Report from the Berrien County courthouse
by Rev. Edward Pinkney
I have seen collusion between prosecutors, defense attys., and judges hundreds and hundreds of times in this courthouse.
Early this week I was eye-witness to a crime against humanity. Court-appointed atty. Scott Sanford told his client, Antonio Smith, to plead guilty "or else." Smith refused to plead guilty to a crime he did not commit. So, Sanford told Judge Dennis Wiley that Smith was late for court (he definitely was not late).
Wiley charged Smith with contempt of court; Smith had to put up $7500.00. He was taken to jail.
How long will this go on in Berrien? When will the people demand JUSTICE in their COURT?
Showing posts with label Apartheid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apartheid. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
From the Editors, People's Tribune
...corporate power moved swiftly and decisively
to destroy democracy in Benton Harbor
A rose by any other name smells just as sweet. The coup that overthrew democracy in Benton Harbor, Michigan and established a dictatorship called Emergency Financial Management is fascism - no matter what they call it.
Corporate power has declared war on us. The laws of military war and political war are the same. One of these laws is to never attack the enemy where they are strong -- attack where they are weak. The weak points in the defense of American democracy has always revolved around the African Americans. When President Reagan decided to attack the social safety net of all impoverished Americans, he concentrated his fire on the "Welfare Queen" in the Black ghetto. The majority of Americans stood passive while laws were passed lowering living standards. When the rest of the Americans realized these laws also applied to them -- it was too late.
When the Public Sector Unions came under attack in Wisconsin, it created a fire-storm as it should have. Labor unions and progressives rallied to defend the unions of the public service workers. The American Left is rooted in and responds to the economic struggles of the unions. Meanwhile, corporate power moved swiftly and decisively to destroy democracy in Benton Harbor - a poor Black community that few care about. They thus set the stage to destroy democracy in all of Michigan and then throughout the United States.
Again, fascism has struck at the weak point - where the struggle for democracy meets the reality of Black America. The future of our country is in the political -- not the economic arena. Fascism is a political, not an economic order. To win this war we must first disarm the enemy of this historic weapon of race - and fight for the political as well as economic rights of all Americans. The corporate takeover of Benton Harbor proves again that if we - the people - do not take over the corporations - they will take over us.
http://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2011.05/PT.2011.05.12.shtml
...corporate power moved swiftly and decisively
to destroy democracy in Benton Harbor
A rose by any other name smells just as sweet. The coup that overthrew democracy in Benton Harbor, Michigan and established a dictatorship called Emergency Financial Management is fascism - no matter what they call it.
Corporate power has declared war on us. The laws of military war and political war are the same. One of these laws is to never attack the enemy where they are strong -- attack where they are weak. The weak points in the defense of American democracy has always revolved around the African Americans. When President Reagan decided to attack the social safety net of all impoverished Americans, he concentrated his fire on the "Welfare Queen" in the Black ghetto. The majority of Americans stood passive while laws were passed lowering living standards. When the rest of the Americans realized these laws also applied to them -- it was too late.
When the Public Sector Unions came under attack in Wisconsin, it created a fire-storm as it should have. Labor unions and progressives rallied to defend the unions of the public service workers. The American Left is rooted in and responds to the economic struggles of the unions. Meanwhile, corporate power moved swiftly and decisively to destroy democracy in Benton Harbor - a poor Black community that few care about. They thus set the stage to destroy democracy in all of Michigan and then throughout the United States.
Again, fascism has struck at the weak point - where the struggle for democracy meets the reality of Black America. The future of our country is in the political -- not the economic arena. Fascism is a political, not an economic order. To win this war we must first disarm the enemy of this historic weapon of race - and fight for the political as well as economic rights of all Americans. The corporate takeover of Benton Harbor proves again that if we - the people - do not take over the corporations - they will take over us.
http://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2011.05/PT.2011.05.12.shtml
Monday, May 16, 2011
Comment by Paula, a St. Joe resident, from a
Friday, October 08, 2010 post:
"It is very evident that political neglect, oppression, racism and discrimination are alive, well and thriving in St. Joseph/Berrien County"
http://bhbanco.blogspot.com/2010/10/it-is-very-evident-that-political.html
The comment: "My respect and sympathies to Mr. Peeks family. I am so sorry this happened. For the record I am a white St. Joseph resident who believes fully
that the sentencing for Paige Karsten would have had a very different outcome if the situation had been reversed. I am abhorred at this conviction and believe it is very unfair to Mr. Peek's family. I do believe if Mr. Peek had been drinking and driving a vehicle and ran into the back of Karsten's vehicle killing her, all hell would be breaking loose in St. Joe. I am sick of this double standard and it does make St. Joseph, residents look racist. (which we are not all that way.)
I would have liked to have seen this woman get more time, the Mi laws are for 15 yrs. for OWI and causing a death. I believe people who drink and drive should get the maximum penalty, and I don't care if there is a baby at home, whether she is a blond or not or if her parents live in an affluent neighborhood or not. Again my sympathies to you and your family may the Lord help you heal. God Bless."
Friday, October 08, 2010 post:
"It is very evident that political neglect, oppression, racism and discrimination are alive, well and thriving in St. Joseph/Berrien County"
http://bhbanco.blogspot.com/2010/10/it-is-very-evident-that-political.html
The comment: "My respect and sympathies to Mr. Peeks family. I am so sorry this happened. For the record I am a white St. Joseph resident who believes fully
that the sentencing for Paige Karsten would have had a very different outcome if the situation had been reversed. I am abhorred at this conviction and believe it is very unfair to Mr. Peek's family. I do believe if Mr. Peek had been drinking and driving a vehicle and ran into the back of Karsten's vehicle killing her, all hell would be breaking loose in St. Joe. I am sick of this double standard and it does make St. Joseph, residents look racist. (which we are not all that way.)
I would have liked to have seen this woman get more time, the Mi laws are for 15 yrs. for OWI and causing a death. I believe people who drink and drive should get the maximum penalty, and I don't care if there is a baby at home, whether she is a blond or not or if her parents live in an affluent neighborhood or not. Again my sympathies to you and your family may the Lord help you heal. God Bless."
Friday, May 13, 2011
California Teachers Protest Cuts, Gov. Snyder Heckled at Parade Allison Kilkenny, May 9, 2011
--Good article from The Nation, except for the fact that one important word is missing: Whirlpool
...In Michigan, protesters greeted Gov. Rick Snyder during Benton Harbor’s annual parade. The governor has become the center of much controversy lately due to his statewide budget that includes deep cuts in education, while providing billions in tax breaks for businesses, and his proto-fascist use of appointed “emergency manages” to reject, modify, or terminate the terms of any existing contracts or collective bargaining agreements and dissolve local governing bodies of schools and cities.
Activists chanted “Recall Rick” as the governor passed.
Some of the protesters, who were led by the AFL-CIA, came from as far away as Kentucky.
"People are waking up," said Betsy Coffia, who traveled from Traverse City, Mich. to protest the parade. "Michigan didn't have a Wisconsin, things just sneaked in behind us. We're starting to realize that unless we the people start getting engaged, and make our voices heard, we're going to lose what we thought we had."
Michigan Rep. Al Pscholka was also scheduled to appear in the parade, but declined to participate after he heard about the scheduled protest.
