'Picky' ruling ends Scott's DUI trial
Judge dismisses case after audio missing from arrest videotape
The Post and Courier
Friday, May 30, 2008
Brad Nettles The Post and Courier
Magistrate Phillip Newsome said he had no choice but to throw out the DUI charge against state Sen. Randy Scott.
Brad Nettles The Post and Courier
State Sen. Randy Scott (center) is congratulated by Thomas Limehouse Jr. (right) on Thursday after the trial. Scott's sister, Susie Bailey (left) talks with a Scott supporter, and attorney Drew Carroll (back) follows Scott out of the courtroom.
Brad Nettles The Post and Courier
A happy Randy Scott is hugged by his sister, Susie Bailey, after Magistrate Phillip Newsome dismissed a DUI charge against the state senator on Thursday. Scott's friend Richard Bowen is at left.
Video
A Dorchester County sheriff's deputy pulls over State Sen. Randy Scott on Froman Drive on April 19. Watch »
Video
State Sen. Randy Scott prepares for a breath test April 19 after being pulled over by a Dorchester County sheriff's deputy. Watch »
SUMMERVILLE — A minute of missing audio on a police video prompted a judge to throw out state Sen. Randy Scott's politically charged DUI case Thursday. "I am dismissing the case," Magistrate Phillip Newsome of Columbia said halfway through the second day of the trial. "I don't have a choice. It may be picky. It may be trivial. But that's the law." Scott maintained that the arrest was set up to hurt his chances for re-election. He faces former state Sen. Mike Rose in the June 10 Republican primary, and the winner faces no Democratic opposition. Dorchester County sheriff's deputies stopped Scott on April 19 and charged him with driving under the influence. A deputy recorded the arrest, as required by state law. Scott's lawyers, led by Reese Joye of North Charleston, hammered away at the video during pretrial motions. They implied that it could have been doctored to make Scott look bad. Newsome said there was more than a minute of audio missing from the video, with no explanation of how it happened. Without an affidavit explaining the gap, Newsome said he could not proceed with the trial. Seventh Circuit Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette of Spartanburg, who was prosecuting the case, said he would file a motion to reconsider, which could lead to an appeal. He said he didn't see any missing audio in the video or any other indication that it was altered. He said Scott was leaning over into his glove compartment for a while. "I think this case needed to be decided by a jury," Barnette said. "This is a perfect example of the problem with our DUI law. This is frustrating for law enforcement throughout South Carolina." Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash said he was disappointed that his deputies didn't get a chance to prove they did nothing wrong. "There was absolutely no political motivation," Nash said. "We're sorry to see the system operate like this. I wish there was an opportunity to refute these unfounded statements." Scott was questioned because he was driving erratically and then failed field-sobriety tests, Sgt. Randy Botten, testified during pretrial motions Thursday. Scott's lawyers disputed both allegations. Scott was arrested after pulling out of a shopping center about 11 p.m. on a Saturday night. He was checking campaign signs at night because they were being vandalized, Joye told the judge. After the dismissal, Scott said he was happy to get out campaigning again. He also apologized for profanity he used when he was arrested, which became public when the incident report and a phone call recorded at the jail were publicized. Scott said he was frustrated because he knew he was innocent. "I knew I wasn't intoxicated that night," said Scott, who the night of the arrest reported having two drinks. "When they finally arrested me, it just made me mad." According to a five-page incident report, Scott repeatedly argued that politics were at play while deputies conducted field sobriety tests. At the jail, he "berated and at sometimes appeared to be intimidating deputies," it said. The incident report, written and approved by Botten, said Scott and his vehicle smelled of alcohol. According to the report, Scott "was very sluggish in his movements and was not clearly audible when talking." Botten also wrote that Scott's eyes were bloodshot and his clothes disheveled. Scott, who had lost his left leg in a hunting accident many years ago, gripped the vehicle for support, Botten wrote, and did not complete a nine-pace walk. Joye has said the video reveals "normal walking and standing patterns for an amputee, including leaning against the vehicle for support." A deputy gave Scott the standard tests to see if there was a good reason to bring him into the station for a Datamaster test, which determines blood-alcohol content with breath, Nash said at the time. Once there, the machine was not able to get a reading because Scott was uncooperative and didn't blow hard enough to get a reading within the allotted two minutes, Nash said. Joye said at the time the video shows no impaired driving. He said the jail recordings also reveal that Scott did cooperate with the breath test, and actually blew a zero three times. Rose has said he had nothing to do with the arrest but has made an issue of Scott's profanity in his campaign. He could not be reached for comment after the trial. Scott asked for a jury trial. A jury was picked Wednesday but was never sworn in.
Yvonne Wenger contributed to this report. Reach Dave Munday at dmunday@postandcourier.com or 745-5862.
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Posted by fedupwithpoliticians on May 30, 2008 at 3:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This total mockery of justice is why I'm so cynical about most politicians. It’s pathetic that a Senator would repeatedly demand special treatment not available to the average person.
It’s even more pathetic that he received it - and then gets off on a silly technicality because he’s represented by a lawyer who helped write it into the law in a case presided over by a judge he helps appoint.
Hopefully justice will finally be served when this loser finally faces a jury on election day.
Posted by CedarPosts on May 30, 2008 at 5:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why was the Randy Scott case was even brought to trial?
In the video there is no clear indication that Senator Scott is drunk. Yes, he's agitated and a times doesn't follow directions, i.e. counts backwards to 39 instead of 33...
