Sunday, December 24, 2006

Is it possible for Michiganders to continue to allow Berrien County to imprison innocents at the highest rate in the state?

Similar to US alcohol prohibition of 1920, current drug prohibition legislation breeds police corruption and abuse. In Berrien County, this affects corrupt judges to the corruption in the Benton Harbor police dept. headed up by chief Al Mingo, all the way down to officer Collins.

One of America's worst cases of drug-related police corruption happened in the State of Michigan and the city of Benton Harbor. Benton Harbor police officer Collins has sucessfully planted drugs on nine different people I know of, all of whom have ended up with harsh sentences.

Alfonso Gibbs, on December 15, 2006, was convicted of drug dealing. The drugs were planted in the back seat of the patrol car by officer Collins. The defendant court-appointed attorney Brian Berger refused to subpeona witnesses to show officer Collins history or track record of planting drugs. Judge Schoffield, pro-prosecutor, refused to allow defendant Gibbs an opportunity to find a new attorney. So Gibbs had no choice but to defend himself. It was a circus. Several credible witnesses stated under oath that officer Collins had released Mr. Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs went into the home of a friend, Ms. Washington, and when he walked back outside 20 minutes later, he was arrested. Officer Collins stated Mr. Gibbs was never released, and never went into Ms. Washington's home. Five witnesses said he did. Officer Collins lied under oath. Mr. Gibbs was convicted by an all white jury.

I am asking everyone to write/call the Attorney Grievance Commission and request an investigation into attorney Brian Berger # P34678 and the Berrien County court-appointed system. Mr. Alfonso Gibbs and Mr. Shannon McKinney are just two of the many victims serving time in Berrien County jail for crimes that were never committed.

Attorney Grievance Commission
243 W. Congress St.
Detroit, MI 48226
313-961-6585

Remember, everyone who works in that office is OUR public servant. The people of Benton Harbor are fighting for their lives. It sounds dramatic, but it couldn't be more true.

Rev. Pinkney
269-925-0001

Everyone's support is needed at an important hearing on several constitutional issues on January 25, 2007 at 9am at the Berrien County Courthouse, 811 Port Street in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Whether or not to drop charges against me will be decided.