West Virginia News

Sharing News & Information On WV Government Officials

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

We Need Your Input…Are West Virginia Students Being Left Behind

Is The "No Students Left Behind Program" Really Working??
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West Virginia is one of the first states in the nation to receive full approval for its plan to reach the goals set forth by the "No Child Left Behind Act." Is that program really working in the Mountain State???

We are looking for your opinion and any experiences you may have had with the program, good or bad. Especially, with special education needs for impaired children.

Please let us know by e-mailing: WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com .. Or, use the comment section below....

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Governor Joe Manchins Leadership Earns Failing Grades Since 2005

National Organizations Give State Poor Grades Since Manchin Took Office
By, Sam Webber & Jack Swint .. WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

According to one 2007 report card issued by the Corporation for Enterprise Development, "West Virginia received the dunce cap" after earning F's again in all three categories of their grading system. In response to that report, and prior years worth of failing grades, WV Senator Brooks McCabe said, "It sounds sad, but I'd like to see a few D's next year".... CFED

From Two WV Inaugural Addresses delivered by the governor, press releases and state generated reports, officials have painted a pretty picture of progress report cards and reform in the states overall improvement since Manchin took office in 2005.

In reality, numerous national organizations that report the same type information show that WV, under Manchin's leadership, hasn’t really improved at all. In fact, there is a decline in most categories like business, education, transportation and some health categories. In all fairness, West Virginia has routinely received poor grades in these same categories over the past 8 to 10 years…

The governor and state received an overall grade of D.

Bottom Line…. Nothings really gotten any better and some things have gotten worse.

Categories:

Economic Development
Education
Health Care
Highways & Transportation
State Court System
Tax Cuts & Spending
Legislation (eminent domain, welfare reform & child obesity)
WV’s Homeless Children
Executive Leadership

Under the leadership of Governor Joe Manchin:

WV’s Economic Development routinely received an F since 2005. The term economic development refers to sustainable increases in living standards, increased per capita income, better education and health as well as environmental protection. The governor’s office claims that WV is very successful and is rated high in the national statistics and in comparison to other states.

The Washington DC based group, "CFED" has provided accurate statistical information for 20 years on each states standings in this field both separately and collectively. Their group examines categories for each states performance, business vitality & development.

How does WV size up in this category?

Performance - F (the performance of the economy for its citizens)
Business Vitality - F (business competitiveness and entrepreneurial energy)
Development Capacity - F (the positioning of the state for future economic growth)

Our research found that WV’s overall grade from 2005 to the most current statistics is an F too. Note: WV does routinely score high on the number of home ownership’s by race, income and gender. There is a downside, We are also ranked 41 in the nation for the highest amount of foreclosures. (See linked graphs below)
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Highlights from one report state that the challenges West Virginia faces include poverty, which is higher here than in many other states. Businesses close more often than in other states, and students are not ensured as solid an education as they might receive going outside of WV. One analyst stated, " Compared with other states, West Virginia presents a bleak environment in which to live and work. Employment opportunities for workers are few, although the state is relatively insulated from mass layoffs." Also, "The business environment is also a weak point in this states economy.
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With rankings in the bottom half of states for nearly all the index measures, the state’s businesses are neither forging ahead nor holding their own."
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Findings in Education from K12 to college received an average grade of C-. Since 2005, reports show that WV’s education programs have improved marginally compared to other states, "West Virginia has made strides in preparing young people for college, though compared with other states its performance is only fair." In one key marker, students in eighth grade perform poorly on national assessments in math, science, reading, and writing. These are reportedly strong indicators that they are not well prepared to succeed in challenging high school and college courses.
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Other highlights of this report show college education in WV has become less affordable and the amount of monies needed to attend college has grown even after deducting for school loans and grants. Only 50% of first year students in community colleges return for a second year.
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Next is Health Care, which also receives an F. The most recent statistics in 2009 rate WV with a failing grade in four categories. (Sadly enough, WV received a D back in 2006.
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Health Promotion and Measurement, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices, emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.
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Financing and Core Treatment/Recovery Services is a variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.
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Another category is Consumer and Family Empowerment that includes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.
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Community Integration and Social Inclusion includes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.
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WV’s Mental Health statistics, also covered in this same group, received an F in 2009.
According to one report: "The state uses mental health block grant funds to support the West Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association (WVMHCA). This association provides alternative & nontraditional services such as housing, supportive employment, peer support programs, including groups at the state hospitals, and a peer support specialist certification program.
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Services such as acute and long-term care for individuals with re-occurring mental disorders are scarce or non-existent in small towns and rural areas. Involuntary commitments at the two state hospitals continue to increase because of the lack of community treatment services and lack of supported housing. The hospitals are overcrowded, with forensic patients occupying many of the state hospital beds. Some areas have long waiting lists for services.

West Virginia also received poor national reviews for the redesign of its Medicaid program. The new program, Mountain Health Choices, offers two plans, Basic and Enhanced. With the Basic plan offering fewer benefits. Individuals who receive Medicaid because they are SSI recipients are not enrolled in Mountain Health Choices; they remain in traditional Medicaid. Confusion reigns in the state about who is in which plan; Basic, Enhanced, or traditional Medicaid and the scope of benefits.
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According to one source, "Mountain Health Choices is a disaster. It has set the state back in meeting public health needs, financially destabilized providers, and deprived some consumers of needed services in a state that already suffered from uneven access to care and a lack of evidence-based practices."

Lets not forget about the 2008 American Lung Associations report card for WV that gives the state another F for its Tobacco Control in the following categories.
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Tobacco Prevention and Control Spending – F
Smoke Free Air – F
Cigarette Tax –
F
Cessation Coverage - F
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Note: Kanawha County gets an A+ for the efforts put forth to stop second hand smoke. Ohio and Hancock Counties receive an overall F for still allowing smoking in all gambling-gaming establishments.
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State Highways & Transportation also receives an F. This is due to the year after year increasing percentage of WV bridges that are classified as either "functionally obsolete or structural deficiency." In laymen’s terms, "cross at your own risk."

In 2006, WV had 6,956 bridges. Out of that, 1,075 were structurally deficient and 1, 158 were obsolete. That is 2, 593 or 37.3% of all bridges in this state. And, 24% of all the roads were in need of repair.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, this year, 39% of West Virginia’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. And, 37% of all the roads were in need of repair.
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WV State Court System received a C-. The Judicial Accountability report card outlined several key issues that were the decisive indicators for this grade. "West Virginia's laws unfortunately include massive loopholes that still allow members of the judiciary to be wined and dined on the corporate dime," stated HALT Senior Counsel Suzanne M. Blonder.

Numerous flaws in the Judicial Investigation Commission were also noted that includes no clear description of their disciplinary process. Also, the states judicial websites database lacks any substance or information on past rulings against judges or a section addressing complainants' and or most frequently asked questions.

"At a time when the American public has lost faith in the impartiality and fairness of the judiciary, it's critical that we have an effective system of oversight for judges," stated Blonder. "We hope that West Virginia's chief judicial officers will work to transform a mechanism marred by secrecy into a system dedicated to upholding the integrity of the judiciary."
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Other concerns are the difficulties for teens to petition the courts for domestic violence orders. Backlogs on cases from small claims, civil and criminal cases all the way up to the Supreme Court. The report noted that it can take as long as 3 to 5 years for workers compensation cases to be heard in the Supreme Court.
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In Tax Cuts & Spending Joe Manchin received an A from the CATO Institute for "his concentrated efforts on cutting business taxes to help boost investment in this state. In 2006, Manchin approved reductions in the business franchise and corporate income taxes. In 2007, he cut the franchise tax further. In 2008, Manchin signed into law a repeal of the business franchise tax and a reduction in the corporate income tax rate. Manchin also has an excellent spending record, and recommends cuts to the overall general fund budget most years."
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Report cards that were available for the WV Legislators received a C- overall. Several organizations graded the lawmakers in categories ranging from solving immanent domain problems to welfare reform and child obesity laws. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London, West Virginia’s eminent domain laws were among the worst in the country, as court decisions had given West Virginia localities sweeping power to condemn even non-blighted properties in redevelopment areas.
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Welfare Reform by way of enacted legislation receives an overall C grade. Child Obesity legislation received a D-. According to the CDC, out of forty-one bills introduced since 2002 addressing obesity, only four were passed and enacted.
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Here are those four.

In 2002, SB682 defined Defines motorized vehicle wheelchair and electric personal assisted mobility devices. Requires operators of devices to yield to pedestrians.

In 2004, HCR8 approved legislation for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on childhood obesity in regards to chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and inadequate exercise.

In 2005, HB2816 approved the creation of a "Healthy Lifestyle Office." And, in 2006 SB785 approved requirements for physical education, fitness testing, and measurement and reporting of body mass index in public schools.

It is noted that since 2005, at least 5 bills have been enacted providing rights and protection to persons suffering from mental illness.
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WV’s Homeless ChildrenF. West Virginia has continued to be a hard place to live. Especially if you are a child. The National Center On Family Homelessness report that more than 4,791 of West Virginia’s children experience homelessness each year. According to the data collected by the McKinney-Vento Educational Programs, WV ranks 14th in the US for the number of homeless children.

Also, West Virginia has 69,000 children living in poverty. Of those 69,000, seven out of every one hundred (7%) are homeless. Ninety-three percent of the children living in families with incomes below the poverty level are White, five percent are Black and two percent are Hispanic. The average monthly income for a single mother in West Virginia who receives public assistance is less than $819, or roughly 50% of the Federal Poverty Level.
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The governors overall grade for his Executive Leadership receives a D-.
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Some Of Those Highlights to date…
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Manchin began his first term immediately by dissolving away the states failed workers compensation blunder by allowing a newly created private company, "BrickStreet" to sell WC insurance. This created the states first "coercive monopoly" business in WV by not allowing anyone else to compete in WC coverage. Then, the governor appointed Greg Burton to run BrickStreet, Burton all but bankrupted the states version of WC.
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Next, the governor began moving some of the state bank accounts over to Centra Bank in which he reportedly owns stock. These accounts, holding millions from the Racing Commission, were exempt from examination by state auditors, which has led to millions being "misplaced." Manchin then paid off the huge deficit left by the old WC program through the Lottery & Racing Commission profits.
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At the same time, Manchin spent approx. 1.8 million to upgrade and remodel the governors mansion that includes a new state of the art sports bar complete with 12 LCD big screen TV's, gambling tables and special built designer chairs and pool tables in their private quarters.

Most shocking and deplorable is while WV residents are struggling, and children are homeless and or living in poverty, the governor is buying new Harley Davidson motorcycles, exotic cars, airplanes, a yacht and vacation homes.

In what most people believe was the re-payment of campaign promises, the governor appointed his friend and Charleston lawyer, Mike Garrison as president of WVU. Not long after that, Garrison and other key university staff had to resign after Manchins daughter was illegally granted her MBA from the university. This scandal will most likely go down as the governor’s worst nightmare while in office.
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Mylan Pharmaceuticals, who employs the governors daughter, had been gifting WVU with the tens of millions of dollars, they also gifted gubernatorial candidate, then Secretary of State, Manchin with free campaign helicopter rides. Manchin was also responsible to investigate campaign finance violations. Connections to Manchin and Mylan funny money wont be the only problem in the mountain state to come.
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Also during his first term as governor, Manchin practiced nepotism. He appointed his wife to the West Virginia Board of Education; their son, Joseph Manchin IV, to the West Virginia Tourism Commission; and his cousin, Mark Anthony Manchin, as executive director of the West Virginia School Building Authority.
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In late 2008, the FBI and US Attorneys office made it known several high ranking executives in the ABC division were served federal subpoenas in an investigation into possible violations concerning mis-use of liquor and accepting bribes-favors. Manchin denies any knowledge.

Manchin also interceded for DuPont to lower the 382 million-dollar fine imposed for gross violations for deliberately dumping toxic chemicals in inhabited areas. He actually filed a "friend of the court" brief for DuPont.

By the end of his first term, the majority of the governors top staff (who had been with him since day 1) quickly departed. Press Secretary Laura Ramsburg, Director of Public Policy, Brian Kastic and General Counsel, Carte Goodwin all said a goodbye.
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But, chief of staff, Larry Puccio remained by Manchins side. Reportedly, its because Puccio enjoys his $109,000 a year pay for a 3.5 day state workweek. A new dark blue gas guzzling state owned Dodge Durango that he is allowed to drive to and from his home in the Clarksburg - Fairmont area. And, being allowed to "double dip" into state monies with his private real estate appraisal business that bids on state contracts.
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End Of Story
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Sam Webber & Jack Swint
PO Box 40511
Charelston WV 25364
(304) 982-7024
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Example Of Links To Report Cards & Reports:
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Economic – Business – Health - Education -Tax
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Tax Reform
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Transportation & Highways
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Homeless & Poverty
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If you would like to leave your comments about this, or other stories, use the comment section below. Or E-Mail at the address above.
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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Economic Development Is Now Foreign Owned

An Invasion Without Traditional War…

According to the good news…."Companies from Europe, Asia and other regions of the world have invested in West Virginia creating more than 30,000 jobs. These international companies have found West Virginia to be a profitable place for their North American operations, due to the state's strategic location, skilled work force, vast supply of natural resources, ready infrastructure, advanced technology and investment incentives."

What American Politicians Won’t Admit
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It was once thought that as a sovereign nation, no foreign government, short of an invasion and military occupation, could run the U.S. But, what has actually occurred is that foreign governments do run America, and they also make billions a year by allowing us to maintain our standard of living. We are now at the will of countries like China, Japan, Russia and Germany.

You can laugh now, and cry later. But it is true.

From the ritzy Essex House hotel in Manhattan, owned by the Dubai Investment Group, to the nationwide chains of Caribou Coffee and Church's Chicken, owned by another company serving Arab investors, foreigners are buying bigger and bigger chunks of the country.

Foreign countries, and their investors, have bought up everything available of value in the United States using our own money. Banks, Industrial and Manufacturing Companies, Malls, Colleges, Resorts, Convenient Store and Motel chains etc etc. Combine that with the fact these same countries are holding approx. THREE TRILLION, TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE BILLION DOLLARS worth of US treasury securities!

Who are a just a few of those foreign countries in 2009? China ($767 billion), Japan ($686 billion), Russia ($138 billion), Brazil ($126 billion), Luxembourg ($106 billion), Taiwan ($74 billion), Germany ($55 billion), Thailand ($26 billion), India ($38 billion), Mexico ($36 billion) and even Columbia with ($11 billion).

Note: In December 2000, China only held $60 billion in federal securities. March 2009, China has increased their holdings to $767 billion to become the majority owner in foreign holdings. Overtaking Japan who had been at the top since at least the year 2000. And, every 3 months, we sell them some more.

This has nothing to do with import or exports to and from the United States. Its about the results of years worth of strategic purchases from Treasury Securities, US companies and US banks being owned by foreign governments and their companies.

What effects could their money control the US? China switched their buying gears in 2007 and 2008, presumably because it wished to increase heavily back to treasuries. But, one cant dispel the issues that befell companies like Fannie Mae, Freddy Mac, and other government-chartered organizations that ended up needing U.S. government intervention during the same time periods.


On the surface, these same international companies and foreign governments are also helping to keep West Virginia financially afloat with imports, exports and investing in owning business in the state. All is boosting our economic & financial development according to state officials. What they’re not saying is the problem.

Have we unknowingly created "The Perfect Storm?"… Are we like the true-life story of the ill-fated commercial fishing boat crew of the "Andrea Gail", who’s captain regretfully sailed them into the middle of one gigantic storm that had evolved from 3 separate hurricanes coming at them from every direction. In the end, the men all died.

As a Nation, and State, has the government unknowingly caused its own impending demise because we have sailed straight into the path of foreign ownership with no possible way to escape? And none of this just happened overnight.

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On The National Level

Ironically, besides China, two of the foreign countries gobbling up American interests are Japan and Germany. Who, as we all know, were both mortal enemies of America not so long ago. They alone hold $741 billion dollars of our treasury notes. Combine that with the fact that these same two countries (and China) have slowly purchased and or taken over as many major and small American industrial and technological companies as possible. While at the same time, also becoming the overseas corporate parents of countless banks in the US.

And, these banks are aggressively making business loans to American based companies. By one estimate, foreign banks hold nearly 50 percent of all existing commercial and industrial loans made to U.S. businesses. Moreover, foreign banks made these gains swiftly, more than doubling their share of the U.S. market in the past ten years. As of December 31, 2000, state-licensed foreign banks held $1.1 trillion in assets

Japan, by itself, has the largest country representation with 44 bank branches and agencies. And, another 21 banking subsidiaries in this country. The combined total assets of these entities are approx. $270 billion. Their largest interests maintain offices in New York.

The International Banking Act (IBA) of 1978 was to have restricted the ability of foreign banks to establish offices in more than one state. But, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, rules governing interstate banking regarding US financial institutions began to fade away. Which opened the doors to where we are today.

As much as the US needs foreign traded imports and exports, we have also opened up the floodgates to welcome other countries, both allies and enemies, to one by one invade and take over controlling interests of the financial markets and heart of America’s business and homes…. All without firing a shot!

Examine specifically the types of industries and financial markets that these foreigners have strategically targeted to either invest in, or, flat out own. Every facet of our day to day lives from transportation to bio-technical and computer science. Shopping Malls to fuels and aerospace. Banking to schools etc.
On top of that, add in the fact these foreign entities are holding three trillion dollars of US Treasury Security notes? Look at the entire picture collectively, and you will quickly see that foreign government, and their money has "cornered the market" to our financial infrastructure.

How smart and determined are these foreign countries to get their feet in the American dream? And just how willing have our presidents and politicians been eager to let them? Answer….They’re willing to put national security up for sale according to members of the US House of Representatives.

Example: In July of 1990, then President Bush approved the sale of California based "Semi-Gas Systems," to the Japanese. This US Company was a major supplier of gas distribution and control systems to American semi-conductor chipmakers. At the time, Semi-Gas was in direct competition with the Japanese in an industry that politicians stated "this action could have grave consequences for the semiconductor industry, and it does affect our national security and possible espionage."

Employee’s tried to buy the company first to keep it in the US. "But the Government apparently had only a bottom-line mentality and, instead, signed off on the sale" according to sources. Years before this sale, Congress had been warned that the United States semiconductor industry "is falling prey to foreign competitors determined to gain a chokehold on the materials and equipment needed to make computer chips."

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During House of Representative hearings on the sale one politician stated, "there are some purchases on some vital bills in August, and I know we need the money to keep going on operating in the red because we are destroying ourselves economically. We have guessed in the past that at each crucial sale, the Japanese come in and say, "Hey, if you want us to buy this, you've got to also give us this."

This past month, foreign monies had to come to the rescue again as Chrysler & GM go under bankruptcy. Italy’s Fiat now owns a major interest and assets in Chrysler. China again wants to buy out another American symbol to our greatness and gratuity in purchasing "Hummer." A vehicle that first came onto the scene as the new image of our military. GM has agreed to sell out to "Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company Ltd."

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In West Virginia
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As far back as 1985, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that foreign-owned affiliates indirectly employed 32,404 West Virginians or 6.2% of private sector employment. In 1986, then governor, Arch Moore, pursued foreign investments to the Mountain State. He wanted to set up trade offices in Japan, China and other countries to strengthen chances of investors taking an interest in our resources and business potentials. Problem then, budget restrictions kept him from his dream.

Today, trade offices are located in at least Nagoya, Japan and Munich, Germany.
According to state supported websites, foreign investor wholly own eight major West Virginia companies. All told, there are approx. 20 foreign-owned companies representing seven different countries. Canada, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Austria and France.

WV depends more heavily on foreign-owned operations for employment than do its neighboring states. "These international companies have found West Virginia to be a profitable place for their North American operations, due to the state's strategic location, skilled work force, vast supply of natural resources, ready infrastructure, advanced technology and investment incentives."

In 2006, "foreign-controlled companies employed 19,900 workers in West Virginia. Major sources of West Virginia's jobs in 2006 were Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, and Switzerland. Foreign-controlled companies accounted for 15.1 percent of total manufacturing employment in West Virginia. Also, Foreign investment in West Virginia was responsible for 3.4 percent of the state's total private-industry employment.

From the governor to every state resident; imports, exports and local foreign owned companies helps create jobs and generate money in WV. Economic development has been attributed for bringing this state up from the brink of poverty. At the time, crossing the waters to countries like Japan, Canada, Germany and China opened the doors to a new source of lifeblood.

And, foreign governments and their industries came to WV and other states with wide-open arms and deep pocketbooks. But now, over the past twenty or so years, these investors have been able to snatch up failed WV business property and or introduce new ones. All owned and operated by them. Yes, jobs have been created and revenues generated from taxes to payroll, but at what cost will we just hand of the master set of keys to the state in order to maintain our standard way of life? Better yet, how long will communist countries like China allow the US to do it?

Major Foreign Companies in WV:

Kureha Corporation - polymer, polyglycolic acid (PGA) - Japan
Toyota Motor Manufacturing - Transportation Equipment – Japan
AKSA, K.S. of West Virginia - Transportation Equipment – Japan
Diamond Electric Manufacturing - Electrical Products – Japan

BASF Corporation - Chemicals – Germany
North American Fastener Co. - Metal Products – Germany
Bayer – Pharmaceutical - Germany

Alcan Aluminum Metal - Manufacturing – Canada

Akzo Chemical Inc. – Chemicals – Netherlands

Elkem Metals - Metal Manufacturing – Norway

Quik Corp - Agricultural Products – Australia

Sanofi-Aventis - Pharmaceuticals – France
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Will The Government Conceal Truths From Us?

The American financial system itself was built on a secret and deception. The Federal Reserve Banks true origin and owners were kept from the public. How a group of wealthy businessmen bought their own island and created a private club. A short time later, they agreed to loan the US money to get back on its feet, at a high rate of interest of course.

It began in 1886, when a group of millionaires purchased Jekyll Island (Georgia), and converted it into the most exclusive private club in the country. By 1900, the club's roster represented 1/6th of the world's wealth.
Names like:

Nelson W. Aldrich, Republican "whip" in the Senate, Chairman of the National Monetary Commission, business associate of J.P. Morgan, father-in-law to John D. Rockefeller, Jr.;

Abraham Piatt Andrew, Assistant Secretary of the United States Treasury;

Frank A. Vanderlip, president of the National City Bank of New York, the most powerful of the banks at that time, representing William Rockefeller and the international investment banking house of Kuhn, Loeb & Company;

Henry P. Davison, senior partner of the J.P Morgan Company;

Charles D. Norton, president of J.P. Morgan's First National Bank of New York;

Benjamin Strong, head of J.P. Morgan's Bankers Trust Company

Paul M. Warburg, a representative of the Rothschild banking dynasty in England and France, and brother to Max Warburg who was head of the Warburg banking consortium in Germany and the Netherlands.

Non members, regardless of who they were, were not allowed. President McKinley and Winston Churchill were refused admission.

In 1908, Congress established a National Monetary Authority. In 1910 another, more secretive group was formed consisting of the chiefs of major corporations and banks in this country. Who, were mostly made up of members of the Jekyll Island club. One night the group left secretly by rail from Hoboken, New Jersey, and traveled anonymously to the hunting lodge in Georgia.

At Jekyll Island, the true draftsman for the Federal Reserve was Paul Warburg. The plan was simple. The new central bank could not be called a central bank because America did not want one, so it had to be given a deceptive name. On the surface, the bank was to be controlled by Congress, but a majority of its members were to be selected by the private banks that would own its stock.

To keep the public from thinking that the Federal Reserve would be controlled from New York, a system of twelve regional banks was designed. Given the concentration of money and credit in New York, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York controlled the system, making the regional concept initially nothing but a ruse.
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Conclusion

Besides re-investing foreign monies back into the US, prosperity is beginning to show up around the world in former economic stricken countries who are now on top.

For Instance… China, 1983. People had to walk for transportation. Only the privileged had bicycles. The tallest building was less then 20 stories. There were dirt roads. Most people lived in shacks and the Red Army was everywhere. In fact, journalists could not go around without a Red Army escort. It was a scary kind of place.
In 1994, things had begun to change. There were nicely paved roads, new buildings and people were starting to drive vehicles. And some cities even had a McDonald's.

In 2009, Cities like Shanghai, have a modern airport, 5,000 new buildings expanding 15 stories or taller. China’s entire economy is booming and it is reported that people are able to save 25% out of every paycheck.

What is the general consensus of US investors in China? John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems contends "Our investment returns in China are better than those from America."


So, what happens when countries like The Peoples Republic of China, who are under a communist "socialist market economy," decide its time their investments in the US need more of a return in profits? Will they be able to force us to tighten our belts and adapt their stringent lifestyle?

Note: Since the introduction of the socialist market economy, China's GDP rose from some 150 billion USD to more than 1.6 trillion USD, with an annual increase of 9.4 percent. Fifty percent of China’s state-owned enterprises have been transformed into joint-stock companies, which generate one-third of the national GDP

Does the US see what’s coming on the horizon? No.... "The U.S. economy is thirsting for new capital and investment," said Nancy McLernon, President & CEO for the Organization for International Investment. "This isn't a mirage; it's a deep well of insourcing firms that are committed to bringing jobs to the United States. Policy makers should avoid isolationist policies that would discourage these companies from continuing to invest in the U.S. and insource jobs."

Bottom-line for US citizens, right now we are living off a "Foreign Trust Fund" that has an expiration date.

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US Government statistics indicate the following percentages of foreign ownership of American industry:

· Sound recording industries - 97%
· Commodity contracts dealing and brokerage - 79%
· Motion picture and sound recording industries - 75%
· Metal ore mining - 65%
· Motion picture and video industries - 64%
· Wineries and distilleries - 64%
· Database, directory, and other publishers - 63%
· Book publishers - 63%
· Cement, concrete, lime, and gypsum product - 62%
· Engine, turbine and power transmission equipment - 57%
· Rubber product - 53%
· Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing - 53%
· Plastics and rubber products manufacturing - 52%
· Plastics product - 51%
· Other insurance related activities - 51%
· Boiler, tank, and shipping container - 50%
· Glass and glass product - 48%
· Coal mining - 48%
· Sugar and confectionery product - 48%
· Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying - 47%
· Advertising and related services - 41%
· Pharmaceutical and medicine - 40%
· Clay, refractory, and other nonmetallic mineral products - 40%
· Securities brokerage - 38%
· Other general purpose machinery - 37%
· Audio and video equipment mfg. and reproducing magnetic and optical media - 36%
· Support activities for mining - 36%
· Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation - 32%
· Chemical manufacturing - 30%
· Industrial machinery - 30%
· Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities - 30%
· Other food - 29%
· Motor vehicles and parts - 29%
· Machinery manufacturing - 28%
· Other electrical equipment and component - 28%
· Securities and commodity exchanges and other financial investment activities - 27%
· Architectural, engineering, and related services - 26%
· Credit card issuing and other consumer credit - 26%
· Petroleum refineries (including integrated) - 25%
· Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments - 25%
· Petroleum and coal products manufacturing - 25%
· Transportation equipment manufacturing - 25%
· Commercial and service industry machinery - 25%
· Basic chemical - 24%
· Investment banking and securities dealing - 24%
· Semiconductor and other electronic component - 23%
· Paint, coating, and adhesive - 22%
· Printing and related support activities - 21%
· Chemical product and preparation - 20%
· Iron, steel mills, and steel products - 20%
· Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery - 20%
· Publishing industries - 20%
· Medical equipment and supplies - 20%


"The kid with the most toys, gets to say what game we play." 10 year old Brian Walton
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Foreign Companies Owning US Federal Securities

http://www.treas.gov/tic/mfh.txt


WV Economic & Minority Stats

http://www.mbda.gov/?bucket_id=926&portal_document_download=true&download_cid=6238&name=West+Virginia+Profile.pdf&legacy_flag=false

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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
WV News
PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364
(304) 982-7024

WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com


If you would like to leave your comments about this, or other stories, use the comment section below. Or E-Mail at the address above.



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Monday, June 8, 2009

Two Bad Montgomery Cops Hope For One Good Plea Deal From Feds

Plea Bargain To Misdemeanor Civil Rights Violations May Be In The Works
By, Sam Webber & Jack Swint... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

Update.... 6/09/2010. As reported here first...Former police officers Matt Leavitt and Shawn Hutchinson, will plead guilty to federal charges of civil rights abuse.... Great job by the US Attorneys office!

May 22, 2009... Two Former Montgomery WV police officers may get a great plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government for civil rights and hate crimes violations. Abuse of authority complaints surfaced months ago that both officers were harassing and physically abusing several black residents in the Fayette County town. Civil lawsuits are currently pending in County Court detailing events that led up to the FBI and US Attorneys office getting involved in a criminal investigation.

Reportedly, Matt Leavitt and Shawn Hutchinson’s lawyer, William "Bill" Forbes, is in closed-door negotiations with the feds in hopes of obtaining "misdemeanor" criminal charges for his clients instead of felonies, that could carry up to ten years if either men are convicted. Ironically, with Forbes negotiating for both men, he may be creating a conflict of interest since the feds will want Hutchinson to testify against Leavitt as part of any negotiated plea agreement. In a sense, Forbes deal would be pitting both men against each other.

According to sources close to the case, Matt Leavitt is strongly considering the plea agreement offer, and has until the June 2009 federal grand jury convening to make his decision. Allegedly, he agreed to take an FBI polygraph exam and "failed it."

Our source also believes it is possible that Hutchinson could receive a "diversion sentence" that would pave the way for his conviction to be expunged if he stayed out of any further trouble over a specific amount of time. Several people we spoke with feel that Hutchinson was just caught up in a scenario that he was just following the lead of a "rogue mentor" and is "basically a good kid who followed the wrong persons example of what a police officer should be."

Attorney Mike Clifford, who represents at least one of the alleged victims in the civil case against the officers and the city of Montgomery, stated he was unaware of any final or factual plea negotiations between the US Attorney and the accused. But, he will entertain any positive options and closure available that are in his client’s best interest. As long as it includes stipulations that, "Matt Leavitt can never again be a police officer anywhere."

According to Clifford, misdemeanor convictions for this type of crime is not uncommon at all. If Leavitt and or Hutchinson are allowed to plead to the lessor offense, each could face up to one-year incarceration and fines. That being said, the sentences could be served on home confinement and or a federal halfway house if the judge elected.

Several Montgomery residents told this author that they are happily surprised that any law enforcement or public official is actually investigating the allegations against the officers and police department. "if it takes the FBI coming here and turning this town upside down to get to the truth, we will roll out the red carpet for them."

Sources also say that Leavitt still maintains his innocence in the civil and or any criminal charges that could arise. But, he is considering any and all options.


In a twist to this case, the Montgomery City Police Departments computer hard drive was examined and reportedly found to have contained numerous pictures and other material depicting Black, Asian and Caucasian pornography.