He didn't blow Point Oh Eight he blew POINT ZERO! The only evidence the state had was that he was drunk was that he appeared drunk. How can you tell?.... the video is of poor quality and donut boy blocks the picture much of the time.
Do we not have any fitness standards for the Dorchester Deputies?
The two posters above are upset that Senator received "special treatment" and was able to have his case thrown out.
The fact is that every week hundreds of South Carolinians are wrongly convicted because they don't have the financial resources to defend themselves.
Convicted of driving drunk only because some cop decides that they are drunk. A DUI conviction that ruins lives, careers and can send your finances into a tail spin.
I doubt that Senator Scott will win the June 10th election, but that is hardly justice.
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on May 30, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another example of our corrupt legal system at work. . .
Posted by woody00438 on May 30, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He did not blow zero three times. He did not give enough breath for the machine to analyze his sample. This is the same as a refusal. The DUI laws in this state SUCK. Reese Joye helped author them, so you know they make it very difficult for the state to prosecute and win a DUI case.
As far as Scott trying to get a Judge to come down and release him, that would have been legal under our law. If a special bond hearing is going to be held at a non-regular or scheduled time, the bond judge must see every arestee that is eligible for a bond hearing. If Scott is the only person that is eleigible, then he would be the only one to get it. If they would have done this and there would have been others that were eligible for a bond hearing and they did not allow them to see the judge, they would have violated state law.
Our wheels of justice at work!
Posted by praizinplace on May 30, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
still lost my vote, damage is done.
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.heritageservices.org/about_bo...
I Think It's interesting that Mr Rose Hired Brant Shelbourne as His Attorney when Subpeoned...Ray Nash's Connections to Anne Badgley and Bill Gothard Character First Programs.Mr Shelbourne is on the Board Of Directors of Heritage.
Posted by praizinplace on May 30, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CEDAR CHIP HEAD: He didn't blow at all Einstein, he refused cuz he as big a blowhard as he is, he refused to provide enough sample to be tested, that is NOT an "Oh Eight", that's a refusal. Get it straight.
Posted by Lois_Lane on May 30, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reese Joye is the pit bull of DUI lawyers. Give the dog a bone. If you got enough money, he'll set you free. Let's hope and pray next time Scott drinks and gets behind the wheel he doesn't kill somebody.
Posted by TarNFeatherEm on May 30, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cedarposts- He failed to be able to count or say his alphabet correctly.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Magistrate Phillip Newsome is obviously Out of Order. He did a a favor or was paid off or both.
Dig it up P&C. South Carolina has been like this for a very long time.
A vote for Scott is a vote in support of corruption. Scott is still a drunk and still a flunky. lol.
Posted by motoflyguy on May 30, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dont ever overlook the point that it is the prosecutions responsibility to prove the guilt of the accused and in this case that did not happen...that is what makes us a free country!!!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal is a drunk, too. Remember that when this case goes before her and the others. Remember it well.
Posted by Toots2U on May 30, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This doesn't surprise me in the least. We all are familiar with the saying Money Talks, BS Walks. Get a grip folks! I've lived in a few other states (in the South and North). I have to admit the law enforcement agencies (to include the court system) here is one of the most discriminating.
Posted by Paul on May 30, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The law is the law, but, they can also be changed or ammended. This case must be carefully re-tried to avoid another "travesty of justice" !
Posted by zoomru on May 30, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A BLATANT Example of LACK OF BACKBONE!!!
UNBELIEVABLE!!!
PUBLIC ENEMY # 1 for Our State is..Phillip Newsome! Any one who watches that video and hears the audio..KNOWS beyond all doubt that this old coot had no business driving!! None what so ever!
Posted by CaptPete on May 30, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This set up by Nash could happen to anyone. Many folks don't have $10,000.00 lying around to hire a good atty. Let's hope he just goes away soon with his Christian Exodus buddies. Let them rag on gays,imigrants and new ways to cheat the gov out of taxes in another county. Hopefully soon Mr. Scott can put this behind him.
Posted by lillycollette on May 30, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Why was the Randy Scott case was even brought to trial?"
Wasn't Randy the one demanding this (lol) trial?
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Scott will put this behind him. Much has been exposed about the way Dorchester County Sherriff's office conducts business. More will come out. The regime is all but done. Senator Scott will be back doing what we elected him to do. This very vocal minority will fade into just a bad memory!
Posted by wpc3iop on May 30, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "good old boy" system is alive and well...not a bad thing if you are one of the good old boys!
Posted by elcid81 on May 30, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so sad. I wonder how I, the average Joe would be treated in the SC court system? I truly hope Scott doesn't get reelected. I further hope that politicans one day realize that elected public service is a priviledge and NOT a right. They should be held to a higher standard, but somehow they never do. I would love to serve and represent my community, but I don't have the time or family money to run. Remember - I am an average Joe that has to work to pay my taxes for clowns like this bum.
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, I'm sure we'll all be able to look back on this and laugh one day.
Posted by highclass on May 30, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sweet Vindication. Your right this does show how corrupt the system is! It showed that Nash and his boys DCSO doctored the tapes. They should have left well enough alone.
Another Thanks goes out to Nash and Rose for making LC's campaign easier! Thanks guys
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
raegar67...The comment about jail personnel was uncalled for.The detention officers had nothing to do with what happened to Mr Scott at the jail.The detention Officers processed Mr Scott the same way they process everyone. They do not do the BAC test.You Might want to find out what they said in their depositions as to the condition of Mr Scott when He was brought in.You might be suprised.
