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The brother of Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton, who allegedly walked into the Kirkwood city hall today and shot seven people, including the mayor, two city council people, and two police officers, told Channel 4 News tonight that he is "okay" with what his brother did.
"Let me put it in a context that you might understand," Gerald Thornton told the reporter. "My brother went to war tonight with the people that were of the government that was putting torment and strife into his life."
The following statement comes from the Organization for Black Struggle:
"All We Want is Justice!"
That was the last statement made by Charles "Cookie" Thorton before he opened fire in Kirkwood City Hall. The tragedy in Kirkwood, MO where six people lost their lives is a result of the continuation of racial tensions that bubble and erupt.
The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is saddened by the preventable loss of life and the impending sorrow that will grip the affected families and community. We hope that the City will seriously begin to address the racism and deep feelings of disenfranchisement by African-Americans who reside in Meacham Park.
OBS Chair Jamala Rogers talked with Thornton last year as the trial of Kevin Johnson was underway. Johnson was on trial for the 2005 murder of Kirkwood police officer William McEntee.
"Cookie Thornton was adamant that he was not going to be intimidated, disrespected or dismissed by the City," stated Rogers, "and as a black man in America, that has consequences." Rogers encouraged Thornton to stand up to the injustices but also cautioned him to be careful. Most of Thornton's protest actions were solo including his interaction with the courts where he served as his own legal counsel.
OBS urges the Mayor and Police Chief to take some leadership and immediately bring the community together to resolve divisive and deadly issues which keep getting glossed over. Beefing up security in City Hall is merely a bandaid for a festering cancer in the City of Kirkwood.
According to a story published just today on FirstAmendmentCenter.org, Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton, who allegedly walked into the Kirkwood City Hall and shot seven people, including Mayor Mike Swoboda, had just lost a federal court case in which he claimed his First Amendment rights were violated after he was removed from Kirkwood City Council meetings for "repetitive, personal, virulent attacks" against council members.
A federal judge in Missouri has rejected the First Amendment claims of a man removed from Kirkwood City Council meetings for “repetitive, personal, virulent attacks” against council members.
Charles Lee Thornton had sued the city of Kirkwood after he was arrested twice (and later convicted) for disorderly conduct at two council meetings in 2006.
In May 2006, Thornton had the opportunity to speak during the public-comment portion of a council meeting that addressed the expansion of two businesses — a funeral home and a senior living facility. During the time reserved to discuss the funeral home, Thornton rose to speak about what he alleged was personal harassment of him by city officials, not the expansion of the business. He displayed a large poster with a picture of a donkey and made intemperate remarks about the mayor. Thornton then warned the funeral home owner that the city had a “plantation-mentality” and “jackass-like qualities.”
Thornton engaged in similar conduct after the presentation about the senior living center. He said the mayor was “sitting there looking stupid.” The mayor eventually ordered Thornton to leave the podium and called the police. When the police came to the podium, Thornton sat on the floor and refused to leave. He was arrested and later convicted of disorderly conduct. He has appealed his conviction to a state appeals court.
Similar events occurred at a June 2006 City Council meeting. During the public-comment portion, Thornton was allowed to speak, at which point he began: “Jackass, jackass, jackass … .” Eventually the mayor asked the police to remove Thornton, who again sat on the floor. Once again he was arrested and convicted of disorderly conduct.
Thornton later filed a federal lawsuit, contending that his First Amendment rights had been violated. U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry disagreed in her Jan. 28, 2008, opinion in Thornton v. City of Kirkwood. She applied a forum analysis, determining that the public comment portion of the meetings constituted a limited designated public forum that the city could reserve for certain groups and topics of discussion. She did not find the public-comment period to be a traditional public forum in which government restrictions on speech must pass strict scrutiny — the highest form of judicial review.
She noted that there was substantial confusion in the lower courts over the terms “limited public forum” and “designated public forum.” Perry ruled that a limited designated public forum is a subclass of a designated public forum in which restrictions on speech must be reasonable and viewpoint-neutral.
“As the meeting was a limited designated public forum, Kirkwood had the right to restrict the topic of discussion to the expansion of two businesses,” Perry wrote. Rather than addressing germane subject matter, “Thornton engaged in personal attacks against the mayor, Kirkwood, and the city council.
“Any restrictions on Thornton’s speech were reasonable, viewpoint neutral, and served important governmental interests,” Perry wrote. “Because Thornton does not have a First Amendment right to engage in irrelevant debate and to voice repetitive, personal, virulent attacks against Kirkwood and its city officials during the comment portion of a city council public hearing, his claim fails as a matter of law.”
Gov. Matt Blunt has issued the following statement:
“Tonight our fellow Missourians in the city of Kirkwood were terrorized by a senseless and horrific crime at an open government meeting. We know at this hour that this crime has resulted in the loss of life and an investigation is under way.
“The men and women of Highway Patrol Troop C responded to the reports of the shooting and were on the scene to assist the Kirkwood Police Department and St. Louis County law enforcement. I have directed the Highway Patrol to provide whatever resources are needed to assist local law enforcement in response to this horrific crime.
“I join Missourians tonight in praying for the victims, their families and friends, and everyone in the community of Kirkwood.”
State Rep. Brad Robinson (D-Bonne Terre) and his wife were reportedly caught on camera driving away after hitting a man with their pickup truck. Robinson has been charged with a felony hit-and-run while his wife is accused of lying to police by saying she was the driver.
Police say Robinson's wife, Tara, first told them they saw a man in the ditch and tried to help. She later told them she was driving a pick-up truck when she struck something and went back and saw a man laying on the side of the road. At the time, the other passengers as well as Brad and Tara Robinson said Tara was the driver.
Later, police found surveillance video of the Robinson vehicle pulling into the parking lot of the North County High School. Police say the video shows Brad Robinson leaving the driver's side of the trucka nd switching positions in the vehicle with his wife.
After another interview, all the people in the Robinson truck said Tara Robinson was in fact the driver of the vehicle when the man was struck.
St. Louis County state rep. John Bowman, the former chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of paying a Bank of America vice president $1,000 to influence the approval of a false credit application.
Bowman faces up to one year in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. According to the Post-Dispatch, officials said he will likely get probation as part of the deal. The Post also reports Bowman has agreed to resign his office at the end of the month and not run for office while on probation.
The political blog "The Turner Report" says State Rep. John Bowman may change his plea today from not guilty to guilty.
Rep. John Bowman, D-St. Louis, the final defendant in a bank and credit card fraud scheme, is scheduled to change his plea, which is currently not guilty, today in U. S. District Court in St. Louis.
According to court records, the session is set for 10:30 a.m. before Judge Henry Edward Autrey. Bowman's trial was scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 4.
The other defendants in the case have either pleaded guilty, or in the case of the ringleader of the scheme in which Bowman was allegedly involved, former Bank of America Vice President Robert Conner, been found guilty by a federal jury in December.
Conner is free on $65,000 bond while awaiting his sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Conner and Bowman were indicted in January 2007 by a federal grand jury, which said Bowman and his co-defendants agreed to a scheme in which Conner took a bank lending program which provided money to small businesses by offering a $25,000 credit limit, then arranged with the other defendants to apply for the loans, often with fictitious companies, then give Conner kickbacks ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 on each loan.
According to the indictment, Conner approved $1,213,970 in fraudulent loans.
The Missouri Republican Party today slammed the Democrats for three elected officials' hig-profile run-ins with the law.
From the GOP press release:
In a stunning miscarriage of justice, Democrat Sen. Chuck Graham will not face the same mandatory revocation of his driver’s license that other Missourians would face after being convicted of drunken driving. Meanwhile, Democrat Rep. John Bowman is set to plead guilty in St. Louis on federal fraud charges while Democrat Jeff Smith is in court in Cooper County over his illegal entry to a Missouri casino.
“Missouri Democrats are a disgrace for violating the very laws they are sworn to uphold on behalf of hard-working Missourians. It is disturbing to most Missourians that an ever-increasing number of Democrat lawmakers are being exposed as lawbreakers,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “With their ongoing pattern of malfeasance, Missouri Democrats are the last people Missourians want to hear a lecture from regarding the behavior of elected officials. Even more disturbing is that the head of the Democrat Party, Jay Nixon, is the attorney general of the state.”
The Columbia Daily-Tribune reports that after a two-minute hearing, Boone County Associate Circuit Judge Carol England reinstated Graham’s license even though a mandatory suspension of his license is required because he refused a Breathalyzer test. Ironically, Graham serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee that hears bills proposing new Missouri laws.
“Obviously, there is one justice system for Democrats like Chuck Graham and another justice system for average, hard-working Missourians,” Sloca said.