Pscholka said he was “deeply disappointed and angered” about the news of the protests, and while the protesters have a right to exercise their First Amendment liberties at the parade, “that doesn’t make it appropriate.”
There may be some sore feelings on the part of Pscholka due to the fact that his own constituents are trying to force him out of office via recall for a variety of offenses, including his role as the author of the Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) legislation.
Conveniently, the new EFM rules could abet Pscholka’s finances.
In addition to being the state Representative from the area that includes Benton Harbor, Pscholka is a former aide to Congressman Fred Upton, a man who has deep ties into shoreline development efforts all along Lake Michigan including in Benton Harbor…
Pscholka himself was the president of the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Alliance in 2008, the group that developed the Harbor Shores golf course and luxury residential development that snagged some of Benton Harbor's public park for its own use. This is a fact he conveniently left off his campaign site's About page when he ran for Congressman.
The first use of the new EFM law to take over a city's government was right in Benton Harbor, the area that Rep. Pscholka represents and where he has deep financial interests. And the first thing EFM Joseph Harris did after dismissing the City Council was to rejigger the Planning Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the two groups who make crucial decisions regarding shoreline development in Benton Harbor. Harris replaced some of their members with new members selected by him.
With that blatant conflict of interest in mind, it’s no surprise residents of Benton Harbor want to recall Pscholka. Here is a representative using, and in some cases changing, the laws to benefit his financial self-interest.
http://www.thenation.com/node/160516
--Good article from The Nation, except for the fact that one important word is missing: Whirlpool
...In Michigan, protesters greeted Gov. Rick Snyder during Benton Harbor’s annual parade. The governor has become the center of much controversy lately due to his statewide budget that includes deep cuts in education, while providing billions in tax breaks for businesses, and his proto-fascist use of appointed “emergency manages” to reject, modify, or terminate the terms of any existing contracts or collective bargaining agreements and dissolve local governing bodies of schools and cities.
Activists chanted “Recall Rick” as the governor passed.
Some of the protesters, who were led by the AFL-CIA, came from as far away as Kentucky.
"People are waking up," said Betsy Coffia, who traveled from Traverse City, Mich. to protest the parade. "Michigan didn't have a Wisconsin, things just sneaked in behind us. We're starting to realize that unless we the people start getting engaged, and make our voices heard, we're going to lose what we thought we had."
Michigan Rep. Al Pscholka was also scheduled to appear in the parade, but declined to participate after he heard about the scheduled protest.
Pscholka said he was “deeply disappointed and angered” about the news of the protests, and while the protesters have a right to exercise their First Amendment liberties at the parade, “that doesn’t make it appropriate.”
There may be some sore feelings on the part of Pscholka due to the fact that his own constituents are trying to force him out of office via recall for a variety of offenses, including his role as the author of the Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) legislation.
Conveniently, the new EFM rules could abet Pscholka’s finances.
In addition to being the state Representative from the area that includes Benton Harbor, Pscholka is a former aide to Congressman Fred Upton, a man who has deep ties into shoreline development efforts all along Lake Michigan including in Benton Harbor…
Pscholka himself was the president of the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Alliance in 2008, the group that developed the Harbor Shores golf course and luxury residential development that snagged some of Benton Harbor's public park for its own use. This is a fact he conveniently left off his campaign site's About page when he ran for Congressman.
The first use of the new EFM law to take over a city's government was right in Benton Harbor, the area that Rep. Pscholka represents and where he has deep financial interests. And the first thing EFM Joseph Harris did after dismissing the City Council was to rejigger the Planning Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the two groups who make crucial decisions regarding shoreline development in Benton Harbor. Harris replaced some of their members with new members selected by him.
With that blatant conflict of interest in mind, it’s no surprise residents of Benton Harbor want to recall Pscholka. Here is a representative using, and in some cases changing, the laws to benefit his financial self-interest.
http://www.thenation.com/node/160516
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Five More Lakeland Hospital Monumental Travesties
From Joyce Carter: My sister had a baby and during the birth, the doctor broke the baby's neck and arm. Lakeland released the dead baby to Pathology after keeping her in OB for a week. My sister has the medical and autopsy reports stating the placenta couldn't be found. Lakeland is covering up the death. My sister has made several complaints to no avail.
One husband, overwhelmed by the pressuring of the staff to move his wife into a Lakeland facility, asked for help. I was not shocked by what I heard since I had heard it many times in the past. When he was not persuaded by all the medical phrases such as your wife needs this medically, the doctor has ordered this, or we are only trying to do what is best for your wife medically, the discharger planner turned to another pressure tactic: financial reasons. She began to tell him Medicare would not pay for the medical services needed without being an inpatient at Berrien Center. As she started to list all the services that Medicare would pay for, I would simply say that is not true. It is time the patients have a choice, not just Lakeland's choice.
From anonymous: My baby died at Lakeland. The hospital claims he had a bad heart, yet no doctor ever stated this. The service was generally always bad. We do not have the resources to fight Lakeland. My baby is gone and if I had known what I know now, I would have taken him to Kalamazoo. I will never go to Lakeland again.
From Kea: I took my 7 month old baby to the emergency room in 2010 where he was misdiagnosed. Both the nurse and doctor were horribly rude. They forced fluid down his throat so he would vomit. The nurse made us keep giving him fluids. He was diagnosed with an ear infection which he didn't have. The pharmecist told us the prescribed medication was too strong for a baby. I had to rush him to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo where he stayed for 10 days and almost died.
From Dee: I am still dealing with the mistreatment I received while in the emergency room. I made formal complaints on three different occasions, talked with a Ms. Dew about the "service," but it's only gotten worse.
From Joyce Carter: My sister had a baby and during the birth, the doctor broke the baby's neck and arm. Lakeland released the dead baby to Pathology after keeping her in OB for a week. My sister has the medical and autopsy reports stating the placenta couldn't be found. Lakeland is covering up the death. My sister has made several complaints to no avail.
One husband, overwhelmed by the pressuring of the staff to move his wife into a Lakeland facility, asked for help. I was not shocked by what I heard since I had heard it many times in the past. When he was not persuaded by all the medical phrases such as your wife needs this medically, the doctor has ordered this, or we are only trying to do what is best for your wife medically, the discharger planner turned to another pressure tactic: financial reasons. She began to tell him Medicare would not pay for the medical services needed without being an inpatient at Berrien Center. As she started to list all the services that Medicare would pay for, I would simply say that is not true. It is time the patients have a choice, not just Lakeland's choice.
From anonymous: My baby died at Lakeland. The hospital claims he had a bad heart, yet no doctor ever stated this. The service was generally always bad. We do not have the resources to fight Lakeland. My baby is gone and if I had known what I know now, I would have taken him to Kalamazoo. I will never go to Lakeland again.
From Kea: I took my 7 month old baby to the emergency room in 2010 where he was misdiagnosed. Both the nurse and doctor were horribly rude. They forced fluid down his throat so he would vomit. The nurse made us keep giving him fluids. He was diagnosed with an ear infection which he didn't have. The pharmecist told us the prescribed medication was too strong for a baby. I had to rush him to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo where he stayed for 10 days and almost died.
