“Finally”, is the word on many people’s lips when they hear that former County Judge Phil Fitzgerald, his brother-in-law, and Commissioner Lee Groce appeared before Federal Magistrate Earl S Hines. Judge Hines told the three that they were being released on personal recognizance bonds and he spelled out the specifics of the bonds. The terms require them to abide to five conditions: 1. to not violate any federal, state or local laws while they await trial; 2. submit themselves for a DNA sample; 3. advise the court, in writing, if they move or relocate; 4. appear in court when required and in convicted of the charges, serve their time in prison; and 5. promise to do all four of those previous requirements.
Hines warned them to take the conditions seriously. Nothing unusual there, but what followed can almost be called psychic.
“You’ve already had the book thrown at you,” Judge Hines said. “If you commit additional violations, then you face an enhanced sentence that would require you to serve consecutive sentences… If you get released and try to exact some revenge, you lay yourself open to another federal indictment.”
Judge Hines also advised them that the punishment would be harsh if they attempted to retaliate against any witness, prospective witness, public servant or informant.
Fitzgerald and Groce both pleaded “not guilty” to all of the charges against them. But the Judge, knowingly or not, has foreshadowed the modus operandi many have witnessed from different public officials in the Liberty County Courthouse - the “carrot and the stick” method, or some may refer to it as the way Pavlov treated his dog. Fitzgerald used this method by rewarding officials in the courthouse that did what he wanted them to do with taxpayer money via an increase in their budget. He punished officials by cutting their budget. Evidence of his misuse of the budget process is evident when examining his close political ally Liberty County District Attorney, Mike Little bloated budget (doubling in Fitzgerald’s first term), and the slashing of his political enemies’ budgets.
Among the “favors” Mike Little has allegedly done for Fitzgerald is the cover-up he demanded from law enforcement when he silenced them about the theft or misuse of the government generator Fitzgerald was caught using at his business. Little understands this use of power and has for years used the same approach when he selectively prosecutes citizens based off of their response to the “carrot or the stick”. Little and Fitzgerald have paved the road with support of whatever it is they pursue with the use or abuse of money and power voters gave them. Judge Hines has now let it be known he is watching.
Judge Hines set a final pre-trial hearing for Fitzgerald and Groce at 9 a.m., April 4, in U.S. District Judge Ron Clark’s court. Jury selection and trial are set for April 5. Liberty County District Attorney, Mike Little has not been indicted at the time of this post.
Presumption of innocence: All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
19 comments:
They fabricate. They confiscate. They manipulate.
Can't we all just get along? What is $611,000 and a doubled budget and hush hush between friends?
I will wake up Monday morning wondering what hard working Mom Allen Youngblood will attack this morning? he is such an expert on not only the ladies,but parenting!
Mike Little and the people in his office are some of the most perverted and immoral people in the courthouse.
To the rest of the thieves in OUR Courthouse. If you go along to get along or if you see a problem and don't try to fix the problem, then you are part of the problem. (HAWK) 2011.
Next, we will be dragging out all the details of the perverts in Little's office FUN FUN!
I agree with the characterization: "FINALLY". So when will Beausoliel come to trial? And when will Mike Little be forced to showhis handwriting test he had done nearly a year ago?
Why are Republicans questioning the non action of Hinch along with Democrat Little?
My brother-in-law warned me that this is a Beaumont Judge and a Beaumont defense attorney. I warned him that when you are talking about $3 million of FEMA most all of us could have used, it is doubtful any judge would have sympathy.
Little was engaged in the private practice of law in this area for only six years(from 1977 until September of 1983), at which time he was appointed to the position of District Attorney for Chambers and Liberty Counties. Chambers County has worked hard to get rid of him - you can ask them why. In his 28 yeras he has managed his reputation but he also never had an opponent. ANY opponent he draws in the next election will have a field day with what will be revelations about this man. He is ripe to be beaten. He could even be beaten in the Democratic primary.
Mike Little is an unusual District Attorney. Some people he investigates long before any crime he could possibly allege, and some people he never investigates even when the entire community has heard of their crimes. AMAZING!
One thing I've always wondered. If this "Presumption of innocence: All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law" is really true, why are they called 'defendants' when they are not required to 'defend' anything?
Good question about the defendant thing. Now here is another question. If someone goes to trial and is aquitted, why shouldn't the State repay them for all money spent and for damaging their reputation for the rest of their lives?
Does Dandy Dumb A. Don Taylor still have a County Truck at his house?
Anonymous said, "Little was engaged in the private practice of law in this area for only six years(from 1977 until September of 1983), at which time he was appointed to the position of District Attorney for Chambers and Liberty Counties". Guess who he was 'engaged' with...Judge Don Taylor! Imagine that!
Can you believe that there are some people actually asking for donations to help Lee Groce with his attorney fees. I hear he is going to have to pay out $75,000.00. I personally wouldnt give him a penny. He has stole enough from the county in his 20 plus years as commissioner. Time to pay up Groce. Maybe you can get some more from W.S.
A dog could beat Pervert Mike Little for D.A. When he switches to the Republican Party, we had better be ready with a good candidate to beat him in the primary in March, 2012!
I personally don't even want Mike Little in the Republican Party. Stay with your conniving friends Mike,we don't need you over here.
Same goes for Melvin Hunt. Keep your head up Lee Groce's ass and stay with the Democrats. The Repulicans don't want you.
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