End Of Story.....


Original Story On Abuse In Montgomery
http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2009/03/did-federal-agents-halt-former.html

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Civil Lawsuit Against Leavitt & Hutchinson
http://www.wvgazette.com/static/multimedia/twansuit.pdf


Jack Swint & Sam Webber
West Virginia News
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
(304) 982-7024

WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Anyone wishing to comment or contribute on this story, use the "comment" section below or e-mail: WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com


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Sunday, June 7, 2009

The New Black Panther Party Recruiting In West Virginia

Another Racist Hate Group In The Mountain State
By, Sam Webber & Jack Swint WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

"We kill the women. We kill the babies. We kill the blind. We kill the cripples. We kill them all. We kill the faggot. We kill the lesbian. ... When you get through killing them all, go to the goddamn graveyard and dig up the grave and kill them a-goddamn-gain, because they didn't die hard enough the first time."… NBPP

According to three New Black Panther Party members recent comments, WV is a priority recruitment state for new black militants.

In late February 2009, three alleged members of the "NBPP" took a late night ride from Huntington, WV, to Toledo Ohio on a Greyhound Bus. During the 4-hour trip, all three men discussed amongst themselves, on cell phones to their counterparts, and loud enough for everyone on the bus to hear, of their seemingly successful trip to the mountain state. Specifically, the WV State University campus located in Institute, local NAACP connections, and people they associated with while staying in the area for four days.

According to those conversations, this journey to West Virginia was both a scouting and membership drive to join their racist group with radical philosophies.

Also traveling to Ohio by bus was this author. Sitting one row behind the three militants, who appeared to be in there mid to late twenties. The conversations gave a brief, but alarming look into this new group of "let’s hate white people and Jews." Just like members of the KKK and other radical white supremacist groups must sit around and talk about "let’s hate black people."

None of these NBPP members showed any concern or fear about openly talking of their beliefs and desires as we drove along. As a group, they seemed to intimidate several white and Amish passengers who got up and moved further to the back of the bus. But, when we stopped for a break, two of the black radicals exited to a small convenient store while the third man, who was the more outspoken of the trio, remained aboard. Now, he appeared on the surface to be meek, timid and almost scared to be by himself with the other passengers. At least until his two other comrades came back onto the bus.

Their recruitment drive had reportedly covered at least the cities of Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston area. Martinsburg and Shepherdstown are both close to Baltimore and Washington DC which is a strong hold of this group. Focussing their attention on college campuses, especially ones with a high percentage of black students.

The goals and philosophy on this trip were words of violence. From civil unrest to guerrilla warfare. Even the artwork of a patch worn on one of the mans shirt depicted a black panther, and the words claiming…. "Freedom or Death." After arriving in Columbus OH, this author departed with a mental note to look into this blatant hate mentality that these people have against whites, Jews and uncle tom’s. The outcome from weeks of research and development into the "New Black Panther Party" platform was very alarming and disturbing…

The New Black Panther Party (NBPP)


This is a home grown black terrorist hate group organization founded in Dallas, Texas in 1989. They believe that the white man is not just a devil, he is the devil himself.

The "new black panther party" has a whole new hate philosophy and outspoken beliefs that they should "genocide" white people and Jews. Even the original black panther group from1960 and the 1970’s denounced the NBPP saying that this party is "illegitimate" and that there "is no new Black Panther Party." Even Bobby Seale, a founding member of the original Panthers, called this organization "a black racist hate group."

In the old days, "We worked with all different ethnic groups, especially the white left, to build a coalition," said David Hilliard, an early member of the original Panthers and now director of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, in Oakland, California that bears the name of a deceased Panther leader. The new Panthers' "whole philosophy is 'Black Power, Black Power,' to the point of being separatist," he says. "We were never separatist."

The fact is, the new black panther party, despite some similarities to the vastly more successful nation of Islam, has not picked up the support of millions of black people. It has angered whites, Jews and most blacks, which see it as fundamentally racist. And it has left a bitter taste in the mouths of at least some of the communities that its members, guns in hand, purport to be helping.

The Blame Game

The NBPP blame today’s non-black society for everything from slavery to the holocaust. Especially the Jews, or, as one of their leaders refers to as, "hooked-nose, bagel-eating, lox-eating, perpetrating-a-fraud, so-called Jew."

And, if you are a successful black man or woman in this country, you must be a "flunky vassal (slave), or the modern day custodians of uncle tom’s cabin. The lackey’s and stooges that advocate civil rights, social equality and miscarriages of justice in America." Those beliefs by NBPP members might be an insult to the ever increasingly number of black men and women across this country who have been role models to all walks of life.

Most men and women of all races who pursue careers in corporate America will not make it to the top. Those who do must demonstrate talent, good judgment, resourcefulness, and guts. Not blaming every other race or expecting a free ride on the "woe is me" train…

Just to name a very few successful black executives:

US President, Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle.

George Lewis, vice president and treasurer of Philip Morris Companies, Inc.

Roger L. Plummer, president and CEO of Ameritech Information Systems.

Alfred T. Mays, president of Chicopee Worldwide, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Carl Ware, deputy group president of Coca-Cola.

Barry Rand, group vice president of Xerox Corporation.

Brenda E. Edgerton, vice president and treasurer of the Campbell Soup Company.

Richard D. Nanula, senior vice president and chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Company.


George R. Lewis, vice president and treasurer of Philip Morris Companies Inc.

William S. Norman, executive vice president of the National Railroad Passenger Corp.

Wayman F. Smith III, vice president of corporate affairs, Anheuser-Busch Companies.

Curtis J. Crawford, vice president of AT&T Microelectronics division.

Judy Barker, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Borden Inc.

Leroy C. Richie, vice president & general counsel Chrysler Corporation.

Don Thompson, president McDonalds USA.



NBPP Demands

The NBPP has published its "nationalist manifesto" and is linked below. Along with a standing platform of 9 local objectives, a study guide, black national anthem and an application for anyone (besides whites and Jews) interested in joining.

Some demands taken from their 10-point platform of wants and beliefs reveal a deep-rooted belief that the world owes them a living for what occurred long before most of them were even born. (links are included at the end of this story)

Topping the list of demands, that they should "be exempt from paying any taxes, and that they are still owed reparation from the United States, England, France, Spain and Europe. Africa and the Arabs also owe them from decades ago."

They demand that "the guilty parties relinquish billions of dollars owed in finances, land and other necessary supplies, as partial payment to compensate them for over 400 years of slavery, discrimination, racism, brutality, robbery, theft, land-stealing, suffering, death, physical and mental injuries, general abuse, defamation, slander and a host of other crimes and torts of the broadest and worst magnitude."

Also, "freedom for all Black Men and Black Women held in international, military, federal, state, county, city jails and prisons."

"We want all Black Men and Black Women to be exempt from military service."

"Full employment for our people and we demand the dignity to do for ourselves what we have begged the white man to do for us."

Another demand is that since they believe the white man has kept them "deaf, dumb and blind, and used every dirty trick in the book to stand in the way of our freedom and independence," they should be gainfully employed until such time that all members can employ and provide for themselves.

What Extent Will The NBPP Go To Get Respect And Those Demands?

"We kill the women. We kill the babies. We kill the blind. We kill the cripples. We kill them all. We kill the faggot. We kill the lesbian. ... When you get through killing them all, go to the goddamn graveyard and dig up the grave and kill them a-goddamn-gain, because they didn't die hard enough" the first time. That speech, was given by former NBPP National Chairman Khallid Abdul Muhammad, at Howard University. (a link is below)

Why kill the babies? They will grow up to become blue eyed devils. Why kill the woman? They give birth to the devils. Why kill the old people? They managed to become old by killing and or destroying the blacks.

A Washington DC attorney, and current chairman of the NBPP, stated not long ago that
"We will never bow down to the white, Jewish, Zionist onslaught."

Hate Groups In West Virginia

What defines a hate group? Beliefs and or practices that attack or discriminate against an entire class of people, typically for their unchangeable characteristics. Group activities can include criminal acts, marches, rallies, speeches, meetings, leafleting or publishing.

West Virginia, (along with the surrounding states of Kentucky, Virginia and Ohio) is already home to at least 14 hating groups across the state. From several versions of the Ku Klux Klan, to Neo-Nazi’s and the Communist Party. In Hillsboro and Ravenswood WV, there are record companies and or recording studios that promote racist music.

Kentucky is home to 11 hate groups, Ohio 23 and Virginia 26.

There appears to be one large difference between the NBPP, and all other alleged homegrown racist groups in West Virginia today. Outside of the black panthers, no other organization is so extreme, or takes such pride and determination in advocating violence or calling for the murder of all children, woman and men of a specific race. A belief that is all based on the mere fact they feel their ancestors, and now them, have been oppressed and even owed back pay because of it.

During an unrelated interview with a source for another story in April, this author met with a man known only as "Smitty." We met in Pocahontas County WV. "Smitty," a highly educated businessman and self-proclaimed long-time standing member of a white racist group, explained his beliefs and some little known facts about the Klan. For one, until now, this author never knew that there were actually black members in the KKK.


Not undercover cops infiltrating the group, but actual card carrying hooded members. Over 1,000 at one point. He said this information has been available for years, even on the internet. Researching that statement turned out to be true… and more. But, no one wants to admit that fact since it would defuse the image of an all white racist hate group.
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Another surprise was to learn that not all members were just portrayed to be wacko separatists who burn crosses and preach hate and violence against other races.

Several former US Presidents, and even a US Supreme Court Judge, have also been members of the Ku Klux Klan. Presidents Warren G. Harding, Woodrow Wilson, William McKinley, Calvin Coolidge, and even Harry S. Truman. It is reported that Harding was actually sworn into the clan by then Imperial Wizard, Colonel William Simmons inside the White House.

Supreme Court Justice, Hugo Black, was also a Klansman. His Klan Robes, complete with his name in them, were found in an old Klan Klavern Hall in the 1960's. Unfortunately under intense political pressure he superficially repudiated the Klan during its notorious period of scandals. He served on the Supreme Court from 1937 to 1971. His reason for joining the clan? Judge Black felt it would be good for his political career.

According to "Smitty," the majority of white hate type groups have "mellowed out" over the years, and now concentrates on family and church. He admits that no racist group could really survive without the other. "All groups beliefs and practices feed off each other, black racists feed off the whites and we them. If we all went our own separate way, who would be left to hate?"

Summing up the new black panther party, Smitty believes that "if you take away all of the hate preaching smokescreen to kill all white and Jewish babies, children, women and men, all you have left is a gang of unemployed thugs, who just want a free ride from society using what happened hundreds of years ago." He says that white supremacist members have jobs, pay taxes, respect the law of the land and are active in community programs.

"We love and support America. The black panthers say they can’t stand the ground they stand on… If it is that bad here, go live in Africa and see how that works out for you."

His last thoughts on this topic raise a valid question. There are good whites and bad whites just like in all ethnic groups. No one can change the past, and in reality, there is only one race in the USA with a valid claim to prejudice and abuse….The Indians!

As sad as it is, slavery has been around since before mid-evil times. Even the Vikings enslaved people. Muslim pirates raided and captured over 1 million Europeans for slavery from the 16th to the 19th century. The Nazis enslaved millions of Jews into forced labor and worked them until they died and or killed the ones who became to ill to work. Soviet labor camps enslaved millions.

Over half of all white immigrants to Colonial America during the 17th and 18th centuries consisted of slave servants.

According to Smitty, "Today, black people have as much, if not more rights and opportunities as everyone else. Look at the President of this country. Enough is enough, how would blacks react if whites came out with their own Miss White America, like thier Miss Black America? or, White Entertainment Television (BET), National Alliance for the Advancement Of White People (NAACP), White History Month, White TV Awards etc etc?
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They would be up in arms screaming discrimination and racism."

End Of Story….

Sam Webber & Jack Swint
PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364
(304) 982-7024
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WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com


Links
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http://www.newblackpanther.com/downloads/THE%20NATIONALIST%20MANIFESTO.pdf

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/456363/khallid_muhammads_speech_kill_the_white_man/


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Friday, May 29, 2009

Comcast Executive Admits Your TV Can Now Watch You Back

Is TV Advertising Seeing Huge Dollar Signs By Seeing Inside Your Home? . By, Sam Webber & Jack Swint - WV News

Just when media advertising has hit an all time loss in revenue, the Cable TV industry has brought new lifeblood to their own profitability. That will leave the radio and news print companies fading away broke and into oblivion. Or, at least that is how Comcast Executive Gerard Kunkel outlined it in a reporter’s interview during the 2007 Digital Living Room Conference.

Reporter Chris Albrecht wrote in 2007 that Kunkel openly stated to him and another attendee that, "the Cable Company is experimenting with different camera technologies built into devices so it can know who’s in your living room." Kunkel went on to state that… "The system wouldn’t be based on facial recognition, so there wouldn’t be a picture of you on file (yea, right). Instead, it would distinguish between different members of your household by recognizing body forms."

After the story aired, Comcast tried to respond with damage control to keep their technology work secret. Unfortunately for them, Albrecht had made specific written notes and even film interviewed Kunkel.

But now, in 2009, Kunkel (pictured to the left) and a collective group of mega high-powered companies have reportedly broken through the sci-fi technology barriers that were first feared as far back as George Orwell’s 1949 novel and movie, "Nineteen Eighty Four." This partnership of top Cable Companies, TV Manufactures and National Media companies first came about in 2005. All of them with one collective goal, seeing inside your home, needs and habits, tracking your computer surfing and what video games you enjoy.
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The Driving Force Behind It All

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Ever since this technology was developed, advertisers have pressured the cable companies to determine where to best spend their advertising dollars. Before now, the Cable Company could not determine which brand of soda pop someone was drinking. They couldn't clearly read the brand of potato chip being munched. But that has all changed in the last few years with the creation of High Definition Television or HDTV.

Older model TV's will become obsolete and replaced with HDTV type. Especially when it comes to the cable company TV screen cameras. Now, for the first time, if you have a HDTV, the Cable Company will have a high definition view into your home through the TV screen(s).

Since cable companies will be monitoring through watching TV, they can provide advertisers data on you and your family’s lifestyle. Then sell advertising directly geared to your needs and wants. Just think, you and your neighbors could all be watching the same television show in the comfort of your living room. When a commercial break comes, your wife sees a cosmetic commercial while next door, your male neighbor gets a beer commercial, and the kids down the street see ads for toys. All at the same time.

Reality Of It All….

Think it’s impossible? Here is a simple way to look at it all. If you have a cable box, the cable companies have given you an "address." This address is needed to differentiate you from every other subscriber on their network so they can know where to send an "on-demand" movie that you may have just ordered. Inside that cable box is a RFID type chip that allows the cable company technicians to pinpoint and single you out from thousands of other subscribers.

If they want, as they do with "on-demand" movies, at a moments notice they can create a selective connection between their main office equipment and 'their' cable box which is connected to the TV.

Now, as one technician with a major cable company told this author. "Who really knows what capabilities have been included in new TV sets and or built into digital and conversion box’s."

He went on to say, "Its absurd to think that if our industry can use this technology to transmit a signal through a tiny cable to any digital box or QAM equipped set in your home or business, that they cant in turn create a signal/fiber to return a picture back to a database on that specific account."
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And, with the government doing away with analog TV airwaves in June of this year, everyone will have to have cable....its all downhill from there.
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When former Attorney General John Ashcroft asked Congress for more power to monitor cable lines to fight terrorism, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, a cable industry trade group, did not strenuously object. Many critics accused the cable media of wanting privacy rules relaxed for its own members' marketing purposes.

Microsoft already uses Predictive Networks' technology to track the viewing habits of people who use Microsoft TV interactive television products. Predictive Networks makes "personalization software" for interactive television that monitors what programs each user watches and creates a profile that is then used to tailor advertising pitches and new content to users.

Up until now, this use of space-age technology has been without seeing a real face or actual human monitoring inside your home. They’ve just tracked use of your remotes, keyboard or game controllers. "TiVo," has now gone as far as to file for a US Patent to intrude into your private life.

The Patent Application states....."This system is a multimedia mobile personalization system that provides a remote control that detects a user’s electronic tag, e.g. an RFID tag. The remote control notifies a multimedia device of the user’s identity. The multimedia device then tailors it to the user’s preferences stored locally. Multimedia content such as broadcast or recorded television programs and the like could be sorted, displayed, or restricted, depending on the identifier.

Bottom line, TV media has prepared and joined forces to ensure themselves billions each year in advertising revenue while radio and newspapers will fade away because no advertiser will pass up on this new high tech marketing tool. Whether all of this is in conjunction with the government being able to monitor what goes on in your home is not going to matter, its happening now. Any corporation tied to the cable company industry is going to jump on the moneytrain in order to share the wealth.

It’s Not The Government You Need To Fear…

Gathering your lifestyle and personal data is nothing new to marketing strategies. Twenty-four hours a day, an Arkansas company named Acxiom, electronically gathers and sorts information about 196 million Americans. Credit card transactions and magazine subscriptions. Telephone numbers and real estate records. Car registrations and fishing licenses. Consumer surveys and demographic details.

What Acxiom does is perfectly legal. Assembling an array of facts from scattered sources. But the phenomenon known as "data warehousing" represents yet another example of how traditional American notions of personal privacy have become obsolete, outstripped by technology's ability to peer into personal lives.

In a flash, these data warehouses can assemble electronic dossiers that give marketers, insurers and in some cases law enforcement a stunningly clear look into an American's needs, lifestyle and spending habits.

Jim Settle, former supervisor of the FBI's National Computer Crimes Squad and now a security consultant says the whole thing is scary. He says it's not the government you need to worry about, it's private industry.

Conclusion…

As a nation, we have all come to accept the fact if you walk down any street or pull up to most any stoplight in your car, there is a camera somewhere watching and or filming. And, if you’re not violating the law, this type of monitoring is a good thing.

But, no matter the reason, for your Cable Company, or anyone to monitor you in every room in your home that has a TV is downright scary. In a sense, this will make us all marketing lab rats. Plus, you really may want to take a hard look at any extra curriculum activities your willing to do in front of the TV in the privacy of your own living room, bathroom and or bedroom.

Look at it this way, don’t do anything you would not want to see the next day on "You Tube." Or, the latest live TV reality show…. Maybe we should all just turn the TV towards the wall….

End Of Story….
 
TiVo’s patent request
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2005-11/tivos-rfid-remote-control-patent/
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ACXIOM
http://www.acxiom.com/products_and_services/digital/Pages/DigitalMarketingServices.aspx

Sam Webber & Jack Swint
PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364

(304) 982-7024

WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Did Federal Agents Halt Former Montgomery Cop From Deploying Back To Iraq

Former Cops Short Career Leaves Long Trail Of Problems
By Sam Webber & Jack Swint ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Former Montgomery Police Officer Matt Leavitt reportedly lost out on a last minute Army deployment back overseas recently in what may have been an attempt to keep from being questioned by authorities investigating him for possible state and federal civil rights violations.
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According to our source, “Leavitt tried to deploy back to Iraq in order to stall state and federal authorities’ investigations into alleged hate crime allegations." And, to also stall any civil liability using the “Veterans Benefit Act of 2002,” which is the older version of the “Soldiers & Sailors Relief Act,” that protects military personnel from civil liability while on active duty. Leavitt is a named defendant in several lawsuits filed by alleged victims that occurred in both Montgomery and Cedar Grove WV.
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Reportedly, federal authorities in WV made some phone calls to the military and requested they delay Leavitt’s deployment.

Serious accusations of police brutality, civil rights and abuse of authority are quickly surfacing in Kanawha and Fayette County WV involving at least two officers from Montgomery. At least 3 civil lawsuits have been filed against Montgomery city police department and one in Cedar Grove. The FBI is said to have interviewed at least one of the former officers whose name keeps resurfacing in every complaint.

And it is also reported the federal grand jury has been hearing evidence on possible charges of civil rights violations.

Who is the officer heading up as the prime abuser in these cases?

Mathew Leavitt

Leavitt has only been a police officer for three years. But, in that short time span he has worked for at least four different departments and been released from them all. All the while being in the military and going back and forth overseas. Why is he losing his jobs? One confidential source who knows Leavitt said he is a “power hungry racist.” Another says he may suffer from “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” from his military duty overseas.

Mathew Leavitt became certified in law enforcement on or about January 6, 2006. Before that, he worked briefly as a correctional officer at the South Central Regional Jail from November 2000 to June 2001 (6months). According to his resume, he has been in the military since 1998 and has training as a machine gunner, paratrooper and intelligence. Up until now, his criminal record only has a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon while at Fort Brag. There are also arrests, but no convictions for a bar fight and a DUI back in the early 2000’s.

He reportedly began his police career in Madison WV, from May 27, 2006 to August 21, 2006 (3months). After a short period of time on the job, he was allowed to resign after an alleged incident with a Madison resident. Leavitt showed up at that person’s home, off duty and intoxicated. According to reports, he began arguing and complaining with the father of a then 13 year old girl that Leavitt felt needed to get control of her bad behavior.

Enough so, that the officer then told the parents in front of the child, that if she did not straighten her life up, she would eventually be performing oral sex for crack cocaine by the age of 15. Before leaving their home, Leavitt reportedly tore the front door off the hinges as he left.

Leavitt next went to work for the Gauley Bridge PD from November 29, 2006 to January 2, 2007 (3months) when he was terminated for being caught asleep at least twice while on duty. It’s reported that one of those times he was observed snoozing by the mayor.

Next stop, Smithers & Montgomery PD from March 30, 2007 until being suspended on September 27, 2008 (18 months). The suspension came one day after an incident alleging police brutality and hate crimes by city resident Twan Reynolds and his wife. Leavitt was suspended the next day for insubordination and failure to follow instructions by his superiors.

At the time, Leavitt was also a part time officer in Cedar Grove WV, where a civil complaint of sexual assault was filed against him by Patricia Oscha. Leavitt stopped her on March 15th 2008 on a traffic stop that led to him reportedly driving her four miles out of his jurisdiction to a mountaintop location across from Riverside High School. Also present was another Cedar Grove officer and a Deputy Sheriff.

Oscha stated Leavitt asked her to have sex with him in exchange for being let go. According to that complaint, she refused his advances while up on the mountaintop and again at the police station where Leavitt was alone with her for approx. 3 hours before charging her with possession of drugs. According to a newspaper account of what occurred, shortly after that incident, Leavitt shipped back out for Iraq, so, the charges against Oscha were dismissed by a magistrate because the officer failed to appear.

Now in 2009, he reportedly re-enlisted, or, asked to go on active duty again and was about to ship out overseas recently when the feds stepped in and requested the Army hold off on his deployment.

According to one private investigator we spoke to, “there is definitely a negative behavior pattern with Leavitt.” According to the complaints filed in court, along with additional citizen’s remarks and even his superior’s statements, “Leavitt is a ticking time bomb.”

Montgomery Police Lt. J.D. Burroughs, who was Leavitt’s superior at the time of at least one incident, stated that both Leavitt and another former officer, Shawn Hutchinson, had numerous complaints from residents against them including racial profiling and harassment to members of the black community. The lieutenant, who is black, had brought this to the attention of the chief of police. But, Burroughs claims nothing ever became of it.

He has since provided a written statement to Twan Reynolds attorney as to what occurred in that incident. Burroughs says he tried to intercede and defuse the situation in September 2008 between Officers Leavitt and Hutchinson who were allegedly abusing two adults, Twan Reynolds (black) and his wife Lauren (white) on the parking lot of the Montgomery 7-11 during a routine traffic stop. Burroughs states that he followed the two officers to the scene and tried to step in telling Leavitt he knew Mr. Reynolds. Burroughs states that at that moment, "Leavitt told me to shut the fuck up. That no one talks to him like that,"

When Hutchinson and Leavitt tried to pull Reynolds from the car and cuff him, Burroughs says he tried again to intercede, but, Leavitt pulled out a small blackjack and hit Reynolds in the face with it. Burrow further stated, “I reached in to pull Leavitt away from Twan. Leavitt then hit Twan in the face with his fist several times. I told Leavitt to stop….He said they would arrest my ass if I didn't step back.” Other reports also say that Leavitt kicked him in the back and sprayed him in the eyes with pepper spray at close range. “All the while defendants Leavitt and Hutchinson were cursing, belittling, humiliating and degrading the plaintiffs and using racially derogatory terms.”

According to Burroughs, Twan & Lauren Reynolds, the situation became even worse at the police department. Burroughs writes that he again tried to step in and… “Then Hutchinson told me to 'get my black ass out of the room or he would arrest me.”

After Mr. Reynolds kissed his wife goodbye in the police station, Leavitt is accused of spraying mace in his own hand, and then rubbing the chemical in Twan Reynolds' face, eyes, and mouth. Leavitt also allegedly licked Mrs. Reynolds on the neck during her interrogation while remarking, “You like it like that don’t you whore.”

Other allegations claim both officers kept a profile on blacks in the community. And, that information was stored in the department’s one computer. According to a motion filed by Reynolds attorney, Mike Clifford, Officers Matthew Leavitt and Shawn Hutchinson “would approach African-Americans and require them to pose for photographs for the purpose of detailing their profiling computer data.” But, Montgomery Chief, Pete Lopez states the list was in reference to a robbery and suspects in that case. Ironically, the computers hard drive crashed before the information could be turned over.

No Outsiders Wanted

Montgomery WV and surrounding small communities on the Kanawha & Fayette County lines have always had infamous notoriety and stories of police, city and even county corruption. But, according to people we talked to, there was very little, if any racial problems in the community until Officer Leavitt came to Montgomery.

One of, if not the most notorious names to come out of the area was one time local businessman & entrepreneur “Al Falbo.” Who, among other things operated one of the more infamous after hours late night establishments across the river in Smithers WV, where folklore tales of bootlegging, gambling and prostitution are still told. All allegedly under police protection.

One person we spoke to said that even Falbo, who was known to operate under police protection, would have never stood by for this type of brutality and harassment of the local folks by police or anyone else. This man went on to say that, “it appears to me that one or two rogue cops ran this entire department using fear tactics and threats. Even against their own superiors.” Why is that??

One 25 year veteran police officer who retired several years ago said on the condition of anonymity, that he felt the chief and city were covering up for the officers, but for separate reasons.

Brian Parsons, who is both the city attorney for Montgomery and an assistant Fayette County Prosecutor, represents the cities interest in case they would have to pay out huge settlements to the victims. Carl Harris, the Fayette County Prosecutor, has commented before that he would like to see these types of problems just worked out from within the departments review & disciplinary process.

Accordingly, Parsons, Harris and Chief Lopez would not want a massive investigation into hate crimes, police brutality or corruption that could bring the feds and other outsiders there snooping around.

Lopez reportedly may have a completely different reason for not wanting anyone nosing around in his jurisdiction.

Here is one possible reason….

It’s not just the numerous personal businesses Lopez operates in the Montgomery area that some residents feel are a conflict to his position as chief. Like the local delivery service, flower shop and more. According to the retired officer, he personally witnessed then Deputy Pete Lopez, and another policeman receive a “sack full of money bound in $1,000 bank wrappers that had to add up to at least $20,000” at a local area auto parts store a few years back.

The retired cop said that the officers were both in uniform, pulled up in a patrol car and were out of their jurisdiction when they entered the business and were handed the bag of money. He claims another patron jokingly asked Lopez “is it payday?” and both officers laughed out loud and then left.

Conclusion

According to Lt. Burroughs of the Montgomery PD, suspended officer Mathew Leavitt and former cop Shawn Hutchinson should never have been police officers in the first place. He also stated in a Charleston Gazette newspaper articles that he had received complaints from the black community about harassment and abuse by the two officers. And, that he reported this to his chief, but nothing ever was done about it.

People we spoke to said before Leavitt arrived in Montgomery there had never really been any unrest between black and or white residents and police. Recently, one resident stated she now felt that it was safe again to get out and take walks in the city without feeling she could be harassed and or in fear of the police.

End Of Story.....

Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364

WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Friday, February 27, 2009

Recalling The Emergency Banking Act Of 1933

Could US History Repeat Itself During These Economic Troubles?
By Sam Webber & Jack Swint ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

Does this sound familiar??…. “Banks are closing their doors, thousands of well known businesses filing for bankruptcy protection, the stock and job markets are at an all time low and the President has one very tough decisions to make that will change the way the US economy and the citizens of this country live for the next forty one years”….. The date, April 5th, 1933

On that date, newly inaugurated President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, which prohibited the “hoarding” of gold by U.S. citizens. Americans were required to turn their gold holdings over to the federal government. Hard to believe such an act occurred?? And, could it happen again?

At the time, Gold coins and gold bullion were private property, just like a person’s automobile, clothing, home, and food. On the mere command of the president of the United States, federal authorities simply confiscated gold holdings that were the private property of the American people and made it a grave federal offense to own such property in the future.

Setting The Stage…

Several days after his inauguration, President Roosevelt ordered a "bank holiday" closing all the banks in the country from Monday March 6 through Thursday March 9. He proclaimed that there was a national emergency caused by "heavy and unwarranted withdrawals of gold and currency." Roosevelt called it "hoarding" by the American public to make it seem like evil or immature behavior. It was the typical politician's ploy of blaming the government's woes on the people's vices.

On March 9, 1933 the Senate passed the “Emergency Banking Act” after very little debate. Reportedly, congress then passed it in 38 minutes without any of them actually getting a chance to read it. This gave the Secretary of the Treasury the power to compel every person and business in the country to relinquish their gold and accept paper currency in exchange at a much lower valued rate.

This also gave FDR unlimited power during times of war or a declared national emergency, such as the Great Depression. Those powers could not be taken away unless the President decided that the national emergency was over.

Penalties For Hoarding Gold….
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Pursuant to Roosevelt’s executive order, anyone caught violating the law was subject to a federal felony conviction, 10 years’ confinement in a federal penitentiary, and a $10,000 fine. Soon after the confiscation, U.S. officials announced that the government would sell its gold in international markets for $35 an ounce, thereby devaluing the dollar by almost 70 percent and immediately earning a potential profit of almost $15 an ounce on the gold it had confiscated.
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Now the only people with a claim to gold in the Treasury were foreigners holding dollars. On January 31, 1934, Roosevelt issued another Executive Order. Here he declared that the dollar was now only 59.06% of its former gold quantum of 23.22 grains. Now the dollar was only worth 13.71 grains of gold.
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The Executive Order of the Emergency Banking Act was finally repealed by President Gerald Ford on December 31, 1974. This allowed Americans to once again purchase gold, as Congress had restored Americans' right to own gold. Prior to that, President Nixon declared that the Dollar no longer would be backed by gold on August 15, 1971.
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Would Americans today allow history to repeat itself?? Probably not. And, at this time, the economy hasn't reached the same catastrophic lows that occurred during the depression. Several people we spoke with stated they believe riots and all out civil unrest would occur. As one person put it, who’s going to want to give up their “BLING.”
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Executive Order 6102 (actual copy)
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FDR's First 100 Days (pictures & info)
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
(304) 982-7024
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Friday, February 20, 2009

Are School Board Officials & The State Department Covering Up Its Knowledge Of Abuse Within The Foreign Exchange Student Program

PART TWO….There Are Heroes Amongst Us
By Jack Swint & Sam Webber... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

According to Wikipedia, The literal meaning of the word hero is a"protector," "defender" or "guardian."