From Dee: I am still dealing with the mistreatment I received while in the emergency room. I made formal complaints on three different occasions, talked with a Ms. Dew about the "service," but it's only gotten worse.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Courageous Benton Harbor residents make names public
If you know the history of Berrien County, you know why it takes courage
---The nurses in the ER (not in the entire hospital - our mistake) were all white in the stories told by those who attended the NAACP meeting called by Rev. Pinkney---
Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan has been commonly referred to as "Killer Hospital" by the residents of Benton Harbor. This nickname has prevailed for about eight years.
Here are four more experiences shared at the NAACP meeting last Saturday. Names have been added to stories in the post below this.
1. Mr. Sims, who at this moment is fighting for his life, was a patient at Lakeland, and was misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication. He's now in the hospital in Ann Arbor.
2. Mr. Abdullah: After a simple, non-life threatening operation, he was given a blood thinner by a nurse which caused a blood clot. Abdullah is now unable to walk.
3. Mr. Swife (pronounced Swif) had pain in his arm. A spinal treatment was administered which included a long session of poking up and down his spine. Swife was unable to walk for 4 weeks. A white nurse was everything but friendly towards him.
4. Sally Smith reported for her husband Bradley: Mr. Smith was in ICU - his infection resolved, dyspnea (difficult breathing) unexplained, and surgical procedure to repair his heart valve pending - when he stopped breathing in early morning. He was put on a ventilator and his wife was called. She was treated rudely by a nurse who asked, "What do you want the hospital to do? Pull the plug?"
If you know the history of Berrien County, you know why it takes courage
---The nurses in the ER (not in the entire hospital - our mistake) were all white in the stories told by those who attended the NAACP meeting called by Rev. Pinkney---
Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan has been commonly referred to as "Killer Hospital" by the residents of Benton Harbor. This nickname has prevailed for about eight years.
Here are four more experiences shared at the NAACP meeting last Saturday. Names have been added to stories in the post below this.
1. Mr. Sims, who at this moment is fighting for his life, was a patient at Lakeland, and was misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication. He's now in the hospital in Ann Arbor.
2. Mr. Abdullah: After a simple, non-life threatening operation, he was given a blood thinner by a nurse which caused a blood clot. Abdullah is now unable to walk.
3. Mr. Swife (pronounced Swif) had pain in his arm. A spinal treatment was administered which included a long session of poking up and down his spine. Swife was unable to walk for 4 weeks. A white nurse was everything but friendly towards him.
4. Sally Smith reported for her husband Bradley: Mr. Smith was in ICU - his infection resolved, dyspnea (difficult breathing) unexplained, and surgical procedure to repair his heart valve pending - when he stopped breathing in early morning. He was put on a ventilator and his wife was called. She was treated rudely by a nurse who asked, "What do you want the hospital to do? Pull the plug?"
Monday, February 14, 2011
Misdiagnosis and Death
The focus was on Lakeland Hospital Saturday at a Benton Harbor NAACP meeting called by Rev. Pinkney. About 100 people attended, including 2 doctors and 5 city commissioners. Complaints and concerns were overwhelming. Racism, mistreatment, and misdiagnosis are what BH residents experience at the St. Joseph hospital. It is believed that BH residents have the highest infant mortality rate in the state of Michigan at Lakeland Hospital.
--One woman was told by a doctor that her family must leave the waiting room because white people were uncomfortable. Mary Rayner
--Another reported that a nurse told her colleague in front of the patient that she couldn't wait to scrub herself since she'd touched the patient; they both talked about how disgusting she was. Gloria
--A woman said that after her miscarraige, nurses place the stillborn baby between her legs for over 30 minutes; a doctor entered and, in anger, said he's never seen anything like it in his years of practice. Name withheld
--In another stillborn case, nurses repeatedly called the baby "it", laughing about it in front of woman who just went through labor. Sandra Bynum
--A woman's 70 year old mother died after being sent home right away after a difficult and serious surgery. Helen McKenzie (daughter)
--One woman with blood in her mouth was told by Dr. Stephens to go home, there were no rooms for her. Ambulance brought her back in an hour in worsened condition. She was put on life support - doctor told family to pull the plug. Mary Rayner
--Another woman's sister could barely breathe; a tube was shoved way too far down her throat, then put on life support. Again, doctor asked family to pull the plug. Dr. Hilpell was especially rude. Jackie R. (sister)
--A woman's mother waited to be treated for 12 hours in the ER and then died in the hospital. Joyce M. (daughter)
And this is only a sampling from Saturday's meeting.
The few African-American employees are mistreated. One with claustrophobia was forced to take the elevator, then fired. Sheila Duncan
*Please contact hospital VP Norma Tirado with your concerns. Contact info:
ntirado@lakelandregional.org
269-983-8549
269-982-4855 fax
Whirlpool Corp. and Rep. Fred Upton control Berrien County. The hospital has the same agenda as the court: Eliminate BH African Americans by any means necessary for redevelopment of the land.
Call Rev. Pinkney anytime 269-925-0001
The focus was on Lakeland Hospital Saturday at a Benton Harbor NAACP meeting called by Rev. Pinkney. About 100 people attended, including 2 doctors and 5 city commissioners. Complaints and concerns were overwhelming. Racism, mistreatment, and misdiagnosis are what BH residents experience at the St. Joseph hospital. It is believed that BH residents have the highest infant mortality rate in the state of Michigan at Lakeland Hospital.
--One woman was told by a doctor that her family must leave the waiting room because white people were uncomfortable. Mary Rayner
--Another reported that a nurse told her colleague in front of the patient that she couldn't wait to scrub herself since she'd touched the patient; they both talked about how disgusting she was. Gloria
--A woman said that after her miscarraige, nurses place the stillborn baby between her legs for over 30 minutes; a doctor entered and, in anger, said he's never seen anything like it in his years of practice. Name withheld
--In another stillborn case, nurses repeatedly called the baby "it", laughing about it in front of woman who just went through labor. Sandra Bynum
--A woman's 70 year old mother died after being sent home right away after a difficult and serious surgery. Helen McKenzie (daughter)
--One woman with blood in her mouth was told by Dr. Stephens to go home, there were no rooms for her. Ambulance brought her back in an hour in worsened condition. She was put on life support - doctor told family to pull the plug. Mary Rayner
--Another woman's sister could barely breathe; a tube was shoved way too far down her throat, then put on life support. Again, doctor asked family to pull the plug. Dr. Hilpell was especially rude. Jackie R. (sister)
--A woman's mother waited to be treated for 12 hours in the ER and then died in the hospital. Joyce M. (daughter)
And this is only a sampling from Saturday's meeting.
The few African-American employees are mistreated. One with claustrophobia was forced to take the elevator, then fired. Sheila Duncan
*Please contact hospital VP Norma Tirado with your concerns. Contact info:
ntirado@lakelandregional.org
269-983-8549
269-982-4855 fax
Whirlpool Corp. and Rep. Fred Upton control Berrien County. The hospital has the same agenda as the court: Eliminate BH African Americans by any means necessary for redevelopment of the land.