Smith, who was charged last year for using a fellow Democrat lawmaker’s identification to enter the Isle of Capri casino in Boonville, is facing a hearing in Cooper County today on those charges. Democrat Joe Aull, who provided the identification to Smith, is scheduled for his hearing in February. Smith also serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Jeff Smith violated the law and now he must face the consequences, although Smith has spent months hiding behind his attorney’s legal maneuvering,” Sloca said.
The Turner Report today says that Bowman is going to change his plea from not guilty to guilty for his role in a bank and credit card fraud scheme in U.S. District Court. Bowman was indicted for agreeing to a scheme in which a bank executive took a lending program which provided money to small businesses by offering a $25,000 credit limit, then arranged with Bowman and others to apply for the loans, often with fictitious companies, in which the executive received kickbacks ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 on each loan. Incredibly, Bowman serves on the House Budget Committee which handles taxpayer dollars.
“John Bowman broke the public trust and must be punished as any other Missourian would be punished. Democrats must realize that they are not above the law,” Sloca said.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is the largest police department in the state. Even though one third of the City of St. Louis' budget ($140 million annually) goes toward funding the department, it is controlled by the State of Missouri through appointments made by the governor and confirmed by the senate.
The current police chief, Joe Mokwa, was appointed on May 11, 2001.
Internal police department auditors discovered as much as $40,000 in cash was stolen from the evidence room in the basement of St. Louis Police Headquarters. Though Chief Joe Mokwa was informed about the theft this summer, it was not made public until mid-September.
Despite police officers stealing everything from World Series baseball tickets to cash without any serious consequences, the governor-appointed police board and Mayor Francis Slay continued to voice their complete confidence in Mokwa (even if his own officers felt otherwise).
On August 15, rookie cop Norvelle Brown was killed while patrolling alone on the city's north side. His death and the department's regular practice of sending inexperienced officers fresh out of the academy to patrol the toughest neighborhoods in the city all alone are two of several reasons mentioned for why the Police Officers' Association later voted "no confidence" in the leadership of Police Chief Joe Mokwa.
Gov. Matt Blunt gave the kind of Christmas gift Sunday that only a governor can give.
Blunt announced his decision to pardon Alicia Allison-Brown, Jesse Barnes, James Birdwell, Sr., Craig Johnson, Robert Jordan and Carl Smart, who all were convicted of non-violent offenses years ago and have since, according to Blunt, become and remained law-abiding citizens.
None of the people pardoned were currently in prison and several of them committed their crimes decades ago and were only sentenced to probation, which they have long ago completed.
More from the governor's office on the people who were pardoned:
In 1990, at the age of 23, Alicia Allison-Brown was convicted of stealing. She was sentenced to four years probation and 120-day shock incarceration. Ms. Brown applied for pardon in 2005. Ms. Allison-Brown is married with one child. She is a member of FEMA Missouri Task Force I, serving as a Canine Search Specialist and trained in Tech Rescue
In 1961, at the age of 24, Jesse Barnes was convicted of 2nd degree arson. He was sentenced to three years in prison and paroled after serving five months. He successfully completed his parole. Mr. Barnes applied for pardon in 2006. Mr. Barnes is a self-employed and professional painter. He has been married for 40 years and has three children as well as grandchildren.
In 1963, at the age of 20, James Birdwell, Sr., was convicted of malicious destruction of property. He received a one year suspended sentence and two years of probation. Mr. Birdwell applied for pardon in 2003. Mr. Birdwell has owned a small construction business for nine years and previously worked for the Kansas City Star for more than 10 years. He has been married for 45 years and has five children and 17 grandchildren
In 1985, at the age of 19, Craig Johnson was convicted of the crime of stealing. He was sentenced to three years probation. Mr. Johnson applied for pardon in 2004. Mr. Johnson is a minister and chaplain in the U.S. Army where he has achieved the rank of Captain. He served in the first Gulf War where he received numerous decorations and awards.
In 1990, at the age of 21, Robert Jordan was convicted of the crime of stealing. He was sentenced to two years probation. Mr. Jordan applied for pardon in 2003. Mr. Jordan and his wife have three children and serve their community as Emergency Medical Technicians.
In 1980, at the age of 28, Carl Smart was convicted of 2nd degree arson and deceitful stealing. He was sentenced to five years probation, which he completed successfully. Mr. Smart applied for a pardon in 2004. Mr. Smart is a Navy veteran and has worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. He is married with three children and one grandchild.
"Ms. Allison-Brown, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Birdwell, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jordan and Mr. Smart have paid for their mistakes," said Gov. Blunt. "It is my hope and belief that they will continue to be productive citizens."
Missouri’s Probation and Parole Board unanimously recommended that a pardon be issued in all cases. Local law enforcement were not opposed to the four receiving a pardon. In addition each person receiving a pardon has support from their local community, including elected officials, religious leaders, community leaders or neighbors.
The following press release is from the St. Louis City Election Board in response to today's indictment of eight former ACORN workers on charges of voter registration fraud:
Earlier today, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of the State of Missouri, Catherine L. Hanaway, announced that eight former employees of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, were indicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on federal election violations. The indictments come approximately thirteen months after the City of St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners turned over to federal investigators, thousands of voter registration cards that had been submitted for processing to the Board by ACORN.
These voter registration cards contained fraudulent signatures, improper and inaccurate voter information, and duplicative and incorrect names. Included in the voter registration cards that were patently fraudulent was a voter registration card and signature attributed to a fifteen year old girl whose mother alerted the Board that no such card and signature had been completed.
"These voter registration cards were brazenly fraudulent, and we are pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking steps to properly prosecute those who commit voter registration fraud," stated Republican Director Scott Leiendecker.
"The Board will continue to vigorously investigate any and all allegations of election fraud and refer any incidents to the appropriate law enforcement authorities."
Eight voter registration workers, employed by The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), have been indicted on election fraud charges in connection with the November 2006 general election, United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway announced today.
The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) is a not-for-profit organization and during 2006 maintained and operated an office at 4304 Manchester Avenue in the City of St. Louis, in part to conduct a voter registration drive for the November 7, 2006 general election.
Project Vote is a not-for-profit organization that works with ACORN to register voters for federal and local elections. Project Vote funded ACORN in the 2006 voter registration drive.
“The allegations of Election Fraud announced today represent criminal activities which undermine the public’s confidence in government. This type of criminal activity should not be tolerated by citizens of the community,” said Hanaway. “We intend to investigate vigorously, and prosecute fully, any allegations of fraud in our election system.”
ACORN and Project Vote recruited and employed workers to obtain voter registrations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County during 2006. The workers were trained and instructed by ACORN and Project Vote on how to obtain voter registrations and how to prepare voter registration applications, which included training and instruction that the actual voter must sign the voter application and that a forged signature is a violation of the law.
The indictment alleges that from July through October 2006, the eight defendants indicted today were employed by ACORN as voter registration workers to obtain voter registrations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. They are charged with multiple counts of election fraud for submitting false voter registration applications to the St. Louis City and St. Louis County Board of Election Commissions falsely stating addresses, names and other information of the voters being registered, and which contained forged signatures of the purported applicants, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Sections 1973i(c) and 1973 gg-10, election fraud.
The indicted individuals are:
BRIAN BLAND, St. Louis, Missouri
BOBBIE JEAN CHEEKS, a/k/a Dorothy Jones and Bobbie Tobert, St. Louis, Missouri
CORTEZ COWAN, St. Louis, Missouri
GOLDEN GIBSON, St. Louis, Missouri
RADONNA MARIE SMITH, St. Louis, Missouri
ANTHONY M. RELIFORD, St. Louis, Missouri
KENNETH DEMOND WILLIAMS, St. Louis, Missouri
TYAIRA L. WILLIAMS, a/k/a Tootsie Roll, St. Louis, Missouri
If convicted, each count of 42 U.S.C. Section 1973i(c) carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $ 10,000. Each count of 42 U.S.C. Section 1973gg-10 carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.
In discussions with the United States Attorney’s Office, ACORN has agreed to implement a plan to improve voter registration and quality control procedures. ACORN is planning to strengthen the system it has to monitor and address performance problems, and has agreed to meet with prosecutors to discuss how best to report possible illegal activity. ACORN has agreed that comprehensive training will be required of all quality control and management staff. ACORN has agreed to the creation of a General Counsel position to monitor ACORN programs, and who will communicate with local election officials to address problems. Further, ACORN has agreed to assign a 13-year ACORN veteran and Missouri Head Organizer to St. Louis full time to personally oversee any future voter registration drive.
“The FBI is committed to investigating all instances of election fraud to ensure the integrity of our democratic system,” said John Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, St. Louis.
Hanaway acknowledged the assistance of the St. Louis and St. Louis County Election Boards and commended the work performed on the case by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service and Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Former state rep. Nathan Cooper was sentenced to 15 months in a federal prison.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has approved for circulation a petition drive to get on the 2008 ballot a measure to ban most abortions in the state.
