scarlet "A"s seriously and change their names to the Alabama Adulteresses.

Can Jamey DuBose leave Florence soon enough? We've heard several mention that they'd just love to help him pack...



Shoalanda

Have You Been Abused in Russellville?

No, this blog unfortunately isn't about any mental or physical abuse at the hands of the Russellville Police Department or other official agency. It's about sexual abuse at the hands of a man who acted under the guise of religion and serving God.

From PNS: Douglas Myers

If any of our readers were abused at the Concord Baptist Church, it's not too late to report the crime. If you don't trust the police in Russellville, you can report the abuse directly to the Franklin County District Attorney's Office. Mr. Joey Rushing will make sure that your complaint is handled correctly.



Shoalanda

Deshler: What of Patrick Smith?

Much of Tuscumbia is reeling from the news that John Mothershed was asked to resign as head football coach of the Deshler Tigers, yet nothing has been said about Patrick Smith, reportedly still the official athletic director. We say reportedly since the link to his name in the online roster of teacher/admins no longer works.

Deshler Teachers

The only other name to have suffered a delink is that of Brioni Rutland, the murdered volunteer coach reported to have been a major bookie in the Shoals. Patrick Tyrone Smith's no longer linked bio may still be accessed here: Smith.

The parents of Tuscumbia deserve more than rumors...



Shoalanda

As Rogersville Turns

A longtime law enforcement officer wins a city office...

The new councilman holds secret meetings in a camper...

The same councilman fires a longtime employee...for revenge?

Auditors come to town...

A city employee is mysteriously let go...

The councilman commits suicide...

More auditors are called in...

Another employee is terminated...

The grand jury meets...

Yes, it's all in Rogersville, a small town that could make Cherokee or Leighton look good. Stay tuned.



Shoalanda

How to Report (More) Sexual Abuse

Since our blogs on former youth minister Oliver Brazelle, we've received several comments that cannot be published due to names of possible victims being included in the posts. If there are other victims of Brazelle or any other alleged predator, they should report the crime now.

Anyone abused sexually as a child, no matter how long ago, should report the crime to the police of the city in which the abuse occurred or to the county's district attorney's office. There are no time limits on reporting sexual crimes in Alabama.

We hope that any predator gets what's coming to him...or her.



Shoalanda