The court system is so loaded against a defendant that very few people, including the totally innocent, dare to risk a trial!
“By withholding exculpatory evidence, suborning perjury, fabricating evidence, and lying to jurors, like Gerry Hough does …prosecutors have made the risks of a trial too great even for the innocent!”
In reality, the testimony being proffered by many of Hough’s witnesses is nothing remotely close to the truth. Lying under oath is known in the legal arena as perjury!
But perjury is common practice in Crooked County!
The truth of the matter is, ironically, that the truth doesn’t really matter much anymore!
An unwritten law is “you don’t have to be right to win.” Innocent people lose in court every day as well. Lying, deceitfulness and dirty, dishonest dealings play an integral part in this process.
This is especially true when people are involved with Gerry Hough and Crooked County legal proceedings. Stretching the truth in the legal arena to Gerry Hough is as American as apple pie, since many in Crooked County fervently believe that the truth has very little to do with the law anyway. The truth only gets in the way of the Crooked County agenda!
When you get right down to the nitty-gritty, fabricating the facts, twisting the truth and finagling the figures are requisite tricks of GERRY HOUGH’s trade, and no self-respecting Crooked Prosecutor would leave home without them as Hough will most assuredly find out when some of his Crooked Case’s make it to Supreme Court later this summer.
Whether we like it or not, lying has become an integral facet of the West Virginia legal system.
Nobody in their right mind would take a case to trial with the deck stacked like it is!
Consequently, the prosecutors’ cases and police evidence are almost never tested in court. Defendants are simply intimidated into self-incrimination rather than risk the terrors of trial!
That’s how it goes for all of us!
In Crooked County, defendants are no longer innocent until they are proven guilty!
“They are guilty the minute they are charged… and the system works to process the guilty, not to determine innocence or guilt!”
But that IS NOT how it goes for the “Royalty” of central West Virginia!
There is an exception to this rule…and that is; if your “Just OK!”
In 2006 Michelle Dawn Rose who is the niece of Chief Deputy Jimmy Moss at the County seat of Crooked County decided to help herself to over $12,000 of property tax payments from out of state tax payers. Michelle thought she would take advantage of the fact that, these, “out of state” tax payers aren’t as plugged into the every day” goins on” like she is, and her friends at the courthouse!
What happens when a local government breaks its own laws!” Nothing if it’s a Crooked County government!
Michelle worked as a tax clerk in the Sheriffs office. She knew how to steal the money, after all, she was working with the best and they had been getting away with it for years.
Of course “Gerry Hough” was called into to keep this quieted down and to “FIX IT!”
Michelle Dawn Rose falsified receipts and took public funds, but the scuttle butt around the courthouse was “incarceration is too harsh a punishment!”
Of course JAIL was out of the question for one of their own! But “GERRY” could fix it!
HOUGH told everyone at the courthouse that this was a “rare exception” and that she probably wasn’t thinking clearly or got mixed up with some bad people.
Now it certainly goes without saying, that if it was YOU or ME we would have been thrown to the lions!
Of course we would have been guilty as charged(with no thought to any Rare Exception) and we would have been given the ten years in prison immediately!
But, of course for Michelle it was a rare exception! Actually this “RARE EXCEPTION” excuse was a blatant, complete and total LIE, told by “Gerry Hough!”
“In fact the Michelle Dawn Rose incident was not a “rare exception” at all, it was common in Crooked County, but that sounded pretty good at the time when told by a man that can lie to a grand jury on a regular basis, and do it with a straight face… pretty easy task for a man like Gerry Hough to pull off!”
Rose took cash money from tax payments!
SHE STOLE THE MONEY ! Pretty simple, and admitted to it!
She accomplished this in two ways. If people paid cash, she’d prepare a computerized receipt of payment then erase the information from the database and take the money.
If people mailed a tax payment she’d simply substitute the check for money on hand in the office.
The theft was discovered only after some taxpayers saw their names printed in the delinquent tax roles and complained about it.
The actual facts are…. there has been a history of corruption!
Other past employees in the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office have been convicted of stealing over the years. Some have sour recollections of how those cases have been dealt with.
“There’s nothing wrong with stealing in Gilmer County,” said Karen Elkin, assistant circuit court clerk. “They’ll put her right back to work. I don’t like it!”
Elkin said in her 30 years in the circuit clerks office she’d seen employees ‘steal the county blind.’
One former sheriff’s employee, convicted of embezzlement is now working for another county agency. That individual only served a 60-day evaluation period and was subsequently released on five years probation.”
So it looks like “GERRY” lied again!