Call Rev. Pinkney anytime 269-925-0001
Friday, January 28, 2011
Prosecutor, judge, public defender used story invented by young white man to remove Loren Robinson from Benton Harbor forever
Berrien County "Trial" this week turns out as expected:
Benton Harbor man Loren Robinson, 26, convicted on four charges - Likely to get life in prison
Josh Karamalegos, white, partied and did drugs with several BH young African-American men and concocted a story so his father would pay for the drugs. Prosecutor Jennifer Smith, judge Dennis Wiley, and public defender Jim Miller used this made-up story, along with an all-white jury, to convict Loren Robinson. Josh K., who was found in possession of a large quantity of crack-cocaine, is free.
Adding to the kangaroo nature of the court, prosecutor Smith called a 5 minute sidebar to discuss her accusation that court watcher, Rev. Edward Pinkney, snorted.
ANOTHER LIFE DESTROYED BY BERRIEN COUNTY DEATH COURT
The report on this blog, Oct. 29, 2010:
...Loren Robinson...about to get a life sentence along with three friends. Det. Smigielski wants to save a young white man (name unknown at present) who's father is wealthy. The story starts with this white man coming to BH from Niles, Michigan for the pupose of doing drugs. He smoked over two thousand dollars worth, but didn't have money to pay the four BH men he was partying with.
He had a plan to fake a kidnapping with the threat of murder so his father would pay off his drug debt. After his father brought the money, father and son fought and police were called. They searched the man and found a large amount of crack cocaine.
Smigielski liked the story concocted by the young man from Niles and told him to tell it in court. So, four more Black men will be removed from Benton Harbor (for the purpose of redevelopment of the land) to the brutal confines of Michigan prisons.
Berrien County "Trial" this week turns out as expected:
Benton Harbor man Loren Robinson, 26, convicted on four charges - Likely to get life in prison
Josh Karamalegos, white, partied and did drugs with several BH young African-American men and concocted a story so his father would pay for the drugs. Prosecutor Jennifer Smith, judge Dennis Wiley, and public defender Jim Miller used this made-up story, along with an all-white jury, to convict Loren Robinson. Josh K., who was found in possession of a large quantity of crack-cocaine, is free.
Adding to the kangaroo nature of the court, prosecutor Smith called a 5 minute sidebar to discuss her accusation that court watcher, Rev. Edward Pinkney, snorted.
ANOTHER LIFE DESTROYED BY BERRIEN COUNTY DEATH COURT
The report on this blog, Oct. 29, 2010:
...Loren Robinson...about to get a life sentence along with three friends. Det. Smigielski wants to save a young white man (name unknown at present) who's father is wealthy. The story starts with this white man coming to BH from Niles, Michigan for the pupose of doing drugs. He smoked over two thousand dollars worth, but didn't have money to pay the four BH men he was partying with.
He had a plan to fake a kidnapping with the threat of murder so his father would pay off his drug debt. After his father brought the money, father and son fought and police were called. They searched the man and found a large amount of crack cocaine.
Smigielski liked the story concocted by the young man from Niles and told him to tell it in court. So, four more Black men will be removed from Benton Harbor (for the purpose of redevelopment of the land) to the brutal confines of Michigan prisons.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Judge Charles Lasata plays doctor
Buckle your seat belt and breathe deeply.
Beverly Lewis from Benton Harbor has only a third grade education due to severe epilepsy and a school system lacking resources. She suffers several seizures per day and is heavily medicated. Needless to say, Ms. Lewis, late 30's, is physically and mentally handicapped. (Her father happens to be the deceased wrestler, Bo Bo Brazil.)
On January 5, 2011, Ms. Lewis attended the infamous Berrien County courthouse for allegedly attacking a woman. Judge Lasata, suddenly playing the role of court physician, told Ms. Lewis that she fakes the seizures she has lived with for decades.
She was unlucky enough to have public defender Scott Sanford as counsel.
Court watchers cannot think of a case Sanford has won in a decade, and know him primarily for saying the words, "Plead guilty." Ms. Lewis has led an exemplary life, has never even received a parking ticket, but was forced to plead guilty to this crime which she did not commit.
At first she did refuse, but after Sanford hit her in the face with some papers and told her he would see that she spent the rest of her life in prison, she didn't know any better than to plead guilty. We can say with confidence that the main goal of the courthouse is to imprison for life as many BH residents as possible.
In the county jail, two days later, she sent word that she needed some assistance, so, true to common Berrien County jail practice, a guard was sent to beat her up.
Judge Lasata must be stopped.
The story ends here for now. It is our constitutional duty to hold law enforcement and courts accountable for their actions, inactions, and wrongdoing. We must fight for justice.
There is a saying in Berrien County: Do not fight Whirlpool. Why? They can
financially ruin you and do great harm to you and your family. Whirlpool controls every aspect of Berrien, including the courthouse and judges.
Buckle your seat belt and breathe deeply.
Beverly Lewis from Benton Harbor has only a third grade education due to severe epilepsy and a school system lacking resources. She suffers several seizures per day and is heavily medicated. Needless to say, Ms. Lewis, late 30's, is physically and mentally handicapped. (Her father happens to be the deceased wrestler, Bo Bo Brazil.)
On January 5, 2011, Ms. Lewis attended the infamous Berrien County courthouse for allegedly attacking a woman. Judge Lasata, suddenly playing the role of court physician, told Ms. Lewis that she fakes the seizures she has lived with for decades.
She was unlucky enough to have public defender Scott Sanford as counsel.
Court watchers cannot think of a case Sanford has won in a decade, and know him primarily for saying the words, "Plead guilty." Ms. Lewis has led an exemplary life, has never even received a parking ticket, but was forced to plead guilty to this crime which she did not commit.
At first she did refuse, but after Sanford hit her in the face with some papers and told her he would see that she spent the rest of her life in prison, she didn't know any better than to plead guilty. We can say with confidence that the main goal of the courthouse is to imprison for life as many BH residents as possible.
In the county jail, two days later, she sent word that she needed some assistance, so, true to common Berrien County jail practice, a guard was sent to beat her up.
Judge Lasata must be stopped.
The story ends here for now. It is our constitutional duty to hold law enforcement and courts accountable for their actions, inactions, and wrongdoing. We must fight for justice.
There is a saying in Berrien County: Do not fight Whirlpool. Why? They can
financially ruin you and do great harm to you and your family. Whirlpool controls every aspect of Berrien, including the courthouse and judges.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Whirlpool, Rep. Fred Upton, and former Gov. Granholm knew just what they were doing when they force-fed state "financial mngr." Joseph Harris to Benton Harbor, Michigan. No more self-determination for Benton Harbor. The city is run by this outsider who has no interest whatsoever in the lives of residents. Harris is paid $132K per year to make certain BH is turned into corporate la-la land...Harbor Shores, Harbor Town...and corporate playgrounds don't include the land in it's wondrous natural beauty, only manicured, chemicalized, and covered with cement. Harris's only supervisor is now Whirlpool, although they make sure his paycheck comes from BH taxpayers. BH City Commissioners know this.
Today's Detroit Free Press: Council feuds with emergency manager
The Benton Harbor City Commission can pass resolutions to hand over power to Mayor Wilce Cooke, but it will have no effect, emergency financial manager Joseph Harris said Wednesday.
The commission passed a resolution on Monday establishing an administrative emergency and giving Cooke authority over the city. It said Harris gives preferential treatment to white contractors and meets with local white officials while refusing to meet with black officials.