In a sense, we are all victims to this on going problem because the majority of society has been unaware of the facts. Most people have no clue of how these pedophiles are using the exchange program as their new playground for sex games. We only read about the "warm & fuzzy" side of the program with pictures of smiling kids and great experiences.
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But, once we are made aware of the real problem that exists, and do nothing about it, we are no longer innocent victims. We are accessories, for not screaming out for reform and justice for those kids who have already fallen prey, and for the ones who will continue to do so unless things drastically change.
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Everyone who learns of this scandal is appalled and wants justice, but at what point do they become so enraged that they take a vocal & visible stance. For some of us, it takes a tragic event to one of our loved ones before we scream out for justice.
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Bottom line, we need to be pro-active instead of re-active! Case after case of sexual abuse to these teenage students is coming to light every day. How both men and women are preying on the unsuspecting innocence and trust that all kids place in us to not only acclimate them into the ways of our free society, but, more so to protect them from harm.
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In its current state, we are just allowing the delivery of these young students right to the pedophile & predators front doorsteps. In all, 3.3 million children are molested and or raped each year in this country! A large majority are foreign exchange students.
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Sometimes A Story Has To Be Told No Matter The Fallout
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As we stated in last weeks story, Danielle Grijalva, founder of the national group, “Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students,” or, more commonly known as “CSFES,” is definitely a hero in her plight against abuse to exchange students. Her group of 1500 volunteers are the leaders in not only being the clearing house for compiling data on abuse cases, but for also working with these exchange students and their families abroad.
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Her day after day relentless involvement has presented such a thorn in the side of the State Department and exchange student industry on abuse that these companies like, ASSE, AISE and AYUSA, have sought injunctions and even attempted to obtain injunctive relief to force CSFES to provide them information she receives from alleged students as they occur. According to Danielle, “this is nothing more then their attempts to quickly learn who is complaining so that child can be swiftly “re-patronized” (deported) back to their own country before anyone can investigate.
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Grijalva went on to explain the difficulty of tracking these incidents and or any problems within the exchange program. “Therein lays the problem. There is no reporting agency keeping track of this information; there isn't a place for the student placement agencies to document this info, thus no agency for natural parents to research this information to make an informed decision.”
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Recent Students Speaking Out Across America
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These students risked retaliation from their host parents and sponsors for taking a stance to come forward and expose the abuse they received. Up to and including being mentally & physically abused, deported and worse. If these teenagers can find the strength to come forward and put their own selves at further risk, why can’t we as adults intercede and ensure their safety at any cost….
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Hero’s like 16 year old student Jay Satos, of Thailand, who came forward with sordid details of first arriving in the US and learning he had no family sponsor or anywhere to live. Instead of the promise of a home and family, he was met with the horrible prospect of being abandoned. Jay explained in his complaints that for the first 4 weeks of his time spent in America, he was being starved, locked in a basement and his mental & physical condition quickly eroded. His abuser? The area supervisor for the foreign exchange student sponsor! Jay was threatened with deportation for speaking out.
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“SK” of Taiwan, was an exchange student in Kentucky who notified authorities and was rescued from the home of Paul Stone, 54, who later plead guilty to sexually abusing the 15-year-old foreign exchange student.
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Allyson Hodge from Australia was delivered to the home of her “host dad” in Oregon who tried routinely to groom her as his sex slave. He was never convicted of a crime.
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Nicklaus Rassing from Denmark came to California and was raped and molested by his Host Dad who was eventually convicted.
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Christian Fetscher of Germany ended up in Rhode Island where he was being groomed for sex by his Host Dad.
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Jae H. L. of South Korea was molested by his Kansas Host Dad who had multiple prior charges of sex crimes. Sixty eight year old High School Coach Richard Young had taught for the last 47 years in several Kansas schools; he had hosted as many as a dozen foreign-exchange students in his home since 1997, including students from the Netherlands, Bolivia, and Germany.
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The criminal investigation of Young began after then 16-year old Jae's sponsorship was terminated from the exchange program at Young's request. Further investigation revealed additional molestation accusations from Young's three former stepsons, who are now adults; all three testified against Young at his trial. He received 13 years in prison.
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The list goes on and on into the hundreds. Other complaints range from mental abuse to starvation, battery and assault. Student complaint reports tell a story of living in cock-roach infested basements with nothing more then a mattress as furniture to sleep, sit, eat and live on.
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Speaking Out In WV
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Casey King, (pictured to the left) brother of Thomas Scott King, is definitely a hero. He was the first who came forward with a complaint alleging his now 60 year old brother Scott, had repeatedly raped and molested him beginning at the age of 7. From that moment forward, and with Casey’s help, we began to learn that Scott Kings alleged sexual molestation of children went deeper then first thought.
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In a short amount of time, more people began to come forward with startling information how this former teacher-principal was also sexually abusing teens in the foreign exchange student program. All while working in the WV school system. We then learned that Scott King had been transferred from school to school around the state each time an incident occurred involving him and a student.
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Finally, after a 1996 conviction in Fayette County WV for contributing to the delinquency of a miner, the Board of Education had no choice but to force Thomas Scott King (pictured to the left) to resign and relinquish his ability to ever teach again in this state. But, the school administration failed to take that final step and report him to authorities.
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At least two confirmed complaints against Scott King were made to the board of education and or other officials:
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Timo Beinhorn claims that Scott King took him and another boy to a ballgame and afterwards spent the night in a motel. Timo went on to allege he awoke to find himself naked, while Scott was standing over him taking pictures.
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German foreign exchange student and victim, Ben Vinzraff, claims Scott King tried to molest him while living with the principal. Vinzraff states that King came into his bedroom on several occasions and tried forcing himself on the student. Finally, one night, the boy had to run naked from the house and seek refuge at a friend’s home.
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WV Citizens Beginning To Take A Stand
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Hester Keatley, (retired school counselor)
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Former Matewan school counselor, Hester Keatley, has years of training in both helping abused children and in recognizing the signs of an abuser. Ms Keatley is so well respected in the school system that she is still asked to train new counselors.
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She worked for Thomas Scott King when he spent a short time as Principal there in 1989-1990. What did her training and instincts tell her??? “He knew that I knew what he was doing to those boys.” And, "He always had a foreign exchange student in his home. He constantly had groups of boys with him at all times.
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"I knew he was an evil man." Her observations became more then just suspicions; enough so that she went to the school board. But, they took no visible official action. Soon afterward, Scott King was moved to another school district.
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Hester said that she worried about Kings then teenage son Justin, who was a sophomore when he came to Matewan. “He displayed signs of a child who may have been sexually abused himself.” Does that seem so hard to believe? Scott Kings own brother, Casey, is the person who first came forward with the accusations his older brother Scot raped and molested him at the age of 7.
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“I hope and pray he pays for the damages he has done to all the innocent boys. I hope he is hung by the balls.”
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Amanda B (former student of Scott Kings)
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Amanda came forward and asked that we not use her last name. She was a student at Lewis County High School while Scott King was principal. Amanda claims that at first, she just thought he “was weird.” Then in a short amount of time, she realized the principal was far more interested in boys then he should be.
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She told us how Principal King was the first in the county to have exchange students come and live with him, even though he lived alone because his wife divorced him. And, that Scott King targeted more then just foreign exchange students. She said King was also over the schools ROTC program.
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She admitted knowing about the alleged incident where Ben Vinzraff claimed King had abused him. She recalls after the alleged incident that involved Vinzraff, and another exchange student, Principal King just disappeared. “One day he was there, the next day he was not.” Reportedly Scott King tried to molest Vinzraff who escaped into the night.
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Anthony Serreno
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Then there is the prominent local attorney from Charleston WV, who has to be commended, and called a hero for coming forward with information he says must be told. This officer of the court is definitely a hero in the eyes of every child who has ever been abused.
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On February 11, 2009, Attorney Anthony Serreno contacted Casey King by phone to share crucial information he claims is personal knowledge about a pedophile network operating within WV. Anthony says he had known this information for a short time, and that he wants to bring it all out into the open.
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He also claimed that a well known Judge, and another attorney, who is possibly a former assistant county prosecutor, can both corroborate and or also want to share information they have knowledge of. In the interest of justice, and over Casey King’s objection, we elected to proceed with the information that Casey provided us in regards to their conversations.
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In closing, we all know someone who has at one time or another been abused in their life. Looking back we can’t stop what happened to them. Looking forward, we can make a difference by taking a stance to stop any further abuse to children around the world who come to America.
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Become that hero!……
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End Of Story……
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
PO Box 40511
Charleston WV 25364
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Contact:

Casey King - (843) 450-6482 or mbsingledad@aol.com

Danielle Grijalva – (760) 295-0716 or dgrijalva@csfes.org
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Want to know if PEDOPHILES and other sex offenders live near you?
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http://www.familywatchdog.us/
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March 4th, 2009 California newspaper article on Thomas Scott King
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http://www.daily49er.com/opinion/foreign_students_made_sex_slaves-1.1593782

Helpful Links

http://www.csfes.org/home.php

http://www.child-safe.org.uk/

http://www.childhelp.org/

http://www.rainn.org/

http://www.findcounseling.com/journal/child-abuse/pedophile.html

http://www.wvstatepolice.com/
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Friday, February 13, 2009

Is WV Part Of A National Pedophile Network Exploiting Foreign Exchange Students

What The State Department & Exchange Student Industry Don't Want You To Know.....
By, Jack Swint & Sam Webber ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

PART ONE of our two part story takes you first inside of a multi million dollar industry known on the surface as the National Foreign Exchange Student Program.

The original concept and intent is easy; it's a program that became popular after WWII in which a student, typically in secondary or higher education, chooses to live in a foreign country to learn, among other things, the language and culture. America sponsors approximately 30,000 a year.

Below the surface, a dark side has evolved that has allowed pedophiles, rapists and common thieves to infiltrate this program and use it as a black market sex slave network that preys on children that we invited into our country.

What's most alarming is that you can actually go online and order up the student of your choice. View their picture, read their bio and then pick that child to be delivered to your doorstep. (link below) It’s like the old Burger King commercial where you can have it "your way." Some predators who have been arrested and convicted of sex crimes against exchange students admit they pre-picked their teen because they wanted to have sex with that specific one.

Example: Convicted predators like Frank Swiderski (OH), Peter Ruzzo (CA), and Richard Young (KS), have, in one form or another admitted the desire to have sex with their exchange student simply upon seeing their photo. Ruzzo even considered it a challenge. He accomplished it too.

In West Virginia, the exchange program has also fallen prey to students being groomed for sex and violence by a criminal element that has cloaked itself in the form of sponsors, supervisors and host parents. In our state alone, a pedophile network exists that includes pedophiles in at least Kanawha, Cabell, McDowell and Fayette Counties.

Do officials at the board of education know of this problem within the exchange program?? Yes, sources tell us numerous complaints are on file and sealed within the WV State Board of Education that date back years. At least one former teacher-principal had to resign because of his pedophile-rapist acts that the board concealed to head off a scandal. Thomas Scott King was moved around from county to county school systems until they had to finally force his resignation.

He still is a host parent and sponsor today. But, over the years he has become involved in a network of pedophiles operating not only in WV, but across the country and abroad. According to records we obtained, West Virginia hosted approximately 180 exchange students in 2008. Thomas Scott King had at least 3 of those kids living in his home.

This is not a problem of just a few bad apples ruining the student exchange program. It has become the new nation wide port of entry for pedophiles to prey on kids.

On The National Level

To most of us we think of the Foreign Exchange Student Program as a chance for teens to come to America and attend our schools and live with host families in the country most foreigners consider the land of freedom and great opportunities. At least that is what the pamphlets, brochures and websites from the business that operate these programs detail.

What they don't admit or advertise is that, just in the US alone, this is a multi million dollar industry that generates from $9,000 to $22,000 per student per year. They also hide the fact that some really bad people are intentionally destroying a really good program that was once held beyond reproach.

It’s not just about sex. Some host families and sponsors have been convicted of crimes from petty theft to extortion. Several documented cases show that students were placed in the homes of parolee's with criminal convictions for aggravated assault/robbery and accusations of rape. A retired parole officer in Eugene, Oregon confirmed during a 3-year period supervising sex offenders of five instances of them gaining access to new child victims by becoming hosts to foreign students.

The retired officer, stated in a report….. “I learned of 5 instances of sex offenders, in this county, gaining access to new child victims by becoming hosts of foreign students. One was convicted of molesting a 16 year-old Japanese girl. Another convicted sex offender hosted a 17 year-old Japanese boy, but the boy returned home before he could be questioned to determine if he was abused. Another convicted rapist hosted a 18 year-old Japanese girl; she stayed in his home only a few days before the situation became known to authorities and girl was removed, but not before the rapist began touching her inappropriately (grooming behavior, a prelude to raping her.) A year later, this same rapist was accepted by a host organization to host a 16 year-old Thai girl.”

Some students arrive in the US with no hosts; no schools and they are placed in trailer parks and motels or live (contrary to regulations) with coordinators. They are paraded around shopping centers looking for potential hosts.

So, what government entity oversees the entire program?? The U.S. State Department, who in turn rely on the same organizations that are making millions of dollars each year. When faced with a serious complaint, the government agencies stance has routinely been that it is a "contractual dispute" with the student’s family and youth exchange organization.

Who tries to oversee all of this?? Watchdog associations and concerned citizens like Danielle Grijalva, founder of the organization, "Committee of Safety for Foreign Exchange Students." Danielle says the problem is just too big. And, it appears on the surface that one reason no one really wants to address it because so much money is being made in this growing industry. Her efforts have paid off; their organization is now comprised of over 1,500 CSFES volunteers from across the globe. Even their press releases are now translated and appear in over 35 newspapers internationally.

Before becoming an advocate for the abused, Danielle was first an area representative for the Center for Cultural Interchange, a foreign exchange student program based in St. Charles, Ill. She helped find host families for students studying in the U.S., securing high school placement for them as well as advising them on local culture and customs. She is now the watchdog of those people who prey on those innocent students we have invited to our country like the spider to the fly.

Then on Sept. 20, 2004, she learned about what she calls "the dark side" of the foreign exchange program. A 16-year-old exchange student from France sat in her living room and told her that within a month of his arrival his host father photographed him when he was sleeping, showed him online pornography and offered him alcohol. Grijalva instincts as a mother took over and she looked for help from everyone she could think of: local police, employers, school administrators. The more she researched, the more she learned that abuse at the hands of host families or individuals, across the world, was a silent problem.

More than 30,000 students arrive in the U.S. each year through foreign-exchange programs. Grijalva believes abuse can go unreported due to language barriers, cultural differences and student fears that visas may be taken away. Some students have been told if they make a complaint, they will be deported in less then 72 hours. And, they will be sent home in shame.

"I began to ask questions," she said. ". . . These were invisible victims."

In 2006, Danielle began obtaining complaints. Right away she documented 54 cases of sexual abuse and even extortion. The state department had only reported 5 cases of sexual abuse for that time period. After her inquiries for copies of those complaints, the state department reluctantly added 20 additional cases of alleged abuse.

The state department claims they have invoked stronger policies in placing students with host families and or sponsors such as a criminal background check. But, as statistics show, most pedophiles and predators have never been convicted of a crime. Some are the pillars of the community concealing their deep dark secrets. Sources we spoke to say some background checks had only consisted of providing 3 references.

Complaints from students being raped, sodomized, beaten and robbed are rampant across the United States and have begun escalating over the past 6 years. Stories have echoed back from parents of the children after returning to their homeland questioning if this type of behavior is common in our society.

If a student or parent's complaint makes it up the ladder to overseeing agencies like AYUSA International, a standard response comes in the form of a "warning letter" to deter any further problems. Reading between the lines, one may decipher this letter as a "shut up", or you will be dealt with accordingly. Up to and including deportation."

We obtained one such warning letter that states to a student complaining of abuse.... "Consequently, the purpose of this letter is to inform you that you are officially on warning with AYUSA and to clarify with you what we expect of you as an AYUSA student. Failure to make an effort to change your behavior/attitude will result in being placed on probation with the AYUSA program." That letter goes on to say, "…. you were selected for this program because we believe that you have the maturity and capability to deal with the demands of a year in the United States. AYUSA expects that you will take this warning letter very seriously and will make strides toward changing your attitude and behavior and completing a successful year in the U.S. We anticipate that you will act, for the remainder of your stay, in a manner befitting an AYUSA student and a junior ambassador of Montenegro.

In the end, the student was sent home early after posting complaints online of the abuse. To add insult to injury, when a student is returned home early, these companies refuse to refund the parents money.

State & Federal lawsuits against companies s like ASSE, AISE & AYUSA have exposed the reported ongoing problems of abuse and how these companies fail to follow federal statutes that are in place to protect such acts from occurring. But, these types of legal actions can take years to make it into the judicial system. By then, the damage is done, and the student has returned back to their country and is trying to deal with the trauma and disgrace we subjected them to. Reports confirm some teens become suicidal; self mutilate themselves, withdrawal from society and even horde food which demonstrates possible starvation tactics had been used on them to submit to their abuser.

More and more arrests and convictions are occurring. In 90% of the cases, the victim knew their assailants. Sadly enough, statistics show that the majority of offenders are the teachers & other school officials who these kids placed all of their trust in!!!

Exchange Students In WV

In November of 2008 we published an expose on former WV teacher & principal Thomas Scott King. His brother, Casey, came forward with overwhelming and shocking information how his older brother had raped and molested him from the age of 7 years old. Last year, Casey went to the WV state police with his complaint. Casey King's motivation?? To finally face those demons of what his now 60 year old brother had done to him. And, more so, to stop this man who reportedly continues to prey on young teens for his deviant sexual gratification today.

Unfortunately, the WV trooper investigating that complaint retired. To date, no one has resumed the investigation. We have been advised that the new WV Police Commander, Colonel Pack, has spoken to State Police Captain Schoolcraft on or about Tuesday February 10, 2009, and that Schoolcraft and Pack have discussed the filed complaint on Thomas Scott King.

Scott King was considered a hero among students. According to one source, who at the time attended Welch Jr. High, "He was the cool teacher who always bought us booze and took us to WVU ballgames and many school trips." He went on to say that all of these boys were 13 to 15 at the time and that "we didn't know what a pedophile was."

Since that November story, we have continued to investigate and gather information on the fact that, even though Scott King had to resign his teaching credentials years ago for alleged sex abuse, he has remained a member in great standing with the national and local levels of the Foreign Exchange Student Program. He is not just a host dad and sponsor any longer, King is now also a part of a state wide network of pedophiles, some who are prominent and well respected in the community.

He has climbed the ladder in this multi-million dollar profit industry and joined the ranks of hosts and sponsors that are better known as a "high placer." Danielle Grijalva explained to us the open door possibilities and perks of being a "high placer." Especially, if the host and sponsor has criminal intent.

"There are many volunteers, local coordinators, regional coordinators, directors, etc., within the student exchange community. All are usually responsible for locating and securing host families and high schools for an exchange student.

For those volunteers, coordinators, directors, etc., who go 'above and beyond' by placing thirty, forty or fifty (plus) exchange students, they are nicknamed and referred to in this community as a "high placer." When you consider that the natural parents of these prospective exchange students will spend approx. $8,000 to $22,000 to study abroad as a J1 participant, a "high placer" becomes very lucrative to the agency they work/volunteer for. Many student exchange agencies are very protective of their "high placers" and stand behind most every move they make."

According to official records, King has hosted as a parent, supervised or sponsored children from the following countries. Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Holland, Hungry, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey & Yugoslavia.

Next Friday at 2pm…. Hear from Scott King s victims, and learn the names of prominent & respected people in WV who want to come forward because they know of the inner workings of a multi-county pedophile network.
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Learn what Scott Kings former students & school faculty members really thought of him.

Read how one former student allegedly recalls waking up naked in a bedroom located in Scott Kings home and having to flee into the night and seek refuge at a neighbors home. Another student from Welch, reportedly was provided alcohol by King and awoke in a motel to find himself naked while King was standing over him taking pictures…

End Of Part One.....

Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
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Anyone who has questions or information concerning abuse within the Foreign Exchange Student Program is asked to e-mail or call : ... Danielle Grijalva ... dgrijalva@csfes.org ... (760) 295-0716
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Original story on Thomas Scott King
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http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/11/wv-state-police-investigating-former.html
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Example of websites that allow you to match & pick your choice of child
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http://www.aspectfoundation.org/ex_profiles/student_profile_search.html
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http://www.aspectfoundation.org/ex_profiles/ca/UY9-GER-005-F.html ..(Student & Picture)
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Committee For Safety Of Foreign Exchange Student Website
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http://www.csfes.org/page4.html
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Foreign Exchange Organizations With The Highest Complaints & Lawsuits
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http://www.aspectfoundation.org/
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http://www.asse.com/
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http://www.ayusa.org/
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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Will Governor Buy New SUV's For Division Of Highway Supervisors Instead Of Work Trucks?

Did Manchin Agree To Buy New Vehicles For DOH Supervisors & Larry Puccio?
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According to statehouse employee's, the governor is planning to purchase new SUV type vehicles for all DOH supervisors, but refuses to purchase much needed trucks used to actually maintain the highways in everything from construction, salting roads to general upkeep.
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One witness says, "Manchin wants to replace the supervisor’s vehicles that are still practically new and only average 60,000 miles on the odometers. The dump trucks and other similar vehicles are literally falling apart...Some actually have holes in the floorboards."
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"Why not, goes along with his new custom tailored airplane that the state is paying for and he is unofficially flying."
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Also, the governors chief of staff, Larry Puccio, is reported to be driving a new state gas guzzling SUV to and from his home in Fairmont each week. One source said Puccio is only working from noon Monday to noon on Thursday at the capitol. He then reportedly heads north up I-79 for long weekends that include working at his private company that has enjoyed making money from state contracts appraising property.
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End Of Story...
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
P.O. Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
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Monday, February 2, 2009

Tri-State Casino Owner Danny Adkins On Hot Seat In Former Employee Embezzlement Trial In Michigan

Updated...2/4/2009....Former Hartman & Tyner payroll clerk, 42 year old Hanan Dallo, was found GUILTY in the Oakland County Circuit Court in Michigan on embezzlement charges. She was accused of being involved in a 4 million dollar swindle in which she approved phony construction work orders in a scheme from 2004 to 2007. She worked for the company 20 years. The Jury began deliberating Tuesday afternoon and returned the guilty verdict today.

In his opening argument, prosecutor Don Novy said Dallo was in cahoots with the owner of a company called USA Construction, which submitted the bogus invoices for work that was never done on properties owned by Hartman & Tyner.

According to the Daily Tribune Newspaper, her attorney, Mark Satawa, told the jury that while Dallo’s name and password were used to change purchase orders, there was no evidence found on Dallo’s work station or computer to link her to the alleged crimes. He said more than 150 people had access to Hartman & Tyner’s accounting system.

Hartman & Tyner Vice President, Danny Adkins, who is well known in Charleston WV as the owner of the Tri-State Casino in Cross Lanes, took the stand first for the prosecution and was grilled by defense attorney Satawa concerning other allegations of fraud and embezzlement that has also occurred at Tri-State Casino. Adkins is alleged to be personally caught up in those reported schemes.

According to our source at the trial, Satawa asked Adkins numerous questions about the contents and allegations against Adkins that are contained in stories that this news website, West Virginia News, posted over the past several months (links are below). Satawa asked Adkins about any involvement he personally had regarding alleged tax evasion, fraud, embezzlement, mishandling of funds, over payments and at least one dummy corporations to funnel monies to avoid taxes.

Adkins denied the allegations while under oath and stated it was just a vendetta against him written on a local WV news blog “by two individuals who probably do not even exist.” When asked if the dummy corporation “Florida Racing Services” described in our story that was used to siphon off money actually existed, Adkins reportedly admitted "yes."

Her attorney says Hanan Dallo is steadfast to her innocence in the alleged scheme and felt she would be found innocent of the charges. He also said that the case against his client was highly circumstantial evidence. The most damaging evidence were the bank statements that showed Dallo received nine hundred thousand plus dollars in the same time period.

Dallo stated the money did come from the USA Construction Company owner whom she was having an affair with. She did not take the stand in her defense.

As we reported in our news stories on Hartman & Tyner and the Tri-State Casino, former GM Chris Brewer told this author that the same type of over payments and questionable work orders were submitted for payment at that casino during the same time period. But, she refused to sign them until Danny Adkins approved them first.
Brewer felt at the time something was not right with the requests, and she did not want to end up someones scapegoat.

Ironically, and what could be construed as either a coincident or “schmoozing” in a time of need, Hartman & Tyner recently donated 5 million dollars to a local Michigan hospital shortly before Ms Dallo’s trial was to begin. Ironically again, when Danny Adkins was called in front of the Kanawha County Commission in late 2008 to explain why Tri-State casino had not kept to their promise of building a hotel, table games and at least a thousand new jobs; he generously handed the Arts center in Charleston $100,000 cash right before the commission meeting began in an effort to calm down the three commissioners and upset county residents.

Danny Adkins, along with other Hartman & Tyner executives have sat in the trial each day.
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When the verdict was announced, Hanan Dallo was taken into custody and is now awaiting sentencing. She faces 10 years in prison. A civil court proceeding is also pending that was filed by Hartman & Tyner who are suing her for thirteen million dollars. Dallo has also filed for bankruptcy.
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Her son says she will appeal the conviction....

End Of Story…..

Sam Webber & Jack Swint
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364

E-Mail
WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/09/casino-financial-reports-show-millions.html

http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/09/auditors-admit-calculating-errors-on.html

http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/09/former-lobbyist-owns-bragging-rights-on.html

Daily Tribune Story On Trial
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http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2009/01/28/news/doc49806f1f686d5207511507.txt

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Could Earl Ray Tomblin Become The Next U.S. Senator From WV

Is Earl Ray Tomblin Our Next U.S. Senator?
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Inside sources at both the state capital and Senator Jay Rockefeller’s office confirmed to this author off the record that WV State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin could be Robert Byrd’s replacement when the time comes. And, whether you like the man or not, he is very well qualified. Outside of the scrutiny that this news website has written about him, Tomblin has remained out of the crosshair sights of any official state or federal probes. Can the governor say that?
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“Everyone expects Governor Manchin to step up and take Senator Byrd’s seat.” Explained one source. “No one is publicly considering that Earl Ray Tomblin may just be the man who ends up in Washington DC.” In reality, that is a very possible scenario and could be one reason Tomblin is keeping himself so low key and has even distanced himself from anyone who could portray him in a bad light.
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The Good….
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If you compare Tomblin against the governor, he is better qualified in every aspect of government experience. And, according to most statehouse officials & employees, “Earl Ray runs the state now.”
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The Logan Standard Newspaper & the majority of residents in Logan County feel Tomblin is an “icon” and a hometown boy. A story published on February 18, 2008 states “There may be some folks that are jealous of what State Senator Earl Ray Tomblin has done for his native Logan County. But that's probably those in surrounding counties, that aren't getting the projects and funds they think they should.”
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From bringing millions of dollars to the economic development in West Virginia, to what he has estimated to be “$2 billion for infrastructure and the School Building Authority.” When comparing his accomplishments in politics to those of Senator Byrd, one has to be impressed with what he has actually done for this state.
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There are no facts or rumors floating around the state of any infidelities to his marriage or known extravagant spending of monies for airplanes, motorcycles or alcohol problems. Yes, his father has a felony record, but, as an e-mail to us from Tomblin stated, that is his father, not him.
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The Bad….
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Over the past several months this website has exposed facts that show Earl Ray Tomblin is alleged to be involved in everything from cruelty to animals through his association with the families operation of their greyhound racing enterprise, to paying off bribe money to obtain passage of state legislation.
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Then there is Tomblins possible illegal association with former lobbyist Roger White and Tri-State Casino owner Danny Adkins which raised questions of an alleged under the table payoff’s through “point enhancing,” to over pay selected greyhound racing association members from his father, Earl Sr. & Roger White, may be a focus of federal prosecutors.
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He has been accused by some of his own colleagues of controlling & manipulating them to vote his way whether they believe it is the right decision or not. If you look at the numerous committee’s & chair positions Tomblin is a member of it is easy to see how he is able to control the day to day operation of the state. Is that illegal or unethical? We think so, but, according to the ethics committee (which he indirectly over see’s) it does not violate any state laws…..
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The Ugly....
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Neither Tomblin nor Joe Manchin is without their faults. Both have questionable dealings that may or may not be part of state and federal investigations. Both have allegedly used their power and influence for their own gain.
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But, it’s our opinion that Manchin is more of the opportunist who is out for himself, family and friends, at the cost of the state & residents. Tomblin has actually done a lot of good for West Virginia.
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Neither men will ever live up to, or be able to stand beside Senator Byrd as a politician, or for the numerous accomplishments that he made for this state over the decades in both state and federal politics.
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In Conclusion....
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Either Manchin or Tomblin will assume Senator Byrd’s seat in the U.S. Congress. When weighing out the experience & accomplishments from their alleged misdeeds, Tomblin is the clear choice. Tomblins bio actually reads like a man who has not only positioned himself in every possible seat of power in WV, but, also of a man destined for more then local state government has to offer. It does appear that “This small town guy, who has been successful, but never forgets his roots.”
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Here is Tomblins biography. (taken from the WV State website)
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“EARL RAY TOMBLIN (D) of Chapmanville, Logan County (7th Dist.). Elected to the House of Delegates in 1974, 1976 and 1978. Elected to the Senate in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. Chairman, Committee on Confirmations, 1981-84. Senate Majority Whip and Chairman, Energy, Industry and Mining Committee, 67th Legislature. Finance Chairman, 68th, 69th, 70th and 71st Legislatures. Elected January 11, 1995, as the 48th President of the Senate; reelected in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007.
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He is the longest serving Senate President in West Virginia's history. On the national Board of Directors of the Senate Presidents' Forum, Chairman, ex officio, Committee on Rules, Cochairman, Joint Committee on Government and Finance, Commission on Special Investigations, Joint Committee on Rules. Born March 15, 1952, in Logan County; son of Earl and Freda (Jarrell) Tomblin. Education: West Virginia University (BS); Marshall University (MBA); University of Charleston. Married September 8, 1979, to Joanne Jaeger; son: Brent Jaeger.
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Self-employed Businessman. Former School Teacher. Presbyterian. Member, Kappa Alpha; Honorary Doctorate, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College; Logan County Development Authority. Listed in Who's Who in American Politics; Outstanding Young Men in America. Chairman, Southern Legislative Conference, 1999; Member, Executive Committee and Cochairman of Finance Committee, Council of State Governments (CSG). Member, Executive Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Chairman, WV 2000 Committee.
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Became state first Lieutenant Governor under the provisions of Chapter 169, Acts, Regular Session, 2000. Elected Vice-chairman of the National Council of State Governments (CSG),the umbrella organization for the Southern Governors Association, 2004, and became chairman in December 2005. Tomblin is the first West Virginian ever selected on this leadership track.
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Its clear to see that Tomblins career is far from over. He will continue to support and serve the people of Logan County. And regardless of how far his political career may take him, you have to admit that he has not forgotten his roots in Logan County.
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http://loganstandard.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=15&ArticleID=58&TM=51951.5
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End Of Story....
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Story written by...
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
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westvirginianews@gmail.com
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Saturday, January 3, 2009

WV Lottery Officials Covertly Take Over Racing Commission Financial Records

Lottery Commission Sources Claim They Are “Assisting” Because Of A Financial Crisis Inside The Racing Division .
by, Jack Swint & Sam Webber ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com

Our source inside of the WV Lottery confirmed Friday that the governor ordered Commissioner John Musgrave (pictured to the left) to have his staff begin covertly working side by side with the racing commission and start examining and securing financial records as former racing commission auditor, Joe Cuomo, resigns after thirty plus years service. “The state doesn’t want anyone to know about this yet?”