Attorney General candidate Chris Koster* picked up the endorsement of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police.
Democrat Mike Evans dropped out of the race for lieutenant governor, leaving the nomination open for State Rep. Sam Page.
While the parents, media and lawmakers look for someone to punish for the suicide of Megan Meier, others wonder how Internet postings could possibly drive someone to suicide.
"What if the boyfriend was real?" asked a friend of mine. "What if he dumped her, called her a [vulgar name] and she ran home and killed herself? Would they try to prosecute him?"
Good question. While the link to the popular social networking website MySpace has made this St. Charles tragedy a worldwide story, the media's thirst for sensationalism mixed with politicians' opportunism has really left common sense and any idea of personal responsibility at the roadside.
Shouldn't a 13-year-old be able to handle "meanness" better than this? Or is this newly-coined "cyber-bullying" really a new, more menacing threat to young people, as an editorial in the Post-Dispatch claimed today:
"The pervasiveness of technology, including cell phones, e-mail and instant messaging, coupled with the anonymity it bestows, makes electronic harassment less escapable and more effective. Bullies no longer lurk only in school hallways and playgrounds; now, they slip right into a child's bedroom, wreaking havoc even when school is out."
Really? Are emails really more scary than three bigger kids beating the hell out of you everyday at lunch? Because sticks and stones can indeed break your bones. Words — well, they can be hurtful too, but at 13 years-old aren't kids at least responsible enough for their own actions as to rule out the words of a faceless boy or girl as the reason for them killing themselves?
Ironically, at the same time newspapers, TV news, and the girl's parents are arguing that 13-year-old Megan was not responsible for her own actions, a St. Louis County judge sentenced young Sherman Burnett Jr. to 60 years in prison for a crime he committed when he was — you guessed it — 13 years-old.
So which is it, Missouri? Are 13 year-olds responsible for themselves or not?
Because if they are, young Sherman should go to jail for a very long time for kidnapping, beating and sexually assaulting his 6 year-old neighbor. And young Megan was old enough to know what the hell she was doing when she decided to take her own life. No words from someone she never met caused her suicide.
Or is someone else really responsible for causing Megan to hang herself in her room, because as a child, Megan was manipulated and harassed to the point of her own suicide and, like young Sherman, had no concept yet how precious life — theirs or others — actually is.
So which one is it, Missouri? What are 13 year-old kids responsible for — your kids and mine?
VIDEO: SLCC Professor Suspended for Sexual Abuse At Previous School
By Gabe Bullard
Filed
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 11:14 PM
Earlier this week, St. Louis Community College (SLCC) suspended music professor Lawrence Stukenholtz for sexual misconduct. Stukenholtz was not suspended for any misdeeds at SLCC, but for incidents at Matter Dei High School in California, a Catholic institution.
Court records show that after reports of sexual relationships and abuse with female minors, Stukenholtz was offered the chance to resign or else face a full investigation. He resigned and eventually wound up teaching music at SLCC.
When one of Stukenholtz's victims, Sarah Gray, found out about his position in St. Louis she contacted the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Local SNAP officials say they told SLCC administrators about Stukenholtz's past, but after no action was taken, they met with Gray and hand-delivered a letter to the school's main office.
Following the delivery, Stukenholtz was suspended.
Gray's legal options against Stukenholtz are limited since she already settled a case, along with other victims.
"The settlement was basically a way for myself and the other girls to move forward," says Gray.
Gray is currently pushing to get Stukenhotlz indicted on charges of sexual abuse of a child in Orange County, California.
PubDef talked with Gray before she and SNAP representatives delivered their letter to the SLCC.
Caving to mounting public criticism and still-possible legal ramifications, Gov. Matt Blunt today directed his administration to create a permanent e-mail retention system. Blunt says by doing so he is "setting a higher standard in state government and going well beyond present legal requirements."
The governor said he will act to ensure that anyone using a .gov ("dot gov") e-mail address complies with the higher standard, including all statewide officials.
“I take great pride in my administration’s commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and commitment to accountable and transparent government. Our state has an open records law and we have followed it. But there is confusion in state government about e-mail retention. For example, some state officials who claim to retain all emails in fact do not. That confusion is not acceptable to me. I am directing the Office of Administration to develop a system allowing for the permanent retention of every e-mail throughout all of state government. I expect all elected officials to cooperate with the Office of Administration in establishing this new and higher standard of openness.
“Because retention will be automatic and permanent, state employees will be released from making case-by-case decisions on what to save. All state e-mails will be retained and be open to the public for its inspection, subject only to the limited and well-defined exceptions where legal and privacy concerns apply.
“This standard will prevent what has happened in Attorney General Nixon’s office, where the spokesperson said that e-mails are routinely deleted, and e-mail record requests to the Attorney General’s Chief of Staff are returned with very significant gaps in time.
“I expect every statewide official, members of the legislature, independent agencies, the judicial branch and anyone using a state government e-mail account to retain every e-mail they send and receive. Transparency and accountability should be bipartisan values.”
Governor Blunt has directed the Office of Administration to develop the computer and technical systems required for permanent maintenance of every state government e-mail. He says he expects their plan as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the year.
UPDATE @ 10:36 AM: As expected, Missouri Democrats are unimpressed by Blunt's new appreciation for the importance of government e-mails.
"Missouri law already states clearly that e-mails are public records and must be retained. Matt Blunt is in this mess not because the law isn’t clear, but because he clearly isn’t following the law," said Jack Cardetti, Missouri Democratic Party spokesman. "It’s a sad day when the only person in state government that refuses to acknowledge this law exists is Gov. Blunt."
"The other troubling part of the governor’s announcement is that it only regulates government email addresses," said Cardetti. "The governor's office has admitted that Gov. Blunt and his senior staff use political email addresses to discuss state business, thereby, evading the sunshine and record retention law. It would appear that the governor’s new retention system applies to everyone in state government except for his office."
State Rep. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield) will be holding a press conference Wednesday to announce a schedule of investigative hearings and legislation to address the AP findings and Missouri's disproportionately high ranking.
A victim will be sharing her personal story of sexual abuse by a teacher who is still teaching in Missouri. PTA representatives will be on hand to alert parents and teachers of the importance of parent involvement and learning the "red flags" for spotting sexual abuse.
The press conference is tomorrow, Nov. 14, at 10:30 AM in the House Lounge of the state capitol.
Coming Soon: New Gang Documentary features Local Pols, Young People
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Monday, November 05, 2007 at 8:37 AM
The final touches are being put on a new documentary, co-produced by local filmmaker Larry Bastain (brother of State Rep. Talibdin El-Amin), which takes a closer look at the often violent lives of many of our city's young men and boys.
"Off the Record" features interviews with gang members, local community leaders, and elected officials, including El-Amin, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard and State Senator Jeff Smith.
The membership of the St. Louis Police Officers Association has voted "no confidence" in the leadership of Chief Joe Mokwa. But despite the lack of support among his officers and numerous scandals — including $40,000 stolen from a police station vault — the mayor and Mokwa's state-appointed bosses say they're staying with their man.
"The fact that only 17 percent of the Police Department’s 1,859 employees said they do not have confidence in Chief Joe Mokwa is hardly an indicator of any widespread discontent with his tenure," said the Mayor Francis Slay's blog.
Of course, the mayor neglected to mention that the 48% turnout in the no-confidence poll was much higher than the 15% turnout in Slay's own 2005 primary victory.
Chris Goodson, president of the Board of Police Commissioners, which is appointed by the governor, told KWMU that despite frustration over staffing and pay, Mokwa is doing a good job.
"Leadership is going to have popular and unpopular decisions that comes with the job, but what we want to know is are you making the right decisions to provide the best public safety for the workers and the citizens of St. Louis," Goodson told KWMU.
But the citizens of the City of St. Louis, which once again has earned the title of "most dangerous" in America, have little say in the running of their police department. Unlike most cities, the mayor does not hire or fire the chief of police. In fact, the chief is only accountable to the the police board, which is appointed by the governor and approved by the senate, both located in Jefferson City.
The politics suggests the People have little control over the police. The crime statistics suggest the police have little control over the streets. And the mayor's statement shows the opinion of rank-and-file cops can (and will) be disregarded as easily as the opinion of the people they protect and serve.
State Senator Jeff Smith was charged today with a misdemeanor offense of using a false identification during a July 31 visit to the Isle of Capri Casino in Booneville. State Rep. Joe Aull (D-Marshall) and lobbyist Lynne Schlosser were also charged in conjunction with providing Smith the false ID.
The Board unanimously passed a resolution at their morning meeting today stating their support for Mokwa. Leading the way was the alderman from one of the most crime-ridden parts of the city, Freeman Bosley, Sr. (3rd Ward).