Posted by putter71 on May 30, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "bubbas" are alive and well. Wake up Dorchester County - do you want the ethics of Randy Scott running your county? Also remember, he said when LC Knight gets elected sheriff, he will take care of things like this. Meaning when a fellow bubba gets in trouble, it will get buried. This is 2008 folks - not 1950's. Don't let the bubbas win. Mike Rose and Terry Boatwright have ethics and integrity. They deserve to be elected.
Remember what you say in the pledge of allegiance.... with liberty and justice for all...........
Posted by Early on May 30, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who cares!
Posted by feb251939 on May 30, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just another "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" politician but this time the public can witness the real power behind that statement.
We, the public, can send a message on election day..."Yes, Mr. Scott, we know who and what you are".
Posted by Fodder on May 30, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ray Nash = Absolute failure in his roll the past 12 months
One can only assume Boatwright (Nash's hand picked successor) brings the same incompetence to the roll in his hopes of succeeding Nash.
Posted by Lowcountry_Bulldawg on May 30, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Intoxicated or not he threatened the job of the officer named Randy. He verbally abused the officer who was simply trying to perform his job. This is a leader of Dorchester County?
Randy Scott was obviously impaired as he could not count from 59-33, as he got down to 41 then back up to 49 and he NEVER caught it. The officer asked him to start over. What sober person doesn't catch this?
Then while in custody at the jail, his leg never bothered him. He was up walking around and running that mouth. The leg only bothered him when it was convient for Mr. Scott.
This is a prime example of Mr. Joye and his extreme knowledge of DUI laws. I wonder what that legal bill was for?
Posted by Fodder on May 30, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Putter - Rose AND Boatwright have ethics and integrity? I hope you are related to them or know them personally, because those statements are far from the truth as I know them both very well.
Why did Rose lose his Senate seat in the first place a few years back? Ineptitude.
Why did Boatwright lose his election bit for Sherrif when he ran against Ray Nash? Again, ineptitude. (As I recall voters turned against him because he littered the ENTIRE county with his political signs)
Please get your facts straight when trying to stump for other candidates here.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok....lets assume that he was not drunk.....Do you really want a Senator who cannot say the ABC's or count backwards when sober?
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Elcid81, you give yourself much too much credit... I consider you well below average and an insult to JOEs everywhere!
Posted by edalee on May 30, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you have followed this story since the beginning , including listening to all of the audio tapes and reading all of the articles, it was as clear as the big nose on Mr. Scott's face that he was guilty and that both he and his wife knew that he was guilty. This ain't the first time that this old hound dog got caught running the streets late at night. It was just the first time that the public got a peek at what kind of "Character" this man is and has. He was rude to everybody that had anything to do with the entire process, including his wife. He acted in a vile and dispicable manner and if the voters of Dorchester County aren't smart enough to see what kind of man this guy truly is, then they deserve what they get come election day. This is just further proof that the "Good ol' Boy" legal system is alive and well in South Carolina!! They should have thrown him under the jail house. He is an elected official and should be held to a higher standard.......and Mr. Scott knows this.
Posted by mlittle212 on May 30, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Joye is awesome!! Now that's what I call gaming the system!
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Edalee: Very well said.....
If you think about it, this is really not a good thing for Mr. Scott.....He said he wanted a trial to prove his innocence....well, that did not happen.....Nothing happened to change peoples minds who were already decided if he was gulity or not.....the ones that think he is still do, the ones that think he was not still do.....
As a state senator he should have never put himself in this position in the first place....he should have been home with his wife.....
Ok...now someone will say: He heard that someone was messing with his signs so he went to check it out......well if that was the case, he should have done what the rest of us would have done: call the summerville police (it was in summerville)....
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 30, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THIS IS INSANE!!! The judge should NOT be allowed to practice law in any state...Joyce should be ashamed...Why don't we just take out an add and tell the teens to go ahead and drink and drive, you can pay enough money to an attorney and get off. The justice system in this state needs revamping. Its bad enough that Sanford refused to allow the cigarette tax, and Uncle A. Ravenel get to use as much profanity as he wants on the school board...but now THIS...What a state. I am still sick to my stomach that Scott's case was dismissed...SICK!!!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCOTT WILL BE ON THE ROCKY D SHOW .. WTMA 1250 AM Radio .. today at 12 noon. Record the show while Scott is on it jabbering his lying jowls.
Some questions you might want to ask Scott while on WTMA today:
1) Would you recite the alphabet for us again?
2) Can you count to 10?
3) Why did you drop out of grade school?
4) What year did you attend Trident Tech and what degrees, if any, did you acquire from the same, and what year did you get your GED and what was your test score?
5) How many alcoholic beverages have you purchased and consumed in the last 6 months?
6) Do you know what "organic brain syndrome" is and do you often drive while intoxicated?
7) Are you a good old boy and do you have a mistress?
8) Do you have a cousin named Bubba Joye?
9) What connections behind the scenes, if any, does your attorney have with Phillip Newsome?
10) Should SC have alcoholics serving the people in the State House?
Get ready for the circus on WTMA!!!
ROFLMAO!!!!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 30, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What I get mad at is people blaming the police officers.They were doing there job!What if us as citizens saw a cop witnessing a senators impaired driving and did nothing?I know I'd be pissed.Because if that was you or I we'd be arrested.The poor cops in this case were damned if they did and damned if they didnt.Thats why they handled it with "kid gloves".If you or I couldnt count or say our abc's properly in combination with erratic driving-we'd be arrested.Period.I agree with the other poster-do you really want a senator who is so freakn dumb he cant count or say his abc's?Maybe he could come to my house and my 4yr old could teach him.He and his wife acted VERY shady in those phone calls.Including the part where she reminds him that theyre being recorded and they'll "talk about that later".