Cuomo, who reportedly was forced out after state officials began questioning problems within the racing divisions finances, left the agency very quietly. In fact, the same source said Cuomo refused to answer questions and or explain his auditing –bookkeeping operations during several meetings with lottery and state officials.

This last action by Cuomo only strengthens beliefs that he was forced to resign amid new lawsuits against the racing commission and poor audit reports that even the governor and other high ranking state officials have been aware of for at least the past 10 years.

Audit reports we obtained from the state show a distinct pattern that even their own auditing division referred to as "very poor bookkeeping and procedures."

The lottery commission has been scouring through reports, financial statements, bank accounts and any other records available for 2 weeks. How have they been able to just walk into another agencies department and basically take over? According to lottery personnel we spoke to,

“they are using the excuse that the lottery commissioner offered them help because of all of the confusion since Cuomo refused to co-operate in meetings and exit interviews.”

Its no secret that the governor and others are planning on dissolving the racing commission into a new division known as the “gaming commission” which will either be a new entity, or apart of the actual lottery commission. Speculation also is evident that not long afterwards, live WV greyhound and thoroughbred racing will be a thing of the past.

“Simulcasting from other racetracks across the country is where this is all headed” claims one lawmaker we spoke to off the record. “Nothing in the law says there has to be live racing in WV, just racing at the casinos.” What would happen if the state does away with live racing? “First, the state will save millions of dollars in payouts to the greyhound and thoroughbred association members, breeders, track officials, judges and right on down the line.”

Then there are the “millions of dollars a year upkeep for tracks, equipment, and personnel to operate them.” Both the new gaming commission and casinos will increase their profits also.
Who loses?? All of the members of the greyhound & horse members, owners, breeders, trainers, and anyone associated with it.

For now, its all in the planning stages. What is real and occurring is the lottery has secretly taken over the financial ends of the racing commission along with one outside “consultant” who has some background already with the day to day operation of the bookkeeping procedures that Joe Cuomo left behind.

Is it a conflict of interest and unethical for the lottery to now oversee the financial records and monies being paid to the racing commission? "It's a huge conflict" according to our source. "the lottery is responsible for receiving money from the casino's and then dividing it up to the state agencies, counties & cities across WV. Now, they are overseeing the finances of one of the agencies they provide these funds to. It could be like the fox watching the hen house."

"Its also in violation of current state statute. But, we hear the governor & legislatures are getting ready top change the law."

(To view WV Lottery Income Reports.... Click on link below then open excel zip file on lower left corner.)

http://www.state.wv.us/lottery/vidsum.htm

End Of Story......

Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364

WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Is WV Racing Audit Director Resigning Amid New Class Action Lawsuit

Is The Governor & Other Officials Forcing Joe Cuomo To Retire Early?
by Jack Swint & Sam Webber ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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Joseph Cuomo has been with the WV Racing Commission since 1997. At the end of this month he will call it quits after thirty plus years service. In all, his dedication and service to the state is highly commendable. But, according to our credible source in the governor’s staff, Joe Cuomo was put into a position that he would most likely retire at the end of the year. And that is exactly what happened. His last day is December 31, 2008.
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This comes as the racing commission is about to come under fire from yet another civil lawsuit being filed by the Charleston law firm of Bell & Bands on behalf of greyhound association member Marena Riggins and all others concerned. Or, what is commonly referred to as a “class action” claim.
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Marena Riggins hired Bell & Bands after using her own auditor who conducted an extensive search of the financial reports and other records made available by the state. The Attorney General & Racing Commission Chairman, Fred Petticord, received a 30 day notice from attorney William Bands on November 26th, 2008 as required under WV statute 55-17-3 which gives the state advance notice of pending litigation.
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This would not be the first complaint of this nature filed against the racing commission and or Joe Cuomo. There is at least one other claim pending in Kanawha County Circuit Court filed by Sam Burdette, who is the president of the WV greyhound association.
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Years of state audits conducted within the legislature and outside firms have noted numerous documented complaints against the racing commission and Cuomo for poor operation controls, auditing and accounting procedures. According to reports and other documents we obtained over the past four months utilizing the states FOI requests, this is a longstanding problem. Most of the noted errors by state and private auditors were never corrected by Cuomo or the commission even though each audit report routinely exposed them and the commission agreed to comply.
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According to Riggins beliefs, the pending suit will claim that through Cuomo, who is the person responsible for auditing and ensuring accurate payments to the WV breeders, failed to calculate & pay millions of dollars in monthly payments partially due to Riggins and other members.
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A minimum of 12 million dollars has allegedly been underpaid by the racing commission since at least the past 5-6 years. And it could be higher depending on how far back the suite claims the problem existed. Bell & Bands is bringing in a forensic auditor to determine the exact amounts and dates. This litigation could eventually take on a broader scope by joining with the WV horse racing association members if it is determined they to were underpaid.
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According to our prior conversations with attorney William Bands, it is not their contention at this time that any money has been stolen. They feel it is just poor bookkeeping and are hoping the state just corrects the problem for the past, present and future.
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It should also be noted that the state legislative auditing division and the governor has been well aware of the ongoing problems within the racing commission since both have copies of the states findings and reports from outside auditing firms.
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In other racing commission news, Deputy Attorney General Christie Utt, resigned her position as legal counsel for the racing commission last month. Attorney Utt has also been in several controversies regarding the handling of legal matters involving the racing commission and pending litigation. It’s not known at this time where the Attorney General has reassigned her duties.
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Continuous and ongoing problems from within the racing division is leading lawmakers to turn over their total control to a “gaming commission” in the near future. Fears & rumors are circulating that this is a pretense to the state eliminating live racing for the greyhounds and horses in WV. It would evolve into each casino just live broadcasting races from other tracks around the country on big screen TV’s. Betting would still occur and money generated.
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In fact, there are new allegations circulating that this would also lead to the governor approving a bill to allow off-track betting establishments across the state. Some people we spoke with feel that dissolving away the racing commission will allow state officials to forever bury any financial wrongdoings that have occurred over the years.
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End Of Story....
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
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Thursday, December 4, 2008

From WV Statehouse Double Dipping To Late Night Parties And More

Four Behind The Scenes Stories From Statehouse Employee's
by Jack Swint & Sam Webber .... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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1. Will Governors Plan To Close Any Double-Dipping Loophole Include His Chief Of Staff Larry Puccio?
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Larry Puccio is currently the WV governor’s Chief of Staff. He is also partner with Fairmont native, Linda York. Together, they have a business called “Puccio & York.” Both have managed to cover every angle to ensure their ability to control everything from selling real estate, appraising, to WV State guaranteed mortgage loans. Has Mr. Puccio, & Linda York each created a conflict of interest? You decide.
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Besides being the governor’s Chief of Staff, Puccio has been a licensed realtor since April 1990. He is also on the WV Housing Development Fund Board, and according to Adolla Miller, he is the Chairman. According to their website, the HDF was established to develop and improve housing opportunities for WV residents. ( http://www.wvhdf.com/homebuyers/ )
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His business partner, Linda York, is the Chairperson over the WV Appraisal Board. Like with the HDF, the governor appoints each member. So, Manchin has appointed both Larry Puccio & Linda York to these positions. ( http://www.wvappraiserboard.org/ )
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And, if that is not enough, Puccio & York are allowed to submit state bids to be awarded contracts from the state worth thousands of dollars in state funds and your tax dollars! Most recently, they submitted a bid to appraise property for the state worth hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
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Has Larry Puccio given a whole new meaning to “insider trading?” How about the most recently used term of “double dipping?” It all depends on who you ask. According to the State Ethics Commission, Larry Puccio has not crossed any ethics violations or conflict of interest issues. That was supposedly all worked out back in 2005 when he was granted what they call a “Blind Trust.”
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To the rest of us, this is just a new terminology for another legal “loophole” It appears that politicians use this blind trust agreement a lot in order to protect their secondhand business ventures. Here is a legal synopsis of what this “trust” document is about.
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“A blind trust is a particular type of trust in which the executor or other kind of responsible fiduciary third party is empowered to administer the business of the trust without any input from the beneficiary. Along with granting full management discretion, the blind trust also prevents the administrator from providing any information about the day to day operations of the trust to the beneficiary.
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Blind trusts can be very helpful when an individual wishes to avoid any conflict of interest as a result of business assets by transferring the assets in question into a blind trust and granting control of the assets to the executor or an administrator through a power of attorney. Politicians often find a blind trust is an excellent means of managing personal assets.
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This is especially the case when running for an office, or, accepting an appointment to responsibilities that involve the administration of government funds to the private sector. The arrangement ensures that the politician will not be able to engage in acquiring personal gain as a result of his or her position and eliminates speculation about any conflicts of interest”….. Yada, yada, yada.
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In laymen’s terms? This blind trust is a nothing more then a SAVINGS ACCOUNT for when Puccio decides to get out of politics.
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The governor has said one of the first things he will do when taking office again in January 2009 is close the loopholes that allow double dipping. Does this mean situations like this, too???
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That being said, here is something else that needs to be addressed that may explain why Larry Puccio loves this arrangement working for the governor and his appraisal business. An “anonymous source” recently mailed us documents showing one state bid that Puccio & York submitted in August 2008. The bid number was “TAX09001” and requested sealed bids to appraise property in different WV counties.
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Puccio & York submitted actual written bids along with 9 other companies. (Links are below). First thing that appeared odd, everyone but Larry Puccio’s company filled out worksheets the state provided. This show’s how each bidder came up with the dollar amount they believed would cost to complete the work. Puccio & York just wrote in an amount with no explanation.
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That in itself is nothing alarming. But, when we averaged out the amounts of the bids against what P&Y submitted, we found that P&Y grossly underbid the other companies.
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Example:
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County .....Puccio & York .......Others (average)
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Barbour ............$20,600 .....................$64,600
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Berkley ............$83,700 .......................$210,000
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Hancock ...........$33,500 ......................$81,300
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Then to be fair, we used one company who is located in the same geographic area as Puccio & York and has years of experience doing appraisals in their surrounding counties. They also bid on this same contract proposal. That comparison showed that Puccio’s bids were at least 72% lower than that competitor.
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Bottom line, did P&Y intentionally & drastically underbid on purpose? You would think if Linda York was the Chairperson on the WV Appraisal Board she would know how to actually appraise and make a sound bid based on facts. Or, do they have some inside information no one else knows about?
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We spoke to three of the companies who submitted their bids, and we were told that there was “no way” Puccio & York could accurately perform the required work at the bid amount they proposed. Another person said, “It’s ridiculous to think they actually did the math. My kid could have done a better job.”
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At the time of this writing, we have not been able to determine the exact amount of money Puccio & York has been awarded since at least 2005. We do know it is in the “multi-thousands.”
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Then there is former State employee, Wade Thompson, who recently retired from his $64,800 a year job as tax director. Right before he left, Wade was able to get incoming Tax Director, Jeffrey Amburgey, to arrange for Thompson to receive a state contract worth approximately $105,000 a year. In an August 13, 2008, letter from Amburgey to County Assessor’s Offices, he introduced Wade Thompson (Wade Consulting) as the contracted “project manager.”
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Is this double dipping? Thompson is drawing his State pension and is also now being paid as a contractor for the state. He was awarded the job on July 2, 2008, at $50.00 an hour for up to two years.
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http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/Bids/FY2009/B_TAX09001_5.pdf ...(Puccio Bid)
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http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/Bids/FY2009/BO20080822.html ... (Competing Bids)
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http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/bids/fy2008/B_TAX08014_1.pdf ...(Wade Thompson)
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2. Who Is To Blame For Poor Management Of Older Workers Compensation Cases? ***Updated December 6, 2008***
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According to several employees, you can’t blame Commissioner Jane Cline because she is never there. Cline is allegedly jet setting around the U.S. and abroad. Being married into the Charleston Newspapers “Chilton” family must have its perks.
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Employees say that it really makes very little difference whether Mrs. Cline is in or out of the office. Deputy Commissioner Bill Kenny really runs the department. There could be some truth to this if you base your beliefs on who is paid the most. According to the “2007 Total Compensation” website link, Kenny earns $94,000 and Commissioner Jane Cline $92,500. We were told he came to the Statehouse several years ago after leaving the City of Charleston.
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Reportedly, while the cat is away, at least one mouse plays, drinks and allegedly accepts gratuities from two companies that oversee the older Workers Compensation Cases that BrickStreet said they could not control. These are all cases from 2005 back.
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Sources tell us Bill Kenny’s meetings with those representatives from “Sedgwick” & “American Mining” go way into the night with outrageous partying at local Charleston hotspots like Lauwry’s, the Marriott and even the Red carpet Lounge. (Wells Fargo is the 3rd company who handles these accounts.)
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In fact, it is alleged, that alcohol related hangovers from a late night St Patrick Day’s party with American Mining folks at the Red carpet Lounge was the sole reason most of their staff missed a meeting the next day to go over the old comp claims. **One anonymous source from Clines office came forward to state that Bill Kenny is also being wined, dined and frequently goes out on the boat owned by the CEO of an insurance company Kenny regulates.**
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WV Secretary of State records show that Sedgwick claims offices are in Memphis, TN. American Mining is addressed in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Besides the millions of dollars a year of your tax dollars going to pay these third party companies, you are also paying for other companies to be “consultants” to Sedgwick, American Mining & Wells Fargo.
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Another source in the Insurance Commissioner’s office alleges the state passed over a lower bidding consulting firm from a WV company to make sure Illinois based, DDP Group, (owned by Lawrence Della Vedova & his wife, Dawn) obtained that bid. Vedova allegedly received the bid because of his prior involvement as a sub-contractor for another out-of-state business, “PRAG Group” that the governor has friends with.
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It appears another former member of the PRAG group, Peggy Steuben, out of Chicago, obtained a very lucrative contract deal, too. Just how financially smart is the State government in their costs of maintaining these old accounts? How many hands are really in the big WV cookie jar?
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Here is a thought and question for Mrs. Cline & Joe Manchin… Since the state finally opened the door to allow more insurance providers to sell workers compensation coverage, let them equally take over the older accounts that BrickStreet refused to keep???
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3. Who Really Runs The Division Of Labor??
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Most employees we spoke to say that the unions control what goes on in their day to day work. How could this occur? Commissioner David Mullins is a union man himself. And, sources say, he was appointed by the Governor to fulfill a campaign promise made to union companies.
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There are approximately 50 Labor Inspectors in the DOL whose responsibility is to enforce all labor related laws including inspection of all company records, licenses and undocumented worker’s status. They also respond to complaints that are called into the state office from a worker not being paid correctly to owed monies to firings.
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“The unions in WV run the Division of Labor” said one anonymous source. “In fact, union organizers dictate policies involving when, where and how, when it comes to inspectors doing their jobs.”
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When asked just how unions can run their office, we were given multiple examples. One stood out more then others of how union contractors undermine inspector’s authority by contacting State officials to “get out of violations” inspectors have cited them for. One inspector said, “We have no real authority to enforce laws against union companies. Their representatives know someone higher up in the Statehouse that they can call to override us.” Another inspector said those contractors and or companies are as bold as to call someone right in front of them to try and squash a violation.
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Other noted problems range from union people constantly calling into the office to report “alleged” violations on non-union jobs. According to one DOL employee, “this takes up a tremendous amount of time, and usually the inspectors find no violations exist.” Either way, they are supposed to immediately drop what they are doing and run out and investigate if it is a union person complaining. When asked if non-union contractors call in on union people and complain? “Not hardly at all.”
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Commissioner David Mullins has only been over the division for two years. Morale is allegedly at an all time low throughout the department. Mullins says he has an “open door” policy for anyone to come in and talk. And, for the most part, that is true. But, if you do, you’re labeled a problem employee, and it is all downhill from there. They have been told that no one will receive a positive job review in order to keep down expenses for raises.
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Friends and retired police & military officers (drawing pensions) are being hired at higher rates of pay then seasoned inspectors. These new employees have no training, experience or are given any type of testing when hired in.
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Low morale appears to be a problem across the board when you work for the State. According to State personnel records, there were 1,798 grievances filed by employees this year.
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Four people who talked to us say their commissioner does not practice what he preaches. He uses his State car and credit card for personal use everyday. According to three of the four employee's, Mullins has allegedly been convicted of a DUI but, still drives his state car to local union halls and drinks alcohol, then drives that vehicle home.
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Director Larry Walker allegedly likes to yell and scream at DOL employees if he feels they have done something not to his liking. One employee said that he acts like a “Misogynistic, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive psychopath”. Another favorite saying is everythings “Larry Law.” And it doesn’t matter which policy or State statue it is, “if Larry wants it done differently, you have to.” He has even overridden laws enacted and or set in stone by the Supreme Court saying the justices are wrong.
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Walker has reportedly become so out-of-control and hostile that at least 3 attorneys assigned to the DOL from the Attorney General’s office have either been run off or refuse to work with that division.
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Now Commissioner Mullins may have overstepped his own legal boundaries when he volunteered the use of his State inspectors to oversee federal mine safety laws that can only be enforced by MSHA. Several State inspectors told us that Mullins volunteered inspectors to go out to coal mines and investigate “red hat” complaints that new miners are not being properly trained to work in the mines. Reportedly, some of the non-union mines are using manpower services to provide underground coal miners.
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“We can’t investigate these types of complaints. For one, there are no policies to follow. But, worse then that, there are no State codes we could enforce if we wanted to. It’s all federal.” This source did say that they do have some State duties at the mines to enforce, but nothing that has to do with MSHA.
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4. Do You Really Want Four More Years From The Earl Of WV?
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Earl Ray Tomblin has been Senate President since 1995. Is it time for a change?? Depending on what part of the state you are in, he is either an “icon” or a “scoundrel.” There is an opportunity on the horizon for WV senators to elect a new President-Lieutenant Governor for the next four years. And with the rumors of Manchin either being indicted by the Feds or his assuming Senator Robert Byrd’s position in Washington, DC, Tomblin could be the next governor of this state.
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Over the years, Earl Ray has positioned himself to be either chairperson or member to every committee or position of power in the state. Some say it is to head off any scandals that befall him and or his family, while others say it is just good strategic planning. Either way, Tomblin has more power and authority then Governor Manchin himself when you include his total participation in WV government.
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Senate sources we have spoken to over the past 8 months feel Earl Ray has rough shod his way into getting his own agenda in place. Several stories (links at the end of this segment) concur with that belief. Two senators went off the record to explain to this author that the Senate President has gone as far as to tell them that their job is not to ask questions or understand a bill or any legislation; it is to vote his way. Hard to believe? Ask around.
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Bottom line, it is up to the former and new incoming senators to decide. All we can do is remind them of what the current options are.
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Four more years of the same old thing? -OR- Four new years of change and new direction?
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Here is a link to the WV Senate where you can contact your local senator or all of them.
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http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/members/senmemview.cfm
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Three Previous stories on Earl Ray Tomblin & his interests.
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http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-name-is-earl.html
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http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/09/former-lobbyist-owns-bragging-rights-on.html
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http://westvirginianews.blogspot.com/2008/10/chapmanville-killing-fields-inside-one.html
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End Of Stories.....
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364
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Want To See How Much Your WV State Officials Earn Each Year???....
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There are two ways to look them up online. One at a time, or all at once. Use the two links below to see just how much the governor, politicians & other state employees are paid. You will be surprised to see who earn the most.
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Examples....
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Governor Joe Manchin - $94,999.00
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Earl Ray Tomblin - $36, 250.00
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Robert Sears - $212,187.00
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John P Beilein - $284,696.00
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http://www.wvsao.gov/totalcompensation/
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http://www.wvsao.gov/totalcompensation/2006WVGrossCompensation.pdf
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Also, here is a link to a graph to compare governors salaries in the U.S
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http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=207914
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

TV Anchor-Reporter’s Termination Questioned From Above

TV Anchor-Reporter’s Termination Questioned From Above
by, Sam Webber & Jack Swint... westvirginianews@gmail.com
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Well known TV news personality, Christine Habrle, was a familiar anchor-reporter for WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia, for many years. She was terminated recently, and the reason given by upper management doesn’t come close to what others we talked to believe actually occurred. In fact, the TV station owners praised her work as recently as August, 2008.
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Our source(s) say Habrle was terminated after she insisted on running the story on Kanawha County resident, Val Thomas, who had been pronounced dead in the hospital after several heart attacks and other complications that began on May 17, 2008, at approximately 1:30 am.
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The Miracle ?….
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According to then reporter Christine Habrle, Val Thomas' heart stopped, and there was a period of about 15-20 minutes when the woman had no oxygen and no pulse, but paramedics revived her, and she was taken to Thomas Memorial Hospital.
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When Thomas' heart stopped for a third time, the doctors told the family there was less than a 10% chance she would survive. At that time, her son Tim, gave the doctors permission to turn off the life support and everyone said their goodbyes. There was apparently another 10-20 minutes or so delay because of a question or an issue about organ donation. Rigor mortis had set in; her hands were stiff and hard, and her toes were curling back.
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When the nurse started to turn the respirator off and take the tubes out, he looked down at Ms Thomas and said, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Thomas" and again told the family that there was no pulse, but Val Thomas suddenly came back to life. She addressed the nurse saying, "That's all right, honey."
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Her son, Tim, says that family and friends were in the waiting room the entire time praying and worshiping and asking God for a miracle. When the doctors told them that there was only a 10 percent chance of survival, the family states that they "turned her over to Jesus" and that is when the miracle happened. According to the attending physicians, “we have no real explanation.” She was then transferred to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but not before WV doctors had the last word on the extent of her possible miracle. “Val Thomas has undergone a heart catheterization and the results show no blockages or damage.”
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At no time did Christine interject her own thoughts or beliefs into the story. And, at the time, she had not realized that both she and Mrs. Thomas are members of the same church, Maranatha Fellowship located in St. Albans, WV.
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Reportedly, WCHS management agreed to the story, but wanted the “miracle” angle cut out and left lying on the editing floor. Habrle allegedly stood her ground and went with the full version of the story that does reflect the impression that everyone involved, including Habrle and several other news staff employees, believed it could be true.
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One WCHS employee who had to remain anonymous said, not long after that story, Christine was “on her way out the door.” Management allegedly began a campaign to document and build a case to be able to terminate her if need be. In fact, here is the “anonymous” explanation we received as to corporates explanation on her termination….
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According to WCHS ?…
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"Christine was fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy. It's sad that someone bought into her delusional lies about why she was fired. Talk to her co-workers who had to deal with her for so many years.”
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We researched current and past lawsuits filed in both Kanawha County and the US District Court and found no civil actions filed by Christine Habrle. Not yet anyway.
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We asked for any comments from any of her former co-workers on their professional work relations with Christine, since we were encouraged to by WCHS. We assured them their names would not be used. Two people responded. The first person’s comments suggest that person was either complaining about Christine, or bragging.
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"How can she call herself a "devout Christian?” She's had multiple sex partners in the last 24 months. I should know... I'm one of them."
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Another co-worker who thought we were just looking for dirt wrote…. “Sorry I can't help you out. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Christine, and I wish her the best.”
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The story, and alleged miracle that occurred to Val Thomas quickly spread across the state, country and even the world. Doctors could not professionally explain what happened and Christians from every corner of the globe wanted to believe divine intervention came between life and death, then life again.
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According to Val Thomas, “I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll tell me.” One Maranatha Fellowship church member says, Pastor James Wright believes one of their parishioners has received nothing less than a miracle, and the entire congregation is blessed and most likely in awe of what God has shown them all.
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When we asked several non-media local citizens who have been associated with Christine in both her private, and professional life, we were told this:
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“Christine was always professional in her appearance and demeanor whenever we talked which was usually about city affairs. Her questions were balanced, and so was her reporting. In addition to Christine's professionalism, I could tell that she was a Christian because of how she conducted herself. Something special was just there. I felt it. I knew it. We never talked about it, but I knew that she had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. I admire her for taking a stand. I know there is something better coming her way. She will be blessed abundantly.”
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According to Wanda Carney, “I was shocked to see Kristine let go by channel 8. I have worked with her for many years now and have enjoyed our stories together. She was always professional and was able to become very comfortable with the people she was reporting about. I always enjoyed her weekend anchoring and will miss her. She was a great investigative reporter.”
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In Closing,
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Something is not right with WCHS management’s assessment and reason for terminating Christine Habrle. On one side they say she was “fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy.”
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But, just 3 months ago, in August, 2008, this same WCHS top management was singing her praises after Christine won an “Emmy” for her work on a special segment titled “Reconstructing Rachel.” One statement contradicts the other!!
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Read what they said…. Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0808/080814_4150ae08.shtml
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Val Thomas Story... Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0805/080521_41d512f9.shtml
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End Of This Story
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Sam Webber & Jack Swint
P.O. Box 40511
Charleston, WV 25364
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

WV Church Refuses To Assist In Missing Woman's Investigation

Why Did Church Pastor Refuse To Cooperate In Missing Raleigh County Woman’s Investigation??
by Sam Webber & Jack Swint..... westvirginianews@gmail.com

“When I enter Heaven I’ll know exactly what happened to her” believed Thomas Gwinn, father of missing Bolt WV native Angela Gwinn Stephens. Mr. Gwinn passed away March 5th, 2008. Most people said he died from grieving over not knowing what happened to his daughter.…..

As you turn onto Breckenridge road in Bolt WV and begin driving along the blacktop road, you quickly see 8 X 11 sheets of paper containing a picture of a young woman and the words “Missing” at the top and “Murdered” along the bottom. Tacked to every phone pole and tree for miles, these posters are a constant reminder of another missing and or murdered young woman in this small community.

Angela "Cherice" Gwinn Stephens was born on June 27, 1970. She has been missing from her home since October 1, 1993. The official report says that 23 year old “Cherice” was last seen dropping her husband, Norman Stephens at work and then drove away in their car. Mr. Stephens says his wife “just left” that day and has never returned. He refused to take a polygraph exam to rule him out as a person of interest. Stephens’s family members say she just up and left leaving everything behind. No one has seen, heard from or knows the whereabouts of this young woman who supposedly decided one day to leave everyone she loved and drop off the radar forever.

One month after Cherice allegedly disappeared, her husband filed for divorce.

According to a private investigator hired by Cherice’s father, she may not have dropped her husband at work that day. Local area residents and surrounding communities also tell a different story.

The investigator, hired by Tom Gwinn, reportedly discovered evidence that casts doubt that her husband even worked on the day of the disappearance and that the car in question had actually been sold to a man in Charleston. Close family members said that Cherice was very much a “daddy’s girl” and would never, ever, just up and leave. They were just too close for her to leave town without talking to him first, especially for 15 years.

The most disturbing part of this case…

Church officials at the Breckenridge Missionary Baptist Church refused to allow authorities onto the property and dig up a section of a newly blacktopped part of the property and or pump out the churches new septic tank that was supposedly open during this time. Tom Gwinn Jr, Cherice’s brother, offered to pay to excavate and replace the property himself but he was denied access. "The church said if we wanted to dig, get a warrant." Without probable cause, they cant move forward.

According to several area residents and Gwinn family members say preacher Dewey Lowe would not allow anyone to dig up the property. There was a closed door meeting between the preacher and head trustee Tom Harmon (who is related to the husband, & former Trap Hill Middle School Principle) about letting the property be searched. When they emerged, preacher Lowe said “no.” Questions quickly spread throughout the area as to why the church refused to allow the small portion of property to be dug up. Lifetime resident Eddy Lester, who lived next door to the church at the time, allowed authorities to pump out his septic tank. When asked what he thought about the churches refusal he said, “Sure looks suspicious to me.”

Freddy Trump agreed with his friend Eddy. Trump also reflected back to at least two other deaths close by the church. In or about 1957, a young teenager named Leon Stephens was found dead in a small pond of water behind the church property. His school books were found at the pond beside his neatly folded clothes. Authorities speculated the young boy decided to go swimming after school and somehow must have experienced severe cramps and drowned. The water was approx. 5 feet deep. Ironically, Leon was the grandson of deacon Jake Stephens.

Also, just as mysterious as Cherice disappearing, another woman, Joann Honaker disappeared from the area sometime in 1971. Search parties were formed and the entire area was extensively searched on a Friday and Saturday for the woman, but to no avail.

According to Mr. Trump, her husband, Dennis Dvorak told people that she had run off towards Cleveland Ohio. Dvorak allegedly went to Ohio a few days later after his wife but came home on a Friday and told friends he didn’t find her. The next morning her body was found propped up beside a tree near the cemetery and the Breckenridge church. Search parties had just combed that exact area the day before, they say her body was not there then. That case has also gone unsolved.

Years of speculation, hundreds of posters and the Gwinns determination have kept the story of Cherice alive. The posters are being kept up to date by her brother. But, witnesses say Stephens’s family members are tearing them down. One story being told is how Cherice was actually last seen with church leader Tom Harmon. Neighbors near Harmon Lane allege that they saw him and Cherice together the day of her disappearance and that he was escorting her with his hand on her arm.

In 1993, Sheriff Lavender conducted an investigation with the facts that they had. Reports even surfaced that Norman Stephens grandmother knew what actually happened but refused to answer deputies questions with anything helpful. Lavenders men tried to gather enough evidence to get the church property searched, but there just was not enough. With the husband refusing to take a polygraph and no actual evidence of foul play, they hit a dead end.