Sure, the police officers want more money, Bosley said, but so do we all. The police motto is to protect and serve and sometimes, Bosley remarked in his raspy voice, that means doing some service for free.
Bosley also did not blame Mokwa or the department for crime — “Whenever we’ve called for help, you’ve been there.”
Besides, Bosley said, crime has been around since biblical times.
“Cain slew Abel,” Bosley reminded the chamber.
“Whenever you have more than three people, there is going to be crime,” Bosley said.
By the way, no such resolution has been introduced to show support for Fire Chief Sherman George, whose department, in comparison, is squeaky clean. And if it were, it would not likely pass unanimously.
Sources tell PubDef that State Rep. Joe Aull (D-Marshall) will be charged tomorrow in conjunction with providing State Senator Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis City) a false identification during a July 31 visit to the Isle of Capri Casino in Booneville.
(Our sources may be the same sources that told The Source, who beat us in reporting this story. We really hate being beaten.)
Smith is not expected to be charged tomorrow, but sources say the Cooper County prosecutor is still weighing the possibility.
It is also unclear if lobbyist Lynne Schlosser will be charged this week. She was the Isle of Capri employee who gave Smith Aull's players card to allow him to stay in the casino following a legislative tour, despite not having his own identification with him.
Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, the likely Democratic nominee for governor in 2008, today said that Governor Matt Blunt's office appears to be breaking the law by destroying their email records.
Cops Gone Wild(er): $40,000 Stolen from Police Station Vault
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Monday, September 17, 2007 at 9:30 AM
What's a few tens of thousands of dollars here and there? As long as you've got the unconditional support of your Board and the mayor.
It's good to be Police Chief Joe Mokwa.
Adding to the ever-growing list of scandals at Mokwa's police department (and reasons the chief should be held accountable to the people of this city, not a Governor-appointed board), the Post-Dispatchreports today that as much as $40,000 in cash has been stolen from the evidence room in the basement of St. Louis Police Headquarters.
Let me just skip to the end of this story before my head explodes from complete frustration: No one will be severely disciplined. Mokwa will keep his job. Slay and the police board will say how this actually adds to the level of confidence they have in him. And life will go on as usual in Crazy Town.
From the Post's story:
The department's internal auditors discovered the vault theft this summer. Those auditors were called in after a theft from one of three safes in the North Patrol Station on Union Boulevard earlier this year. That theft involved less than $500, sources said; a culprit has not been caught.
However, Mokwa took disciplinary action against several top assistants after that earlier theft was discovered. Assistant Police Chief Steve Pollihan received a written letter of reprimand; Lt. Col. Reggie Harris was given a day off without pay, and Capts. Steve Hobbs, Leman Dobbins and James Moran were all given two days off without pay.
A letter of reprimand? Two days off work? Oh, my! Now that's what I call cleaning house.
An off-duty Arnold police officer allegedly put a gun to a 21-year-old black man's head in the parking lot of a White Castle's in Florissant yesterday. The man said Officer Chris Hoelscher called him a nigger and threatened to kill him. Following his report, the Arnold police chief suspended Helsher. He resigned a few hours later.
Five Deputy Sheriffs from Jefferson County were suspended this week after being involved in an off-duty bar fight Wednesday night at the R-Place Bar & Grill in House Springs. According to the bar owner, the fight began between two women — one of whom came with the officers.
From the Post-Dispatch:
He said all of the officers were escorted out of the bar and a bartender observed them removing their rear license plates in the parking lot.
Moments later they came back into the bar, Gaulden said.
Anna Rankin, a bartender, said, "I told them 'I'm going to call the cops,' and they said, 'We are the cops.'"
And of course, a St. George police office was caught on tape this week by a young white guy threatening to trump up charges on him and "ruin your life" for not showing the officer the proper respect as he violated the young man's civil rights.
"Do you want to go to jail for some fucking reason I come up with?"
"Ever get smart mouth with a cop again and I'll show you what a cop does."
"Talk back again and I'll say you were resisting arrest or something. You want me to come up with something? I can come up with nine things."
"You want me to lock you up and show you that I'm right and you're wrong?"
Had a bad night? "Don't ever take it out on a cop. We'll ruin your career and life and everything you've got."
Last night Channel 5 reporter Mike Owens did a story on a shady real estate man who sold a couple a home that he apparently no longer owned. The real owner is evicting the "buyers" and the shady salesman is ducking the law and TV cameras.
It was a pretty good story. But more interesting than the story itself was the teaser at the end.
"Tomorrow night, more on Furqan and we'll hear a tape of him saying he makes regular payments of cash to the local alderman, a charge the alderman denies."
Hmmmmmm. Who could it be?
Considering the reporter is married to 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson, we can pretty much rule her out.
According to clues from Owen's report, the property Wali Furqan sold the couple is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of the 3rd Ward, represented by longtime alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr.
Whoever it is (and we really can't wait to find out who), as the KSDK report stated, he (or she) completely denies the charge.
How about local control of our police department first? After all, that is where about a third of our city's annual budget goes. But then, why should city folks have any say over how one out of every three of our dollars is spent?
Perhaps Mayor Slay could be calling for local control of our schools — even mayoral control. No, wait. That's right, he was the one pushing for the state's Republican governor to take control of our $450 million-per-year school system.
Well, it's not like crime or schools have anything to do with the quality of life here in the city — at least not like the Arch grounds anyway!
As a matter of fact, we're so out of practice with controlling our own destinies around here, if the U.S. government did give up control of the Arch grounds, they should probably just turn it over to the State of Missouri.
At least that'll keep Hizzoner from building a parking garage or a Walgreens on it.
Today in Sherman Park, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay dedicated a grove of trees to slain police officer Norvelle Brown, who was killed a few blocks away from the park.
At a 1st Ward neighborhood meeting this morning, Mayor Francis Slay broke the news of the arrest of three youths in the shooting death of police officer Norvelle Brown.
The Supreme Court of Missouri today issued an order directing attorney and former State Representative Nathan Cooper, who last week pleaded guilty to two federal felonies for immigration fraud, to show cause before 5:00 p.m. tomorrow why his law license should not be suspended.
This 5-part video report comes from the UK's Sky One television network. Ross Kemp on Gangs is an award-winning documentary series that looks at gangs and gang members all across the world — including London, New Zealand, and Rio de Janeiro. For its second season, Ross Kemp came to "one of the most violent US cities," the City of St. Louis, Missouri.
Those people who still don't think that St. Louis is a violent place to live for tens of thousands of its law-abiding, peaceful, and productive residents... well, you don't know St. Louis. You don't know what terrorism really is. And you don't know why so many people are angry — at government, the police, and their seemingly blind neighbors.
"They don't care," says a crying mother in the second video. "It wasn't their kid that was killed."
Please watch these videos.
Look for a cameo from Alderman Sam Moore in video #1, a "Jamilah Nasheed for State Rep" yard sign in video #3, lots of mentions of my O'Fallon Park neighborhood and its "Associated Crips," an anti-gang program at Carnahan School ran by Kabir Mohammed, and a very disturbing interview with two Blood gang members in video #5. Thanks to Doug Duckworth for calling our attention to this video.
VIDEO: State Rep on Violent Crime: Send in the National Guard?
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Friday, August 10, 2007 at 6:00 AM
State Representative Talibdin El-Amin held a press conference Thursday in his north St. Louis district to address a wave of violent crime that has affected many parts of the city.
El-Amin, who also serves as the Democratic Committeeman of the 1st Ward, called on Police Chief Joe Mokwa to increase patrols in his ward and others facing high instances of violence, which often accompany the hot summer months.
The first-term State Rep also suggested that if things don't improve soon, he would not oppose the state committing resources in the form of the National Guard to help patrol the roughest parts of town.
According to a Gaming Commission official responding to our request, the requested video tape was "seized as evidence by the Missouri Highway Patrol pursuant to a criminal investigation and is part of an investigative report. Therefore, pursuant to Section 610.100.1(5)RSMo, these records are presently closed records and not open for inspection or duplication."
We have amended our request to include a copy of the report from the Commission's own investigation.
Meanwhile, the Turner Reports reveals that Smith, a member of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, has received quite a bit of cash from the gaming industry.
An examination of Missouri Ethics Commission records shows Smith received $2,600 which can be directly traced to casinos during 2006, as well as $5,400 from casino lobbyists or their clients.
Another $4,800 appears to have come from Ameristar Casinos after being legally laundered through a Democratic party committee. On Aug. 12, 2006, the 94th House District Democratic Committee received a $5,000 contribution from Ameristar Casinos. Three days later, the committee gave $4,800 to Smith. Oddly, Smith's own committee disclosure form says the 94th Committee contribution came Aug. 11...the day before the committee received the Ameristar Casinos contribution.
