Investigation process discussed at forum
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
U.S. Attorney General for the Western District, Donald Washington, made an
appearance in Homer Tuesday night as a small group of citizens gathered for a
community forum at Homer City Hall.
During
the forum, Carmelita Pope Freeman, with the Community Relations Service branch
of the U.S. Justice Department, explained that this particular forum was
educational in nature and that Washington, along with a representative from the
local Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) office, would talk about the
investigative process.
Many in
the community have not only expressed outrage over the shooting death of
Bernard Monroe Sr., an elderly gentleman killed by a Homer Police Officer in
February, but they have also expressed their anger and frustrations as to why
no answers have been given for what happened. Because of the community’s fury,
several different arms of law enforcement have been contacted and are
conducting an investigation into several aspects of this incident.
Washington,
who expressed sincere “grief” in the death of Monroe, explained the process in
which his office works under, specifically dealing with civil rights cases.
As Washington could not discuss the case in any specifics, he did express his desire to see
the community come together to find a common solution.
“At the
end of the day, my job is to seek justice and serve you,” he said to the
audience. “I would encourage you and your community leaders to unify. All of us
deserve the full value of our tax dollars.”
He
explained that the only way the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s office could get
involved is if there is a clear violation of federal statute. What’s
interesting to note is that U.S. attorneys only have jurisdiction in areas
given by Congress, Washington said. Most of the power has been given to the
states.
The
three main statutes he discussed included the general civil rights act, which
is a felony statute designed to handle different situations. The severity of
the punishment depends on the severity of the injury.
The
next statute he discussed is what’s called “the color of law,” which is
designed to protect the citizens from the behavior of the police or anyone
acting under the color of law. The issue has to have law enforcement involved
in it and there has to be some deprivation of a civil right in order to fall
under this particular statute, he said.
The
third he discussed is the hate crime statute, in which he referred to the Jena incident where a white high school student was nearly beaten to death by six black
students.
Each
one of these statutes deal with race and the proof of willfulness. In other
words, the prosecution has to prove that the defendant committed a crime willfully.
“There
cannot be negligence, there cannot be a mere mistake or a number of things,” he
said.
There
is much more involved in the federal process and aspects of the way a situation
is handled. For example, there are two arms of prosecution in his office, an
attorney in Washington, D.C., and an attorney in the local office. These two
attorneys will work with the FBI to determine whether it is a prosecutable
case.
Once
all the evidence is gathered and reports are written, the investigative agency
will write one of two memorandums. One is the prosecuting memorandum, which is rarely
released to the public. It is an internal document, Washington said. The other
is a closing memorandum, which is written when the investigating agency does
not find sufficient evidence to prosecute.
In the
U.S. Attorney’s Office, they have five years to bring charges against a
suspect. Sometimes a case can be completed within six months, and sometimes the
investigation itself can take four to five years.
Steve
Hall, special agent in charge at the Shreveport FBI office, spoke to citizens
about how his office handles their investigations and explained the importance
of a thorough investigation – and it’s not like what people see on television.
“We’re
only interested in the facts,” he said. “All we care about is justice. We don’t
want to make any prejudgments. Some of these things take years, and it’s not
that we’re not doing anything. We just want to get the facts to make sure that
justice is done and people are prosecuted or cleared.”
Washington discussed at length where his jurisdiction lies, but he
never gave any indication as to whether this case has enough merit to prosecute
at the federal level. The FBI is currently investigating any civil rights
violations in Monroe’s case.
Hall said the investigation is
not yet complete.
“The
investigation is still ongoing and we’re working as quickly and efficiently as
we can to get things done,” he said.
Washington made it clear that he came to Homer to let the citizens
know that this issue important to him.
“We
will not let this rest,” he said, “and we will do what we can do with what we
have.”
Several
community leaders from around the state were in attendance at the community
forum. A representative from the state chapter of the NAACP as well as the
Claiborne and Webster chapters, representatives of the Concerned Citizens for
Justice, and others attended. Other representatives from Webster Parish, West
Carroll and Ouachita parishes as well as Tallulah attended the forum.
Jean
Bush, the national director for a Prison Fellowship program called “Out 4
Life,” also spoke to the audience briefly about the program. She gave some
startling statistics about the state many call home. For example, Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the United States. Of that rate, 78 percent
of those incarcerated are black. Interestingly, she said, when those black
inmates are released from prison, 97 percent of the organizations who offer
support are white organizations.