Everyone this author spoke to feels the same about one thing. Why would a true, god fearing preacher hesitate at all on allowing the property from being examined? Especially when it had to do with the possibility of foul play. “It makes absolutely no sense at all unless they are hiding something.” It’s been 15 years now, maybe someone should re-visit the church and examine the property once and for all to finally put it to rest if something, or someone is buried there.

The only real facts anyone knows for sure is Angela “Cherice” Gwinn disappeared off the face of the earth on or about October 1, 1993. She left behind her entire world as she knew it and a father who began grieving himself to death from the minute she was gone. No one has seen, heard or understood would could be so terrible that could force a 23 year old small town girl to just walk away from her life. No one we spoke to holds out any hope that she is still alive. One person said that she has heard stories of people who just vanish forever, but those individuals were wanted by the police. “They had to run and hide.”

If anyone knows anything whatsoever about Cherice, or anyone who may be associated with her disappearance, you are asked to call WV State Police Trooper David Williams at 304-256-6700

Investigators ask not to discount any information you may have as being of no importance. Your help in this case could lead them to her whereabouts.

Date Of Birth: June 27, 1970
Age at Time of Disappearance: 23 years old
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'1; 105 lbs.
Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Blonde hair; blue eyes.
Marks, Scars: Scar on nose, double pierced ears.
Jewelry: She was wearing a one-karat diamond and gold band at the time of her disappearance.

AKA: Cherice

As of the writing of this story, Norman Stephens hired an attorney and has also disappeared from Bolt WV. He is believed to be living in the Smith Mountain Lake area of Virginia. He left WV after intense questioning by authorities and Tom Gwinn Jr.

Tom Gwinn Jr. also says the State Police have turned up their investigation and have also been using trained cadaver search dogs in the Bolt area. They have actually had some very promising success, that he can not divulge at this time.....

End of story....

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WV Political Icon Recalls Decades Of Changes With Friends & Foe’s In Office..

In most political circles across this state you can mention one man’s name and everyone has a comment. And when you ask the soon to be 80 year old Mike Pozega about them, he has a comment as well.
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Now retired from politics, Pozega lives in Fairdale WV with his wife Nancy, they have been married 43 years. On any given day, at any given time, their home in Raleigh County is a “who’s - who” of men and women sitting at the kitchen table discussing politics, church or telling jokes. And the names of his friends who have stopped by over the years goes from Arch Moore to current local magistrates.
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In a life outside of the political arena, Mike recalls being in the army as a 19 year old MP in Yokohama Japan in 1945 during WWII. He tried volunteering to get into the military at the age of 16 but was refused. Finally at 18, he enlisted in Michigan while there working. Later in life he became a firefighter and EMT. Several old newspaper articles reflect how he was able to locate 6 dead bodies that authorities had not been able to find. “I have always had a sense that I can feel death when it is near me.”
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According to his longtime friend Tim Arrington, “Mike was a politician that could not be bought and wasn’t for sale.” Something Pozega says is hard not to caught up in. He believes all politicians start out honest and with good intent. Then the money, gifts and other gratuities begin and that changes everything.
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When asked which WV governor did the most for this state? He is quick and steadfast on “Arch Moore.” Pozega admits that Moore had his problems while in office, but, its just as important to remember the good things he also accomplished. Arch also went through this state on a campaign to turn one lane bridges into two. He brought water lines to many homes in counties where no one else would.
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Pozega reflects that Moore was also a good congressman and all around politician. He also says that not many people know that the former governor was shot in the face and left for dead while fighting overseas in the war. “They literally had to drag him off the battlefield.”
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When asked who he felt was the worst governor in the state he laughed first then said, “Most of the rest.”
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He recalled the day Jay Rockefeller came to Beckley while campaigning for governor. “The entire courthouse was cleared out and the employees all went outside. Rockefeller found himself alone in the courthouse but, I managed to get inside and walked up to him.” Pozega said the soon to be elect governor asked him “where is everyone?” and he replied, “you’re looking at ‘em.” Rockefeller stood there and listened how Pozega believed that WV strip mine and deep mine coal had to be mixed together to keep down ash content. But, evidently, Rockefeller and another political friend, Ken Hechler “took another route on that issue.”
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In fact, Ken Hechler offered Pozega use of his office as a “launch pad” for anything he desired.
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Others who have been influenced and walked down the introduction to his politics were Warren and Darrell McGraw when they were just getting started. Another favorite Pozega worked with was one time house speaker Robert Kiss. “he was great.” Backing up the clock, he told of helping Cecil Underwood get elected governor and how the Democrats crossed the isles and voted for the Republican candidate.
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Then there was Governor Hewlett Smith, “he was a good man but, he could not do a lot for the state because of the poor taxation at the time to generate revenue.” Coal taxes came later. He believes Smith would have been a great success if he had someone like CEO Don Blankenship of Massey coal paying all of those taxes and fines that they do today. “If Smith had someone like Blankenship, the coffer would have been filled up.”
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The most comical of the governor’s elections was Gaston Caperton. “We were at the glass house and here was this man that no one knew at all.” Pozega said he walked up to the former governor and asked him if he had any money? Caperton replied “Plenty of it.” So, he told him “well, you can be governor.” Knowing Arch was on his way out, Pozega said he walked up to a crowd of people and yelled out for their attention and said “I’d like to introduce you to our next governor, Gaston Caperton.” He said everyone just laughed. Next thing you know, Caperton was a WV governor.
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Mike Pozega also spent time in Washington DC protesting both the Vietnam war and living in the now infamous “resurrection city” that was a spinoff continuation of the Martin Luther King movement. There he met his longtime friend Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King and other black activists who became his friends for life. He was allowed to give a speech to the US senate about the Vietnam conflict that he reminds everyone was never declared a war, and, killed more WV military men then the other 5 nations combined that were there fighting alongside Americans.
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When talking about communism in his speech, Pozega stated that there were “65,000 commies alone in New York” and would they declare war on them too. Senator Robert Byrd was so moved by the entire speech that he told Pozega later how he sat there and cried. He believes Byrd has done more for WV than any other man alive. “Byrd has done more supporting the constitution then anyone. He carries a small pocket sized version with him.” In a direct quote, “Byrd is one of the greats.”
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Byrd and Pozega were the ones who first started the food stamp program in 1960. "McDowell county was first, and the rest of the state followed."
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US Congressman Nick J. Rahall ranks right up there as another one of the all time great politicians. “I like him; he does a good job for the people of this state.”
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Mike Pozega also formed a business to combat corruption in this state. He and others created “Taxpayers Research & Investigation Corporation.” On a trip to Washington DC and a meeting with the US Attorney about their findings, he was told “if we went after everyone on your list, there would be no one left there to run the government.”
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Today, he still spends his time helping people, preaching (for the past 60 years) and occasionally reminisces about his former life in politics. He also is currently operating an outreach food pantry next to his home. Other business ventures have included owning a coal mine and several grocery stores. Pozega helped form the Bolt VFW, and Coal River Volunteer Fire Dept.
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As he sums it up, I’ve done a lot and seen a lot in my life. He agrees that a man is mostly remembered by their deeds and actions here on earth.
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If anyone has actually done it all, Mike Pozega has……
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End of story.....
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Sam Webber & Jack Swint
P.O. Box 78
Shoals WV 25562
westvirginianews@gmail.com ....

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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Is WV Governor Joe Manchin A Target In Federal Investigation??

Is History About To Repeat Itself?
by Sam Webber & Jack Swint ... westvirginianews@gmail.com
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WV History shows that every twenty years or so, the US Attorney’s office swoops down on the capital and nabs another governor. According to our reliable sources, Joe Manchin is on the short list to be indicted within the next 8 months.
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According to those inside sources, Manchin will be the icing on the cake to their investigation into the ABCA Administration’s mishandling and unlawful abuse of rules and state-federal laws regarding the control-handling of alcohol. The federal investigation by the US Attorney just became public knowledge last week with subpoenas being issued to ABCA staff members.
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As much as state officials and the feds will want to deny the direction this case is going to take, our inside person has admitted this investigation will be trouble for the governor. “Remember twenty years ago how the US Attorney vehemently denied they were after former Charleston Mayor Mike Roark up until the day of his indictment? The same thing is happening here…. you start at the bottom of the ladder and climb your way up.”
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The only information being circulated at this point is from the state. The US Attorney, ATF, IRS and FBI aren’t saying anything (as they always do early on) except there have been subpoenas issued. Like in the Roark case, the federal government never discloses their true game plan until they’re ready. Whatever it is, you can bet they are well prepared before moving forward.
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Most likely, they already have someone co-operating from inside providing credible evidence.
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Can Joe deny any prior knowledge?? Sure he can, but, anyone who knows the governor also knows he is a very hands on person, and not much gets by without his approval or participation.
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Our source said if the governor is a target, it could be on a charge as simple as, "If Joe is drinking and providing untaxed booze to family & friends, or just knows about anyone receiving liquor out of the ABCA warehouse for free, he could be in real trouble." Then there is the legal term... “he knew, or should have known,” that, rules and laws were being violated could be enough to charge him. And, it will be hard to deny the inner workings of the ABCA since the commissioner reports to the governor.
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In fact, WV Code §60-2-21 clearly states that: “the legislative auditor shall audit the affairs of the West Virginia alcohol beverage control commissioner and report the results of the audit to the governor.”
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Could the governor have his own hand in the cookie jar?? In June of this year, our news website wrote a story based on first hand witness accounts about Governor Manchin obtaining free booze for himself, family and friends. It was as simple as writing out a list of what he wanted, and someone would drive over to the ABCA warehouse and pick it all up. This was confirmed by two employees, one in the governor’s office and one in the ABCA commission itself. A link to that story, “Just your average Joe” is at the end of this story.
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History On Other Governors Who Have Been Convicted Of Federal Charges.
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William Wallace "Wally" Barron was the Governor of West Virginia from 1961 to 1965.
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In 1971, six years after leaving the governor's office, Barron was sentenced by a federal court judge to 25 years in prison after he was found guilty of bribery and conspiracy charges concerning his role in rigging state purchasing contracts while he was governor. He received the 25 year sentence after the jury foreman revealed that Barron's wife, under her husband's direction, delivered $25,000 in cash to him in a brown paper bag to ensure that the jury's verdict would be innocent. Barron's sentence was subsequently reduced to 12 years in prison plus a $50,000 fine. He was later released after serving about four years in prison.
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Arch Alfred Moore, Jr. was the Governor of West Virginia from 1969 until 1977 and again from 1985 until 1989.
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In 1975, Moore and his 1972 campaign manager were accused by federal prosecutors of extorting $25,000 from the president of a holding company seeking a state charter for a new bank. Both were acquitted in 1976.
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But, in 1990, after an extensive federal investigation, Moore pled guilty to five felonies. He agreed to plead guilty after he was told that federal investigators had taped him conspiring with his former campaign manager, John Leaberry, to obstruct the investigation into his activities. Moore pled guilty to an indictment that said he accepted illegal payments during his 1984 and 1988 election campaigns, extorted more than $573,000 from a Maben Energy Corporation, a coal company based in the town of Beckley, and obstructed the investigation.
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Bottom line,
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“Sit back and watch,” said another long time statehouse worker. “People will deny Manchin is a target, and how he has done nothing wrong and is being falsely accused. Then those same people will act so shocked when it all comes out.”
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***On a side note, it is reported that Manchin rigged the bidding specs for the contract when he re-furnished the governors mansion so only one company could win. That furniture company, is in Bridgeport, WV. We are working on gettng the bid specs and publish them.***
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End Of This Story... For Now
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Read The Entire Story From June, 2008..."Just Your Average Joe" (click on link below)
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Who Are We? An Inside Look At PWDGroups "West Virginia News" staff

Sometimes Bad Guys Make The Best Good Guys.. by, Sam Webber

In a 1988 federal drug trial, former US Attorney Wayne Rich told the jury….. “Jack Swint is a bad man.” Then he said; “But, sometimes it takes a bad man to catch one.” Swint was the government’s key witness. That trial helped lead to the arrest & conviction of former Charleston Mayor Mike Roark. (Swint was not a defendant in any drug trial)

Numerous e-mails that we receive ask the same question “who are you guys anyway.” What’s our true intent and motivation behind this website? Are we a political group against another? Even Wanda Carney, who is one of WV’s most outspoken critics on corrupt state officials and politicians, suggests we do a bio on our small ragtag group. But, that is because Wanda is being targeted as WV News blog author “Sam Webber.” Wanda jokingly says she doesn’t want to “take a bullet” for something she hasn’t personally been a part of.

So, we decided to write about PWD Groups staff and associates; the good, the bad and the ugly side. First up…… Author Jack Swint, a Charleston native who most would consider the least likely candidate for such a role as a person who exposes corruption and crime.

But, as the saying goes…. “Some bad guys make the best good guys.” And he fits that role better than anyone.

Born in Charleston, Jack grew up on the streets of the city after running away from a good home at 13 years old for no apparent reason. His whole life has been one big roller coaster ride that led him down a path most people could not, or would not want to live.

From rubbing shoulders with famous celebrities, like the cast members of “Miami Vice”, to being a subpoenaed witness in the trial of former Panama President Manuel Noriega. He worked as a media consultant for Fox TV’s national hit television show “A Current Affair,” and has been a police officer and explosive technician.

In the 1980’s, Jack created an executive airplane business that catered to high profile lawyers & executives in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

A company that not only flew members of the Texas Supreme Court, but, was also enlisted to be used as a front for the DEA on undercover drug smuggling stings across the US. That same business was also used in the massive Charleston cocaine investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of former mayor Mike Roark.

To set the record straight, he volunteered to go undercover, outside of his work for the feds, Jack has never been associated with illegal drugs.

In fact, Jack, exposed the fact Roark would be arrested two years before it occurred. The Charleston newspaper wrote about his predictions in 1987, how the feds were going to get the mayor. The government denied they were after Roark, saying Jack was never in a position to know that information. In the end, he was right.

In the past three years, he has written four cold-case murder books in the “Who Killed” book series by Rooftop Publishing Company.” Being asked to resurrect unsolved murders in cities across the country came about after Rooftops publisher read Jack’s own biography “Creative Impulse….True Memoirs Of A Terrible Son” that details his own life journey which has crossed paths with everyone from Russian Officers inside their DC embassy, to TV celebrity Johnny Carson’s band director Skitch Henderson & even the Hells Angels.

Recently, he investigated and published a report on one of Ohio’s death penalty cases. After months of interviews and reconstructing the entire case, it appears that an innocent man may have been executed. In fact, the “Buell Report” is said to be one of the factors why Ohio state officials are re-thinking their stance on the death penalty.

As most people can imagine from the title of his biography published in 2006, Swint is no saint. From running away and living on the streets as a teen, he has been in and out of non-violent trouble over the years. Swint says his biggest regret in life is “putting my mother and father through pure hell because of my mistakes.”

He sums up his biography as being “brutally honest” and very “therapeutic” for himself. A book that has caused numerous city, county, state & federal officials to run for cover from their own embarrassing and criminal acts that his book backs up with documentation. “Everyone has skeletons in their closet” according to Jack Swint. “I just happen to have a larger closet then most.”………

PWDGroup (Political Watch Dog) has a long-list of stories and news tips they receive weekly on corruption in WV at city, county and state levels.

Exposing Corruption & Abuse Of Authority

The vast majority of mainstream reporters are seasoned journalists who make a living telling the news every day. Having the court and statehouse assignment will sometimes involve reporting crime, abuse of authority and corruption. In Jack’s case, witnessing corruption and people who abuse their authority on others has followed him all of his teen to adult life. As Swint says, “I’m like a magnet that draws these type people and events to me.”

He was the man who orchestrated the downfall of former sheriff Carl Withrow, who admitted he had sex with a 16 year old while in office. Withrow then fired several deputies in an attempt to cover it all up. Undercover work in the eighties helped the government prosecute Mayor Roark. He passed along information to authorities on Judge John Hey, who was disbarred as a county judge & attorney for being drunk on the bench and sexual misconduct.

In late 1989, Jack went on national TV exposing the DEA for the entrapment of innocent people. Was there a price to pay for that? “My credibility went from 1000 to 0 in the blink of an eye.”

Even Kanawha County officials scrambled for damage control in 1989 by charging him with a misdemeanor for an alleged “false swearing” charge claiming he gave an incorrect address on court documents. Records show that he had provided a post office box address instead of his physical home in Pratt WV. Jacks reason for not listing his exact address; Pratt WV has no home mail delivery to street addresses. “It was just a way to damage my credibility.”

Former Charleston Police Chief Kent Carper cashed in on that conviction to cover-up Jacks exposing him for corruption in 1992. “He has been convicted of false swearing.” To date, that is why Jack tape records and documents every story we do. “It’s hard to deny hearing your own voice, or seeing your own signature.”

Jack has remained friends with a lot of government agents he worked with, and even though they could not publicly support him speaking out, everyone knew he was telling the truth. Former Charleston Daily Mail publisher Sam Hindman once made the statement, “If nothing else, Swint has a huge set of balls going up against the government.”

Jack Swint makes no excuses for his numerous past mistakes. “It took me a long time to grow up, and finally face my own demons and accept the responsibility for what I did wrong. Now, I’m like a person recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. I admit, I slip and fall sometimes, but my life will never be as chaotic as it has been in the past.”

Jack is currently working on a book about unsolved murders in West Virginia.

Later this month, our bio on PWDGroup author Sam Webber…..

Anyone interested in receiving free PDF copies of Jack’s books, and or the “Buell Report” can e-mail a request to: Pwdgroup@gmail.com

http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=3002131

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jack+swint

http://www.jackswint.com

End Of Story....

Sam Webber & Jack Swint - E-Mail. Westviriginanews@gmail.com

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Scandals Emerge Inside The WV Attorney General’s Office & Campaign Headquarters?

The WV Attorney General Is Concerned About Our News Website (And We Are Flattered!) by Sam Webber & Jack Swint..... Westvirginianews@gmail.com
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That’s according to at least two confirmed sources in the Attorney General’s Office….
***Update - 10/31/2008*** (see bottom of story)
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On October 23, 2008, at approximately 10:58 am, Fran Hughes approved an e-mail to be sent out to all Attorney General Employees warning them that our website, West Virginia News, was going to be writing a negative story about the Attorney General on Tuesday October 28, 2008.
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At first, we decided not to write one. But, when this e-mail and memoranda surfaced through one of the AG’s employees, we decided to investigate. Plus, we have copies of these documents to back it all up!
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Two people (one pretty high up the ladder) said Hughes OK’d everyone in the office to use their state owned computers, and while working on the clock, to write comments on our website e-mail address in order to voice their opinions on any negative story we were going to write about Darrell McGraw or the AG’s department. Here is what the e-mail said….
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“To all employees: ..We have learned of a blog at http//www.westvirginianes.blogspot.com that is preparing to print a piece against the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday, October 28. They invite members of the staff to talk about the issues. You are encouraged to send a response to this blog at westvirginianews@gmail.com”........ END OF E-MAIL
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And yes, we always state that if anyone would like to contribute to our stories, to e-mail us.
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If this e-mail wasn’t mind boggling enough, we later received a copy of a “memoranda” from within their office that is dated September 8, 2008. It says it is from Fran Hughes (which also contained her initials in pen above her name) titled “Campaign Questions.” The memo is too long to write out word for word, so here is a synopsis of what it says. It is an 8 line memo encouraging all AG employees to volunteer to put out signs and or volunteer to do “campaigning” in the field or at the campaign headquarters.
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But, in all honesty, there was also wording stating that it is important to remember not to campaign on state time. And, that no one actually has to campaign for the attorney general, and “your job is not dependant on you even supporting Judge McGraw.”
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It appears that the e-mail and memoranda was created on state time, distributed and read on state time, and OK’d by McGraw’s number one member of his staff. If memory serves me correct, I thought that one Kanawha County Prosecutor (last name Charnock) lost his job for this exact same thing.
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Then this evening, as we were writing this story, another document was sent to us with a note saying “if this helps.” It is a letter created and written from McGraw’s office thanking everyone for supporting him. The source who sent it claims the letter was printed from the AG’s office. At the bottom, it states “printed in-house”…. The heading reads…..“Friends of Attorney General Darrell V. McGraw” with a big gold seal of WV in the middle of the letterhead. The name of the recipient had been cut out, but the rest of the letter was very interesting.
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It goes on to say that McGraw is a democratic leader in Kanawha County and how he has been targeted by the National Chamber of Commerce to lose the election. It also explains why he uses outside counsel to enforce the law and how he has accomplished a lot over the years while he has been in the AG’s office. And, to vote for him on November 4.
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Actually, this author understands how it is possible that the Attorney General has to use outside counsel for some litigation because some of his upper staff attorneys, like Christie Utt, who earns $96,000 a year, is too busy counseling (running) the Racing Commission on every little tiny problem that arises there. Ms Utt, who was mentioned in another one of our stories, has been the focus of another investigation we are working on that includes a 25 minute phone conversation that occurred this past summer regarding the racing commission, greyhound members, staff and people she did not like. Now I’m sure we are on that list.
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During our tape recorded conversation, Utt actually stated she would be willing to provide our watchdog group with some “off the record” information from time to time if we could keep her name out of it. That deal fell through when we wrote about her in another story.
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According to reports provided by our source in the AG’s office, Christie Utt bills the racing commission for each and every phone call, letter and other expense she alleges occurred with the racing commission. One would think that her time could be better spent and money saved in the state’s budget if she was defending some of the legal issues that the Attorney General is “outsourcing.”
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Not being proficient on state laws and regulations, this author is only assuming that it is not policy to use state owned computers, printing equipment and/or be on company time when sending or receiving e-mails of a personal nature.
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And, there is probably some WV state law against sending a state memo to employees that indirectly, but, makes subtle hints that the staff of the attorney general’s office should be out putting up campaign signs and/or volunteering to work at the AG’s campaign headquarters. Memo’s that appear to be created, produced and distributed on “company time.”
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Finally, somewhere, I’m sure there is another statute prohibiting the AG from creating, printing and mailing out letters pre-thanking everyone for supporting his campaign. Letters that actually states they are “printed in house.”
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Note: It is our understanding that whenever someone speaks out against the AG, Fran Hughes calls local media and says the state is going to sue them. We hope so….. And as always, anyone who wishes to see any of the documents mentioned in this story, send us a mailing address, and we will send them straight to you.
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October 31, 2008... The AG's office has denied all recent stories, both ours & the medias, on Darrell McGraw. Fran Hughes has said that all of the news on the internet, TV & Newspapers is "a lie." So, today we distributed copies of our documents to the media and other state agencies, showing proof to back up the story we wrote. Sorry Fran Hughes, we have proof.
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End Of Story
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PWDGroup
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
304-549-4978
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PWDGroup@gmail.com
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WV Resident Wants State Officials To Pay Up.....In Gold & Silver Coins

What Is WV Treasurer John Perdue & Tax Man Chris Morris Scratching Their Heads About?.... by Sam Webber & Jack Swint
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Raleigh county resident, and WV Constitution Party Treasurer Gene Stalnaker strongly believes in the US Constitution. But, he feels that state officials are refusing to live up to the oath they swore to uphold. Stalnaker, like many other state residents, want the state to pay them in gold or silver coins, like the constitution instructs them to.
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Stalnaker, a law abiding, hard working and taxpaying WV citizen has taken his request to state officials. What he has received in return is a tax audit by the state, and told by both Deputy Tax Commissioner Craig Griffith & Treasurer John Purdue that if he wants gold or silver, “go to a bank, cash your tax check and buy some gold & silver coins.”
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In fact, Stalnaker says that Purdue’s office told him if he did not cash the state tax refund check by the dated deadline, they would turn over his money to the “Unclaimed Property” division. And we all know that if you don’t claim the money within a specific amount of time, the state can take it.
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When he requested a face to face with tax man Chris Morris (pictured left), he was told by one staff member that “he does not make appointments with the public.” John Purdue agreed to meet with Stalnaker and other concerned citizens. Stalnaker noted that Purdue, and his deputy, Paul Hill, showed up late claiming he was in a meeting with the governor discussing the economy.
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During their brief meeting, Stalnaker said he had prepared a written outline to Commissioner Purdue to better explain what he was wanting. He said about 30 seconds into Purdue reading the letter, the Commissioners “jaw dropped about 3 feet.” Then standing straight up, Purdue said “I can’t answer this.” Several days later, Stalnaker received a letter from an attorney with the state who informed him they would not comply with his request, and they only paid tax refunds by check, which, according to the state is legal tender.
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Bottom line, WV does not have any gold or silver coins on hand, and has no plans to get any.
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How This All Started….
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Gene Stalnaker says that even before filing his tax return he attempted to contact the Tax office for a face to face meeting with the commissioner. That’s when he was told Morris did not accept appointments with the public. So, he prepared his tax return and took it to the Beckley office on April 11th, 2008 with Mel Kessler. He presented Tamara Saunders his tax papers and a letter explaining how he wanted to be paid in gold or silver coin as outlined in the US Constitution, Article 1, section 10 which actually states that:
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“No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make anything but gold and silver coin as tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any”….
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http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A1Sec10
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Ms Saunders signed for the paperwork. Stalnaker waited patiently for someone to call him about his request of payment. After several weeks, he began making phone calls and claims he was only met with sarcasm from tax department employees who asked him “what do you want?” In fact, Stalnaker made notes of his June 10, 2008 conversation with Deborah Bertran in the tax office who reportedly told him “The Constitution was written a long time ago, we don’t pay that way.” She also told him that he was being difficult.
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Later that same day is when Deputy Commissioner Griffith called Mr. Stalnaker and re-iterated the states stance that they would not be paying in gold or silver.
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No one denies that Stalnaker has requested his tax return to be paid in gold or silver coins. In fact, they have scanned his letter into the states computer system at the tax department. At one point he says an assistant tax commissioner finally called him and asked, “What do you want us to do?” Stalnaker responded, “I want to be paid with lawful money.”
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Since before his written and face to face meetings with state officials, Stalnaker has never budged from his beliefs. “It’s not about the money; I have a right as a citizen to be paid in gold or silver coins. It’s in the US Constitution.” And that is what he wants.
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Ironically, his recent stance and beliefs earned him an audit of his tax return (and probably placed his name on some government watch list too). But, that audit turned up some interesting findings. Insomuch as it seems now the state owes him more then what he originally claimed on his tax forms. His last correspondence from state treasurer John Purdue (pictured left) was from chief counsel Diana Stout on October 14th, 2008. In the short context, she said the state is not going to honor his request.
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His true belief in the US Constitution is evident as a member and treasurer of the WV Constitution Party. Stalnaker believes and practices his rights under the constitution. Their core beliefs are based from Christian character, to owning guns. They’re against illegal immigration, pornography and are for the sanctity of life. According to their website, “The Constitutions of the United States and West Virginia were ordained and established for ourselves and our posterity.” http://www.cpwv.org/platform.html
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In closing, According to Gene Stalnaker, “my point is that these officials took an oath to uphold the constitution, which clearly says that the state is to only use gold & silver coin in payments of debts.”
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Note: Democrats & Republicans who favor a limited federal government argue for the strict interpretation of the Constitution, arguing that the federal government was granted only those powers enumerated in the Constitution, and nothing not explicitly stated. This represents the "letter and spirit of the law" interpretation.
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Some people also believe that intentionally following the letter of the law, but not the spirit, may be accomplished through exploiting technicalities, loopholes, and ambiguous language. Following the letter of the law but not the spirit is also a tactic used against an oppressive government.
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Members of the Constitution party state they love this state and country, it’s the people who are elected to run it who become engulfed in corruption, abuse of authority and or fail to follow the laws and rules set up to operate our state & federal government.
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****But, with the value of the dollar and the economy in such a wreck, maybe being paid in gold & silver is a good idea?...***
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End Of Story…..
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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Did Governor Make Improper Advances On Wheeling Mans Wife?