Other casino or casino-related contributions for Smith include:
30 days after general election 2006- Harrah's Operating $650, Isle of Capri Casinos $650
Eight days before the election 2006- $500 contributions from Missouri Dental PAC, Missouri Pharmacy PAC, and Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists, all clients of Ameristar Casinos' lobbying firm Gamble & Schlemeier
October 2006- John Bardgett and Associates, lobbying firm for Pinnacle Entertainment and numerous other clients, $650; Penn National Gaming $650
30 days after primary- Two $650 contributions from Missouri Pharmacy PAC and $650 from MORESPAC, clients of Gamble and Schlemeier, $650 from Bardgett, $650 from Bardgett's lobbying firm
94th House District, $4,800
Jake Wagman, of the Post-Dispatch, also reports that Lynne M. Schlosser, the lobbyist for the Isle of Capri casino who supposedly gave Smith another legislator's players card to keep him in the game, may not have been fired as previously reported. But no comment from her or the casino makes it hard to find out for sure.
As we first reported yesterday, State Senator Jeff Smith was issued a summons Tuesday night for gambling at the Isle of Capri Casino in Booneville using someone else's identification, a Class B misdemeanor. Smith told PubDef.net that an Isle of Capri employee gave him someone else's player card so that he could enter the casino even though he didn't have his identification on him (ID is needed for a card).
We also learned last night that that employee had been fired. As it turns out, that "employee" was in fact a lobbyist for the Isle of Capri and that "someone else" whom the card belonged to was State Representative Joe Aull (D-Marshall).
Sources tell PubDef that Smith would have gotten away with playing on Aull's card had it not been for his Blackberry addiction.
Those who have seen Smith either in person or on the big screen know that the freshman senator is more often than not seen with his Blackberry close by his ear. That's a no-no at the card table.
According to a source close to the situation, Smith was thumbing his phone at the Texas Hold 'em table when a gaming official told him that was not allowed (some people use the devices to cheat, you know). They then asked for his ID to make sure his name was not in the list of known cheaters. That's when they noticed Smith was not "Aull" he appeared.
PubDef has filed a request with the Gaming Commission for a copy of the casino surveillance tape to see for ourselves what happened.
The daughter of St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa remains behind bars at the Warren County Jail today, charged with stealing a credit card, possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to the Post-Dispatch, Aimie Mokwa was found in her Warrenton hotel room with a "smoking device that tested positive for cocaine," marijuana, different kinds of prescription medications, and her 9-year-old daughter.
Chief Mokwa called his daughter "troubled" and said he has taken custody of his granddaughter.
The following is an editorial from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay...
"State Violence Should Be Subject to Oversight By New Commission"
The business of death is a serious one that merits extensive and exhaustive oversight. Although I argue that the death penalty should not be employed in Missouri, Attorney General Jay Nixon deems the practice necessary and appropriate. Due to extensive support for reintroduction of the incorporation of the death penalty and in line with the Federal ruling, the re-introduction of the death penalty is inevitable. Although the Federal bench may have ruled Capital punishment to be a legitimate form of punishment, not cruel or unusual, unjust prosecution and execution is cruel and unusual. Missouri is behind the times in finding new ways to prove guilt on defendants part.
A specific example of this failure exists in the case of Reginald Clemons. Clemons was convicted in 1991 of murdering two girls near the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Although he is on death row, his case has not been re-opened. Although over-whelming evidence and one confession points to guilt in another direction of another party, his case has not been reviewed.
Thinking along the same logical lines, the state of New Jersey seeks to eliminate the death penalty. This desire stems from a number of reasons not the least of which are cost and mounting cases of false conviction. Many New Jersey-ites have come together and joined with the Innocence Project (created by attorneys Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld) which works to abolish the death penalty. New Jersey death penalty opponents cite the case of Byron Halsey. Halsey was found guilty of one of the most vicious murders known to New Jersey residents at the time. With the introduction of DNA testing and other new methods of legal investigation, Halsey was found innocent.
On death row previous to his acquittal, Halsey is a prime example of the possibility of error within the judicial system. The Criminal Justice Reform Commission of New Jersey works to reform and eventually abolish the death penalty through examinations of false accusation cases involving introduction of DNA evidence.
In Missouri, if we are to reinstitute this violent and irreversible action, we are required to incorporate bodies to regulate this violent action. We must follow New Jersey’s example and create a commission to ensure that Clemons is not wrongfully executed. Missouri must establish a board of commissioners to investigate all death-row cases extensively for error or discrimination before any inmate can be executed. In title II, section 201, of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s 2001 death penalty bill, it discusses and supports the creation of a national commission on the death penalty. In co-sponsoring Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bill, the “National Death Penalty moratorium Act of 2001”, I hope to establish a local version of the aforementioned commission.
Much like every man-made system, the judicial system is rife with errors large and small. With introductions of DNA testing, psychological examination, along with many other methods of investigation, legal systems around the U.S. are reevaluating their guilty-convictions in cases that result in a death sentence. According to Innocence Project data, since 2000, there have been 104 exonerations throughout the U.S. based on DNA evidence alone. Without a commission to investigate, these exonerations might not have taken place.
I fear that although improvements regarding unwarranted executions are being made, they may already be too late for some. There is increasing evidence that points to the notion that Larry Griffin, executed in June of 1995, was innocent of the charges for which he was executed. Due to lack of an adequate review of the proceedings of his case, Griffin was executed. The amount of overwhelming evidence present against the guilty verdict of this case is daunting and leaves me disheartened.
The very essence that makes the death penalty dangerous is its permanence. One cannot un-ring a bell. A board of commissioners established to review death row cases in Missouri would ensure exonerations when appropriate and fewer inappropriate and unjust executions. I urge Missourians to support every effort to create this commission and to limit rampantly unwarranted use of the death penalty in our state.
"Last Thursday, our system failed to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. But the system was broken long before the evening of July 6th," said Jamilah Nasheed.
"If a 12-year-old boy can be spurred to this type of violence, there is something inherently wrong and out of order. Our community needs to come together and fix it."
The "Save Our Children" Prayer Vigil and Rally will take place at the intersection of Vandeventer and St. Louis Avenue, near Purtty's home, on Wednesday, July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click here to read the press release.
Third Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr. has called on Police Chief Joe Mokwa to investigate claims by the family of 13-year-old Alexus Purtty that repeated calls to 911 were not responded to in time to prevent the girl's murder.
Purtty, a star student at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, was stabbed to death Thursday night allegedly by a 12-year-old neighbor.
Family members say they called police several times about the harassing 12-year-old, but by the time police arrived, he was gone.
"If police had gotten here when I called, then maybe this wouldn't have happened," Purtty's mom told reporters.
Governor Matt Blunt is in St. Louis today. He is scheduled to present a proclamation and participate in a Heat-Up St. Louis event at 11:45 a.m. at the McGowan/Walsh Sales Center, 2200 Washington Ave.
Later, Blunt will sign into law Senate Bill 384, which addresses license plate tab theft, something city residents are all too familiar with.
The signing event is at 1:45 p.m. in the St. Louis Police Board main board room, 1200 Clark Avenue #603.
While on leave from serving in Iraq, Army Specialist Anthony Collins says he was harassed and maced by a St. Louis police officer near his home in north St. Louis.
This video was produced and distributed by the ACLU of Eastern Missouri this week at its press conference on its new "Project Vigilant" initiative, which is arming residents of the Fairground Park neighborhood with video cameras to protect themselves from abusive cops.
EDITOR'S NOTE: WATCH THE LAST 40 SECONDS OF THIS VIDEO. IT APPEARS THAT THE TWO OFFICERS COME BACK TO INTIMIDATE (OR WORSE) THE VICTIM.
Click here to watch our earlier report on "Project Vigilant".
More than a year after it was first announced (and we reported it), the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri today is launching its "Project Vigilant", which will arm residents of the Fairground Park neighborhood in north St. Louis with video cameras to protect themselves and their neighbors against abusive police.
"Project Vigilant levels the playing field," said Brenda Jones, executive director for the ACLU-EM who created the program.
"Police officers who know their misconduct will be reported and probably filmed might be less likely to abuse their authority. Project Vigilant is not and should never be perceived as an 'anti-police' program. In meetings with St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa, we stressed that we are just as likely to catch the police officers in the course of positive behavior as well as negative. Our project is designed to give police officers more incentive to connect and communicate respectfully with the residents of the communities they patrol."
The program will be introduced during a news conference at 2:00 p.m. today at the ACLU-EM's new headquarters on 454 Whittier.
Following the retirement of executive director Kim Norman, Edmund Hennessey has been named the new head of Weed & Seed St. Louis.
According to the Department of Justice's website, the Weed & Seed initiative involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" much-needed human services, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration programs.