Michelle Dawn ROSE was let off because GERRY made her and the crime “Just OK” and not because there was any rare exception going on. Michelle was “Just OK” because she was related to Crooked County Sheriff deputy Jimmy Moss and had other influential friends on the inside.
The most entertaining part of this whole debacle was when Hough brought images of “Dante’s Inferno,” into his presentation regarding betraying the pubic trust, but added that, “Rose was aware she’d made poor decisions!”
Hough must have a lot of friends down in HELL, he sure goes down and rescues plenty whether they are guilty or not!!
Here comes the excuses by Hough now!
Hough suggested ROSE was attempting to live beyond her means with a poor choice of friends, ultimately partying away much of the stolen money.
That’s right blame it on the rowdy friends and all the good dope!
It’s real simple! If you’re part of the local elite you will walk-if you’re not- you go to jail! During the process of taking you to jail, they will take all your money and torture your family with the stress of the process. You will lose your job, your career, your family and life as you knew it!
Just look at the latest incident with Butchers kid caught for a DUI then walks, then caught again with an uncontrolled substance, then caught again with a large group of underage drinkers at the Main Event- and what was the consequence of all of this bad behavior? It’s all about who your daddy is!
Of course bad behavior from a “Royal elite member” is always “Just Ok!”
Whose your daddy?!
We all know who April McCroskeys daddy is too!
Charles McCroskey, a former Grantsville police chief, but now national big shot who couldn’t have his daughter bringing disgrace on the family back home. No Fucking way is that going to happen! So after a few overseas calls and daddy coming home, the go to man was gone to, and we all know that “Gerry Hough” is the fix it man!
Gerry decided to rescue April from the depths of Hell whether she was guilty or not!
DHHR worker April McCroskey really had nothing to worry about, first of all her boyfriend was Ron Bandy former Chief Deputy and with all the cops getting in trouble now-a-days they would have to sweep this one under the rug somewhere and quick! Hough would have to make this all go away for APRIL before he could get Ron Bandy off and Hough did what was expected, he arranged to let April off of the charges that she put some old people in the custody of the county and just took their personal valuables. Plus with Aprils daddy being a big shot in government police training and terror tactics there would have to be a way out found now, but that’s OK, because people forget!
When a prosecutor acts like a defense counsel for two public officials accused of criminal activity a huge red flag is raised!!
Hough admitted that McCroskey displayed intent in her alleged criminal activity. Well intent is an important element in a theft case. Either Hough didn’t complete law 101 or he is as dishonest as we thought all along!. But the asking for a change of venue for the Bandy and McCroskey trial is the best example of the “fix is in” that anyone has witnessed in legal history! Now Hough isn’t even trying to hide the fact that he is Crooked!
We at the CalPatty Press found it very interesting that APRIL got the most, “don’t worry you’ll get out of this support,” from Hot Toddy and his pill poppin side kick. Sounds like even the local police informant had the inside scoop on what was really going to go down.
But if you’re not from the elite…and your daddy ain’t no one, no how, and if
you are crazy enough to go to trial then…” Gerry Hough” can accuse you of lying when you are in reality telling the truth. Hough can fabricate events and rewrite history as he see’s fit!
This snobbish, pompous, egotistical blowhard can rant and rave, bully and befuddle, confuse and distort all he wants while you are expected to treat him with courtesy and civility at all times. In fact, he demands it! Nice set of rules, huh?
That’s right because in Crooked County they make their own rules and if you bring in a special prosecutor like Hough then you will be playing by Crooked County Rules!
The only way to fight a case in Central West Virginia is to be prepared to take it all the way to the Supreme Court and that will cost you at least one hundred thousand dollars before it’s all said and done!
That is certainly a high cost for freedom!
And if you’re the son of a son of a bitch(like the lil Butcher Bitch)…or the daughter of someone important, then you can keep that hundred thousand, because you won’t be needing it, cuz you have GERRY and he says… “You’re Just OK!”
9 responses so far ↓
crookedcountycrooks // August 9, 2007 at 2:45 p
Hough continues to lie and get away with it. The only real answer is to file official complaints and hopefully find a replacement. It’s hard to find someone qualified for a measly 30 grand a year, but the excuse around town is that Gerry Hough is the only person that ran for prosecutor. Well in the short amount of time we have(about a year)we need to find someone young and honest to run for prosecutor.
calpattypress // August 9, 2007 at 4:10 p
An interesting observation about our “honest” legal system posted at the Calhoun Underground!
8-9-07 MORE Missing Evidence.