Community
members were given a chance to ask Washington questions, and while many did ask
questions, others expressed frustration and mistrust in the police department.
Some of the same issues that came to light in the previous forum were
reiterated Tuesday as well.
Mike
Campbell, law enforcement liaison for the U.S. Justice Department, urged the
community in attendance to have patience and to work together to help make
their community better.
“You
have to have the ‘want’ to change, that fervor and that desire to make your
community better,” he said. “I urge you to stay with this program, because
we’ll actually get to the nuts and bolts and make some progress.”
Mills, ‘We’re all praying for a miracle’
Officer remains in critical condition
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
According
to officials at LSU Health Sciences Center, the condition of a former Homer
police officer who shot himself last week is still listed as critical.
Mike
Rayburn, 33, was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital on Tuesday, May 19, after
he shot himself at his home in Haynesville.
According
to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, information received by the family
indicates that Rayburn’s condition has not improved.
“We’re
all still praying for a miracle,” he said. “It’s just a very unfortunate turn
of events.”
Published
reports indicated that on that fateful afternoon, Rayburn and Mills exchanged
words regarding some complaints Mills had received earlier in the day.
After
the chief confronted Rayburn about the complaints, Mills said he became visibly
agitated.
Rayburn
then stormed out the back door of the police station, leaving in his personal
vehicle. Reports say he went to his home in Haynesville where he barricaded
himself inside, ultimately shooting himself in the abdomen.
Once
police made entry into the home, Rayburn was airlifted to the LSU Health Sciences Center.
Mills
said Rayburn had been dealing with some ongoing personal family issues for the
last few months.
There
has been some confusion as to Rayburn’s status as a Homer police officer.
Earlier reports indicated that he had been suspended without pay, but it was
later stated that he’d been terminated.
The
Haynesville Police Department is heading up the investigation into the matter.
Police investigate theft of town funds
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Homer
police are investigating the possible theft of town funds and alleged forgery.
On
Friday, May 15, a check cleared the town’s account in the amount of $1,500 on
an account the town doesn’t write checks on anymore. James Colvin Sr., the
town’s financial consultant, said there was no supporting documentation for the
check in question.
According
to Colvin, he reconciles the bank statement online once or twice per week to
look for any unusual checks or situations. If there is one, he then goes to
office personnel to obtain the supporting documentation. This is how he
discovered the check was fraudulent. The signatures on the check weren’t right
either, he said.
“That’s
what told me that something was wrong,” he said. “One thing that drew my
attention was that someone had used a check that we no longer use.”
The
particular batch of checks was supposed to be destroyed more than a year ago,
he said.
The
account the check cleared on was the town’s enterprise check fund where
utilities, water and sewer billing is handled from month to month.
“We
don’t know where they came from or where they are,” said Homer Mayor David
Newell. “Since the check came through, we’ve been trying to find them and there
is no box that we can find. It was not a check done by our office, because we
don’t do checks like that anymore.”
The
bank will refund the $1,500 taken out of their account, Colvin said, and that
account has been frozen. This means that no checks can clear without the town’s
specific authorization, Newell said.
The
town was alerted to an issue of this nature late last year when someone tried
to write a check on the town’s account and cash it at a place of business in Minden. In September 2008, Brookshire’s Grocery Co. sent the check along with a registered
letter to the Town of Homer in regards to a “bad check.” The check was written
for nearly $300. According to earlier reports, the check was
computer-generated.
According
to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, they have a lead on a suspect and the case
is still under investigation.
Music fest slated for May 29
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Haynesville Music Fest is fast approaching but has been moved from the
Haynesville fairgrounds to the pavilion (livestock barn).
Slated
for Friday, May 29, the event will feature Haynesville’s own Bobby Rush. The concert
will begin at 7 p.m., but the festival begins at 5 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Local talent will also be featured including blues, hip-hop, gospel, bluegrass and
folk music. Here’s a list of the local talent: Bonnie Richardson, Jimmy Hill,
Brandon Buford, Shane Huffstetler, Shane and Corbin Ware, Timothy Crittenden,
Jerene Makia, Joe Helms & Family, Dump Hatter and Poet Charles Hudson.