Said Harris: "I could not care less what color a local official is. It matters if I can communicate with them."
Today's Detroit Free Press: Council feuds with emergency manager
The Benton Harbor City Commission can pass resolutions to hand over power to Mayor Wilce Cooke, but it will have no effect, emergency financial manager Joseph Harris said Wednesday.
The commission passed a resolution on Monday establishing an administrative emergency and giving Cooke authority over the city. It said Harris gives preferential treatment to white contractors and meets with local white officials while refusing to meet with black officials.
Said Harris: "I could not care less what color a local official is. It matters if I can communicate with them."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wanted For Crimes Against Humanity: So-Called Public Defenders from Berrien County, Michigan -
Ernest White
Rodney Fuller
Michael Renfro
Jim Miller
And the notorious Scott Sanford (the Worst of the Worst)
All Defenders are white
Overseeing these Defenders are the County Commissioners who refuse to take action
Overseeing the Commissioners is Whirlpool and everyone knows the corporation's position regarding the courthouse role in African-American removal from Benton Harbor for land development
These Berrien County public defenders have sent more people to prison than most judges. Rev. Pinkney has not witnessed one of these men ever win a case in his ten years of court watching. They work hand-in-glove with judges and prosecutors. The Michigan ACLU has named this court the worst in the state.
In 2005 the Michigan ACLU sent a group of New York law students to study the courthouse. They were so shocked that they returned several more times to verify what they had seen and heard.
All public defenders in Berrien County are picked by the judges, undermining the independence of the public defender system from the court.
News: Right to Counsel may have a chance in Michigan
In the latest twist in the truly bizarre history of an important 2007 lawsuit, the Michigan supreme court recently reversed its reversal of a previous ruling to allow a legal challenge to the state's woefully inadequate indigent defense system to move forward.
The lawsuits were filed by the ACLU of Michigan on behalf of the indigent criminal defendants in Berrien, Genesee, and Muskegon counties alleging that the state's public defender system is so inadequate that it violates the Sixth Amendment guarantee of the right to counsel.
In April 2010 the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously rejected the state's motion to dismiss the case. Three months later, the court inexplicably reversed that unanimous ruling and dismissed the case. Three weeks ago, it reversed itself again, dismissing their July order. They sent the case to the lower court for a full trial.
News: McGinnis Murder Case May Re-Open in Berrien County
The Eric McGinnis murder case just might re-open. A witness has come forward. Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley was one of the last people to see McGinnis alive. Rev. Pinkney suspects Wiley and believes this is why he drinks, even on the bench. Stay tuned for more information.
In 1991 McGinnis was badly beaten and murdered. He was an African-American teenager, age 16, from Benton Harbor who had been dating a white St. Joseph girl. She became an outcast in St. Joe and was eventually forced to leave town.
Rodney Fuller
Michael Renfro
Jim Miller
And the notorious Scott Sanford (the Worst of the Worst)
All Defenders are white
Overseeing these Defenders are the County Commissioners who refuse to take action
Overseeing the Commissioners is Whirlpool and everyone knows the corporation's position regarding the courthouse role in African-American removal from Benton Harbor for land development
These Berrien County public defenders have sent more people to prison than most judges. Rev. Pinkney has not witnessed one of these men ever win a case in his ten years of court watching. They work hand-in-glove with judges and prosecutors. The Michigan ACLU has named this court the worst in the state.
In 2005 the Michigan ACLU sent a group of New York law students to study the courthouse. They were so shocked that they returned several more times to verify what they had seen and heard.
All public defenders in Berrien County are picked by the judges, undermining the independence of the public defender system from the court.
News: Right to Counsel may have a chance in Michigan
In the latest twist in the truly bizarre history of an important 2007 lawsuit, the Michigan supreme court recently reversed its reversal of a previous ruling to allow a legal challenge to the state's woefully inadequate indigent defense system to move forward.
The lawsuits were filed by the ACLU of Michigan on behalf of the indigent criminal defendants in Berrien, Genesee, and Muskegon counties alleging that the state's public defender system is so inadequate that it violates the Sixth Amendment guarantee of the right to counsel.
In April 2010 the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously rejected the state's motion to dismiss the case. Three months later, the court inexplicably reversed that unanimous ruling and dismissed the case. Three weeks ago, it reversed itself again, dismissing their July order. They sent the case to the lower court for a full trial.
News: McGinnis Murder Case May Re-Open in Berrien County
The Eric McGinnis murder case just might re-open. A witness has come forward. Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley was one of the last people to see McGinnis alive. Rev. Pinkney suspects Wiley and believes this is why he drinks, even on the bench. Stay tuned for more information.
In 1991 McGinnis was badly beaten and murdered. He was an African-American teenager, age 16, from Benton Harbor who had been dating a white St. Joseph girl. She became an outcast in St. Joe and was eventually forced to leave town.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Reasons why this courthouse is different
Berrien County Court Information
(Berrien County, Michigan)
-- Approximately 90% of the court's litigation involves trying and usually convicting residents from only one town in the county: Benton Harbor. That's out of 60 municipalities.
-- Harsher sentences than the fact of the warrant and no alternatives to incarceration. (African-Americans from Benton Harbor receive harsher sentences whether guilty or not. Example: in Sept. 2010 DeMarco Allen was sentenced to 45 years even tho the normal sentence is 9 months in the county jail. He was in possession of some ecstasy pills.)
-- Right before sentencing, judges force defendants to say they are happy with their court appointed attorneys.
-- Defense attorneys never see clients until they have entered the courtroom and everyone present can hear their conversation, ie, "I'm your court appointed attorney. Plead guilty; there's too much evidence against you."
--The indigent defense service has the following deficiencies, among others.
No written client eligibility standards.
No merit-based attorney hiring and retention program.
No written attorney performance standards or meaningful systems of attorney supervision and monitoring.
No guideline on how to identify conflicts of interest.
No attorney work standards.
No adequate attorney training.
No independence from the judiciary. Judges, prosecutors, and indigent defense all work together against defendants.
-- There exists the inability of indigent defense counsel to put the case against their clients to the test of the law.
-- Court appointed attys. do not provide a legal defense for the defendant.
-- Wrongful denial of representation. (Defendants are denied legal representation since defense attorneys are simply there, but not defending.)
-- Wrongful conviction of crimes.
-- Unnecessary or prolonged pre-trial detention. Defendants stay until they plead guilty.
-- Guilty pleas to inappropriate charges and denial of the right to trial when meritorious defense is available.
(Berrien County, Michigan)
-- Approximately 90% of the court's litigation involves trying and usually convicting residents from only one town in the county: Benton Harbor. That's out of 60 municipalities.
-- Harsher sentences than the fact of the warrant and no alternatives to incarceration. (African-Americans from Benton Harbor receive harsher sentences whether guilty or not. Example: in Sept. 2010 DeMarco Allen was sentenced to 45 years even tho the normal sentence is 9 months in the county jail. He was in possession of some ecstasy pills.)
-- Right before sentencing, judges force defendants to say they are happy with their court appointed attorneys.
-- Defense attorneys never see clients until they have entered the courtroom and everyone present can hear their conversation, ie, "I'm your court appointed attorney. Plead guilty; there's too much evidence against you."