WV Businessman Claims Joe Manchin Was Coming On To His Wife....
by, Sam Webber.....PWDGroup@gmail.com
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Reportedly, and caught on tape, one man is speaking out about the governor making improper advances on his wife. And, he claims his personal friend, State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey also pulled him to the side at a public function and warned him about the governor.
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Wheeling businessman, Dean Miner, claims he is an acquaintance of the governor and that he and his wife have been together at a couple public functions and talked personally with Manchin. Miner’s wife Adrian, a Wheeling area dentist, is a very attractive woman, so who wouldn’t at least look. According to her husband, the governor wants to do more than just take a peek.
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Setting the stage;
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During a recent taped interview on a different subject matter (posted below), Miner began commenting to author Jack Swint on his personal feelings about WV, and blames the bad image of residents here for what he calls “inbreeding and having no teeth.”
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Miner, who came here from Florida via Canada, said that WV has been very good to him personally, financially and it is where he met his wife (who is not inbred and has all of her teeth). But, he also feels the states bad public image is warranted because “you don’t become a laughing stock by accident” to the rest of the country. “Were known for crooked judges, crooked politicians.”
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The conversation then took a turn towards the governor being considered as a possible vice president nominee if Hilary Clinton had been the voters choice. Miner looked at his wife and said, “So the guy who hit on you, and wanted to sleep with you, could be vice-president.”
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Swint says he was taken aback by both the comments on Miners feelings of WV, and also the governor making a play for the man’s wife. So, he played along with the couple’s dialogue and let the tape keep on rolling. It is legal to record phone & personal conversations under WV Code § 62-1D-3.
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According to Miners wife, who appeared flattered about the incident, played it off and said, that in her mind, Manchin never directly came onto her, but it didn’t surprise her that Manchin was being more then just friendly because “that’s how he is, he has no morals.” Dean Miner went on to say he was also warned by WV State Senator Bailey to keep his wife away from Manchin. According to Miner, Bailey allegedly said, “Make sure you keep Adrian away from the governor, I can tell the way Joe is looking at her.”
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Mr. Miner, who claims to have a close working - friendship with Senator Billy Wayne Bailey, has also alleged the senator has intervened for him on pending state matters along with Asst. Attorney General Christie Utt.
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Did Miner know he was being tape recorded?? Jack Swint said, “He does now.” When asked why he taped the conversations Swint replied, “I was working on a story about Dean Miner accusing a state official of taking bribes, so for credibility purposes and to be able to back up what I reported, I covertly taped the conversation.” Swint notes that Miner would most assuredly deny the allegations so the tapes would refute that.
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A copy of one tape has been requested & sent to a Wheeling Attorney who is investigating Miners statements .
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The moral to this story??? There are no morals with Joe & women....
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End of Story
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Killing Fields Of Chapmanville WV…. Inside One WV Greyhound Training Facility

If You Love Your Pet, You Won’t Love This Expose’
by Sam Webber & Jack Swint.... PWDGroup@gmal.com
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….. “I would prefer to see all dogs in West Virginia trained on artificial lures (bait). But, you cannot remain competitive with people that train their dogs out of state on live rabbits. It just doesn't work that way. Once the greyhounds have that "kill" instinct in them they become more aggressive.”
Comments from a former WV breeder, owner & trainer.
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This story does not reflect the true West Virginia or National Greyhound Association. There are some very sincere members who love their dogs and have the utmost respect and admiration for the greyhound racing industry. But, this expose’ reflects at least one kennel operation that is allegedly abusing live animals to train their dogs to race. There is a history of this type of abuse to animals across the country, in every state where greyhound racing occurs.
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Our four month investigation and previous stories into the problems within the WV Greyhound Association and Racing Commission has all come down to this final expose’….. Six people talked to us & corroborated each other on the details, only one said we could use his name.
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Two weeks ago, this author interviewed three veteran dog trainers closely associated with greyhound racing in WV. What we learned is shocking, how it has been widely known and accepted in the past, that to train a good greyhound race dog you need to use “live bait.” And what we mean by that is; rabbits (prefer jack-rabbits), cats, guinea pigs, chickens and piglets.
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But, it is illegal in WV to use live bait. In fact, according to state law 61-8-19(b)… If any person intentionally tortures, or mutilates or maliciously kills an animal, or causes, procures or authorizes any other person to torture, mutilate or maliciously kill an animal, he or she is guilty of a felony. For the purposes of this subsection, “torture” means an action taken for the primary purpose of inflicting pain.
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Earl Tomblins Greyhound Training Facility
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Located deep in the woods of Chapmanville, WV, is the Tomblin’s greyhound farm & training facility. According to 2 witness accounts, Tomblin trains with “live bait” and has for years. Our investigation determined that this family run operation is one of the WV trainers who are using live bait. In fact, according to witnesses, they use cats, chickens, rabbits, raccoons and shoats (baby piglets).
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Paul Carbenou says that once while visiting Earl Tomblin’s greyhound farm, he first noticed a lot of rabbit fur near the training area. But, then he saw and heard what he found out to be a live raccoon in a bag hanging on a mechanical device called a “whirligig” which goes around in a circle and the dogs chase it to maul the animal to death. This animal was screaming a death curdling sound. “That’s when I knew for sure Earl was training with live bait.”
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One of Earl’s former trainers, Jim Grace, who is well respected in the industry, admitted that when he worked for the Tomblins, they used live bait consistently over the years to train their greyhounds to race. In fact, when we first asked about them using live animals as bait, Grace stated “absolutely.”
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Why Would Tomblin Use Live Animals As Bait?
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What most of us do not know is that in order for a greyhound to be a winner, they first have to have a reason to chase the mechanical rabbit known as “sparky” around the track to get to the finish line. Then all of the dogs gather at the exact spot where that same imaginary rabbit goes back into “its hole.” Ever wonder why that is?
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Carbenou says, “When the starting gate of any dog race track comes open and the dogs run out and chase sparky around the track, they all have one goal, “catch & kill that imaginary rabbit.” There is no competition between the dogs; they are focused only on the rabbit.
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From the time these dogs are young pups they begin their training to race and hopefully catch “Sparky.” Depending on the dog’s stage of training, the “bait” is either placed in bags or hung onto the electric lure that goes around the track or just let loose in a “coursing park” which is nothing more than a large fenced in field. Either way, the young greyhound aggressively chases down the animal and malls it to death, and gets a taste of blood.
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As training progresses, the dogs will automatically race after and kill the defenseless animals. At times, the dogs have on muzzles, but they do still manage to bite and maul the animal being used. After an actual race, every dog is given a “treat” from their handler. This in replacement of the dog actually being able to catch the mechanical lure.
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Does it seem to bother Earl Tomblin to harm animals?
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Hilda Halstead, a former greyhound association founder and member told this author she once was meeting with Earl Tomblin along with her young granddaughter. She said that Earl stated (almost bragging) in front of them both that he had once “shot & killed” a whole litter of pups
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Other people interviewed state Earl has told them that he has buried many dogs and animal carcasses on his property related to greyhound racing. Carbenou went on to explain that he personally can tell if a dog has been trained on live bait just by the way it runs. “If they have not been trained using live bait, their chances of winning are drastically reduced.” He also says that greyhounds trained with artificial lures are not as aggressive.
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A former WV breeder, owner & trainer sums it up this way. “I would prefer to see all dogs in West Virginia trained on ARTIFICAL LURES. BUT, you cannot remain competitive with people that train their dogs out of state on live rabbits. It just doesn't work that way. Once the greyhounds have that "kill" instinct in them they become more aggressive.”
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They went on to say that, “All greyhounds will CHASE anything that moves......but giving them a taste of blood and the death of the prey drives them crazy.”
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West Virginia laws are suppose to stop and prosecute people who use live bait and or intentionally cause, or allow animals to be subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment. According to Paul Carbenou, “the laws are there, but no one is going to enforce them. It’s just a way for them to cover their own ass.” He says that everyone from state to city officials intentionally ignore the cruelty and poor conditions the dogs are subjected to. “Come on, this industry makes millions of dollars a year in WV for the state, counties and cities.”
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There is alleged to be a clause in the WV kennel contracts that prohibits the use of live bait and or cruelty. It’s all “CYA” according to Carbenou.
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Greyhound History & Facts
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Throughout history the Greyhound has been the darling dog breed of royalty and nobility. From the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s, to the English nobility who enacted a law banning so fine a beast from being owned by mere commoners. The Greyhound boasts the longest documented history of any dog breed. Ancient drawings and records place the Greyhound dog as a distinctive breed over 6000 years ago.
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Today, a Greyhound is the most expensive dog breed; it is not unusual for champion racing Greyhounds to command a price tag in excess of $70,000!
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Greyhounds are the fastest dog in the world across short distances. They can attain speeds in excess of 40 mph.
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It has the longest stride of any dog breed whilst it is in full flight. One Greyhound dog is on record of having covered a distance of 30 feet in a single leap. The Greyhound's sprint is described as a double flight gait which involves the dog at some point having all of its feet off the ground. When a Greyhound dog is sprinting it propels itself first with its hind legs and then momentarily lands on its front feet before cantilevering off those while reaching forward with its hind feet.
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This double-flight gait is extremely fast but also very unstable which explains the many injuries that befall racing Greyhounds.
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It’s Not Just About The Training
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Something that all owners, breeders and kennel owners have to fear & face on a day to day basis.
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During our 4 month investigation into the greyhound racing industry, this author saw and heard about the numerous routine injuries these dogs receive on a day to day basis. And they all occurred during their training and or in actual races. It was nothing to hear trainers-breeders discussing how their dogs were unable to race because they either sprained or broke a leg, foot or took a fall and were hurt. More serious injuries in the industry have occured during live racing include broken legs, backs and skull fractures.
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No other sport in the world compares in the number of injuries and deaths that occur during a race. Ever see a greyhound take a tumble during a race? A video link at the end of this segment will show you just how dangerous it is, on and off the track.
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There are also injuries and death from internal and external parasites, heat stroke, heart attack, accidental electrocution and dehydration throughout the industry. WV law also requires vets and others to report these types of injuries to the racing commission.
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During one of our recent meetings at greyhound owner Dean Miner’s home, he played through his voice messages and discovered one from his veterinarian saying they were going to “put down” one of his dogs from an injury received from racing. His only visible concern was the amount of money he would now lose from potential winnings. In fact, Miner has said he very rarely gets involved with the training, or personally with his dogs. He brags that his part is to “run the business” end of it.
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One WV breeder summed up Dean Miners involvement in greyhound racing. “He didn't get into Greyhound racing because he loves the bow-wows…. He only loves the money."
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The racing tracks themselves cause most injuries to the dogs because of the coarseness and or poor upkeep. But, the breeders-owners have no recourse against the casino-track owners.
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Why Are The Members Of Greyhound Racing Taking A Strong Approach Against Those Who Violate Their Rules, Regulations & The Law?
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Just how bad has it been in the past? According to animal rights group PETA…. In 2002, the remains of approximately 3,000 greyhounds from a certain Florida racetrack were discovered on the Alabama property of a former racetrack security guard who had been “retiring” unwanted greyhounds with a .22 rifle for more than 40 years.
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The attorney for the accused, who faced up to 10 years in prison on felony cruelty-to-animals charges, said, “If there’s anybody to be indicted here, it’s the industry because this is what they’re doing to these animals. The misery begins the day they’re born. The misery ends when my client gets a hold of them and puts a bullet in their head.”
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In 2005, 73 greyhounds died in a Wheeling West Virginia kennel that went up in flames because of a faulty ceiling fan.
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Who’s Really To Blame In WV?
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Everyone associated with greyhound racing is to blame for knowingly allowing and or condoning anyone to use live bait and or the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in this industry. It goes from the owners, breeders, kennels, racetrack owner’s, judges, right up to the lobbyists, racing commission & government officials who knew, or know about the gruesome true-life saga for greyhound dogs on Tomblins training farm.
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It also falls into the lap of the president of the senate, Earl Ray Tomblin whose family owns and operates Tomblin Kennel which witnesses (one a former trainer of theirs) state that “live bait” is used in their training process.
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Earl Ray can claim all he wants that he has no day-to day contact and or knowledge of his parent’s business, but he grew up in their family run kennel & had firsthand knowledge of this industry. And numerous people have stated he is still the family bookkeeper & accounted.
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Conclusion
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Ninety five percent of all greyhound owners love their dogs with a passion and our concerned for their safety. But, as Dean Miner puts it, this is a business, and business is good. In fact, the WV lottery shows that over 78 million dollars is related to wagering at both WV dog tracks last year.
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When was the last time county & state official actually walked though and inspected kennels, the greyhounds themselves and injury records? Or, even questioned if their exists cruel & inhumane treatment to these dogs or animals being used as live bait??
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We only hear about cases where someone may have presented forged papers saying their dog received its shots on time and or one owner tried to sneak his/her greyhound dog into WV to race improperly. Earl Tomblin was once sanctioned $500 for bringing his dogs into a quarantined area at the Nitro track. That’s it, that is what the racing commissions records show.
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In reality, the only difference in the Tomblin training process between greyhound dog racing and dog fighting is…. you do not get to see the greyhound chase down the small animal trying to escape its imminent death.
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What The Greyhound Industry Has Done To Get Away From The Past
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Over recent years the greyhound association has moved desperately to correct the problems that have been crippling the industries true intent on what they actually represent. They have improved their image and began to weed out the problems from the brutality both on and off the track. Better adoption programs are being introduced with close screening. Members are being held to a higher standard then ever before.
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Some members have intentionally refused to accept change for any reason. There is only one way to demonstrate the past, and it is in the pictures and video links below. Mind you these are very graphic and horrific images, but, sometimes it takes re-living the past as a graphic reminder of what the future needs to become.
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It should also be noted that the National Greyhound Asociation now donates over $100,000 a year for the adoption of greyhounds to good homes. Approximately 18,000 dogs a year are adopted after receiving extensive health screening & checkups to ensure proper care is provided.
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Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Words. We must warn you ahead of time, these pictures are VERY DISTURBING!
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http://www.greyhounds.org/gpl/contents/proof.html
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These Links Are Videos Of Former Greyhound Dog Injuries And Cruelty.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tLAtBG__bY&feature=related
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74BTR9GkbI&feature=related
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West Virginia Laws On Cruel & Inhumane Treatment
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http://www.grassrootsar.org/west-virginia/2008/08/cruelty-to-animals/
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If you have any information on the cruelty of animals, please contact the SPCA at the below link.
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http://www.spca.com/contact/
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End Of Story.....
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Jack Swint & Sam Webber
PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364
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E-Mail.. Westvirginianews@gmail.com
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Thursday, October 9, 2008

WV Affairs Of State...

Nine Short Stories Telling You What WV State Officials & Corporate Executives May Be Up To....
by, Sam Webber & Jack Swint.... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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1. Bribes Or Lies? (updated 10/13/2008)
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According to professional gambler & greyhound breeder Dean Miner, Racing Commissioner and long-time state employee George Sidiropolis (pictured to the left) has positioned himself to demand bribes of up to $50,000 from WV greyhound breeders wanting to be kennel owners. In three e-mails and one tape recorded conversation, Miner explains how he and partner Vince Berland were told that it was mandatory to pay off Sidiropolis.
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Dean Miner claims that Sidiropolis never touches the bribe money directly, he uses “bag man,” and noted greyhound enthusiast Don Dodd, and or another alleged associate he named as Domenic Rippeppi. According to Miner, he refused to pay the bribe and lobbied himself to get a kennel through legal channels.
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“I tried for years to get a “booking” (kennel contract) and when we did finally get a contract, my partner calls me and said Sidiropolis sent word that we still had to pay the $50,000 to him.” When he refused to pay, Miner says Sidiropolis began to blackball him. In fact, we obtained one e-mail that clearly shows Sidiropolis could have actually had it in for Miner.
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He feels that an investigation into former kennel owner Paul Carbenou may have been the catalyst used to go after Miner too. Carbenou was caught up in a health document scandal that included 12 of Miners dogs that allegedly had fictitious medical clearance. Even though Miner was cleared of any wrongdoing, Sidiropolis tried to get the Wheeling casino owners to ban him from the track for life.
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Sidiropolis publicly stated he had nothing to do with ordering an investigation and or seeking the racetrack to take action against Dean Miner.
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But, in a March 2007 e-mail we obtained from Dean Miner, then racing commission chairman Sidiropolis appears to be instructing Racing Commission Auditor Joe Cuomo to contact the Wheeling Downs management and “immediately submit formal notice to Wheeling Island Racetrack of our expectations for them to take swift action against Miner and we should suspend his occupational permit….” That e-mail went on to say “You must request a member(s) of the Attorney General staff to present this case against Miner.” (someone needs to investigate how Miner was able to obtain several copies of inter-statehouse e-mails??)
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When asked for names of people who knew about the bribes and could corroborate this claim, Dean Miner writes in an e-mail, “Sam Burdette was the most reputable source. I think that he said he and Don went to school together. When George allegedly tried to work a 50K deal with my partner, Flying Eagles, he used a Wheeling associate; Domenic Rippeppi as the courier/liaison.” We tried to contact Sam Burdette, Don Dodd & George Sidiropolis for comments but none of them returned our calls.
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But, don’t feel sorry for Dean Miner. He has positioned himself to be in the know on the inner workings of both the racing commission and WV attorney general’s office. By his own admissions and boasting, Dean Miner allegedly claims he once had an affair with deputy attorney general Christie Utt, who also is currently representing the WV racing commission in a civil lawsuit against the WV Greyhound Breeders association which Miner is a member.
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In fact, that current lawsuit (Kanawha County) would alow Miner to be awarded more money then the others members if Mrs. Utt negotiates things her way. Hundreds of thousands of dollars to be exact.
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10-13-08 Today a new source came forward and states that Utt and Miner met with Senator Bailey last year in private about the breeders fund and lawsuite. That meeting was confirmed with Bailey's secretary according to Paul Carbenau. He also stated one of the greyhound lobbyist, Troy Hendricks, was a witness to Mr. Miner & Ms Utt's meeting at Bailey's office. Acording to Carbenau, Senator Bailey admitted that the 30 minute meeting occured, but eluded to what it was about. Immediately afterwards, Dean Miner and Christie Utt reportedly left together and could not be found anywhere in the capital.
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According to Carbenou, "We looked for them both but, they were nowhere to be found."
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Just the mere fact they met together with Senator Bailey about the breeders fund and lawsuite shows complicity on Utt's part since Dean Miner is not a named defendant in that pending lawsuite against the racing commission.
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Bottom line, if what Miner says is true about their romantic relationship, she should have withdrawn from the case a long time ago. Utt may also have overstepped her boundaries and interfered with Interstate Commerce when she admitted in a racing commission meeting that Dean Miner had asked her, as the state atorney generals represenative, to hold off on allowing his former partner, Vince Berland, to obtain a kennel contract because Miner “had questions about it.” Berland has yet to receive a “booking.”
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Other people within the greyhound association & racing commission have talked about the rumors of the affair. According to one source, “Unless Dean is now lying; it’s no longer a rumor.”
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Dean Miner makes no apologies for what is going on. Nor does he hide his feelings towards those who have wronged him in the past. Sidiropolis, Don Dodd, Roger White, Earl Ray Tomblin are on that list and here is what Dean Miner says about them….Their ethics are less than those of a child molester”
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He also stated if his attorney found out he had talked to anyone, especially the media, about his current federal case against Vince Berland; or complaints on Sidiroplis, "he said he would drop me & my case."
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2. Governor’s Close Female Friend Receives Book Deal
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Since being in politics, Governor Joe Manchin has reportedly been having affairs right under his wife’s nose. Some have proven to be true, and others never confirmed. Manchin is known as a ladies’ man and even likes to be seen in the presence of attractive women. Usually, his wife is not in the same picture, until now. (There is no indication the governor & Ms Boggs are more then friends.)
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This time, it appears he appointed one of his attractive female friends to be a part of Gayle Manchins own campaign for healthier residents. Joe appointed noted health activist Cindy Boggs to the West Virginia Healthy Lifestyle Coalition. The coalition is chaired by the First Lady, which studies obesity issues and seeks to improve the health of all West Virginians.
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Boggs, a longtime health and body enthusiast also self published a book titled “You can find health in your hectic day.” According to inside sources at the mansion, Ms Boggs book was really struggling in sales, so the governor arranged for the state to allegedly buy approximately $30,000 dollars worth to help boost her sales.
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According to an e-mail from David Tincher, purchasing manager for the state, “it is my understanding that the book may have been purchased in conjunction with the Public Employees Insurance Agency's (PEIA) Health and Wellness Program by BeBetter, a health and wellness contractor to PEIA .
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Rumors of the Joe Manchin - Boggs close friendship have been circulating throughout the statehouse staff for some time. But no one seemed to care until they learned Joe may have procured the sale of so many of her books through his political prowess. “Of course Joe will say the books are related to the health and fitness program, just like he has an excuse for buying a motorcycle, boat, vacation home and more on a $96,000 a year salary.”
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Ms Boggs works for the YMCA and writes health columns for the Charleston Newspaper and appears on local TV stations. After looking at a picture of Boggs, one inside source sums up her thoughts about the governor’s personal friendship with Ms Boggs by simply saying, “I see why.”
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http://www.cindysays.com/
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3. Fires Being Battled From Within The Lubeck VFD

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It’s dangerous enough to fight fires and other emergencies on a day to day basis. But, when the WV Fire Marshalls office has to intervene, investigate and put out fires within this departments management team, it takes on a whole new set of procedures.
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Lubeck VFD is located in Wood County and approximately 5 miles south west of Parkersburg. Their total population is 1,276. For some time now there has been turmoil involving the departments fire chief that has now escalated to the state police being provided information that could include criminal charges. According to one inside sources e-mail to this author, the complaints derive from.
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“The Fire Chief is being investigated on grounds he was and has been practicing emergency medicine in the field without a license or certification for the past 3 yrs. That has been in progress since Feb. of this yr. The firefighters discovered he had no license while doing the Insurance paper work related to treatment he rendered this year. IA complaint was filed with the State EMS Office, WV is investigating, however, their one and only investigator left the division to accept another job.
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The State Fire Marshal’s Office says they can only investigate the condition of the Station and Equipment, Training all other complaints are out of their control, and they have no authority to intervene to correct ANY miss-conduct. The heat was applied, and now things are getting a little sporty to say the least. Word from the Department, The Chief is terminating and kicking out everyone that had anything to do with the complaints..This is scheduled to take place around Sept. 11th during the next business meeting."
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Corroboration for these problems surfaced in a June 13, 2008 State Fire Commission meeting in Fairmont when fire marshal Lewis stated that “A complaint has been received against Lubeck Fire Department. A number of issues and criminal complaints are in this complaint. The criminal complaints have been turned over to the State Police. Another complaint which is outside the realm of the Fire Marshal’s authority has been turned over to the Office of Emergency Medical Service.” http://www.firemarshal.wv.gov/Documents/FC%20Minutes%206-13-08.pdf
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The e-mails further explain how, “Last night the Fire Chief Mark Stewart terminated the Deputy Chief -Dave Cutright 26 yr veteran and Former Fire Chief - Ed Eaton 43 yr veteran. Stewart the chief, waited till he got Dave and Ed out of the building then went on a verbal attack of Virgil Flinn - Former Fire Chief approx. 39 yr veteran. After an hour plus of attacks, I understand they had Virgil pretty upset, literally shaking and mentally battered, they advised Virgil he had 24 hrs or he would terminated. Keep in mind, Ed & Virgil are in their late 60's & 70's they don't need to be undergoing attacks like this.
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Dave Cutright and Ed Eaton were terminated for talking to people about this. Virgil is being terminated because he will not surrender his authority of the community park that he built.
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State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis called and said his hands are tied, he has NO authority to take any actions,...even though he said,.."what is going on is wrong". Sterling advised to get an Attorney lined up and start filing, and to start with the simple items of failing to follow the established By-Laws resulting in wrongful dismissal. Very evident, that these actions were a direct result of planned retaliation.”
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4. Snorting Up The Evidence In A High Profile Criminal Case (Update 10/16/08)
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According to one inside source who insists on remaining anonymous, Kanawha County Circuit Clerk Cathy Gatson has snorted cocaine in front of her more than once. In fact, Gatson allegedly snorted the drug right on her county office desk, and the cocaine came from the second floor evidence room and Gatson has the only key.
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In this specific incident, that occurred several years ago, Gatson allegedly took drugs out of the evidence room from a high profile drug case and that she was lucky the defendant pled guilty because if anyone would have re-weighed the cocaine, it would have been a little lighter then when it was processed in. “She is the biggest dope head” according to one former clerk.
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When asked how Gatson could be so open about doing drugs in front of her and others? “She thinks are lips were sealed and we were scared for our jobs.” And allegedly the Circuit Court Clerk only has a few people she really trusts. When asked for names who Gatson tells her deep dark secrets to, “Linda Allen & Rhonda Cavender.”
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Our source came forward because she feels sickened by the drug use and how the circuit court clerk runs her department.
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And it’s not just the drug use that bothers this witness. “She also intentionally hides case files in her desk and or closet, then has the deputy clerks tell people who ask to see the records, that those case files are unavailable or with the judge ” Why would Cathy Gatson do this? As a favor to lawyers, prosecutors and or her friends who don’t want the press or other nosy people looking through the records of high profile cases or people she knows.
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“I can remember her telling me to get so and so’s file and bring it to her. Then she would either put it in her desk or closet so no-one could see it.”
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Then there are the 3 hour lunches at the mall, and having to listen to the stories of the drinking binges & other antics of “the trio” that includes Kathy Gatson, Lynn Ransen and even Judge Charlie King…. “The whole place just makes me sick.”
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According to Timothy Barber, who has represented Cathy Gatson over the years, she denies the allegations, says she knows who our sources for the story are, and they are nothing but liars....
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5. What You May Not Know About WV State Police History & Politics
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Quick, but interesting history lesson…. The WV State Police was formed in 1919 and will be celebrating 90 years of being the department of public safety very soon. The very first trooper was Sam Paylor, who was a formal military man just like all of the original members. In fact, they all wore their actual army green uniforms because the state could not afford to provide them with any. This is where the current green uniform of today stems from. The state police was actually formed during the coal conflicts as a law enforcement division not influenced or controlled by the coal companies or union.
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It wasn’t until the last few years that the WV State Police were actually named that. Until then, they were the Department Of Public Safety. Legislation was passed to change their name officially, even though everything has been called the state police for as far back as anyone can remember.
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Most people know that the gold & blue police cruisers are the state colors, but the gold top of each car represents the gold capitol dome, even though the cars are not painted with “gold leaf” paint which would cost a fortune.
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Politics in the State Police
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According to one state police spokesperson, “The superintendent’s job is appointed by, and at the will and pleasure of the governor.” History has shown that incoming governors usually appoint a new colonel as little as every four years, or each time a new governor takes over. There has only been one superintendent in WV’s history that wasn’t a state trooper beforehand. That one exception was a former deputy sheriff and that governor quickly learned there was distaste among the ranks for any superintendant who hasn’t first earned the green uniform.
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It’s not uncommon in politics to make promises you know you can’t keep. But, introducing one man in public as the next superintendant of the WV State Police and then giving it to someone else could cause a rippling effect down the road. Retired state trooper David L. Lemmon is the current top trooper and according to most sources he is suited for the position, and most of his subordinates support him.
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But, during the governor’s 2004 campaign, Manchin actually introduced Wood County Deputy Sheriff Terry Miller to political supporters as the next superintendent. And, according to witnesses, Miller did not flinch or act as though it was a surprise to hear the news. One of Manchins then campaign staff said, “Joe Manchin introduced Miller to me more than once as the next superintendant of the WV State Police.” Miller has had a long history in law enforcement and other pertinent training and experience throughout the state.
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His bio reads like the who’s who of law enforcement
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“A native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Terry Miller served more than 27 years with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, before retiring as a Lieutenant. Miller obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from West Virginia State College. He has an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Parkersburg Community College. In 2005, Cabinet Secretary Jim Spears of the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety asked Miller to assist in the reorganization and establishment of the Homeland Security State Administrative Agency.
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In that position, he worked with state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as other first responders, state and local elected and appointed officials, and six Regional Homeland Security Planners. Miller also served as the Acting Director of the State’s Regional Response Program which is managed by the State Fire Marshal.
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He is also State President of the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He is a board member of the Law Enforcement Training Subcommittee of the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Corrections, and serves on the West Virginia Investment Management Board. He is a former member of the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board, past Vice-President of the Parkersburg Fraternal Order of Police and past Vice President and past President of the Wood County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He is an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
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Miller received the 1999 Presidential Citation and the 2001 Meritorious Service Award by the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He was named the 1999 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by Blennerhassett Lodge #79 of the Fraternal Order of Police.” And on and on…..
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So, how did Colonel Lemmon end up with the job? First, he retired from the State Police back in 1987 after 30 plus years of perfect service. Even though he had never served in administration, he has since shown he can do the job.
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Inside sources say one of two things occurred that caused the governor to turn away from Miller as his number one choice.
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Either Manchin was warned against appointing a non-trooper as their leader, or, it was the fact Dave Lemmon and his wife Ruth “rented?”Joe Manchin one of their homes as campaign headquarters in 2004. That home is located on Kanawha Boulevard next to the WV Automobile & Truck Associations office, which is also very near the governor’s mansion & state capital. Ruth Lemmon is the Automobile Association president. As the story goes, Joe promised both men the job, but gave it to Lemmon in exchange for the use of the campaign headquarters.
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Would Joe Manchin actually make his choice based on just that? “Joe is a maniac…” according to one former political rival. One example… Charlotte Pritt recalls, “I remember years ago when Joe really needed a vote and support on something and he promised then state house member, Sondra Lucht, that if she would vote and talk up for his bill, that he would in turn vote and support hers.” She allegedly did what she agreed to do and Joe shot her down and voted against her. When Lucht asked why he would do that?? Joe just looked at her and laughed, “I lied, ha ha”
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No matter Joe Manchins reasons, Terry Miller went on to be appointed to several other positions by the governor, most recently as the director of the WV Jail & Correctional Facility Authority. And Colonel Dave Lemmon was a good choice....
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http://www.wvdmaps.gov/rja.htm
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6. What Reason Does Ogden Newspaper Have For Not Hiring Blacks Or Gays?
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Updated 10/12/2008
One West Virginia media mogul is hiding facts from their readers and the general public. If your black or gay, don’t bother applying for any middle to upper management positions within Ogden Newspaper Company because you most likely won’t be hired.
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According to one former veteran publisher, and a human resource manager, there is an unwritten rule not to hire any blacks or gays. In a 2005 conversation caught on tape, former publisher Craig Bohrer answered this authors question regarding why Ogden tries to steer away from hiring black employees. “Do you want the corporate answer, or the truth?”
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According to Bohrer, Ogden Newspaper Company feels blacks are lazy; they steal and end up having to be terminated for one reason or another. He also stated that he personally did not like people like Jesse Jackson who just goes around the country suing businesses for his own financial gain. And that he (Bohrer) was not around back in the days of slavery, but would have been good to his slaves. He also said that Ogden has met its per-ratio of black & white employee's.
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Also, onetime human resources manager Joyce Phillips who worked at “The Journal” in Martinsburg confirmed that there was another unwritten policy not to hire gays. Why? No specific reason except corporate executives just did not like them. This is contrary to their own decision back in 2004 when they purchased the weekly news tabloid “Graffiti” which claims to be WV’s alternative news. At the time, there was some gay content inside their magazine-newspaper which goes against Ogden’s beliefs.
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At the time, Ogden Newspapers corporate circulation director Bart Leath, confirmed this on tape and even questioned the decision himself as to why Ogden would buy the weekly publication. But, noted the main reason for the purchase was to get a foothold in the Charleston-Huntington market since they lost out on their bid to buy the Charleston Daily Mail when it came available.
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The Journal newspaper Editor Maria Lorensen stated (also on tape) that same year that even though it was not right what goes on, she somewhat understood the publishers comments and that in his mind, the unwritten policy was just heading off a potential problem down the road of having to fire them period.
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Graffiti is operated from Ogden’s Parkersburg paper. Both the magazine and the newspaper show an address of 519 Juliana St, Parkersburg WV, 26101. Here is a link (in blue) to all of their newspapers.