The City of St. Louis today has two active Weed & Seed neighborhoods: Hamilton Heights and the West End.
Following Missouri Attorney General (and likely Democratic nominee for Governor) Jay Nixon's decision not file criminal charges against Ameren for the Taum Sauk dam collapse, state Republicans are continuing their cries of conflict of interest.
Nixon accepted $19,000 in campaign donations from sources connected to Ameren. Following GOP attacks and media reports across the state, Nixon says he has since returned the money.
In their latest attack, Republicans point to an Associated Press report that a 2,000-page report provided to Nixon by the Missouri Highway Patrol informed the Attorney General that "an unknown Ameren employee" removed probes designed to shut down the plant and prevent an overflow if water ever reached them immediately after the Taum Sauk disaster.
Republicans say Nixon made the decision not to file charges without identifying the Ameren employee, referred to as "Mr. X", who removed that critical evidence in the scene of the "worst man-made disaster in Missouri's history".
"The Attorney General, who is acting Reynolds County Prosecutor in the criminal investigation, can request subpoenas to force Ameren or Mr. X to come forward," charged a GOP press release.
"Missourians are owed an explanation as to why Jay Nixon, the criminal prosecutor in the Ameren Taum Sauk case, failed to identify Ameren's Mr. X," said Jared Craighead, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.
"Even though the Missouri Highway Patrol provided his office with a thorough, 2,000 page report, Nixon failed to follow up on a critical lead: the identity of the Ameren employee, and potential suspect, who removed critical evidence from the scene of a disaster. It is also unknown if Nixon requested a subpoena to learn the identity of Mr. X."
"Reasonable people are entitled to believe that a competent criminal prosecutor would have been interested in knowing the identity of Mr. X," Craighead said. "Nixon's incompetence in the Taum Sauk case is truly breathtaking," Craighead said.
In the meantime, the AP reports that state utility regulators are reopening their investigation into Taum Sauk after learning that Ameren readjusted crucial safety gauges at the facility and removed the gauges after the basin collapsed.
Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson was indicted today on federal charges of racketeering, soliciting bribes and money-laundering. Readers may recall that back in 2005, the FBI raided Jefferson's home and found $90,000 in cash in his freezer.
According to the AP, the 63-year-old Democrat maintains his innocence. He was re-elected last year despite the looming investigation.
Back in September, PubDef.net photographed Jefferson in a happier moment, "Electric Sliding" with California Congresswoman (and St. Louis native) Maxine Waters in Washington D.C.
Former Velda City police officer Lewis McGee and former detective Mark Winger both pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to violate the civil rights of a jailed man.
According to the plea agreements, on July 31, 2006, Winger and McGee, while acting in their capacities as law enforcement officers, conspired to physically assault the victim who was being detained at the Northwoods Police Department.
While McGee held the victim on the ground with his foot, Winger struck the victim multiple times causing him bodily injury. McGee and Winger then made false statements to a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to cover up their roles in the conspiracy and assault. Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
"Any act of police misconduct threatens to undermine public trust in the worthy goals of law enforcement," said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
"The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers serve with great distinction under often difficult circumstances. Those who abuse their authority by breaking the laws they are meant to enforce will be vigorously prosecuted by the Justice Department."
The guilty plea resulted from an investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rosen from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Edward Chung from the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice prosecuted the case.
In fiscal year 2006, almost 50 percent of the cases filed by the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division involved excessive force or law enforcement misconduct. Since fiscal year 2001, the Division has filed 25 percent more such cases and convicted nearly 50 percent more defendants in these cases than in the preceding six years.
One day after the National Rifle Association, the nation's leading gun lobby, ended its annual conference here in St. Louis, the eyes of the world are on the State of Virginia, where a man armed with a gun murdered more than 30 people today.
After a week of pro-gun press releases pandering to the NRA crowd, Governor Matt Blunt today issued an executive order for all flags at state facilities will be flown at half-staff for the Virginia Tech victims and their loved ones.
"Melanie and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who lost a loved one in this senseless tragedy and to everyone at Virginia Tech," said Blunt. "I ask Missourians to join me in praying for those who lost a family member or friend in this terrible act."
Just last week the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 257 which ensures that no Missourian should be denied "possession, transfer, sale, transportation, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition during an emergency."
The Missouri State Legislature right now is considering several bills on capital punishment. Some, like House Bill 258 and Senate Bill 354, seek to abolish the death penalty all together. Others, like HB 445 and SB 439, seek to put a moratorium on all executions so that the process can be examined.
Last week, the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety held a public hearing on HB 445, sponsored by State Rep. Bill Deeken (R-Cole County). The committee heard moving testimony detailing some of the injustices and inconsistencies that exist in the current system.
State Rep. Connie Johnson (D-St. Louis City) was the last to testify before the committee. She briefly described the circumstances around the trial of her cousin, Marlin Gray, who was executed on October 26, 2005. She said that cases have recently been ordered to be retried for reasons that also existed in Gray's case, but now it is too late.
"Before you execute somebody we need to make sure all the I's are dotted and all the T's are crossed," said Johnson. "Because once you pull that trigger you cannot bring that person back to life."
Downtown residents will soon begin organizing to deter crime in their burgeoning neighborhood.
Over the coming weeks, the Downtown Saint Louis Residents Association (DSLRA) will meet with residents, business owners and developers as well as, city, state and federal officials in addressing crime downtown. Organizers say the DSLRAs efforts will culminate in a series of actionable strategic and tactical programs, which should lower crime and promote citizen involvement in the downtown residential areas.
Next month, the DSLRA will host downtowns first summit of homeowner and condominium association leaders. The goals of the summit include the following:
Discuss common issues and concerns relating to crime and living downtown in a proactive manner
Build an infrastructure of volunteers to support future activities
Create an agenda of topics and achievable solutions that will be brought to government officials as well as downtown citizens for further development
The efforts will be coordinated closely by the DSLRA members and downtown residents Brian Rappaport, Barbara Firlit, Rachel Kraus and David Sweeney. They will be responsible for coordinating citizen activities and establishing communications with parties involved.
"This is the first step in what will be an on-going process," said Rappaport, DSLRA Citizen Security Subcommittee Chairman. "We look forward to partnering with all parities who are committed to leading, assisting or taking any role that will result in a safer more desirable living experience for our citizens downtown."
The committees first public meeting will be held at the Saint Louis Public Librarys Central Branch (1301 Olive Street, 3rd Floor Meeting Room #306) at 7:00 p.m., Monday, Feb 12. For more info, contact Brian Rappaport at securesaintlouis@hotmail.com.
In the same week that President George W. Bush finally realized that America is not winning the war in Iraq, Police Chief Jow Mokwa has apparently realized that he is losing the war against crime in St. Louis and he says he has a plan to address it -- but he isn't saying what it is. Not yet.
The Post-Dispatch's Tim O'Neil reports Mokwa told the Police Board yesterday that he is preparing a "major reorganization" of the department to fight an increase in crime that was outlined in a new FBI report.
"Mokwa did not provide details, but said after the meeting the reorganization would include new assignments for some ranking officers and some changes in unit structures. He said he will announce some of it before Jan. 1," reports O'Neil.
"Everything we are figuring on will be about combating crime ... and reducing crime," Mokwa said. "Throughout the nation, crime is going up, and we are never immune from that trend. Nobody wants St. Louis to become the crime epicenter."
At this point we can only hope that Mokwa's plan involves shuffling cops to put more of a police presence in those areas of the city where most of the violent crime is occuring.
UPDATE: Mayor Slay says the city will pay for the police departement to hire 40 new police officers. Again, no word on how (or where) these cops will be used differently.
Mayor Francis Slay's statement on recently released statistics showing violent crime on the increase in the city...
Totals and trends are two things to look at in the annual crime reports. Neither dynamic has much good news for City residents in 2006. There were too many crimes reported in 2006 – and the trend in reports for some violent crimes in the first half of the year was upward.
Chief Joe Mokwa doesn’t make a lot of excuses about that. He notes that bad schools, a sluggish economy, and some practices in other parts of the criminal justice system are among the causes of some sorts of crime. And he notes, correctly, that most City neighborhoods are safe places and that St. Louis’s crime numbers are generally in line with other cities our size. But, the chief knows that, whatever the causes of crime or the City’s relative ranking in the surveys, his department’s most important job is to arrest the bad guys wherever they are.
Thanks to City voters, there will be more police officers out on our streets next year. And the chief has already announced plans to concentrate his forces in the six most dangerous City neighborhoods and against the most dangerous repeat offenders. That should mean fewer bad guys on the streets of fewer neighborhoods next year – and better totals and trends.
According to crime statistics released by the FBI yesterday, the City of St. Louis -- already known as the "Most Dangerous City in America" -- is even more violent in 2006 than in 2005.