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's see if I have this history right. LC Knight's father was sheriff of Dorchester County for over 20 years. He and the county council ran the county like a third world country. He also use his influence to get his son LC a do nothing job at Sled. Along comes a bright dedicated young law enforcement officer that had run the Irmo and Summerville police departments, and unseats the old Democrat LC Knight Sr.. Mr. Knight's GOB buddies (incuding Randy Scott) on the council decide to get back at Nash by constant harassment, withholding funding for deputy salaries and general pain in the butt treatment. The council led by Mr. Scott calls for an audit of the Sheriff's department which, just recently, completely exeronated Nash from any wrong doing.
Meanwhile, LC Knight jr. runs against Nash as a Democrat and loses in a close election. His GOB buddies convince him to switch to the Republican party so he only has to run against Nash in a primary rather than a general election. Then all they have to do is use the politics of personal destruction to attempt to discredit Nash and, since there is no Democrat in the race, LC can sashay into office and put the GOB system back into place.
You have to ask why a old codger like Knight who has plenty of money would want a low paying job like Sheriff (although I bet the salary takes a significant increase if he gets elected). The answer is POWER!!! and control. He has conveniently stayed in the background while his minions have gone about the hatchet job on Nash but the GOB cabal is hard at work.
Dorchester County will never move forward as long as this old power circle stays in control.
I wish Nash well. I've watched him for years attempt to do a good job as sheriff only to be thwarted by the GOB. I've gotten to know him and his leaving is our loss.
Posted by highclass on May 30, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776
1) Would you recite the alphabet for us again? Sure can.
2) Can you count to 10? Sure he can count to 360,000- Nash wasn't counting on that was he.
3) Why did you drop out of grade school? He didn't drop out of grade school. He dropped out of High School after a hunting accident in which he lost his leg.
Should I go on or have you had enough.
Posted by ematt on May 30, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Admit nothing, deny everything & make counter-accusations.... words to live by, right Randy?
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oh, you mean the hunting accident that happened when he was cutting school.
A very good friend of mine had a terrible motorcycle accident in the 11th grade, about 30 years ago. He was hospitalized almost a year, then wore a body cast, he almost lost his leggs. Somehow he managed to graduate from high school. He then went on to college and became a reputable well-liked business man in Summerville today.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lowcountry_Bulldawg, well put...hammer meets nailhead!
Idd1, another hammer meeting nailhead!
Very well said gentlemen.
Posted by katrenavantassle on May 30, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF HE WAS OUT CHECKING SIGNS WHERE DID HE GET THE "TWO DRINKS"?
I CAN'T RECITE MY ALPHABET BACKWARDS AT ANY TIME.
Posted by highclass on May 30, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pick on him if you like. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Scott is more real to me than Rose. Scott has made mistakes and he has come up hard. Still he survives. Rose tries to act like he has never cussed or got mad before. Give me a break. Rose broke laws before as well. Look what happened on his land. That didn't make news because it wasn't during an election and his good buddy Nash helped him cover it up.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perfect example of a justice system run amok...something really smells here. Senator Scott wanted a trial by jury, he should have been given one. Why didnt this judge let the jury decide this case????
60 seconds of audio missing while Senator Scott fumbles around his vehicle...
How about the rest of the video and audio that is all over the internet that shows this guy stumbling around his vehicle and screwing up a simple counting and alphabet exercise.
Next time you run into the good senator watch to see if he is stumbling around like that normally.
Justice would have been better served to let the deputies prove their case and clear their names from all the false accusations, inuendo, and insinuations about political motives.
Begs one to wonder if this wasnt all worked out in advance by some political cronies.
It really does reek.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 30, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The one thing that can't be missed in the video tape is Senator Scott tossing a still lit cigarette butt into the grassy part of the right-of-way.
That should be worth a ticket for littering at the least. What is the fine for starting a fire? There are other violations and citations that could be issued in connection with the stop.
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ldd1..a couple things for you!
1st..LC's dad's name was Carl!
2nd..Randy Scott is/was not on Council when this audit was called for, he is a Senator
3rd..LC is not a Jr.
4th..LC ran as a Republican not a Democrat last time
5th..why don't you ask LC why he is running
6th..if you want our county to move on then we definitely need a change from the way it's been for the past 12 years under your boy Nash!
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me try this again: Ray Nash has not been charged with a crime and will not be.....SOMEONE ELSE has been charged with the stealing of the $360,000 and has admitted to it....
We have not heard the last of Mr. Scott and driving while drinking....you can count on it....if a person does it and feels they have beat the "system", and got away with it they are VERY LIKELY to do it again....trouble is next time they may hurt or kill someone....
People who drink and drive have no concern for the damage they may do to themselves or others....my brother killed himself while driving drunk, and it hurt the entire family not just him!
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will be calling in and asking how it is possible that since he lost his leg in a hunting accident and simply couldn't stand the night he was arrested that he can all of a sudden hop of the curb of a sidewalk with no bobble at all. I want that same someone to hit me in the forehead and heal my a@@.
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
katrenavantassle - he wasn't asked to recite the alphabet backwords, he was asked to count backwards. And people wonder why things get misquoted - geez us.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blake, the investigation is ongoing.. lets reserve judgement on his guilt for Theft.
He is guilty of poor management... he is begging for money and does not realize almost half a million dollars disappeared in 5 years.