Well, well, well. Case number 4 of missing evidence… Big surprise? MISSING – A whole meth lab complete with meth (Lone Meth Ranger case), Guns (Bandy case), Money( Ronnie Rush case), “marijuana” plants (Buvoltz case), all in the last few months and right out of Calhoun County State Police possession….. (To say nothing of the “sex offender deputy”, Ron Gordon.) How DO these guys get away with it? Where does it all go? The feds investigate and the police, who have lots of experience with lie detectors, “pass” a lie detector test. So, WHAT? Citizens have one less reason to feel our police are credible. Calhoun Population – about 7300. Crime rate AMONG law enforcement is FAR HIGHER than among the general population. And whose name is all over the paperwork on these cases??? I think a lot of us know the answer to that…
What will the FEDS do now? ANYTHING??? Why can no one find out what’s up? HOW can ANY of this counties’ police be trusted? …To testify in court? To do proper paperwork? To be “professional”? How can anyone feel safe in their presence? ESPECIALLY with NO witnesses present? Because when they are around you can be sure they will RUN OFF any witnesses who might see what they are doing. It’s part of “procedure”.
DNS // August 9, 2007 at 4:16 p
Faced with continuing instances of police misconduct or brutality, civil rights advocates, legislators, and citizens often express their desire to see different methods of police discipline. Some express their wish that an independent entity, such as a review board composed of citizen appointees, examine each allegation of misconduct and recommend discipline for offending officers.
Civilian review board is the best answer to these problems, but the powers that be will never allow it and have fought against it since 1998!
Citizen Involvement in Officer Disciplinary Procedures is the answer!
Gerry Hough is certainly not the answer. His conduct needs to go up for review!
calpattypress // August 9, 2007 at 6:34 p
We need a YOUNGER more honest prosecutor for Crooked County and a special prosecutor that is not a baby boomer. Just look at the recent songs Gerry Hough was listening to!
It was a remake of 60’s hits to accommodate and old guy like Hough:
Herman’s Hermits — Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Walker .
Ringo Starr — I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.
The Bee Gees — How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.
Bobby Darin — Splish, Splash, I Was Havin’ a Flash.
Roberta Flack— The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.
Johnny Nash — I Can’t See Clearly Now.
Paul Simon— Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
The Commodores — Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
Marvin Gaye — Heard It Through the Grape Nuts
Procol Harem— A Whiter Shade of Hair.
Leo Sayer — You Make Me Feel Like Napping.
The Temptations — Papa’s Got a Kidney Stone.
Abba— Denture Queen.
Tony Orlando — Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.
Helen Reddy — I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.
Leslie Gore— It’s My Procedure, and I’ll Cry If I Want To.
And my favorite:
Willie Nelson — On the Commode Again
Damian // August 10, 2007 at 4:39 p
GLENVILLE POLICE CHIEF HAS ALREADY CONVICTED JOHN RICHARDS THE LONE METH RANGER!
Currently, the Glenville Police Dept. is looking for John Manis Richards, 43, also charged with three felonies, who now allegedly resides in Calhoun County. Richards drives a maroon Mazda truck, with a grey stripe, bearing West Virginia registration.
(yeah we know Hot Toddy Smith had pictures of the truck all over the internet-that fact in itself is interesting)
Both Richards and Dilgard are charged with two counts each of Grand Larceny and one count each on Breaking and Entering.
Both Richards and Dilgard broke into Hardman’s Home Center on or about June 30 and July 1, 2007, through the back door, and took approximately $3,200 in building materials and tools, along with a Hardman’s delivery truck, valued at $30,000. The pair abandoned the truck near Mineral Wells, where it was spotted by another Hardman’s delivery person driving by and recovered.
Chief Moss was assisted by Deputy Sheriff Bob Groves of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Cpl. Doug Starcher of the WV State Police in Calhoun County, both of whom also helped investigate the Hardman’s robbery in Calhoun County. Several citizens also came forward in both counties to provide tips, which led Chief Moss toward Calhoun County in search of the suspects.
If there is anyone with any information regarding this case in either county, please contact authorities in Gilmer or Calhoun. More help is needed to put these men behind bars for good.
note:
Even if the Lone Meth Ranger is guilty, which of course can’t be determined at this early date, a life sentence would be a little harsh, but the Chief of Police says put em behind bars for good!
so it appears to any normal person that the ranger has already been tried and convicted with no defense-now that’s the Crooked County way
Editors note:I Guess the comment proves one of the points of this article!
“They are guilty the minute they are charged… and the system works to process the guilty, not to determine innocence or guilt!”
But that IS NOT how it goes for the “Royalty” of central West Virginia!
There is an exception to this rule…and that is; if your “Just OK!”