--The indigent defense service has the following deficiencies, among others.
No written client eligibility standards.
No merit-based attorney hiring and retention program.
No written attorney performance standards or meaningful systems of attorney supervision and monitoring.
No guideline on how to identify conflicts of interest.
No attorney work standards.
No adequate attorney training.
No independence from the judiciary. Judges, prosecutors, and indigent defense all work together against defendants.
-- There exists the inability of indigent defense counsel to put the case against their clients to the test of the law.
-- Court appointed attys. do not provide a legal defense for the defendant.
-- Wrongful denial of representation. (Defendants are denied legal representation since defense attorneys are simply there, but not defending.)
-- Wrongful conviction of crimes.
-- Unnecessary or prolonged pre-trial detention. Defendants stay until they plead guilty.
-- Guilty pleas to inappropriate charges and denial of the right to trial when meritorious defense is available.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Daily Crimes Against Humanity
The Sick and Twisted Values of St. Joseph, Michigan and the Rogue Berrien county court
1. Shannon McKinney, a Benton Harbor man in his 30's, was a victim of former officer Andrew Collins. Today McKinney must go to court for a charge of which he is innocent. Collins planted drugs on him, he did time, and was one of the few to be released from prison by Prosecutor Art Cotter after Collins was convicted. Now, law enforcement is going after those who were released.
McKinney was recently stopped by deputy Haskin who told McKinney he'll "make life hell for him." Haskin took McKinney's truck, impounded it, took all of McKinney's money, and issued a warrant for his arrest. He charged him with Delivery of Drugs. Now McKinney doesn't know what to do. In a different vehicle, McKinney was stopped a second time by Haskin who put a gun to his head - payback for McKinney filing a complaint with the county. Haskin found it in the car, took it, and tore it up.
2. Rishar Goss, a BH man in his 30's, has been in county jail for armed robbery. Yesterday was his preliminary examination in Berrien county court. Always on the lookout for new ways to ruin black peoples' lives, Wes Smigielski brought a 15 year old boy to court to lie and say Rishar Goss was part of a group who committed a robbery. Unexpectedly, the boy's father showed up before the examination and told his son not to lie. Bolstered with confidence, he answered prosecutor Mike Sepic's repeated 'question:'
"You said Goss was part of the robbery" by stating,
"No, Smigielski said that."
The case was dismissed.
BRAVO to the teenager!
The Sick and Twisted Values of St. Joseph, Michigan and the Rogue Berrien county court
1. Shannon McKinney, a Benton Harbor man in his 30's, was a victim of former officer Andrew Collins. Today McKinney must go to court for a charge of which he is innocent. Collins planted drugs on him, he did time, and was one of the few to be released from prison by Prosecutor Art Cotter after Collins was convicted. Now, law enforcement is going after those who were released.
McKinney was recently stopped by deputy Haskin who told McKinney he'll "make life hell for him." Haskin took McKinney's truck, impounded it, took all of McKinney's money, and issued a warrant for his arrest. He charged him with Delivery of Drugs. Now McKinney doesn't know what to do. In a different vehicle, McKinney was stopped a second time by Haskin who put a gun to his head - payback for McKinney filing a complaint with the county. Haskin found it in the car, took it, and tore it up.
2. Rishar Goss, a BH man in his 30's, has been in county jail for armed robbery. Yesterday was his preliminary examination in Berrien county court. Always on the lookout for new ways to ruin black peoples' lives, Wes Smigielski brought a 15 year old boy to court to lie and say Rishar Goss was part of a group who committed a robbery. Unexpectedly, the boy's father showed up before the examination and told his son not to lie. Bolstered with confidence, he answered prosecutor Mike Sepic's repeated 'question:'
"You said Goss was part of the robbery" by stating,
"No, Smigielski said that."
The case was dismissed.
BRAVO to the teenager!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Pagel finally admits all-white juries are racist
Rev. Edward Pinkney attended the Berrien County Commissioner meeting on Dec. 2. He reported that county prosecutor Gerald Vigansky and chief prosecutor Art Cotter have refused to prosecute a rapist. Charles Washington is a police informant who has attacked and raped several (at least) women in the community. His attempted rape of Vanity Swift is the most recent known crime he's committed.
After asking what can be done to protect women and children in Benton Harbor and the area, commissioner Gloria Gillespie said, "prosecutor Art Cotter can pick and choose who he wants to prosecute." Stunned by her statement regarding violent crimes which are being committed, Pinkney concluded that the commissioners and the courthouse are one and the same.
After years of talking to the commissioners about the enormous numbers of lives being stolen by all-white juries, Rev. Pinkney was happy to hear commissioner chairman Dave Pagel finally admit that all-white juries are racist. A minimum of 70% of people being tried and convicted in Berrien Cty. are African-American. Almost all of them have all-white juries. (probably 100%)
Information abounds pointing to the injustice and inequity of all-white juries trying African-American defendants, but Berrien County will be the last to acknowledge it. In fact, they just might have been the originators of all-white juries. At least they institutionalized it. Here's just one article on the subject: http://www.truth-out.org/all-white-juries-racism-courts60942
Required reading for all Americans should be a new book by Atty. Michelle Alexander -
The New Jim Crow. http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781595581037-0
“After reading The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander's stunning work of scholarship, one gains the terrible realization that, for people of color, the American criminal justice system resembles the Soviet Union's gulag---the latter punished ideas, the former punishes a condition.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer-prize winning historian at NYU and author of W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919-1963
"We need to pay attention to Michelle Alexander's contention that mass imprisonment in the U.S. constitutes a racial caste system. Her analysis reflects the passion of an advocate and the intellect of a scholar."
—Marc Mauer, Executive Director, The Sentencing Project, author of Race to Incarcerate
Rev. Edward Pinkney attended the Berrien County Commissioner meeting on Dec. 2. He reported that county prosecutor Gerald Vigansky and chief prosecutor Art Cotter have refused to prosecute a rapist. Charles Washington is a police informant who has attacked and raped several (at least) women in the community. His attempted rape of Vanity Swift is the most recent known crime he's committed.
After asking what can be done to protect women and children in Benton Harbor and the area, commissioner Gloria Gillespie said, "prosecutor Art Cotter can pick and choose who he wants to prosecute." Stunned by her statement regarding violent crimes which are being committed, Pinkney concluded that the commissioners and the courthouse are one and the same.
After years of talking to the commissioners about the enormous numbers of lives being stolen by all-white juries, Rev. Pinkney was happy to hear commissioner chairman Dave Pagel finally admit that all-white juries are racist. A minimum of 70% of people being tried and convicted in Berrien Cty. are African-American. Almost all of them have all-white juries. (probably 100%)
Information abounds pointing to the injustice and inequity of all-white juries trying African-American defendants, but Berrien County will be the last to acknowledge it. In fact, they just might have been the originators of all-white juries. At least they institutionalized it. Here's just one article on the subject: http://www.truth-out.org/all-white-juries-racism-courts60942
Required reading for all Americans should be a new book by Atty. Michelle Alexander -
The New Jim Crow. http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781595581037-0
“After reading The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander's stunning work of scholarship, one gains the terrible realization that, for people of color, the American criminal justice system resembles the Soviet Union's gulag---the latter punished ideas, the former punishes a condition.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer-prize winning historian at NYU and author of W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919-1963
"We need to pay attention to Michelle Alexander's contention that mass imprisonment in the U.S. constitutes a racial caste system. Her analysis reflects the passion of an advocate and the intellect of a scholar."