He so protested the Audit calling in a Witch Hunt and on the Record Refusing to help in the Audit... Not the actions of an innocent man, but we shall see. When Cap'n Pastor sees what is in store for him, he will sing like a Bird!!!! Plea Bargain anyone!!!! And just what does he have to offer in Return???? hmmmmmmm
Posted by highclass on May 30, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bosoxfan107- I couldn't have said it better myself.
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ldd1..a couple things for you!
1st..LC's dad's name was Carl!
Everyone knows that doofus. My intent was to draw parallels between LC and his progenitor but I gues it was toofar over your head.
2nd..Randy Scott is/was not on Council when this audit was called for, he is a Senator
Scott was on the council when Nash became sheriff and was the main driver behind the harassment. Have you ever been to a council meeting? Did Mr. Scott have any part in taking the marshall's funds from the Sheriff's department for the council's own uses? Did Mr. Scott have any part in the council denying Nash the additional deputies he needed to police the county properly even though his force was way below the staffing in other counties? Did Mr. Scott have any influence on the council initiating the audit even though he is a senator? (Methinks he still has a lot of GOB influence on the council). Do Mr. Scott and the Knight family have a long standing relationship? Yes he may be a senator now but he is still part of the Dorchester County GOB system and if you think otherwise then you're just ignorant.
3rd..LC is not a Jr.
See #1 above doofus.
4th..LC ran as a Republican not a Democrat last time
Okay, go back two elections then.
5th..why don't you ask LC why he is running
I don't need to...I know why he is running.
6th..if you want our county to move on then we definitely need a change from the way it's been for the past 12 years under your boy Nash!
Rather than make a rash statement like this, why don't you delineate for us just what Nash has done that sticks in your craw. Did his people arreast you for something? Did his deputies drag you out of your house and pistol whip you? Did he spit in your face at the mall? Or are you just upset that certain elements of the population have found it hard to do their dirty work in our county.
Lastly, have you ever had an original thought or do you just follow around with the other sheeple?
Posted by SCPDBLUE on May 30, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Idd1,I hear what your saying....I dont trust any of the old regime.It will be like Boss Hogg all over again in Dorchester County .This is My County,Boy.Just like the old movie White Lighting but instead of Ned Beatty as sheriff it will be LC "Boss Hogg 2" Knight.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree: "lets reserve judgement on his guilt for Theft"....but most of the Anti-Nash people on here do not want to do that. They wanted to give Scott a break, and then want to lock up the other....
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's a novel idea: Look at the experience, education, number of men supervised, result of decisions made of both canidates for Sheriff and vote for the best qualified person....do not vote because someone has a certain name or does not, or because of family connections....vote for the stronger qualified, most experienced person for the job.
Posted by bushnell on May 30, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It surprises me that people accuse Rose of doing things illegal, yet where are the facts. Sure people accuse and people spread rumors but if people would take the time and see the true facts they would be surprised at how wrong they are. I have attended numerous forums and have yet to see Scott there to answer questions or speak. This weekend the Dorchester County Taxpayer's Assoc. has a breakfast and Q & A. I have heard Scott has declined. Last night The Chamber and Journal Scene held a forum. Scott was not there to answer questions but Rose was. How can I make a choice when one candidate refuses to speak and answer questions in a public forum? Unfortunately in the recent case with Senator Randy Scott we will never know the truth. He has not been proven innocent or guilty of a DUI. I know the process is that you are innocent until proven guilty. The issue left is the fine example of respect for authority and realm of influence and control he has. Let's let this fodder drop and get together on working to promote a better community by working together. That's what our country and process is about. That's what our country has fought and stood for for over 200 years. Thank you!
Posted by DorchesterFYI on May 30, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's look on the bright side . . . at least the dismissal of the case free's up some court time and jail space for the employees from the Auditor's office. And, at least we learned the truth about that candidate before the election.
The bottom line of all these stories is the same . . . guilty or not, the reputation of Dorchester County has been tarnished.
Posted by palmetto_girl on May 30, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Reese Joye through personal business with him. Unless an interaction results in some direct benefit to him, he is rude and uncaring (and this an understatement). I have heard him dismiss people who needed legitimate legal help in a way that can only be described as vicious. Of course, they were not wealthy.
I knew as soon as I read that Scott would be represented by him that Scott would would walk away without paying for his actions. Unless you count his payment to Mr. Joye. I sure would love to know what the full amount of Scott's bill really is. I'm guessing that money passed to the judge isn't going to appear on his official invoice for legal services.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I sure would love to know what the full amount of Scott's bill really is."
A more important question: Where did it come from?
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ldd1
Why don't you get a new set of material yourself. everyone always brings up LC's dad. What does he or LC have to do with this Article? Yes Randy said stuff when being arrested about LC. Could LC do anything about that? NO!! LC has only ran for sheriff 1 time so your facts still are messed up. the thing Nash has done to me is waste my money i have to pay for taxes. If i knew my money was going towards paying for boats and planes that are never used, i would have bought those myself. At least then i would get my moneys worth.
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blake, the investigation is ongoing.. lets reserve judgement on his guilt for Theft.
This is just wishful thinking on your part. The man is as honest as can be and never took a dime. You're just one of the idiots that have jumped on the bandwagon of those trying to discredit Nash because you blend in better with them.
He is guilty of poor management...
How do you know? Were you a member of the Department? Have you ever managed anything in your life? Or are you, again, just listening to what other bashers say and joining them for comfort?
he is begging for money and does not realize almost half a million dollars disappeared in 5 years.