In
order for everyone to enjoy the festival a few rules have been put into place.
No coolers will be allowed on the grounds. Although benches will be provided to
allow patrons to get off their feet, it is suggested that patrons bring their
lawn chairs. Also, security will be provided for the event.
Kids
will have plenty to do with some of the activities provided, including bouncers
for the kids to jump around in and other fun activities.
Tickets
are $10 per person (adult), $2 for children pre-K through 12th grade ($1 if
accompanied by an adult, and toddlers are free. Vending booths are $25. There
will be no tickets for sale in advance. All money will be taken at the gate.
In case
of severe weather, the festival will be moved inside the fair complex building
and vendors will be able to use the kitchen and the north room for concessions.
Sponsorships
for the festival include Citizens Bank, Balar and Associates, Entergy, Fallin
Tractor, Anti-Pest, Dixie Mart, Allied Waste Services, La. Utilities, BMS,
Malone Lawn and the Dump Hatter family.
Proceeds
from the festival will go towards the purchase of Christmas decorations for the
town.
Also, a
proclamation was approved by the town council proclaiming May 29 at “Bobby Rush
Day” stating that the “Town of Haynesville is very fortunate to have a former
resident that is known nationally and internationally for his contribution to
the music industry; and whereas the Mayor and Town of Haynesville wishes to
acknowledge the generosity of the many supporters and sponsors of this event,
and especially Bobby Rush for giving back to his town and community.”
Rush
was born Emmet Ellis Jr., and is the son of a preacher, according to his
website, www.bobbyrush.net. He was born in Haynesville and now makes his home
in Jackson, Miss., where he now has his own label, Deep Rush. He is nationally
and internationally known for his unique style of blues music.
Rush
calls his music “folk funk,” the website said, “an apt description for a blend
that’s both decidedly modern and deeply rooted in tradition.”
For
more information, please call Haynesville City Hall at 318-624-0911.
In
other council news, the council approved a motion to update its rental policies
for the fairgrounds, the fair complex and the community center and school
house. Although Brown suggested the effective date be September 1, the council
decided to make the new policy effective June 1. The amended policy includes
some rules that were not previously in the policy. For example, renters will
not be allowed to use staples on the walls, no tape is to be used on the floors
or stage area and other rules the renter is asked to abide by.
Brown
said these were added to the policy at the behest of Crew 10, the maintenance
workers who keep the fair building in good condition. The idea is to have a
building that will last much longer if it’s taken care of, Brown said.
The
renter will have to sign the policy before paying their deposit and receiving a
key to the building.
Another
issue brought to the table was the fire district tax update. During the May 2
election, only 69 voters cast their ballots for the tax renewal in Fire
District 3. Although the fire department is grateful that 100 percent of the
vote was in favor of the renewal, District 5 Councilwoman Carla Smith, also a
volunteer firefighter, expressed her disappointment in the voter turnout. She
asked the public to exercise their right to vote.
Brown
also expressed his disappointment.
“This
is not Haynesville,” he said. “It’s very disappointing.”
Other
council news includes the bids for the trucks that were declared surplus in
April’s meeting. The highest bid for the 1995 white Chevrolet truck went to
Brittney Thornton for $900. The 1995 Ford Truck went to Spencer Crew for $650.
Bids for the blue 1992 truck are set to be re-bid, because the minimum bid is
$500. The bids turned in for that truck were all under the minimum bid amount.
The
council also approved a motion to use Kenneth B. Folden and Company to handle
the town’s audit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. This company has been used for
the town’s audit for the last three years.
A
request from the Claiborne Parish Library was approved for them to use the
north room at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex building for its summer reading
program slated for June 3 through July 15.
The
next citizen advisory committee meeting will be held Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m.
Also,
the LGAP grant was approved, Brown said. This money will be used for the
purchase of a street sweeper. It will have to be bid out because the cost is
above the cap allowed under state law that states when a purchase has to be
bid.
The
next town council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., June 18, in council chambers
at Haynesville City Hall. For more information, please call 318-624-0911.
Chamber auction to be held June 3
“Beef
it up with the Chamber!” will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Homer City Hall. Beef brisket sandwiches with chips and a drink will be available
for a $5 donation. Homemade cakes and casseroles will be up for auction. For
more information, please contact the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at 927-3271.