Comparing the first six months of the year:
Violent Crime: 2005 - 3,736 2006 - 4,119
Murders: 2005 - 60 2006 - 56
Forcible Rape: 2005 - 108 2006 - 179
Robbery: 2005 - 1,269 2006 - 1,416
Aggravated Assault: 2005 - 2,299 2006 - 2,468
Property Crime: 2005 - 19,055 2006 - 18,761
Burglary: 2005 - 3,327 2006 - 3,863
Larceny-Theft: 2005 - 11,664 2006 - 11,263
Motor Vehicle Theft: 2005 - 4,064 2006 - 3,635
Arson: 2005 - 245 2006 - 201
And now some commentary...
Since the State of Missouri, which through a governor-appointed police board runs St. Louis City's police department, is doing such a stellar job protecting our citizens, maybe now would be a good time to carry that model over to the public schools.
Or perhaps Mayor Francis Slay should fight as hard to bring control of our police force back to the local level, just like 99% of the police departments in America, so that we might hold our police chief accountable.
On a personal note, there was a period a few weeks ago when there was a shooting every day in my neighborhood for over a week. What elected official can I or my neighbors call to get recourse? None.
As a matter of fact, my alderman, 21st Ward Ald. Bennice Jones King, and the alderman of my neighboring ward, 27th Ward Ald. Greg Carter, both recently wrote letters to Police Chief Joe Mokwa pleading for him to do more to address the rampant drug-related crime in north St. Louis -- but to no obvious avail.
A drug dealer can operate freely on too many northside street corners. Next to zero police presence make too many neighborhoods the playgrounds of thugs and leave most of the residents as victims of urban terrorism, prisoners in their own homes.
But recent comments from the mayor's office and the police department seem to suggest we're on our own, that it's all our problem because "most" neighborhoods in the city are safe.
The mayor and the chief seem more concerned about defending our city's honor than its citizens.
In the wake of the city's recent tagging as the "most dangerous" in the country, and numerous attempts by City and police officials to downplay crime in the city as affecting only "some neighborhoods," one alderman is telling police brass that they aren't doing enough to keep those neighborhoods safe.
In a letter sent last week to a St. Louis City police captain and copied to Chief Joe Mokwa, 27th Ward Alderman Greg Carter recounts a Nov. 11 incident that occured at a northside gas station. Carter said while purchasing gas at the Shell station on Goodfellow and Highway 70, a man approached him and attempted to sell him drugs.
"Here I am, the alderman for the community and I can only imagine how other individuals are approached when they visit our community and our city," wrote Carter.
The alderman said this kind of problem has been going on for too long. He said he has been in contact with police and city officials as well as the corporate owners of the gas station, but nothing has changed.
"I am becoming very frustrated and I am sure that if this was in any one of your neighborhoods, it would have ended a long time ago," wrote Carter.
"I guess this is no longer a myth there is no aggressive approach regarding the drug selling in the communities that are predominantly African-American."
Carter sent copies of the letter, dated Nov. 14, 2006, to Police Chief Joe Mokwa, Mayor Francis Slay, State Senator Pat Dougherty, State Senator-elect Jeff Smith, State Rep. Connie Johnson, Missouri Attorney Gen. Jay Nixon, and the Council of Black Elected Officials.
The Post-Dispatch picked up on our story about a recent comment made by a PR person at the Convention and Visitors Commission.
Attempting to debunk the city's recent designation as the "most dangerous" in the U.S., [Mary] Hendron said she was explaining that the city's crime figures were skewed by some areas.
"It's a bad part of town, but every city has a bad part of town," Hendron told the industry publication. "Frankly, the only reason anyone would go there would be to purchase crack cocaine."
The comments were the last line in a story about the commission's reaction to the crime ranking. It ran last week in Venues Today's weekly electronic newsletter — sent to 3,000 subscribers in the sports and entertainment industry — and reported locally on a blog, Pub Def.
SHE SAID WHAT? -- Following the our city's dubious distinction once again as the "Most Dangerous City in America", comes an interesting quote from one of St. Louis' paid cheerleaders.
Mary Hendrod, of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, was quoted in Venues Today, an industry trade magazine, in their "Quote of the Week" section.
"It's a bad part of town, but every city has a bad part of town... Frankly the only reason anyone would go there would be to purchase crack cocaine," she said, reportedly referring to "a bad neighborhood of St. Louis."
Hendrod told PUB DEF this morning that the quote was taken out of context and was meant to be off the record.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE -- Looks like Tower Grove Easter Christian Saller is joining Kacie Starr Triplett and Committeeman Patrick Cacchione in the race to succeed 6th Ward Alderman (and Aldermanic Presidential candidate) Lewis Reed. The Arch City Chroniclereports Saller, 43, made the announcement at a southside neighborhood meeting last night. We're also hearing there will be even more candidates joining the race before it's all over. Expect a crowded field.
FAIR-WEATHER FRIENDS? -- We emailed outgoing Republican State Rep. Sherman Parker this week to ask if we should read anything into his presence at Claire McCaskill's victory party last week. He did not reply.
But two other African-American Republicans called us over the weekend to let us know what they thought about former Congressional candidates Parker and Leslie Farr (who recently said he was re-joining the Democratic Party) partying with the blue team while the reds shed tears into their champagne glasses last Tuesday.
"Traitors" is about the least offensive word used that we can write here.
"After all Jim [Talent] did for Sherman?" one said, referring to Talent's early endorsement in the contentious 2002 primary fight that eventually led to Parker becoming the first African-American elected to the state legislature from St. Charles.
"They should know the lines are too long for them to ever get anything out of the Democrats," said the GOPer.
Several arrests were made after as many as 25 simultaneous fights broke out at the St. Louis Galleria mall yesterday. According to KSDK Channel 5, the new Metrolink expansion is partly to blame for the violence.
"More people, easier access to the mall from all areas of the City and County," Richmond Heights police Sgt. Marty Votaw told Channel 5. "Whenever you make easier access and you get larger crowds, you're going to have more crime."
KSDK reporter Erin O'Neill said, while Sunday's fights were an isolated incident, Richmond Heights police "have noticed an increase in other crimes such as car break-ins since the opening of the Metrolink extension."
In related news... Last week, KMOV Channel 4 did a two-part not-to-be-missed investigative report on the most dangerous places to park your car downtown.
PUB DEF has confirmed that four ACORN workers have been indicted today in Kansas City in a case of voter registration fraud similar to those currently being investigated by the U.S. Attorney in St. Louis.
More details to come...
UPDATE: The four indicted workers are Kwaim A. Stenson, age 19; Stephanie L. Davis (aka Latisha Reed), age 39; Brian Gardner, age 40; and Dale D. Franklin, age 44. Each are charged with two Class D felonies relating to submitting voter registration cards with false names and/or addresses.
Leaders of the community group ACORN today applauded the FBI for the steps it is taking to investigate individuals suspected in several cases of possible voter registration fraud that the group reported to authorities during a recent ACORN voter registration drive in the Kansas City area.
The individuals under investigation were temporary workers, hired--and later fired—by Kansas City ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) to help in its large-scale voter registration drive, which helps thousands of Kansas City residents register to vote.
ACORN took the initiative on October 11 to contact the Kansas City Board of Elections and the Jackson County Prosecutor when the organization’s standard review process identified suspicious voter registration applications. ACORN provided to the Board and the prosecutor a letter with the name and contact information of the former employees who had collected the suspicious application. ACORN then facilitated the subsequent FBI inquiry by providing internal records documenting ACORN’s suspicion and other information as requested.. ACORN will continue to provide its full support and cooperation in the investigation.
"When we caught this misconduct, we reporter [sic] it to the authorities. Now we want to see these folks prosecuted to the full extent of the law, because they have defrauded our organization, and, worse, detracted from our mission of ensuring that citizens in our community participate in the democratic process," said Claudia Harris, Chairperson of Kansas City ACORN
"Like the FBI, ACORN considers any interference in the voting process to be a very serious matter," Harris continued. "Across the state our attorneys today reached a settlement with the St. Louis Board of Elections to issue a retraction of the intimidating letter they sent out to thousands of voters we registered. Vigilance is needed to make sure that Scott Leindecker's St. Louis Board of Elections does not engage in any other dirty tricks to suppress the African American vote."
We observed back in January that the 20% increase in St. Louis' crime rate coincidently matched the proposed pay increase for Police Chief Joe Mokwa. Perhaps now that St. Louis has once again been crowned the most dangerous place to live in America, the Mayor and his fellow police board members will pay more attention to how and where Mokwa assigns St. Louis' finest.
St. Louis is more than just downtown. There are places in our city that have been completely left out of the revitalization occurring just a few miles away. And it is no coincidence at all that these are also the places where most of our young people are dying.