He is not begging for money. He's asking a recalcitrant council to provide the resources needed to properly police our county and they refuse to give it to him. They think they're punishing Nash for stopping the Knight express but it is our safety they are jeopardizing. The money that disappeared was cleverly concealed by Capt. Pastor and he alone is guilty.
He so protested the Audit calling in a Witch Hunt and on the Record Refusing to help in the Audit... Not the actions of an innocent man, but we shall see. When Cap'n Pastor sees what is in store for him, he will sing like a Bird!!!! Plea Bargain anyone!!!! And just what does he have to offer in Return???? hmmmmmmm
He protested an audit that cost tens of thousands of dollars and proved nothing even though the council tried to find something to stand on. They totally wasted our tax dollars for a witch hunt and never found the hag. As for Pastor, the only singing he can do is sing the blues when they put him in with a very big and mean cellmate.
Why don't you put down your Budweiser sometime and go to a council meeting so you can hear and see things first hand rather than just jumping on the Bash Nash bandwagon. You might just see the light but I have my doubts. I'll see you there if you make it.
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sheeple - LOL
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ldd1
Why don't you get a new set of material yourself. everyone always brings up LC's dad. What does he or LC have to do with this Article? Yes Randy said stuff when being arrested about LC. Could LC do anything about that? NO!! LC has only ran for sheriff 1 time so your facts still are messed up. the thing Nash has done to me is waste my money i have to pay for taxes. If i knew my money was going towards paying for boats and planes that are never used, i would have bought those myself. At least then i would get my moneys worth.
I brought up LC Knight because Randy Scott ran his mouth to the deputy that "when LC becomes sheriff it won't be like this" to which the deputy professionally replied that he would do the same job for whoever the new sheriff is. Randy then snapped back that LC Knight would have his job.
Once again I tried to indicate how LC and Randy are pals and it goes back to how things were done when Carl was sheriff. I guess deep thinking eludes you.
Please research for me where the funds for boats, command centers, etc. actually came from and let us know. Hint....the source is public knowledge if you look into it and I think you'll be surprised what you find out about your taxes.
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think pretty deeply actually. You on the other hand Not so much! You are only saying the same stuff...the only stuff anyone ever says when asked about LC. His dad did this his dad did that. Please. I know where the money to pay that comes from. With a little thought from you(i know that is a stretch at this point) if money wasn't being stolen under the ever present watchful eye of the "good" sheriff maybe we could use the extra we get from drug seizures for other things. Like, i don't know, more officers or better equipement. I hear the video cameras in some of the cars a grainy. that could use some attention don't you think? Oh forgot something Ldd1.. Nash and LC's father never ran against each other.
Posted by localboy on May 30, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bah-bah-bah!! Good one LOE. Poor ol blivetinthesky is a one track record - everything is Nash-Nash-Nash - maybe he's a gilted lover; maybe he's an unethical campaign manager from the Columbia area who ran an unemployed black fisherman against his sister to scare people into voting for her. Oh wait isn't that the same person running Scotch's campaign? - I'll be darned, it sure is! The same folks behind the crap in your mailbox trying to convince you that the SC Legislature did something good with taxes - cutting them and simply shifting them is something else. even if they did cut them a little we can't afford schools buses but we can sure vote for Green Bean Museums and Hilarity Festivals!!
Posted by percilla1234 on May 30, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
clearly this man is a substance abuser, and by getting away with it he has set a presidence for others.........
Posted by CedarPosts on May 30, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In South Carolina you can request a jury trial for traffic offenses. Not the case in North Carolina.
Normally the delay caused by requesting a jury trial is months if not years. I had a speeding ticket just outside of Sumter three years ago. Yes I was flying really low. The SCHP who pulled me over was as nice as he could be but said the best he could do was lower the ticket to 89 in a 70. Which I considered a pretty good break as I was well over 90 maybe more.
But I hired a lawyer anyway and two years later the case is called to trial and they can't find the paperwork!
Case dismissed and I never even stepped foot in the courtroom.
Fair? Justice? Did I get away with a crime?
You betcha!
But that is the way the system works and it doesn't work very well.
BTW I sold the sport bike and drive way slower now days, no more triple digit speeds for me.
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think pretty deeply actually. You on the other hand Not so much! You are only saying the same stuff...the only stuff anyone ever says when asked about LC. His dad did this his dad did that. Please. I know where the money to pay that comes from. With a little thought from you(i know that is a stretch at this point) if money wasn't being stolen under the ever present watchful eye of the "good" sheriff maybe we could use the extra we get from drug seizures for other things. Like, i don't know, more officers or better equipement. I hear the video cameras in some of the cars a grainy. that could use some attention don't you think? Oh forgot something Ldd1.. Nash and LC's father never ran against each other.
You know bosoxfan (that sorta discredits you right there), there are always two sides to every discussion and, on this blog, both sides are repeating the same things ad infinitum. The fact is, I don't think LC Knight is good for this county and I would like to discredit him like his little lemmings have done to Nash.
As for the missing funds, yes it happened under Nash's watch. But let's stop and think a minute about all of the embezzlement cases that hit the papers where significant funds are embezzled from banks, school systems, private companies, etc. and it goes on for some time until they get caught. How in the world does someone embezzle a bunch of money from a bank when they have the most audited controls of any entity in our country? Is the bank president blamed? No, the perp gets the blame and the president is credited for finding out the crime and correcting it. See any parallels here?
Nash did use the money from drug seizures et al for such items as well as the money the department got from the marshall's to try to equip the department better but it wasn't enough and the council (yes those guys again) consistently over the years cut his budget requests and then they confiscated the marshall's money too. Our DCSO needs a lot of things but you can't get them on good looks.