—Marc Mauer, Executive Director, The Sentencing Project, author of Race to Incarcerate
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Lake Michigan College: Another Berrien County Bastion of Racial Injustice
After some investigation, we found that Mr. Sherman's experience is not unusual. (scroll down to see his story) Lake Michigan College has a history of expelling African-American students, but Sherman's the first to publicly stand up for his rights. We also found that Sherman's funding was taken by the college, part of which he depended on for living expenses. We wouldn't be surprized if this is also common practise at LMC.
After some investigation, we found that Mr. Sherman's experience is not unusual. (scroll down to see his story) Lake Michigan College has a history of expelling African-American students, but Sherman's the first to publicly stand up for his rights. We also found that Sherman's funding was taken by the college, part of which he depended on for living expenses. We wouldn't be surprized if this is also common practise at LMC.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Two recent letters from Berrien County prisoner Jessica Thomas to Rev. Edward Pinkney
Berrien County: Brutal Plantation
Dear Rev. Pinkney,
I am writing this letter to inform you that I would not have gotten as much time as I did if I had said my brother killed Clay.
Smigielski is looking for anybody who will lie for him. He told me he will help me get out if I lie for him in court. Then he went to my sister Kendra and lied to her.
He is like a mad man. The hate that is inside this man is out of control. He is just like Collins.
I am writing you to let you know what is going on.
Jessica Thomas
Dear Rev. Pinkney,
Just a few lines to let you know what is going on in Berrien County jail. I was beaten, maced, tazed, choked, kneed in my back, finger stuck behind my ear, all my clothes stripped off by a white male guard, beaten by men and women guards, was put in padded crazy cell [padded] and strapped to a chair for hours. All because I asked about my handcuffs being too tight. My hand was bleeding and I did not want to give them my other hand until they stopped the bleeding.
They said I was already using the phone in the holding cell, and could not use it again, but I was supposed to be able to use it all day and all night.
Another African-American named Marilyn Murphy came to jail with breast cancer - the judge sentenced her to 45 days in jail. She had an appointment for surgery and she had to cancel it because she did not want to be shackled at the appointment. She would be too ashamed and embarrassed.
A caucasian woman named Mindy was in jail and was released to go have an abortion. She was free of shackles and handcuffs and was allowed to leave and return 4 days later - her word was good enough for them.
I finally got xrayed where a guard beat my hand. My bones are damaged. I was pregnant at the time and given an abortion pill that was illegal. A deputy told me I had to be locked up until my wounds healed. I also have witnesses and names for you.
I was denied a visit from my mother and family. The wounds are still visible and I believe they will be there forever.
There are many more concerns. Lady guards giving African-American administrative lock down all day everyday. You should come talk to some of the ladies in the jail to see how they are treated. It is unfair, unjustifiable, and definitely wrong. Please come see me.
Jessica Thomas
Berrien County: Brutal Plantation
Dear Rev. Pinkney,
I am writing this letter to inform you that I would not have gotten as much time as I did if I had said my brother killed Clay.
Smigielski is looking for anybody who will lie for him. He told me he will help me get out if I lie for him in court. Then he went to my sister Kendra and lied to her.
He is like a mad man. The hate that is inside this man is out of control. He is just like Collins.
I am writing you to let you know what is going on.
Jessica Thomas
Dear Rev. Pinkney,
Just a few lines to let you know what is going on in Berrien County jail. I was beaten, maced, tazed, choked, kneed in my back, finger stuck behind my ear, all my clothes stripped off by a white male guard, beaten by men and women guards, was put in padded crazy cell [padded] and strapped to a chair for hours. All because I asked about my handcuffs being too tight. My hand was bleeding and I did not want to give them my other hand until they stopped the bleeding.
They said I was already using the phone in the holding cell, and could not use it again, but I was supposed to be able to use it all day and all night.
Another African-American named Marilyn Murphy came to jail with breast cancer - the judge sentenced her to 45 days in jail. She had an appointment for surgery and she had to cancel it because she did not want to be shackled at the appointment. She would be too ashamed and embarrassed.
A caucasian woman named Mindy was in jail and was released to go have an abortion. She was free of shackles and handcuffs and was allowed to leave and return 4 days later - her word was good enough for them.
I finally got xrayed where a guard beat my hand. My bones are damaged. I was pregnant at the time and given an abortion pill that was illegal. A deputy told me I had to be locked up until my wounds healed. I also have witnesses and names for you.
I was denied a visit from my mother and family. The wounds are still visible and I believe they will be there forever.
There are many more concerns. Lady guards giving African-American administrative lock down all day everyday. You should come talk to some of the ladies in the jail to see how they are treated. It is unfair, unjustifiable, and definitely wrong. Please come see me.
Jessica Thomas
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Informants and friends are permitted to rape women and children in Berrien County
As Berrien County, Michigan head prosecutor, Art Cotter refuses to prosecute Charles Washington for the violent crime of attempted rape. Washington is a paid informant for the police/court system. Washington hit his victim 5 times in the head with his fist until she was knocked out.
More on Cotter: his close friend Richard Pahl is doing forty years in a Minnesota prison for molesting children.
Cotter is known throughout Berrien County for being "tough on crime." A real tough guy who hasn't come close to bringing to justice the victims of former cop Andrew Collins, big-time drug planter. And he refused to prosecute his good friend, Pahl.
Pahl used to live in Berrien Cty. where he molested many Benton Harbor children between about 1995 and 2005. He had "easy access" as director of the Link Crisis Intervention Center. He often took children to his St. Joseph home for weekends.
In approximately 2006 Pahl moved to Minnesota where he was caught molesting more children -- in a MN court he admitted to molesting at least 20 BH children.
As Berrien County, Michigan head prosecutor, Art Cotter refuses to prosecute Charles Washington for the violent crime of attempted rape. Washington is a paid informant for the police/court system. Washington hit his victim 5 times in the head with his fist until she was knocked out.
More on Cotter: his close friend Richard Pahl is doing forty years in a Minnesota prison for molesting children.
Cotter is known throughout Berrien County for being "tough on crime." A real tough guy who hasn't come close to bringing to justice the victims of former cop Andrew Collins, big-time drug planter. And he refused to prosecute his good friend, Pahl.
Pahl used to live in Berrien Cty. where he molested many Benton Harbor children between about 1995 and 2005. He had "easy access" as director of the Link Crisis Intervention Center. He often took children to his St. Joseph home for weekends.
In approximately 2006 Pahl moved to Minnesota where he was caught molesting more children -- in a MN court he admitted to molesting at least 20 BH children.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
More on Vigansky
Another case Berrien County's Gerald Vigansky prosecuted last summer involved a 17-year-old Benton Harbor high school student who had a boyfriend, but no idea that a warrant for his arrest had been issued. She was arrested at school while rehearsing for graduation (typical technique used in these parts to instill "group fear" - in how many towns would cops wait until a teenager was in school to arrest them?) She innocently told police that she had been in a motel with her boyfriend, so they arrested her for aiding and abetting a fugitive. She had never been in court before, and was like a lamb going to slaughter with Vigansky vigorously attacking her, prosecuting her like a pit bull in a hearing where he forced her to plead guilty.