In 2006 Michelle Dawn Rose who is directly related to the Police Chief Moss at the County seat of Crooked County decided to help herself to over $12,000 of property tax payments from out of state tax payers. Michelle thought she would take advantage of the fact that, these, “out of state” tax payers aren’t as plugged into the every day” goins on” like she is, and her friends at the courthouse!
If Johnny were royalty then the situation could turn out a little different!
calhoununderground // August 11, 2007 at 11:37 p
“PLEA BARGAINS” are a great big scam. Scare you into pleading guilty to SOMETHING, even if you are not guilty of THAT, so you don’t have to face a jury with ALL original charges. And they will tell you you’ll probably do jail time if you go that way…
BUT, it would seem that they try very hard to get you to take the plea because THEY WANT A CONVICTION. The way things are going lately, if you take it to trial, it may get tossed out. If you take it to trial, ALL the REAL evidence can come out. If you take it to trial, the WHOLE STORY can be told. If you take it to trial, any unprofessional conduct, lies, set-ups, faulty paperwork, etc. CAN come out. If you take the plea bargain, none of that has to be looked at. Simple. You’re guilty, pay your fine, do your time.
I know someone who has gone thru 5 lawyers. Every time they tell a lawyer they don’t want a plea bargain because they are not guilty of anything, their lawyer quits…
I have WATCHED someone get railroaded into pleading guilty to a DUI when they were NOT guilty of a DUI. But their OWN LAWYER threatened that if they did not take the plea bargain, then they would be charged with 4 other charges (most of them bogus as well) and they WOULD lose. Even the better lawyers around will make you feel as if you can’t fight them. “Do what you want, you’ll still go to jail, and I’ll go home…”
Try this out. Somebody gets pulled over and charged with posession. They “tell” on somebody, actually pulling a name out of a hat so as to protect their REAL source. The false accusations lead to a search warrant. The place searched happens to have a small amount of illegal substance, coincidentally. Now everybody is in trouble. But chances are, the “substance” the people got pulled over with has probably never even been tested. The “substance” gotten thru exercising the bogus warrant obtained without the testing, has also never been tested. Assumption of guilt runs rampant. An assortment of search warrants and arrests could now come, right on down the line like falling dominoes, based on substances that were NEVER tested and lies.
What happens if the FIRST guy in the line goes to court and it is found that their “evidence” is not only not tested, but missing? Or if not missing, then tests negative…
It’s nothing but a scam to relieve folks of their money and freedom. Nobody cares if anyone is actually guilty of anything.
calpattypress // August 11, 2007 at 1:37 p
“I know someone who has gone thru 5 lawyers. Every time they tell a lawyer they don’t want a plea bargain because they are not guilty of anything, their lawyer quits…”
This is a real problem; for what the system creates is a bunch of public pretenders that don’t know what do to with an innocent client!
The system becomes filled with lawyers that are only used to “guilty” clients and they become “used to” plea bargain arrangements which may involve that public pretender “owing” the prosecutor one from last time, therefore the “innocent” client gets caught up in courtroom politics they have nothing to do with personally and could suffer a severe penalty just for being assigned the wrong public pretender on the wrong day. Or that “so called lawyer” can use all of the time allotted to moving your case off the calender by discussing another case the prosecutor is more interested in.
All in all a lot is arranged and if your innocent you get the shaft if you even think about participating in any of the “arranged” deals.
Point well made // August 11, 2007 at 3:32 p
In reference to this statement by the Calhoun Underground: ” I know someone who has gone thru 5 lawyers. Every time they tell a lawyer they don’t want a plea bargain because they are not guilty of anything, their lawyer quits…”
The answer is: YOU have to have at least ten grand to hire good defense counsel if it’s a felony, and at least five for a misdemeanor if you plan on going to trial. Public Defenders are to be avoided at all costs!
The other answer is investing some serious time in finding the very best lawyer for your particular case and that is work.
The problem with most of the local and better known lawyers that get cases as public defenders is:
A> They don’t believe for a minute you are innocent
B> You are automatically put on their “lower class” case list and
now they have to work for a lowly 45 bucks an hour. You are
shit to them.
Hobbitt // August 11, 2007 at 3:42 p
If is wasn’t for calpattypress, crookedcountycrooks, calhounundergound and the lone meth ranger,then I would have no life, there would be virtually no interest in anyone knowing I’m alive. I love to get together with Hot Toddy and Kelli at Gino’s when I’m visiting and just love hashing out all problems of the local universe. I’m usually known by my idiotic ramblings.
From an outsiders point of view, it appears that I am gay for Hot Toddy. If you’ve seen my picture, then do you think you can speculate on why that is?
Editors note: We refer to the Hobbit as the Hobb Butt!