Now you deep thinker you, go back and point out where I ever said Nash ran against Carl Knight (LC Sr.). Didn't happen. What I said was his becoming sheriff stopped the Knight express. Looks to me like they're trying to get it back on the tracks. Boss Hogg redux for sure
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by ldd1 on May 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's see if I have this history right. LC Knight's father was sheriff of Dorchester County for over 20 years. He and the county council ran the county like a third world country. He also use his influence to get his son LC a do nothing job at Sled. Along comes a bright dedicated young law enforcement officer that had run the Irmo and Summerville police departments, and unseats the old Democrat LC Knight Sr..
the last sentence!
GOTCHA!!!!!
Posted by bosoxfan107 on May 30, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think really deep buddy!
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I Disagree with some of you, I think this incedent has cost Mr. scott Plenty;
1) Loss of freedom for a few hours
Don't take it for granted, try having a friend lock you up in an unfamiliar surrounding and telling him/her not to let you out until they want to.
2)Towing Bill, Even though he parked in a friends yard, he still got towed, I'm sure thats at least a bill or 2.
3) Loss of Dignity, how much is yours worth?
4) Loss of License, even for a short time, it still hurts.
Police usually take your license on the spot.
5) Loss of Time and Money, How much is your time worth?
Laywers aren't cheap, how much was that? If I had to guess I would say for a DUI Defense probably between $5000 and $10,000 win or lose. Thats going to hurt, I don't care who you are.
6) Loss of respect in the community.
Already followers are looking at the other candidate to vote for.Neighbors are probably giving him the evil eye.
7) Potential loss of job, how much does a senator make?
So, what more did you people want done to him, he certainly did not exercise any rights not afforded to you and me.
For not being drunk (i do not believe he was) look at all the heart ache the man has to endure.
I say leave him alone now, the damage is done.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Throw the drunken bum out of office on June 10th.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 30, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah I feel a tear coming on.I feel so sorry for this arrogant,power hungry ego maniac.Poor Scott.Whatever will he do now?I bet that towing bill just wiped out his savings.Wah wah wah He won't notice how much anything cost him because he does know how to count.So surely basic addition/subtraction for him is a struggle.Maybe he deserves our pity for being so damn stupid.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"look at all the heartache this man has had to endure".....
NOWHERE CLOSE to the heartache a family endures when someone is Killed by a person who chooses to drink and drive!
He thinks he got away with it this time, He will do it again, and all we can do is hope no one gets hurt.
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 30, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Missing_ Would the average Joe be left alone? I doubt it. He would be without a DL for a few months and pay a nice fine which would be on his record for the next offense. OUR state laws and those who make them....need HELP!
Lets just hope the VOTERS in Dorchester take care of this PROBLEM on June 10th...as for the Judge...how can HE sleep at night. As for the lawyer, I hope you enjoy the money!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 30, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Would the average Joe get away with tossing a cigarette on the ground like that?Nope.I'm telling ya, if this were you or I-we'd be SCREWED!P.S. I think Missing_ is Scott's wife. LOL
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did anyone listen to WTMA? When Randy Scott was arrested he screamed that it was a political set up but REFUSED to actually commit to those words with Rocky D. Randy Scott said the datamaster was a machine and could malfunction - uh what is his excuse for HIS failing to recite the alphabet or count? That isn't a machine - that is a human being. He was getting tired he said, that is why he stepped in the hole and lost his balance. If he was TIRED then WTF was he doing driving around checking his signage? And if you can believe this - he actually laughed and said he hadn't recited the alphabet in about 100 years - REALLY???? This man supposedly participates in senate judicial committee meetings where laws are written and decided on and yet he admits that he can't say his alphabet. Wake up and smell the Java people - it is all good.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"he doesn't know how to count".....sure he does, I heard it myself: 49,48,47,46,45,44,43,42,41,,,,ahhhh.....49,48,47.....
So I guess we will see on June 10th how the people of Dorchester county feel ...If he was not drunk, then he sure is stupid.
Posted by charlene68 on May 30, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCPDBLUE ____ I think we need someone like knight, especially in knightsville.... I think the good ole boy knows where the drugs and everything else are in knightsville as he grew up there and knows every other part of the county and the people. these new people to the area dont know how it was back when... and only know what they hear... Nash sure don't do anything with anyone in that area and knows where the drug spots are... and who is dealing and who is not... so yes i think we do need a change. Nash is not the saint he claims to be and neither is knight . but my personal opinion is that Knight would clean up the county really quick and I think that is what some people are scared of !!!
Posted by JonWithnal on May 30, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reese Joye is the man to hire; an impressive defense of his client I must say. Well done.
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Charlene - where were you a couple of years ago when all the meth labs were being busted in Dorchester County? Are you serious?????
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes .. Scott was perfect on the Rocky D show... He had enough callers on the show tell it like it is as far as nash's department is concerned, He has been followed many times and even gave some examples... His campaign is strong and the base is mobilized.
It is what it is, Randy is taking the high road, feel free to stay in the gutter!
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Give it up logic...you are sounding all emotional and no logic!
A couple of years ago.. That is your defense of nash's drug war... oh I get it, he got rid of ALL the Meth Labs a couple of years ago!
I am sure nash would want you to stop defending him! A couple of years ago.. that is FUNNY!
Posted by roadrunner on May 30, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My four year old grandson can say the alphabet backwards. Maybe Mr. Scott needs to attend the same daycare. The sad truth is Mr. Scott voted in these DUI laws and now Mr. Scott is the very person who is breaking the laws he voted in, to benefit himself.