Also back in January, Mayor Francis Slay wrote on his blog, "as most of you know, many neighborhoods in the City are very safe places today. However, as the stats make too clear, a few neighborhoods are not."
Wouldn't it make sense then in the 10 months since those words were written that those "unsafe areas" would have seen a surge of police patrols, a strong and permanent presence of officers to show both residents and criminals that crime would no longer be tolerated?
But ask anyone who lives in the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th districts and they will tell you that has not happened.
Maybe it's as they say in national politics: We'd rather fight them over there than over here.
Could it be that the spirit of the Team Four Plan still exists in St. Louis? When faced with limited resources, protect downtown and the southern neighborhoods first?
True or not, when it comes to politics, crime, home-buying, home-building, and property values -- perception is reality. And the numbers don't lie.
What remains to be seen is who will accept responsibility and if the problem of "a few neighborhoods" will be seen as the problem of the entire city -- and indeed the entire region. Because it is.
UPDATE: Police Chief Mokwa was on the news Monday night responding to this "Most Dangerous" label. He said if you asked his officers, they would tell you St. Louis was a safe place to live.
Maybe he's forgotten those public meetings earlier this year on the issue of lifting the civilian residency requirement. Just behind the city's schools and affordable housing, "crime" was one of the most cited reasons Police Department employees gave for wanting to move out of the city.
Tired of passing the time watching videos on YouTube of idiots doing idiotic things? Well the State of Missouri has a new way for you to pass time at work -- look up how many registered sex offenders live in your neighborhood!
Look up offenders by first or last name, Zip Code (44 in our Zip Code, none on our block), city or county (1,005 in St. Louis City, 1030 in St. Louis County, and 323 in St. Charles). See mugshots, a list of their offenses, scars and tattoos -- even info on any cars they own.
Click here to visit the Highway Patrol's updated Sex Offender Information Page.
Pub Def has learned that a bomb threat resulted in at least one downtown courthouse being evacuated this morning.
We are told police received the threat by telephone and evacuated the City Courts building, 1430 Olive, first before marshals at the Carnahan Municipal Courthouse stopped all incoming traffic and searched that building.
Soon after, they issued an "all clear" and have allowed people to again enter Carnahan. We are in route to City Courts. Stay tuned...
UPDATE: Officials at the City Courts directed us to Ed Rhode, spokesman for the Mayor's Office. Rhode said he was waiting to hear back from the police department before commenting. As of 7:40 p.m. he still had not commented.
Music legend Willie Nelson, who was recently in St. Louis to endorse U.S. Senate candidate Claire McCaskill, was issued a misdemeanor citation this morning for possession of narcotic mushrooms and marijuana.
According to the AP, Louisiana State Police stopped Nelson's tour bus early this morning for a routine commercial inspection when a state trooper smelled marijuana inside. Police seized about 1.5 pounds of marijuana and two-tenths of a pound of mushrooms.
PUB DEF interviewed McCaskill just a few weeks ago standing in front of that very bus. We had joked with her communications director, Adrianne Marsh, earlier that day about whether Willie Nelson's tour bus is a place a Senate candidate really wants to be in the final weeks of the campaign.
UPDATE: The McCaskill Campaign has some more star support. Rock star and Missouri native Sheryl Crow has recorded a video message in support of Claire McCaskill. Click here to watch it.
So say you're downtown paying your property taxes when all of a sudden Bin Laden's boys decide to attack City Hall with VX nerve gas (it could happen). What are you going to do? You have no idea, do you? Well, fear not, you simple-minded civilian. Lucky for you, you're being protected by the elite fighting force known as the St. Louis City Marshals.
Three such marshals -- "martial artists" are more like it. We hear they can kill you with a single blow, a move known only as the "shiny badge of death" -- anyway, three marshalls recently gave us an exclusive tour of their secret lair buried deep under City Hall in abandoned caves once used by Harriet Tubman. But when we later checked our videotape, only snow and static had recorded (surely the result of some superior Marshal technology designed to keep their secrets -- and St. Louis -- safe).
Well, we've got some technology too. And we were able to salvage a couple of minutes of footage of Marshals Robert Howard, Antron Lavington, and Christopher Fischer telling us about some Homeland Security training they recently completed at a secret facility in Anniston, Alabama.
Early this morning, Timothy Bacon was shot and killed while he was on his way for cigarettes. According to a story by Bill Bryan on STLToday.com, he was shot by three men -- one of whom came back to the body to fire several more shots.
Bacon, 21, was the young man who, according to the Missouri Division of Family Services, was badly beaten by then-Vashon basketball coach Floyd Irons in 2000 and whose case was recently brought up by St. Louis School Board President Veronica O'Brien, who called for a federal investigation into the matter.
A source from Jeff Smith's state senate campaign said someone was arrested this morning after attempting to break into their campaign office on Olive at 3:15 a.m. this morning.
Developing...
UPDATE: A spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department tells PUB DEF they have no record of an attempted break-in at the address of Smith's office.
People in Smith's campaign say when they showed up this morning, the building's owner was there and he told them he received word early this morning that someone had been arrested after trying to break in. A phone call to the landlord was not immediately returned.
Condos owned by Police Board President Chris Goodson burned to the ground this morning. The fire at Mississippi Place Townhomes, located in south St. Louis at Lafayette and Mississippi, occured around the same time as a fire just a few blocks away at at Vail Place Townhomes on South 18th. Street.
At last night's Tilles Park Neighborhood Association candidate forum, Stacey Williams, a south St. Louis City resident, asked the 4th District State Senate candidates about the issue of crime.
"There are parts of this city that I know that even St. Louis policemen wouldn't dare be going in to," said Williams. "Good question, good question," someone in the audience shouted.
Derio Gambaro touted his support by the Fraternal Order of Police (the white police officers' union) as proof of his support for law and order issues. Jeff Smith said he didn't get the police endorsement because he opposed allowing cops to move out of the city.
Amber Boykins said that as a state rep, she has worked with Chief Joe Mokwa and Mayor Francis Slay on getting more officers patrolling those high-crime areas that Williams was probably talking about.
Actor Danny Glover coming to town to speak against the death penalty
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Thursday, May 04, 2006 at 2:05 PM
Supporters of Reggie Clemons, who is on death row for the 1991 murders of Julie and Robin Kerry in what became known as the "Chain of Rocks" murders, are getting some support from a high-profile opponent of the death penalty.
Actor and activist Danny Glover will be in St. Louis on Wednesday, May 10, to discuss Clemons' case and the application of capital punishment in America.
Jamala Rogers, campaign coordinator for the Justice for Reggie Clemons Campaign, said she is grateful to Glover for coming to St. Louis to show his support for the campaign for clemency.
"We hope that his support will help to bring national attention to this grave miscarriage of justice,” said Rogers.
The forum is open to the public and will be from 7-9 p.m. on the campus of St. Louis University in the Busch Student Center.
For more information about Clemons' case and his appeal for clemency see www.justiceforreggie.com.
Bill to be introduced to investigate decades-old Civil Rights murders
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 3:15 PM
A group of legislators joined today to announce the reintroduction of a bill to create two new Federal offices to investigate and prosecute unsolved murders from the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and '60s.
Among the supporters of the "Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act" are Missouri Congressmen Lacy Clay (D-1) and Kenny Hulshof (R-9), and Senator Jim Talent (R-MO), who co-sponsored the bill last year.
State Auditor Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who is running against Talent for the U.S. Senate, said today that she also supports the bill.
"As a former prosecutor who has made a career of fighting to protect rights and enforce laws, I feel that providing the tools and resources to prosecute Civil Rights-era murders is long overdue," McCaskill said in a statement.
Clay took the opportunity to take a jab at the record of McCaskill's opponent. "The rest of the Missouri delegation needs to improve their NAACP scores, in particular our two Senators who both received an F," he said.
A group of Washington University graduate social work students surveyed students from Vashon High School and the ninth grade center at Williams to establish whether or not they felt safe walking to and from school. The responses were alarming,
According to Tina Rutherford, Sarah Hyduke, Paige Kuske, and Heather Roll, writing for the St. Louis Schools Watch, 48 percent of 164 respondents said they did not feel safe walking to school. Thirty-seven percent said they did not feel safe in their school's neighborhood.
The six main reasons those students did not feel safe were: stray dogs; "crackheads" and drug dealers; gangs; fighting, shootings, or violence; kidnappers and rapists; and that it was still dark out.
"The neighborhood I have to walk through doesn't like my neighborhood, so I sometimes don't even come to school," one student said. "The walk from my school is long [and] I don't have many people to walk home with," said another.
Those who said they felt safe walking to school either said it was because they lived close to the school or they just didn't fear trouble. Other comments included: "I have a lot of protection;" "I fear no one;" "I don't have any static with anyone;" and "I got a gun called a 45."