Like so many BH residents before her who's lives and liberty have been stolen from them by the Berrien County authorities, she will have a lifetime record preventing her from getting employment, entering college, and receiving grants. Or at least making these things much more difficult.
Another case Berrien County's Gerald Vigansky prosecuted last summer involved a 17-year-old Benton Harbor high school student who had a boyfriend, but no idea that a warrant for his arrest had been issued. She was arrested at school while rehearsing for graduation (typical technique used in these parts to instill "group fear" - in how many towns would cops wait until a teenager was in school to arrest them?) She innocently told police that she had been in a motel with her boyfriend, so they arrested her for aiding and abetting a fugitive. She had never been in court before, and was like a lamb going to slaughter with Vigansky vigorously attacking her, prosecuting her like a pit bull in a hearing where he forced her to plead guilty.
Like so many BH residents before her who's lives and liberty have been stolen from them by the Berrien County authorities, she will have a lifetime record preventing her from getting employment, entering college, and receiving grants. Or at least making these things much more difficult.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Prosecutor Gerald Vigansky, a monster
Berrien County Commissioners have knowledge of the following, but remain mute
Seeing Benton Harbor residents and Berrien County Courthouse authorities interact is like seeing naughty children being verbally abused. Authorities rarely show respect to the people they force through their corrupt, illegal system.
This week prosecutor Gerald Vigansky was verbally attacking and shouting at BH residents Mrs. Freddie Swift and her daughter, Vanity in a hallway. He actually said he would dismiss charges against Charles Washington, age 33. In August, Washington, a BH paid informant, knocked Vanity to the ground and pulled down her underwear. She fought him off, and, bloodied, he ran away. An ambulance took Vanity, in a state of shock, to the hospital where Washington's fingerprints and blood were found on her clothing and body.
He was arrested, released on bond, and charged with only a misdemeanor for his violent crime - informants are above the law and protected in Berrien County. A felony charge and fifteen year sentence is the norm for sexual assault. He is also guilty of resisting arrest and fleeing, but was only charged with trespassing. THE CASE WAS EVENTUALLY DROPPED.
Vanity and Mrs. Swift showed up for the Nov. 16 trial which, unbeknownst to them, had been cancelled. Instead, they were treated to a mad prosecutor, frothing at the mouth, screaming that he was on the side of the man who attempted to rape Vanity.
Washington is known to have attacked and raped several women in Benton Harbor. In a recent case, charges against him were dismissed and an innocent man was convicted in his place.
Seeing Benton Harbor residents and Berrien County Courthouse authorities interact is like seeing naughty children being verbally abused. Authorities rarely show respect to the people they force through their corrupt, illegal system.
This week prosecutor Gerald Vigansky was verbally attacking and shouting at BH residents Mrs. Freddie Swift and her daughter, Vanity in a hallway. He actually said he would dismiss charges against Charles Washington, age 33. In August, Washington, a BH paid informant, knocked Vanity to the ground and pulled down her underwear. She fought him off, and, bloodied, he ran away. An ambulance took Vanity, in a state of shock, to the hospital where Washington's fingerprints and blood were found on her clothing and body.
He was arrested, released on bond, and charged with only a misdemeanor for his violent crime - informants are above the law and protected in Berrien County. A felony charge and fifteen year sentence is the norm for sexual assault. He is also guilty of resisting arrest and fleeing, but was only charged with trespassing. THE CASE WAS EVENTUALLY DROPPED.
Vanity and Mrs. Swift showed up for the Nov. 16 trial which, unbeknownst to them, had been cancelled. Instead, they were treated to a mad prosecutor, frothing at the mouth, screaming that he was on the side of the man who attempted to rape Vanity.
Washington is known to have attacked and raped several women in Benton Harbor. In a recent case, charges against him were dismissed and an innocent man was convicted in his place.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Racial injustice never stops rearing its ugly head in Berrien County
Innocent 17 year old in jail for murder
The most recent case involves murder charges against a trio of African-American youths all who have been jailed awaiting trial in January.
Dequarius Stewart and Kanisha Dyer, cousins, were hanging around outside a store in Benton Harbor when Lavors Coats, 17, comes along. A Mr. Kusiak, middle-aged and white, had entered the store earlier, and Dequarius asked Lavors to see if he had any money.
Coats goes in and comes back saying Kusiak had no money. He was trying to protect Kusiak from harm. Kusiak then comes out and goes down the street where Dequarius was waiting. Dequarius hit Kusiak several times, killing him.
BHPD and detective officer Wes Smigielski arrived along with the FBI (presumably because Kusiak was white.)
During the preliminary examination in the notorious Berrien County Courthouse, det. officer Wes Smigielski stated that Coats said Krusiak had a little money, along with other untruths. Courtroom attendees could tell that Smigielski was obviously lying each time he made a statement. Coats was branded the "lookout" by Smigielski.
The paid defense attorney, extremely uncommon in the Berrien County courthouse, let Lavors Coats explain that he just didn't want Krusiak to get hurt, and told Dequarius that Krusiak had no money. The judge then abruptly said, "Lavors Coats, Dequarius Stewart, and Kanisha Dyer will be going to trial for murder."
Knowledgeable observers are rightfully outraged over how Berrien County law enforcement and judicial system have gone to great lengths to complicate a straightforward case. But, as it has been said, not one but three black youths have been taken off the street to the obvious satisfaction of authorities. Hidden agenda: state protected Whirlpool is devouring land and does whatever necessary to eradicate it of African-Americans.
The most recent case involves murder charges against a trio of African-American youths all who have been jailed awaiting trial in January.
Dequarius Stewart and Kanisha Dyer, cousins, were hanging around outside a store in Benton Harbor when Lavors Coats, 17, comes along. A Mr. Kusiak, middle-aged and white, had entered the store earlier, and Dequarius asked Lavors to see if he had any money.
Coats goes in and comes back saying Kusiak had no money. He was trying to protect Kusiak from harm. Kusiak then comes out and goes down the street where Dequarius was waiting. Dequarius hit Kusiak several times, killing him.
BHPD and detective officer Wes Smigielski arrived along with the FBI (presumably because Kusiak was white.)
During the preliminary examination in the notorious Berrien County Courthouse, det. officer Wes Smigielski stated that Coats said Krusiak had a little money, along with other untruths. Courtroom attendees could tell that Smigielski was obviously lying each time he made a statement. Coats was branded the "lookout" by Smigielski.
The paid defense attorney, extremely uncommon in the Berrien County courthouse, let Lavors Coats explain that he just didn't want Krusiak to get hurt, and told Dequarius that Krusiak had no money. The judge then abruptly said, "Lavors Coats, Dequarius Stewart, and Kanisha Dyer will be going to trial for murder."
Knowledgeable observers are rightfully outraged over how Berrien County law enforcement and judicial system have gone to great lengths to complicate a straightforward case. But, as it has been said, not one but three black youths have been taken off the street to the obvious satisfaction of authorities. Hidden agenda: state protected Whirlpool is devouring land and does whatever necessary to eradicate it of African-Americans.
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