If you notice, Ogden newspaper has no black executives, publishers, editors or any mid to upper management employee's in any of their newspaper companies across the country. Ever see a corporate picture? No blacks, EVER.
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Ogden does own the "Pittsburgh Pirates," and there are black professional baseball players on their team.
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http://www.oweb.com/opportunities/home.asp
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Anyone wishing a copy of these tape recorded conversations, just e-mail us your mailing address and we will send you a copy of the publisher, and editors comments.
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7. The Intentional Demise Of The Charleston Daily Mail Newspaper.
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Everyone is aware of the current Anti-Trust law suit against the Charleston newspaper by the US Government. That suit contends that the owners intended to phase out the Daily Mail afternoon newspaper after purchasing it from Media News Group in Denver.
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The Gazette company adamantly denies that was their intention nor did they violate Anti-Trust laws. WRONG. Gazette owner/general manager Craig Selby has wanted to do away with the afternoon newspaper for many years. He openly stated to former and current circulation directors and other upper management his intent. According to circulation management, plans were even drawn up and approved for them to intentionally begin by pulling out newspaper service in rural and surrounding counties across WV the minute the buyout occurred. This was a deliberate crash course and the circulation staff was in charge of making it happen, even though they were against it, and some lost jobs because of it.
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Everyone is focusing on how they have not filled open reporter’s positions and other key management vacancies within the Daily Mail. What the feds need to be focusing on is the circulation departments roping in both the DM home delivery and single copy sales in outlying areas. They have intentionally caused their own subscriber base to drastically dwindle down in preparation for its demise.
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One key to this whole case is the fact that until talks of selling the Daily Mail newspaper surfaced, former publisher Sam Hindman, President Dave Zinn, Dean Singleton (owner) and his number two person Steve Hesse, were adamant on keeping the Daily Mail above 40,000 subscribers. In fact, circulation management personnel’s bonuses were tied to this baseline figure. If you examine the ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation) reports this is very evident.
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In late 1999 early 2000, a promotional offer was made to Daily Mail subscribers to also receive the Gazette newspaper for $1. The promotion worked for a short period, but ultimately the afternoon paper subscribers let the morning newspaper offer expire. They did not want the Gazette.
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After the sale of the DM, Selby closed down distribution centers claiming he was saving expenses. Those distribution centers, and even outlying storage areas used as newspaper route drop off locations, were instrumental in ensuring on time delivery by contractors.
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Other key signs of Selby’s intent to do in the afternoon paper is when he ordered they begin cutting back on telemarketing sales, retention and even renewing expired customers accounts who received the Daily Mail in outlining areas.
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Some people will agree that afternoon newspapers are becoming a thing of the past. Some newspaper companies actually have gone from an afternoon to a morning newspaper. But, not the way Craig Selby envisioned it to occur. His plan is to forcefully make Daily Mail subscribers have to switch to the Gazette in order to receive a newspaper....
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http://wvgazette.com/home/ourhistory
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http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f223400/223469.htm
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8. The True Story How Mayor Danny Jones Eluded Federal Cocaine Charges
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Danny Jones has served many positions in city, county and even state government. Rumors always seem to surface every few years of his involvement in cocaine while serving the public as Sheriff. He was openly accused of drug use and possible federal charges at the same time former Prosecutor & then Charleston Mayor Mike Roark was arrested, indicted and convicted on cocaine charges. Federal case - 2:87-cr-00138. Jones himself admitted using the drug, but it was allegedly before becoming sheriff.
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Recently, one of the key players came forward to tell what they say is the actual truth to what went on behind the scenes in both Roark & Jones cocaine problems. Everyone knows the true outcome of Roark’s case. But, according to the one person who could be privy to the inner workings of the US Attorney’s office prosecution says that “it was the hardest case that federal prosecutor Wayne Rich ever had to be associated with.”
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Garnett Pritt is the father of Charlotte Pritt, former WV veteran politician and former wife of onetime Charleston US Attorney Wayne Rich. Pritt recently told the “real story” about Roark and current Mayor Danny Jones cocaine troubles. “Wayne sat in my living room telling me how it was his job as a prosecutor to ensure Mike Roark case went to trial.” That was after Pritt says Wayne Rich told him the feds offered Roark a deal to resign, get out of politics and they would let the charges go away. Evidentially, Roark turned their deal offer down since he was convicted and went to jail on misdemeanor charges.
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As for current Mayor Danny Jones…. That was a different ending. Pritt says that he was instrumental in keeping Danny from being prosecuted. Why would he do that?
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One, there is a connection with Jones and another one of Pritts daughters. Linda Pritt Smith, who Jones dated and lived with years ago. Jones says they have just been friends for a number of years. That’s untrue according Linda’s father and older sister Charlotte Pritt, they were more then friends back then.
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The second reason Mr. Pritt helped Danny. Jones helped Garnett years ago with an insurance problem, and he just wanted to repay him for his kindness by talking to former son in law (and still close friend) Wayne Rich, who agreed to stall pursuing Danny on cocaine charges and allow the statute of limitations to expire. That allowed Jones to just walk away.
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Mr. Pritt says he still talks with Wayne Rich to this day. In fact, Rich called him recently from Iraq where he is currently working in a contract position. “Wayne said it was 7am there in Iraq, it was only around 2pm here.” Pritt says that the former US Attorney let Danny go as a favor to him.
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Jones visited Garnett Pritt last year when he was in the hospital recovering from pneumonia, “I woke up and there stood Danny.”
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9. Is Kanawha County Judge Todd Kaufman Abusing His Power To Help A Friend?
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According to one e-mail source, Kanawha County Court Judge Todd Kaufman is using his power and influence to cover up a case against his longtime friends, Richard and Marianne Lindroth.
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Richard, a local attorney and former general counsel for House Speaker Bob Kiss, allegedly forgot to pay his state taxes for at least 10 years. And according to our source, “All the while, he was working as a state employee, and collecting a big fat state paycheck.” He reportedly lost his case with the state tax department and has now appealed to the circuit court.
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Todd Kaufman is the presiding judge, and there are several interesting points that go along with this. According to the e-mail we received, “Lindroth is a licensed pilot and flew Kaufman to WVU football games or something, free of charge a few years ago, when Kaufman needed a pilot. Now, Lindroth wants payback on his tax case, and Kaufman is showing some pretty strange things in the way he's approaching this case.”
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On the surface, something sinister and deceiving could be going on. Even the case heading is hiding the name of the defendants. The original state tax case files appear to be “altered” also to hide facts from public knowledge.
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According to Judge Kauffman’s secretary, the case number is 07-AA-58, and the next hearing date is set for October 17th, 2008.
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As of today’s date the case is captioned “R.M.L” vs- Tax Commissioner. RML stands for Richard & Marianne Lindroth. One county clerk said that the only time initials are supposed to be used is in a case that involves a juvenile.
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Why is Lindroths case using initials only? Allegedly, this is because Richard didn’t' want anyone to know of his legal problems. Once you appeal those tax cases to circuit court, no more taxpayer confidentiality. If you appeal those cases to circuit court, your name should be the title of the case.
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What’s even more ironic about this case, Attorney Lindroth is listed as a member of the WEST VIRGINIA STATE AND FEDERAL TAXATION COMMITTEE.
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http://www.wvbar.org/BARINFO/comms/detail.asp?ID=260
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http://www.wvbar.org/barinfo/mdirectory/detail.asp?ID=2215
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End Of Stories...
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Tapes and e-mail copies are available as described in the above stories. If you would like a copy, please e-mail us with a mailing address and the story your interested in.
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Contact Info:
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Sam Webber & Jack Swint
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
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304-549-4978

PWDGroup@gmail.com
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Friday, September 26, 2008

Former Lobbyist Owns Bragging Rights On Senator Earl Ray Tomblin

Former Lobbyist Owns Bragging Rights On Senator Earl Ray Tomblin
by, Sam Webber & Jack Swint...... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
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“it’s bad enough being called onto the carpet before Earl Ray, but to be sitting in the outside office and see the door come open and out prances Roger White with a smirk on his face is a bit much….”. WV State Employee
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Our 3 month investigation into Roger D. White’s connections with Senator Ear Ray Tomblin and greyhound racing reveals a long trail of deceit, fraud, illegal, unethical & even sexist behavior. And that is just on Roger White…. The bottom line, this man has all of the power in the world, but no authority.
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The onetime state lobbyist apparently has strong ties with Earl Ray Tomblin. At least that is what he claims by constantly boasting throughout the state of WV how “I have Earl Ray and Joe Delong in my hip pocket.” White, 64, is also directly linked to Earl Ray’s father ( Earl Sr.) and Danny Adkins, VP of Hartman & Tyner who own the tri-state casino and racetrack.
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White has been in the greyhound racing business with his wife Michelle for many years even though nothing they own together is listed in his name because of an alleged disability claim against former employer, Eastern Association Coal Company, which he left under “questions” in 1997.
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Hilda Halstead remembers both Roger and Michelle White. She was one of the founding members of the WV greyhound breeders association and was instrumental in heading up the original group’s membership. Hilda, also an owner-breeder, says that she helped both Michelle and Roger by “splitting” a litter of racing puppies to help them expand in the business. She later quit the association when it became so corrupt, cut throat & sinister. “This greyhound association is not what we envisioned it to be.”
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Over time, the Whites expanded their business to include owning “Blue & Gold Kennel” and increasing the number of dogs they owned and raced. He reportedly double-crossed a lot of people to get there. On one occasion, Roger entered into a contract/deal with Harlyn Goebel who is one of the larger breeder-owners in the industry. Goebel, who operates out of Texas, agreed to provide the Whites with two dogs for racing, and breeding purposes. But, Roger allegedly kept the dogs and their offspring and has yet to pay Goebel anything.
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Over the years, he has compiled a long list of plaintiffs and or defendants in civil litigation and other complaints brought against association members who White becomes upset with. According to court records available, he has yet to win one case he has filed. And, he has left a trail of owner-breeders questioning his motives and reason he turned against them all. Dean Miner, a current wheeling member, says Roger White and his associate’s ethics are less than those of a “child molester.” After this story, we figure to be sued by him next. And that is fine.
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Roger White has been given “open access” from Senator Tomblin to roam the statehouse halls, create legislation and even get away with making unwanted sexual advances and harassing some female staff at the capital. In fact, one woman, who asked to remain anonymous said that Roger White was so “touchy – feely and creepy” that she would lock the door to the office if she even heard he was in the building. Another employee, (an executive) said that Roger White came right out and asked her to go to a hotel with him and have a drink while they were at a conference.
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When interviewing lobbyists and senators, all concur that Tomblin is very protective of Roger White and they all feel helpless to do or say anything about it. Why? They felt White either knows something incriminating about Earl Ray Tomblin, or, the senator uses White to do his dirty work, or both. Several people interviewed feel that Whites association with Earl Ray’s father is the connection.
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Earl Sr. is no saint. The former Logan County Sheriff was arrested in 1970 while in office for his role in the infamous “Logan Five” voter fraud case that rocked southern WV. Sheriff Tomblin, one of his deputies, and even then state senator Bernard Smith were caught and convicted buying and selling votes in Logan County. All five men were found guilty on September 13, 1971 in a federal trial in Huntington. Each defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Federal documents then show a reduction in sentence for Tomblin to 5 years. The federal case number is 3:71-cr-09520
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Then again, on May 1, 1992 Earl senior plead guilty in his role of the bribery of a state official in another infamous case involving an attempt to steal funds from the WV Public Public Employees Fund. According to court records in that case, Tomblin received a lower sentence for his “substantial assistance” to the US Attorney. He was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back $22,439.00 to the WV consolidated retirement board. That case number is 2:92-cr-00047.
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To this day, he still likes to tell the story of how his own close relative set him up by wearing a “wire” for the feds to get evidence on him for his crimes. During the tape recorded conversation, his informant relative asked Earl if anyone knew what he was doing, and that it was illegal. The elder Tomblin replied, “Not even God knows.” Shortly after that, he was arrested.
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And if Earl senior thinks being arrested by the feds twice is bad luck, he may have a real surprise coming soon. And they can all thank Roger for it…..
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Back to Roger White……
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1. Embezzlement Of Funds??
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According to ethics commission records, Roger White filed to become a lobbyist on January 27, 2005. At the time, he was also president of the WV greyhound breeders association. His quarterly lobbyist reports claimed everything from being a current West Virginia greyhound owner to addressing the senate on house bills related to gaming. Both of which are untrue. White is not legally a greyhound dog owner, everything is in his wife’s name. Recent testimony in Kanawha County Circuit Court shows he has not had any direct involvement or received any money from the racing commission since at least 2004.
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In each and every lobbyist report, White certified that he did not have any expenses incurred as a lobbyist the entire year and a half he was registered. Each of his activity reports clearly states this and bears his signature. (available from the WV Ethics Committee)
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So, why did he then turn around and submit bills to the WV breeders association totaling $1,800 dollars between February and April 2005 claiming they were lobbying expenses? Two payments were documented in the greyhound racing association minutes for those months. White knew, or should have known that the requests were fraudulently submitted, and that taking the funds was embezzling money from the WV greyhound association funds.
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Or, he filed false lobbyist reports which is also a crime under WV code 6B-3-9.
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The legal definition of embezzlement is: “the crime of stealing the funds or property of an employer, company or government. Or, misappropriating money or assets held in trust.”
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What makes this even worse is the fact that White was president of the breeders association during that time, and his wife, Michelle, was treasurer.
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2. Political Payoffs
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Many people in the industry and statehouse have openly stated that they felt Roger White and both Tomblins were involved together in illegal and or unethical behavior. According to two credible sources (one law enforcement personnel requesting anonymity) information has recently come to light from Roger himself, who unknowingly bragged to a woman the details of a $12,500 dollar cash payment from Senator Earl Ray Tomblin to help make sure a house bill that was once defeated, gets through the second time.
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Senate bill 357 was successfully passed even though Harvey Maupin, vice president of the WVGOBA professed that the members DID NOT want this change and that it would cause more harm than good.
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One greyhound breeder stated that the change of the requirement for Greyhounds to stay in the state of West Virginia until they were 1 year old was the death knell for many small breeders who did not have the facilities to raise greyhounds until they were a year old. In the case of many other breeders, the cost for changing their facilities to accommodate greyhounds until they were 12 months old was staggering.
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White sold the plan as a way to “keep more money in West Virginia”. This is a ridiculous supposition since it required dogs older than 6 months to be kept on the farms thereby limiting the amount of greyhounds that could be raised.
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Why did Earl Ray want this bill passed? To push out more of the little guys which would greatly raise the purse amount payments for people like the Whites & Tomblins who would not be affected since their greyhound farms were large enough to handle the change.
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3. Point Enhancing.
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Each week, tri-state casino and racetrack issues checks to the breeders & kennels owners for their share of the dog race winnings. Payment amounts are determined on a point system which then pays a specific amount that is controlled by Danny Adkins, VP of Hartman & Tyner who owns the track. Neither the racing nor lottery commission has any authority or control over this process.
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Also, both the Tomblins and Whites have kennels that race, board and train other owner’s greyhounds. So, not only do the Whites & Tomblins receive money for their own dogs winning, they receive money from each dog owner that uses their kennel.
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Roger White recently bragged to a woman who then told on him, that a deal to enhance the points for him and the Tomblins puts an extra $40,000 a year in each of their pockets. Why would Danny Adkins approve such a fraud? According to Roger boasting, because it appears legitimate instead of a payoff when Danny needs a favor. Allegedly, one of those favors is coming up. Adkins needs senate approval to change the law requiring the hotel-convention center to be built by the end of next year. If it is not, he has to pay additional penalties that go as high as 3 million dollars each year until it is. This is above and beyond the $2.5 million a year for their licenses etc.
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So, in reality his ability to adjust points for cash on the weekly greyhound check is a good cover. And, with no one outside of the racetrack personnel being able to reconcile the money against the actual points; it’s a beautiful thing….. And who determines exactly what each point pays??? Yep, Danny Adkins.
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Until we recently began questioning the accuracy of the payouts to bettors and payments to the association members, there was a link available on the casino website that showed computer statements on each kennels earnings, standings and top dogs by win. That link, Sparky’s Space (click on blue link) was shutdown over the past two days. Even though there was no reference to the points verses money, you could at least determine who was being paid the most. When we examined the report last month, the Tomblins kennel was one of the highest paid. Closely followed by the Whites. Hopefully, after this story, they will bring that exact link back.
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In a recent 2008 meeting with the WV racing commission, Roger White stood up in front of a group of people (including this author & Attorney General lawyer Christy Utt) and introduced himself as a lobbyist, and was the man responsible for obtaining recent legislation in order to build 2 new greyhound dog training tracks. Outside of the fact he hasn’t been a lobbyist since his one year tenure ending in early 2006, he still claims that status.
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Ironically, also in the ethics commissions file is a letter dated in February 2006 from the WV Greyhound Owners & Breeders that clearly states;
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“Mr. White has been lobbying at the current session of the legislature. He is NOT AUTHORIZED to represents the WVGOBA. We hope he understands not to imply that he represents the WVGOBA.”
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Bottom line, Senator Earl Ray Tomblin has created a monster in Roger White by allowing him to use the senator’s name as a bargaining chip and threat to anyone who stands in his way. According to one current WVGOBA member, White has his own agenda since being removed as president of the association and from the national greyhound board. “Roger told me that he has a lot of people to pay back!”
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What type of power and intimidation does he carry with him? Listening to one executives secretary, “it’s bad enough being called onto the carpet before Earl Ray, but to be sitting in the outside office and see the door come open and out prances Roger White with a smirk on his face is a bit much..”.
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According to two female state employees who asked to remain anonymous out of fear for their jobs; he bragged to them that he would eventually “destroy the breeders association.” White may have succeeded. Since shortly after losing the presidents seat and his ranking in the national association, he managed to get a law passed that no longer requires a person to belong to the WV breeders association. So, he kept true to his threat to destroy the association. That law took effect this week.
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In closing,
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Everyone makes mistakes in life, Earl Tomblin senior admited his guilt and served his time. At the least, Roger White most likely committed a crime by falsely submiting invoices to be paid for lobbyist expenses when there were none. Bragging to a woman that you were receiving pay off money from Earl Ray to sway votes and receiving extra money from the track is pretty stupid no matter what the reason.....
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According to one registered lobbyist and one credible source, Roger White allegedly was served recently with “paperwork” by the U.S. Marshalls office in relation to his greyhound business and or association with the Tomblins and Danny Adkins. It is a fact that several local law firms are in the process of obtaining specific information on White for legal action. What they need to keep in mind is, the only thing Roger White has in his own name is that he is President of “Blue & Gold Kennel” (click on blue link)
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If anyone would like copies of the Federal Docket Reports on Earl Tomblin and or the Lobbyist & Greyhound records on Roger White, E-mail us and provide a mailing address or we can e-mail you a PDF copy.
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End Of Story......
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Sam Webber & Jack Swint
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
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304-549-4978
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Legislative Audit Division Confirms Greyhound Racing Associations Worst Nightmare....


by Jack Swint & Sam Webber .... Pwdgroup@gmail.com
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According to a letter & report from post audit director Stacy L. Sneed to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, the overall consensus of the racing commission’s problems “resulted from a lack of management oversight. Including miscalculations in the general ledger sheets and other information reports, the financial statements will be misstated causing readers of the financial statements to be misled.”
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According to the states own audit, (for the period between July 1, 2005 & June 30, 2007) the racing commission’s internal auditing, bookkeeping, banking procedures, distribution of funds, compliance of state laws, & overall operation was very poorly maintained......
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The Greyhound breeder’s association members have always questioned whether or not their monthly payment checks are accurate, calculated according to the state statutes, or if other monies are being disbursed correctly. After reading this expose’, there won’t be much to speculate any longer. There is definitely a serious problem according to the legislative audit division!
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Over the past several weeks we have written about problems within the racing commissions auditing procedures, enforcing and or overseeing state statues and the problems at the Tri-State Casino. People can try and poke holes and or raise credibility questions regarding our investigation and findings. But, no one will be disputing the legislative audit committee’s findings.
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This internal state audit & report was prepared by their own watchdog division and is the “smoking gun” that corroborates, and directly points to the weakness of the racing commissioners and former director of racing & auditing director, Joe Cuomo. (since then, Cuomo’s job description and duties have been changed to just audit director)
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In her report, Sherry Sneed goes on to say that “the racing commission does not have an effective system of internal controls in place to ensure compliance with applicable State laws, rules and regulations.”
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And, to date, none of the changes recommended by the state audit division have been fixed. Why Not?? Ask the man who oversees the “post audit committee” Earl Ray Tomblin. Then go up the ladder one more step and ask the governor himself since he is the captain of the ship, and was made aware of the poor operation rating the racing commission received. Both men were presented with copies of the auditors findings but have done nothing with it.
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In fact, inside sources accuse Post Audit Chairperson, Senator Tomblin of ignoring this report. This legislative audit is very damaging to the commissioners, Joe Cuomo and the foundation of the racing commission authority. There is nothing positive noted in this report.
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Is this problem caused due to a lack of personnel to run this division? Yes….. The racing commissioners are only part time positions. Joe Cuomo refers everything to the executive secretary Linda Lacy and or Sherry Dorsey. Both of these ladies are bogged down with performing their own work, and their superiors. From witness accounts and this author’s personal interaction with Mrs. Lacy & Dorsey, the whole operation would implode if not for their efforts to try and keep up with everyone’s responsibilities in the racing commission.
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Here are a few of the findings that the legislative auditor found:
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1. "During the study period of July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007 we noted that the Director ofAudits general ledger sheets for the period and the monthly calculation worksheetscontain mathematical errors."..........
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2. "During the study period, we noted several internal control weaknesses relating tothe operation of the Racing Commission’s check writing function. These weaknesses include allthe monthly print-outs of check registries during the study period generated by thebookkeeper/registrar lack a corresponding check number associated with the transaction......
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In addition, we noted that checks are hand typed and contain type-over errors on the duplicatecheck copies that reflect errors made on spelling of names and of amounts paid to participants in the Breeding Development Fund. We also noted that check numbers are not always in sequential order and is attributable to checks being generated in the bookkeeper/registrar office at Mountaineer Gaming Resort and the Racing Commission’s Charleston office.”.....
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3. "Our review of the reconciliations performed by the Racing Clerk between thebank statement and the account ledger (book) balances show the reconciliations are ineffectivebecause differences between bank and book balances would not be identified. Additionally, theaccount ledger does not contain a running daily balance of the total amount of funds available inthe local bank account."
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4. "The Director of Audits only records deposits and disbursements monthly in the general ledger instead of recording the transactions as they occur. Also, the Director’s monthly general ledger totals do not match up with the Director’s monthly racing calculation sheet totals for certain months."
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5. One of the focus points is the system for processing, writing and issuing of checks. Pointing out the ongoing problem they found that, “typographical errors, lack of corresponding check numbers made to payees from the Development Fund, non-sequentially numbered checks generated from two different sources, ineffective bank reconciliations and weakness in the segregation of duties does not conform to Chapter 5A, Article 8, Section 9 of the West Virginia Code.
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By not associating check numbers to the payees from the Development Fund Checks, and check amounts cannot be readily verified with the payees. Also, manual typing of checks causes errors in spelling of names and amounts that appear on the checks. This causes duplicate copies to come into question as to the actual amount and name that appears on the original check due to over-typing of corrected errors.” .......
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Sneed’s findings detail numerous state statutes that the racing commissioners and Cuomo are allegedly not enforcing. According to Sneed, the majority of the problems would correct themselves if the commissioners and the director of audits would just follow the mandatory statutes already in place.
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She points out the pending civil litigation between greyhound association president Sam Burdette and the racing commission. This suite, 06-C-2368 is related to the ongoing problems the commission is having on the correct procedures and laws governing how the breeders are paid.
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Currently, this matter is still pending before the Circuit Court. General Counsel for the West Virginia Department of Revenue believes an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible.
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The racing commissioners and Cuomo were allowed to submit written comments on the issues brought up by the legislative audit division. In addressing each issue, the commission states that they would take the recommendations under advisement, and or make the necessary changes. Racing commissioners also state that with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office, they would take up the issues with the next rule making committee. Their answers almost appear laxadasial and mundane.
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It also appears from written statements, the Attorney General’s office has taken an active interest in the racing commission’s day to day operation long before this audit. Which, could make them culpable as well.
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Copies of the audit were presented to at least the post audit chair person (Earl Ray Tomblin), the governor and the racing commission.
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We went back this month and obtained recent bank statements and other information to confirm if the racing commission had addressed any of these issues. Specifically, but not limited to the list of problems regarding the bank accounts, bookkeeping and operation controls. Those specific issues were said to have been resolved by the commissioners during the exit interview back in April, 2008.
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We also checked with the “rule making” committee for any requests being made to them from either the racing commission or the attorney general’s office directly related to the legislative audit. Earl Ray Tomblin is also chairperson of this committee.
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According to Debra Graham, the “Rule Making Committee” deadline for the 2009 session was closed out on August 29, 2008. Our sources state that nothing had been submitted relating to either the racing commissioners or attorney general’s office in reference to the audit problems. Allegedly, some requests were submitted not related to the problems.
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On the surface, NOTHING appears to have been resolved as of the writing of this story. We examined samples of bank statements for May, June, July & August 2008, and found checks still grossly out of sequence and or missing.
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In April 2008, the racing commissioners stated in the audit report these issues were fixed, the examples below show they were not.
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Example: (as of May 2008 checks are still out of sequence and missing...)
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May 2008 - Greyhound Fund account shows checks missing from numbers 3726 to 3803.
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June 2008 - Greyhound Fund account shows checks missing from numbers 3784 to 3804
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July 2008 - Greyhound Fund account shows checks missing from numbers 3765 to 4001
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Aug 2008 - Greyhound Fund account shows checks missing from numbers 3923 to 4002
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Note: No evidence has been uncovered to suggest that anyone is stealing money, but it does point towards poor management responsibilities.
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Bottom line, this is a very shoddy way of conducting business. In any other corporate job, most everyone would be fired, including Earl Ray, Joe Manchin, Joe Cuomo and at least one member of the racing commission. Can they deny any direct knowledge of the problem? Of, course. That’s Manchins favorite line. Deny, deny and deny.
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Earl Ray Tomblin is both chairperson on the “post audit” and “rules” committee’s which oversee these audits. Mrs. Sneed told this author that it takes a specific legislation order to even conduct that audit. Maybe it is time for Earl Ray to take off some of the multiple committee hats he wears and get up out of several chairs, and he sits on.
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This should all fall in his lap for not making sure the problems were quickly addressed and fixed. But then, how can there be any investigation if laws were broken, Earl is over the special investigations committee also....
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And just how hard would it be to fix all of these problems?? Acting Legislative Auditor Stacy Sneed points out that the problems could be easily corrected if they would just follow the state statutes!
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Other noted problems exist like the fact Commissioner George Sidiropolis has only been seen at one commission meeting in the past year and a half. No one will complain about his lack of work because he was personally appointed by the governor. He has been in numerous appointed state jobs over the years and is a defendant in dozens of civil suits against the state because of it.
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Director of audits, Joe Cuomo refused to even address our FOI requests and answer auditing questions, which is his job. He always referred them to Linda Lacy to handle.
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Who’s really suffering from this disorganized mess? Members of the greyhound & thoroughbred associations, kennel owners & their families.
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It should also be noted that these same types of errors and miss-management are directly related to the same type problems involving the commissioner’s neglect in enforcing WV state statutes governing the responsibilities of the Tri-State Casino & Racetrack owners.
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Earl Ray Tomblin, the governor and anyone else at the statehouse can say these problems were being addressed….. The facts and documents we obtained at the end of this past August, show no one was attempting to make any changes at all.
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Links:
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2008 Legislative Audit (smoking gun)
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Joint/Postaudit/PA_Reports/audit_docs/PA_2008_41.pdf
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2000 to 2007 Internal Racing Commission Audits
http://www.wvf.state.wv.us/racing/ (then click on section marked “annual reports”)
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Related stories: Scroll down to the below archived stories

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End Of Story……
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Contact Information:
Jack Swint & Sam Webber.......PWDGroup@gmail.com
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
304-549-4978


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Monday, September 8, 2008

Did Tri-State Casino Pay $39 Million Dollars To Dummy Florida Corporation & Sweep Those Records Under The Rug?

by, Sam Webber & Jack Swint - PWDGroup@gmail.com ...... (part 2 of the series)
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In 1999 records show that Hartman & Tyner created "Florida Racing Services Inc." as a new business through the Florida secretary of state’s office. According to financial statements, this company was paid at least 39 million dollars over a 6 year period for an alleged loan agreement with its sister company, Tri-State Casino & Racetrack, at 9% interest.
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Records also reveal that the last payment of $815 thousand was paid to the Florida Company in December 2004. In January 2005, Florida Racing Services filed its last financial statement with the state and closed down….
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Was this Florida business set up for the purpose of cooking the books & avoiding taxes?
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Copy of PDF records of "FRS Inc" (click on the blue link below)
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Hartman & Tyner is a privately owned company and does not have to handover their financial statements to the public. But, as a casino & greyhound racing business, they are required to furnish the state legislative branch and racing commission copies each year so they can monitor their financial operations.
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Joe Cuomo is the director of audits for the racing commission, and Earl Ray Tomblin is chair person on the “post audit subcommittee” and special investigation committees.
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What becomes of these audit reports? And why no state official has questioned the accuracy of Tri-State Casino’s true financial status. Two possible explanations are that the state has not been enforcing, or is intentionally ignoring state statute 19-23-10(f) that mandates each casino turn over yearly audit reports to the legislative financial section and the racing commission.
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One clue of how Tri-State funds could be diverted is in each year’s certified audit that explains how they’re moving around cash as needed… “certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation”. This would allow the owners to play a shell game with cash.
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How much money are we talking? From at least 1999 through 2007, it appears the casino owners have managed to fraudulently divert at least 319 million dollars out of WV and into the pockets of Hartman & Tyner executives. Including Danny Adkins, who is company Vice President.
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Here are but a few expenses they have claimed (totaled over 9 years of audit reports)…..
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1. Tri-State claims that over the past nine years they have paid Hartman & Tyner $30.2 million dollars in “management fees.” There is no explanation what type of management services Hartman & Tyner provided to Tri-State, but it was very expensive.
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This corroborates information we obtained, and reported; several months ago from former GM Chris Brewer who stated Danny Adkins had ordered employees’ to transfer any large amounts of excess cash to Hartman & Tyner accounts in Michigan each month.
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2. An expense for administrative services totals $43 million dollars over nine years.
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3. Revolving loans, notes and advances from Hartman & Tyner add up to an average of $9.9 million a year. There is a revolving line of credit for $10 million.
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4. Then there is the “non-cancellable operating lease agreement” for slot machine rentals of $11 million dollars that began in 2001 and continue to this date. One inside source said that Hartman & Tyner is the company leasing the slot machines back to Tri-State.
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5. Tri-State also lists $32 million dollars in stock equity from 1999 to 2007. This stock is classified as “common stock” – par value $100 a share with only 100 shares available. What is unusual is the fact that in 1999 the total equity was listed at $2.4 million and is now up to $32 million.
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A sudden jump occurred in 2001 when it tripled in value from $4 million to $11. Tripled again in 2005 to $30 million. Even though the company claimed a net loss of -$500 thousand, stockholder(s) flourished.
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6. One line item titled “Other” claims expenses of $5.1 million for the nine year period. No explanation was given for what this expense included.
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7. $21 million dollars in “contract labor.”
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8. Travel & entertainment cost $1.7 million. Just in 2007 the cost was $445 thousand.
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9. Complimentary & gratuities to customers and businesses totaled $4.8 million.
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NOTE: Beginning in 2004, Tri-State owners began taking the remaining difference between total assets and liabilities, and claim it as stock equity. This is the same time period that stock tripled in value and continued to grow.
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Example: 2005 – Total assets minus liabilities = $30,505,309... Stock equity = $30,505,309.
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Conclusion...
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The only thing missing from the financial audit reports obtained for the Tri-State Gaming Center & Racetrack is an organ grinder, his cute little monkey Roger dressed up like a clown, and both are working the crowd for spare change to forward to corporate officers.
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Inside sources state that at least one accountant with Gibbons & Kawash (who were replaced in 2005) complained about the continued “shell game” tactics Danny Adkins was wanting in order to allegedly cloak funds and move them to corporate bank accounts and other sources. Adkins supposedly dumped the Charleston firm and began using a local Michigan company, Vichow-Krause & Company, who also audit other Hartman & Tyner interests.
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Are the WV racing commission members and state officials who oversee gambling in this state even aware of these audits? It doesn't appear they do. Even though the law implies that someone should be examining these audits…. When we requested these reports from the racing commission under the freedom of information act, the director of audits, Joe Cuomo, had to have them ordered from the casino. They were not on file as the law requires.
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According to the state’s legislative auditor’s office, it is the responsibility of the “post audit committee,” and racing commission to monitor these yearly reports.
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That in itself may be one of the answers why this has gone unnoticed….. To view the “chairman” of the post audit committee, click on the blue link. Post Audit Chairman
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Note: Copies of audit reports available upon request. E-mail: PWDGroup@gmail.com
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End Of Story……
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Contact Information:
Sam Webber & Jack Swint .......PWDGroup@gmail.com
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
304-549-4978
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Monday, September 1, 2008