Homer officer receives POST
certification
Submitted photo
Homer Police Officer Mario Thomas
graduated from the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy Friday, May 22,
after nine weeks of intense basic training. He is now POST (Peace Officer
Standard Training) certified. Pictured with Thomas is Homer Police Chief
Russell Mills.
Registration continues for summer
reading program
Magician to wow kids June 2
David LeBoeuf
The
Claiborne Parish Library would like to invite all children ages 2-12 to
participate in this year’s summer reading program, “Once Upon a Time,” which
begins on June 1 and runs through July 11.
To
participate in this year’s program, children who have just finished grades 1-2
will read 30 books and will register as either a “prince” or “princess.” When
you turn in your book logs weekly or when checking out more books, you will
receive a prize according to the number of books read.
Children
who have just finished grades 3-4 will read eight chapter books to receive a
certificate and they will register as either a “king” or “queen.” They will
also qualify for weekly prizes.
Younger
children who have not yet mastered reading alone may participate by having 30
books read to them by their parents or caregivers or siblings. They will
register as a “page” and will receive weekly prizes also.
On
Tuesday, June 2, at 2 p.m., at the library at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer, Mr.
David LeBoeuf, magician, will perform as the kick-off to the 2009 summer
reading program. Mr. LeBoeuf entertains children of all ages with his enchanting
talent and magical tricks.
Wednesday,
June 3, will be the first program of SRP 2009 for the Haynesville children.
Part 1 of the movie “Howl’s Moving Castle,” will be shown at 10 a.m. at the Haynesville Fair Complex. Children of all ages are invited to attend. Part 2 will be
shown June 10 at 10 a.m. This movie will be shown at the Claiborne Parish
Library in Homer on Thursday, June 4, at 2 p.m. for part 1 and part 2 will be
shown in Homer on Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m.
These
programs are sponsored in part by The Friends of the Library for the “Once Upon
a Time” summer program. The annual program provides the opportunity for
children to retain and improve their reading skills during the summer month in
order achieve greater success in school. Children may register and complete the
summer reading program at any branch until July 11.
Children
are also encouraged to show off their artistic and crafting skills by creating
a castle. This castle may be made of any materials you choose. The only
restriction is that it must fit inside the library door so that it might be
displayed during the week of June 29-July 2.
Many
more fun activities such as fractured fairytales, mystical drama, regal crafts,
and royal movies awaits you when you participate in the 2009 Summer Reading
Program “Once Upon a Time.”
For
more information, call 927-3845 or 624-0364 or come by your local library.
Homer woman charged with attempted
second degree murder
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
woman has been arrested for attempted second degree murder after allegedly
stabbing her boyfriend.
Tamesha
Yvette Warren, 34, of Homer, was charged with attempted second degree murder
with a bond set at $50,000.
On the
night of May 18, the Homer Police Department was dispatched to Homer Memorial Hospital in reference to a stabbing victim. According to reports, Officer
Roger Smith went to the hospital where he interviewed the victim, identified as
Kelvin Walker, of Homer.
Reports
say a witness stated Walker was stabbed by Warren during an argument at a Carter Drive residence. When officers arrived at the Carter Drive residence, they obtained
consent to enter and search the residence. Evidence was collected and
photographed at the scene.
Once
officers returned to the police station, a warrant for Warren’s arrest was
issued. Walker had been transferred to LSU Health Sciences Center, and when police received a tip that Warren was there, the Shreveport Police Department
was contacted, who later detained Warren there.
Officers
Van McDaniel and Steve Harbour also assisted in the investigation.
In
other crime news, two women were arrested Friday, May 15 on various battery
charges.
Kamica
Heard, 18, of Homer, was charged with simple battery with a bond of $500.
Tamica Bursey, 36, also of Homer, was charged with second degree battery with a
bond of $5,000.
According
to reports, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatched the Homer Police
Department to Claiborne Place Apartments in reference to a dispute. Upon
arrival, the victim stated to Officer Mario Thomas that Heard and Bursey were
attempting to hit her with something as she was putting her child into her
vehicle. Reports say that Heard attempted to hit the victim and that Bursey did
hit the victim.
Heard
and Bursey were transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility at the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for booking.