Casino Auditors Admit Calculating Errors At Tri-State Greyhound Track


by, Sam Webber & Jack Swint - PWDGroup@gmail.com

According to one audit report that conducted an inspection of calculations and payouts found, "that the breakage amount on Quinella Double pool was incorrectly calculated." Another yearly audit states "annual test performance of the pari-mutual system at the track to test calculation and payouts in 2004 identified a minor calculation error."
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This two-part series on the Tr-State Casino & Dog track will begin with exposing possible illegal and controversial operations for pari-mutual greyhound racing in Nitro West Virginia. Then next Monday, September 8th, 2008 we will detail the gaming centers financial audits dating back to 1999. Both stories raise serious questions and doubts to the credibility of the casino-racetracks ability to maintain their integrity and image.
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The proof contained in these company documents obtained from Hartman & Tyner's own auditors is certified to be true and correct to the best of their knowledge. Since at least 2000, Tri-State Casino and Racetrack owners have been intentionally allowing the public to believe that the tracks pari-mutual greyhound racing operation was all being handled right there on the Nitro property.
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You would think that odds are calculated at the track, and placing a bet and collecting your potential winnings are calculated by tri-states computer system. Most people watching the results on the monitors and public information board would think everything’s being controlled right onsite. Well, it is not according to the owners certified operation audits. And to add to the problem, what if that out of state system isn’t working correctly?
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If that doesn’t catch your attention, this will. These same reports outline computer system malfunctions that miss-calculate the odds and winnings paid to everyone who has placed a pari-mutual bet at their racetracks! Reports that show year after year the same problem continues.
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It is apparent that Danny Adkins and Hartman-Tyner felt confident that since they are a privately owned corporation, this problem would never make it to the public’s knowledge. But, we managed to get copies of the companies financial and operation audits.
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The first operations audit titled "Report On Agreed Upon Procedures" is annually prepared by the accountant firm, Gibbons and Kawash, located in Charleston, WV. These 7 audit reports are clearly marked confidential and for the sole use of Hartman & Tyner. These reports also clearly show that Danny Adkins is hiding how they really operate dog racing in WV.
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WV statute 19-23-9 clearly states that a licensee (racetrack owner) "shall permit or conduct the pari-mutual system of wagering within the confines of the licensee's racetrack at which any horse or dog race meeting is conducted or held." That is the law, and what the racing commission and legislators intended, to keep all operations at the Nitro track.
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According to Gibbons & Kawash, that IS NOT occurring at Tri-State racetrack. The first sign of Danny Adkins "don't' ask; don't tell" policy becomes apparent in the March 29th, 2001 audit. It clearly states:
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"Effective July 2000, autotote (which is the company who controled the pari-mutual system-program used in betting) made substantial changes to its operation at Tri-State racetrack and gaming center. Most processing is now performed at the autotote HUB located at Hollywood Park, Florida." This hub provides processing services for tracks/facilities located throughout the eastern United States.
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"The autotote operation at Tri-State is only responsible for maintaining communication links with the Hollywood hub, enabling teller machines and field board operations, and entering Tri-State race cards and related changes for transmission to the Hollywood Hub…."
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"This system consists of a remote site at Tri-State connected directly through communication links to SGR's hub facility in Hollywood, FL."
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Written remarks in the December 2006 report states that, "The pari-mutual wagering system of Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center is operated by Scientific Games Racing.
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Note: Hollywood Park, Florida is home to another Hartman & Tyner casino-track. Also, Autotote is now called "Scientific Games Inc." As of 2006, they have moved from Hollywood Park, Florida, to Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
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What does this all mean? According to Gibbons & Kawash’s reports, when making a bet on a dog race here, that wager is entered at the tri-state track. But, is processed and controlled 900 miles away in Florida.
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More quotes taken from their certified report……
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“As tickets are issued (tri-state) during the wagering period, pool totals are being calculated through the Hollywood hub. Periodically, the pool totals and odds are printed out and displayed on the public information displays.”
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"Various reports are generated by the systems to summarize the end of session activity. After the last race, the Hollywood hub disables wagering for the Tri-State terminals." _________________________________________
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"Ticket issuing machines at the teller window record wagers as they are received. This information is then transmitted to the Hollywood hub, which calculates the betting pools, odds, payouts and transmits the information to display on the public information displays throughout the wagering period. When a race is declared official, final information is displayed to the public and printed. Payouts are made by the tellers using the ticket issuing machines."
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"When the results of the last race have been declared official, clean up begins at the Hollywood hub. All paid and losing bets are dropped from the system, resulting in zero balances in the computer system accounts, except for unpaid bets. After the last race, the Hollywood hub disables wagering for the Tri-State terminals. Communication devices are taken out of service and end of session processing begins." ____________________________________________
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If you think that is a serious problem, you may want to sit down. These audit reports exposed more facts that show the depth of just how misleading the track owners have been to the general public, greyhound & kennel owners, the racing commission and anyone who has followed greyhound racing across the country.

According to one report that conducted an inspection of calculations and payouts found, "that the breakage amount on Quinella Double pool was incorrectly calculated." Another yearly audit states "annual test performance of the pari-mutual system at the track to test calculation and payouts in 2004 identified a minor calculation error." One auditor cited that calculations at all tracks/facilities needed to "receive some attention." Year after year these calculation errors have remained.
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The problem is not just a local one, but it does involve the same company Tri-State is contracting to run their pari-mutual betting. It appears to be happening at more tracks owned by Hartman & Tyner and others across the country. As recent as July 2008, someone figured out how to circumvent the system and was able to make bets even after the race was over.
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"We had huge tote problems that day with our system that is over at the data center (in Mount Laurel, N.J.); the tote system is up and down. It's communicating. It's not communicating."
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Exhibit 1 ..... Exhibit 2 (click on blue links)
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Are the WV racing commission members and state officials who oversee gambling in this state aware of the problems? It doesn't appear they do, even though WV statute 19-23-10(f) clearly states that each casino-track owner is to annually furnish a true copy of their certified financial and operation audit reports to the racing commission and legislature financial division.
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When we asked for the audits under the Freedom of Information Act, WV racing audit director Joe Cuomo had to actually request them from the casino owners because they were not on file in the racing commission office. So, it is doubtful he could have even been aware of the calculation problems. Or, someone is keeping it quiet.
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Has Danny Adkins possibly misled the racing commission how his operation works? According to Executive Secretary Linda Lacy, it is her understanding that the entire pari-mutuel betting at Tri-State was all onsite as the law states.
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The mere concept that anypart of greyhound wagering at tri-state is being controlled from 5 states away opens up the door to staggering fraud possibilities. People at the track interviewed have often wandered why the odds on the monitors and main board change sometimes after the race is final. Can someone at the other end manipulate the system? Its been done before.
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In one report auditors discovered that at least one employee from the Hollywood Hub was taking the “backup tapes” from each days races home with him at night... They recomended that stop ASAP.
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Conclusion
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If you’re a gambling person, odds are you may not be receiving the correct amount of monies due to you from winnings at Tri-States pari-mutual races from at least 2000. Their own certified accountants and auditors attest to this fact. There are still issues being discovered as recently as July 2008.
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Then there is the fact that most people have been duped into believing all of the betting transactions our controlled onsite in Nitro, not hundreds of miles away in Florida or New Jersey. According to the audit report, the “HUBS,” not Tri-State, calculate odds; control the actual terminals, monitors and public board at the track.
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WV statute 19-23-9 clearly states that a licensee (racetrack owner) “shall permit or conduct the pari-mutual system of wagering within the confines of the licensee’s racetrack at which any horse or dog race meeting is conducted or held.”
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End Of Story….. until next week. ......
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Corroboration for these stories was obtained from documents under the freedom of information act relating to WV statute 19-23-10(f)....
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Contact Information:
Sam Webber & Jack Swint .......PWDGroup@gmail.com
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
304-549-4978......

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Centra Bank Connection


Say Nothing, See Nothing, Hear Nothing And Deny Everything…
by, Jack Swint & Sam Webber ... e mail - PWDGroup@gmail.com....


According to people in the know, Governor Joe Manchin only has two philosophies for maintaining a clear conscious and restful sleep at night. If you get caught saying, seeing or hearing something wrong, "deny, deny and deny." And, his ideal relationships with friends and associates, "I will stick with you through thick and thin. When it gets thick, I get thin"…
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Is there a price tag to be close to the governor? Ask soon to be former WVU President Mike Garrison or former Director of Public Policy and Federal Affairs, Brian Kastick. Kastick claims he enjoyed working for the Manchin administration when he left abruptly in 2006. Now, Manchins friend and former political confidant Garrison has to step down as university president over a black cloud of fraud & cover-ups that most people believe was orchestrated by the governor himself.

Garrisons appointment as the president of WVU was always felt to be a strategic move to allow the governor better control over the college. But, when the smoking gun emerged regarding Manchins daughter and a fraudulent college degree, he quickly let Garrison take the fall and lose his job. Even though it was short lived, it had some rewarding perks. Garrison enjoyed a very lucrative and high profile lifestyle heading up one of the nations leading universities. And he accomplished that with no formal background for the job except for being a friend and supporter of the governor.

Another friend and confidant is Milan "Mike" Puskar. Manchin insiders say that the governor wants to consider him as his his "BFF." Puskar’s wealth and standing in the business world is impeccable up to this point. A long list of achievements in the business world as the founder and board member of Mylan Pharmaceuticals & Platinum Properties. He is on the board of Centra Bank and Centra Financial Holdings, which are WV corporations founded in the early years in 2000. Puskar has shared his success and wealth in this state He even donated twenty million dollars to WVU.

Unfortunately, it may be Mr. Puskar’s turn to feel the heat from an association with the governor. Just like many others who befriended Manchin, Puskar, and his business ties received special favors in return for helping Joe get elected governor. Over the next coming months we will see if he throws this friend under the bus like Garrison and so many others to protect himself.

What possible favor or other gratuities could the governor possibly do for a man like Mike Puskar who appears on the surface to have it all?? It’s actually a pretty simple explanation.

Centra Financial Holdings, Inc., or Centra Bank, was formed on October 25, 1999 as a bank holding company. Centra Bank, Inc. was formed on September 27, 1999 and chartered under the laws of the state of West Virginia. The bank commenced operations on February 14, 2000. During the first quarter of 2001, Centra formed two second-tier holding companies, Centra Financial Corporation - Morgantown, Inc. and Centra Financial Corporation - Martinsburg, Inc. This was to manage the banking operations of Centra Bank, the sole bank subsidiary, in those markets. Milan "Mike" Puskar is on the banks executive board of directors. And he owns thousands of shares of stock in Centra Financial Holdings.

Credible inside sources attested this week that when Governor Joe Manchin took over as the chief executive officer for the state in January 2005, he began a bold and swift move to help both Puskar’s investment interests and his own. Using the power and authority as governor, Manchin began ordering some state agencies that were not using Centra Bank to begin switching over the bulk of those accounts to Centra immediately.

One small example: In January 2005, the racing commission transferred their monies to Centra Bank. Records obtained through the freedom of information act show the racing division has an average of $35.3 million dollars for the month of June 2008. Other state agencies listed by the WV Treasurer include the Supreme Court. Together, these accounts have been a major contributor to the continued success, growth and upward trend to Centra Banks net worth and standing in the banking industry and federal reserve board.

According to the banks own disclosures in June of 2005, "Total deposits in Berkeley County were $884 million and includes 28 banking offices. Centra's deposits account for 22.4% of the Monongahela County deposit base and 16.3% of Berkeley County. Centra is the primary locally owned bank in both regions." Centra Bank Document.(click on blue link)

The cash flow just from terminal revenues that the Lottery Commission deposited into bank accounts from betting proceeds in 2008 was ten billion dollars. Even though over time, nine billion was paid out in winnings, it still left an average balance of nine hundred forty two million dollars drawing interest. (It is not known at this time how much of this money may be in Centra Bank). Manchin has also arranged for Centra to enjoy earning monies from lucrative approved loan deals from the WV Economic & Development Authority. (WVDEA) He also gave the approving nod to the WV Public Service Commission for at least one loan refinancing to the Berkley County Public Service Sewer District for $726,000 through Centra Bank.

Has the governor personally benefited from moving the state bank accounts to his friend’s bank by swinging business in their direction? Yes, according to anonymous statehouse sources for this story. Outside of the many thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Puskar, Centra and Mylan Inc, (employees of Mylan contributed more than any W.Va. company to Governor Manchin’s 2004 election campaign). Manchin is alleged to have stock options through Puskar and his daughter Heather Bresch in Mylan Inc, Mylan Laboratories and also Centra Financial Holdings. Options that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Both Manchin and Garrison reportedly have investment portfolios at higher interest rates then normal at Centra. Also, according to one annual campaign financial report, the governor did receive $56,314 from Centra bank just for interest on account(s) in 2007.

According to these same financial records, as of April 3, 2007 Manchin's campain fund still has a ballance of $1.9 million dollars sitting in Centra Bank from his 2004 election fund. (see link below)

Besides the governor’s daughter, what other connections are there to Manchin, Garrison and Puskar? The answer is WVU President Mike Garrison who has positioned himself for both success, and now embarrassing failure because of the governor.

Garrison served on Governor Manchin’s transition steering committee in 2005. He was a registered lobbyist for Centra Bank. Puskar is a co-principal of Platinum Properties for which Garrison lobbied from February 2004 until at least May 2006. Garrison also was a registered lobbyist for Mylan Labs from February 2004 until he was named WVU president in April 2007. He also worked directly with Ms. Bresch from February 2004 to April 2005, when she was Mylan Labs’ vice president for public and government relations. And, lets not forget that Garrison served as Governor Wise’s chief of staff from May 2001 to October 2003.

Has this all been good business strategy by the governor? Or, has it all come down to a personal agenda. Some will say he has done nothing wrong, most will know transferring more of the states banking business to Centra Bank was only for personal gains and repayment of favors and campaign promises. Not just to Mike Puskar, but other bank executives including founder & CEO Douglas Leech, who was on the board that chose Mike Garrison as WVU President.

The governor has yet to show any sincere interest in the future of this state and residents who elected him on the belief that he would be the person who could make the positive changes that would benefit WV. Instead, he has been busy buying homes, boats, planes motorcycles and other lavish gifts while residents of this state are actually living in rest stop area’s across WV because they have no where to go.

So, you need to ask yourself, do you really want to be Joe's friend or business associate?

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SEC insider trading document for M. Puskar (click on link)

Manchins Campaign Disclosure Form (click on link)

Chart Detailing M. Garrisons Connections (click on link)

Information for this story was provided by WV state employees and coroborated from state and private records.


End Of Story…..
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Contact Information:
Sam Webber & Jack Swint .......
PWDGroup@gmail.com
P.O. Box 78
Shoals, WV 25562
304-549-4978



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Friday, July 11, 2008

My Name Is Earl....

by, Jack Swint & Sam Webber PWDGroup@Gmail.com

"WV Senate Leader Earl Ray Tomblin is Governor Joe Manchins puppet master. Earl says jump, Joe asks how high? Earl says roll over, Joe says, how many times? Earl says I want you to override your own veto of house bill 4307 so my dad can have his greyhound racing training facility, Joe says OK."
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Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, pictured to the left, doesn’t get visibly upset or loud to often. But his anger was heard and witnessed back in early April 2008 when Governor Joe Manchin shot down House Bill 4307. That piece of legislature would allow him to keep a promise to his father, who is also named Earl Tomblin.
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This specific bill was orchestrated in order to build dad his very own greyhound dog training facility. Something that Earl Sr. has openly been bragging to his friends about for some time. "My son is gonna build me a training facility for my dogs." Manchin vetoed the bill April first because of pending civil litigation in CA-06-C-2368, Burdette v. Sidiropolis. This law suite could directly affect the outcome of the bill. For once, Manchin was correct in his veto actions.
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After Manchin vetoed the first bill, close sources report that Earl Ray Tomblin was actually overheard ordering the governor to have the bill re-submitted and passed even if it took invoking his Executive Order privileges. Then, Manchin was to ensure they moved the legislation swiftly through the special legislation. The Governor obeyed.
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Why is Earl Ray being so persistent and demanding of the governor? Because there is 2 million dollars sitting in the breeders association bank account and Tomblin needs it to build the training facilities. If Kanawha County Judge Charles King would side with the Breeders Association, Poppa Tomblin and Roger White do not get to build their facility.
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Several word changes were made to the legislation and the bill was pushed through and now sits on Manchin’s desk waiting his signature. But, even if the governor does not sign the document, it can still become effective after 30 days. Manchin needs to veto the bill for the exact same reason he did in April. There is pending litigation in civil court. Plus, it happens to be the right thing to do.
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In Earl Ray and his dads mind, this is a done deal. Lobbyist Roger White already has plans drawn up, a contractor picked out named Tim Bell and they reportedly have a piece of property in mind on route 35 in Fraziers Bottom. All of this is done without the proper feasibility reports, bidding or approval from the racing commission or breeders association. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg to what is really going on. They could not build just one training facility. There has to be two because the Wheeling dog track feels left out.
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Senator Tomblin, his dad and Roger White want the breeders association funds to pay the two million dollars for both tracks. Even though the National Greyhound Association claims other state of the art facilities like these only cost approximately two hundred seventy thousand dollars apiece to build.
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West Virginia breeders, and even the national association question why these facilities are even needed when the two current tracks in cross lanes and wheeling are free to the dog owners and trainers once a week. Tomblins plan will cost each breeder a fee every time they use the mandatory track. Additional expenses most say they can not afford considering all of the other cuts in profits occurring. The breeders association even conducted a poll and found the majority of members don’t want, or need the facility. The Tomblins and Roger White do want it.
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Tomblin, in his official capacity as Senate leader has instrumentally taken profits away from the breeders association who are being forced to pay off 11 million dollars in bad debt from the former defunct workers compensation division that was under Greg Burton, who is now over BrickStreet. The breeders receive their money from both the purse from the dog’s winnings, and approximately 14% of all monies generated from the slots at all four tracks. But, the state cut that down to 7% in order to help pay off workers compensation losses.
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How did Earl Senior even get into greyhound racing? According to long time greyhound enthusiast, Don Dodd of Dallas Texas, "I got Earl his first dogs and booking in greyhound racing back in the mid-eighties at the Cross Lanes track. He all but swindled Bill "Snapper" Stewart of Cape Coral Florida out of his dogs. Stewart thought he was dying from a brain tumor at the time. Earl senior bought 30 some dogs for around $30,000 +. Bill Ellis promised that Earl would pay me $10,000 as a finder’s fee. Earl never paid his debt and if Bill Stewart hadn’t believed he was dying, Earl would have never been able to buy those dogs so cheaply"….
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Earl Sr. lost his licenses as a breeder and any association with racing after being convicted of a felony years ago. His wife and son are listed on the secretary of states records as the owners even though everyone knows Earl is still in control. It’s reported that Senator Tomblin, is the kennels bookkeeper and has a direct connection to the business.
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Roger White is another greyhound owner and reported lobbyist for the breeders association who told one source for this story that White personally bragged to him "I got the Senate President & House Speaker in my pocket." This author actually overheard White talking this past Wednesday evening bragging how he was going to go to the statehouse and circuit court and demand that he be heard now instead of the July 31, 2008 hearing on his recent motion to try and intervene on the law suite against the racing commission. White has said that he is "a hell of a lot smarter" then the county judge, racing commission and current president of the WV breeders association Sam Burdette.
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The smaller breeders feel that members like Tomblin and White are trying to force them out of business. According to one kennel owner, "Those two men would just as soon cut their noses off to spite their face just to gain full control of the breeders association." And that both Tomblin and White have large kennels, farms and retirement money coming in. "The legislators keep peeling away at out profits from both the purse monies and breeders association funds every chance they get."
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Bottom line, being able to tell the governor what to do, priceless, providing personal perks of allowing Earl senior parking in areas clearly designated as racing commission only (photographs available upon request) along with a reserved table 7 days a week is not that serious. Unethical and maybe an abuse, but it is not fair to the other breeders, or even the guests at the track.
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But, using your politcal power and position to force pass legislation just to get to two million dollars to build training facilities that aren’t even needed, is an abuse of authority. The mere fact Tomblin is trying to slide this bill through knowing there is a civil law suite pending that could block the money is criminal intent.
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Earl Ray Tomblin has forgotten the most important thing of his politcal position......

http://www.wvsos.com/execrecords/appointments/oaths.htm

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/Members/senatorsinfo.cfm?input=President%20Tomblin
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In all fairness, not everyone feels Earl Ray Tomblin is of questionable character. The Logan Standard Newspaper, sings his praise as an "Icon" in their two part interview in early 2008.
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http://loganstandard.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=15&ArticleID=58&TM=51951.5
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End Of Story....
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Contact Information:
Sam Webber & Jack Swint

PO Box 40511
Charelston, WV 25364
WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com .......



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Friday, June 20, 2008

Just Your Average Joe

A True WV Army Hero Speaks Out Against Joe Manchin
By Jack Swint .... PWDGroup@gmail.com

"When Joe Manchin asked me and Tom Booher to help him win Kanawha County Voters during his 2004 campaign for governor, we honestly believed he was going to be the one person who could turn this state around. But, after being elected governor, we quickly saw how Manchin made disappointed fools out of us."
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In late1953, General Trudeau presented Corporal Sam Talbert of Charleston WV with the Silver Star for gallantry while in the Army. Talbert is credited as being a hero who fought in one of the deadliest battles in Korea known as "Pork Chop Hill." He does not remember a lot of what happened during the many days of this fierce battle. But according to witnesses, Talbert lead his squad into a strategic enemy held artillery barrage and took back the US Armies position by providing cover fire. Talbert himself is credited with killing over 200 enemy troops.
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According to his General Orders on September 29th, 1953. "Talbert reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service."
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Later in life, Sam Talbert and his close friend Tom Booher became heavily involved in politics when they decided to campaign for Charlotte Pritt when she defeated Joe Manchin for Governor in 1996. Calling themselves a "Grass Roots" political campaign group, they intended to get honest politicians in office to make changes in WV government. This was a very worthwhile cause to them. In fact, Talbert has been involved in close personal campaign positions with the Clinton-Gore presidential election and Teamsters Union election of Ron Carey.
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Joe Manchin approached both men to work for his election bid after he noticed their determination and constant pressure in support of Charlotte Pritt. Both showed the same aggressive grass roots campaigning for Manchin in 17 counties in the state and they are attributed with being a huge factor in the governors success. In fact, the night of the election win, Joe Manchin put his arm around Sam Talbert, kissed him on the cheek and said, "Sam, I love you, and want you to be apart of my family..... Talbert said he replied "I’m a free agent."
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So, what happened after Manchin was elected that has caused Talbert and Booher to regret the very day they became involved with the governor? According to Booher, "He quickly turned his back on the citizens of WV and his true colors came out." Booher went on to say "Joe made promises to provide everything from free prescription meds from Canada for low income seniors to creating roundtable groups for solving problems in state government and clean house." (The governor is reported to have promised to pay for some senior’s medications himself.) Nothing ever became of the long list of promises.
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When both men were asked their first inclination that the governor was not who he was portraying himself to be, they answered in unity. "When we learned he had claimed campaign expenses that just were not true." The one incident that haunts Booher and Talbert the most is a $6,800 campaign expense claimed by the governor and then close aid Brian Kastic. "That’s a bold face lie" according to Booher who says Manchins office claimed that a rally in Shawnee Park in 2004 was directly connected to the campaign. "It was hosted by us, the grass roots group to show appreciation for volunteers who had helped with the election."
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The governor did appear at the rally as a guest speaker. Talbert says the whole bill for the party may have reached $600 but it was their expense, not Manchin, Kastick or the campaign. Allegations have also arose that checks were made out by the now governor to pay for expenses that were never delivered to the actual recipients even though they were cashed. Talbert says he was one of the people who was to receive $160.00 reimbursement check but never did even though it was cashed. "Someone else must have signed my name and cashed it." Talbert also says that once, Manchin coaxed him into a back room away from others to covertly hand him $300 in cash.
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The significance of that check and the $6,800 are not the amounts involved. It’s the fact they were false claims being made to the Secretary of States office and other government agencies as legal campain expenses. And, Manchin intentionally tried to cover it all up. Talbert says he was interviewed in his home by US Attorney Larry Ellis and the FBI after it occurred. He provided copies of documents and his own statement. The last thing the feds told him was he could have to appear in front of a federal grand jury, but that has not materialized to this date.
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Tom Booher states that several months after this occurred, Joe Manchin approached him and Dick Miller at another political event and put his arm around Tom and whispered "Tell Sam he has to forget about the $6,800 and Shawnee Hills. Its an OK deal." Booher also said the governor said something to the effect that Brian Kastick had spent the money. That in itself is a violation of state and federal law as "bribery and or corrupt practices"(click on link) as outlined in WV code 61-5A 1 thru 11. (see 61-5A-9)
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Talbert has also complained to WV Attorney General Darrell McGraw to no avail. He cites WV code 61-5-28 Failure To Perform Official Duties as the law that requires McGraw to look into the allegations.
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"Don’t take me wrong," Talbert says. "I like Joe and Gayle both. He is just a huge disappointment to me as the governor. You cant help but like them because they appear to be very down home and honest people." Booher has his own story of how Joe Manchin told him about growing up as a child and coming home one day from school, walking through the back door of the house and there sat John and Bobby Kennedy along with Pete Thaw. They were sitting at the kitchen table talking to his dad. Manchin said in those days kids came in the back, not the front door.
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These two men are not the only people who feel Manchin has betrayed the citizens of WV. Politically connected and everyday residents feel the same. Rodney Loftis, a longtime Kanawha County businessman said he was in the supermarket the other day and a young father and his two little children were buying some bread and sandwich meat. One child was two or three years old and wanted his dad to buy him a candy bar. The father leaned down and told his son that there was nothing better he would like to do then buy his kids some candy but they just could not afford it.
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Loftis said he looked and saw the kids parent wasn’t buying beer or anything non-essential so he stepped forward and bought both boys a handful of candy. "How can the governor of this state go out and buy himself a new Harley Davidson for forty thousand plus dollars. Buy into 1/3 ownership in a new yacht with convicted felon and friend Dickie Berbour that is reported to be worth a half a million dollars. A new chalet in Snowshoe, a home down south, and an airplane too. All of these luxuries and toys while his people in this state are starving and going broke?" Not to mention a reported garage full of priceless cars in northern WV that includes a one hundred thousand dollar "excaliber."
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In Raleigh and Boone county, politicians and political watchdogs have the same feeling of ill content as the rest of the state. All acknowledge that during the first campaign they felt Joe Manchin was going to be the states savior and turn the poor economics, failing healthcare and poverty levels in a new positive direction. "Boy were we fooled." exclaimed one man in Raleigh County who has been in politics since Joe Manchin was a young kid.
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"Its a double cross of the worst kind" says one Glen Danials resident. "if your not in big business or have big bucks for campaign contributions your nothing to Joe." Using the example of the worst case against Massey Energy Company in history where the EPA claims the company violated the Clean Air and Water Act at least 4,500 times between January 2000 and 2006 by "discharging mining waste and sediment, including hazardous metals into streams and waterways." Part of the wastewater violations involved an area known as "Printer" in Boone county where the residents became critically ill from the water.
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The potential fines came to 2.4 Billion dollars. But, the governor signed off on the deal allowing a minimal 20 million dollars in fines. "Manchin could have protested and or appealed the decision but its election time and Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship is a strong political machine for the governor. Its the same way he screwed over the state on resolving the tobacco industry lawsuit a few years ago."
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Tim Arrington, an activist in Raleigh county points to alleged gross mis-management of funds by the state. Fraudulent acts that show the governor must not have a clue of what is going on in his own government. "Were talking about millions of dollars from Homeland Security funds(click on link) that is being used to buy things like chewing gum."
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Has the governor given anything back to the residents of West Virginia?? According to him, yes he has.
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The Inaugural Committee account had approximately $500, 000 left in it and the governor claims he used that money to give something back to the people of this state. Spending that amount, and another one million three-hundred thousand dollars to reportedly upgrade and remodel the governors mansion that includes a new state of the art sports bar complete with 12 LCD big screen TV's, gambling tables and special built designer chairs and pool tables in their private quarters. Family and friends do not have to worry about paying for their alcohol because the governor receives all of the liquor needed at WV taxpayers expense.
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In fact, according to an inside source in Manchins own office, the governors chef prepares a long list of the best liquor money can buy and then drives to the state warehouse where workers just hand over cases of booze for the governor, family and friends at your expense.
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Both Joe Manchin and his wife Gayle appear on the surface to enjoy the life they have come to know being governor and first lady. His lifestyle has changed drastically since the days of operating a furniture-carpet business before entering politics. As with other past governors, Manchin is alleged to have his own weaknesses and infidelities. One source asking to remain anonymous is adamant of a long time affair between the governor and Janie Lynn Lilly-Stewart. Witnesses at the Glade Springs Resort concur that both have been seen together and at least holding hands and kissing.
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Inside office staff report that the governor is a heavy drinker. He reportedly likes Black Velvet, Crown Royal, Canadian Mist and a taste for fine expensive wine.
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Are there any other skeletons lurking in his closet? Yes. Marion county courthouse workers, insurance commission employees and staffers from Manchins days as a state senator claim that in or about 1991, he had become involved in a scandal in Marion county that involved a fraudulent corporation filing for an alleged joint business venture for an equestrian horse park business between Manchin and horse trainer and developer Steve Garvin of West Milford WV. Garvin, owner of Garvin Industry, (click on link) filed a complaint with the prosecutors office that Manchin committed fraud in regards to false filings with the Secretary of State, Workers Compensation Division and for setting up a false account with the WV Department of Employment Security.
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In fact, county prosecutors office sources confirmed that then senator Manchin was in fact a target of a state grand jury investigation by then prosecuting attorney Jay Montgomery Brown(click on link) . Manchin was also being investigated by FBI agent Robert Kohler on federal charges relating