GIVE IT UP SCOTTIE YOUR POLITICAL CAREER IS COMING TO AN END.
Posted by CaptPete on May 30, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems Mike Rose is making comments under several different names today.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Capn, there are about 4 posters using a myriad of names. They post the Identical messages on different sites using different names. Guess what, they only get one vote each!!!
Concernedlocal/localboy/localdad is the worst of the lot!
Posted by Two_Sheds on May 30, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If he had cooperated from the beginning with the breathylizer test, he could've exonerated his reputation, and perhaps his whole case. He didn't recite the alphabet correctly, something most people can do in their sleep, and the fact that he waited a while before giving a proper "blow" test (giving his blood alchohol level a chance to decrease) makes me think that something's not right here.
The whole thing has made me lose confidence in him, in an eerie "OJ Simpson" kind of way.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it did at first, but now it is easy! no macro necessary.
yes just like prince....prince of darkness
Posted by thomas44 on May 30, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've just completed watching and listening to the video clip of Senator Scott's arrest for DUI. Scott appears to me to be intoxicated, and I heard no break in the audio that would be grounds for the judge to dismiss the charges. To the average citizen, it has all the appearances of the "good ole boy" network being firmly entrenched in the county government.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no prosecution for refusing to take the test! We can all refuse but as been said 1000 times you refuse-you lose your SCDL for 6 monthd
Come on Harpo.. Say some thing new... CLick on Harpo and you can read that same post 200 times... YAWN!!!!!!!!!
We already had rose in the senate.. we voted in Bill Branton over rose... yes I said BILL BRANTON defeated mike rose.
Do you ever ask yourself WHY did mike rose lose his Senate Seat to BILL BRANTON.
Why do you think mike rose lost his SENTATE SEAT to BILL BRANTON.
mike rose must have been a terrible senator to lose his seat and seniority to BILL BRANTON.
The Senate called it a holiday when mike rose lost his senat seat to BILL BRANTON.
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spare me jblakeslee:
He didn't kill anyone and I do not believe he would have.
If he was so dangerous why did the police follow him around for 45 minutes?
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't mike Rose lose his seat because district lines were redrawn before his term was up?
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eyeinthesky - you are simply amazing..
Your comments never contain any statements, just alot of blah, blah, blah
Please tell us why Bill Branton won over Mike Rose...I'm guessing you got the GOB network all worked up, probably rented a bus, picked up everyone and dropped them off at the polls that day.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Missing-Home: I never said he killed anyone. Why is it so difficult for some people to understand a point?
Think back to when you were a kid/teenager: If your parents told you not to do someting and you did it anyway and got away with it..it made it easier to do it again.....
Here's the Point: He got away with it this time. More then likely he will do it again....(most people who drink and drive do it fairly often).....If he does it again, someone COULD get hurt or killed......
I will never understand why some people feel it is ok, to have "a couple of beers" and then get behind the wheel of a car...ANY alcohol in your system has some effect.....
I am not against someone having a drink or two....but if they do they should not drive......
Posted by bushnell on May 30, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Over the past few weeks I have followed these comments. I belive there are really a handful of people that keep saying the same thing. I see the majority of the posts to be repetitive and based on rumors and hearsay. I make it a practice to speak to "all" candidates. In several races I think either candidate is a good choice. BUT come on people, we need to elect some educated, intellectual people to make State wide decisions. This is not a game. This is our livelihood and our chidlren and grandchildren's futures at stake here. If we took the efforts of all these comments and funneled them together, WOW, just think of what can be accomplished. No candidate can agree with you all the time but think about who can get the most done for our community. Who can fight to get State and Federal Funds to come our way? Thanks
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eyeinthesky go fly a plane. You can't handle the truth. Yes, I was thrilled with the drug busts going on a couple of years ago. Not so many going on now, I will admit that - let's see since you have your crystal ball you tell me why that is - Nash is still there so that hasn't changed. You talk a alot of smack but don't really say anything - like the proverbial mosquito that just buzzes around. Ha, ha, ha.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PalmettoHawk,
Yeppers. Scott did litter. The video caught that clear as day. They should go ahead and issue a ticket for that. It's not to late either.
I wonder how much trash Scott has tossed out his window while driving on our roads? A State Senator is suppose to know the law. And EVERYBODY knows even flicking a cigarette butt is littering. I've seen people in court that were fined $500.00 just for a butt, like the butt head in the videos.
The opera is not over yet. Scott is far from out of the woods. And so is the lame bottom of the latter Magistrate judge.
Remember, Scott is on a Senate Judiciary committee and only has a GED diploma.
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To jblakeslee: I agree drinking and driving is bad, all I was saying is, basically after scott gets his legal bill for his defense team he may wait longer before driving after drinks or carry breath mints?/?/
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Thomas 1776: A GED, well that explains the ABCs!!!
Posted by Missing_Home on May 30, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not Illegal to drive ignorant
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Was Scott drinking when he blew his leg off with the shotgun? Anyone know? And what High School did he drop out of?
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SHS
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we could get that law passed where it is illegal to drive ignorant. That might be the answer to our over crowded highways :)
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope he decides against the breath mints.....in 2006 16,005 people where involved in crashes involving people with a BAC of .01% (or higher).......that same year 13,000+ died ....
I agree: hopefully the bill he gets from his "defense team" (him and OJ should hang out)..... will make him realize that if he drinks, he needs to stay home.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scott appears to have the shortest bio out of all the other State Senators. He doesn't seen to hold a candle to the other members.
http://www.scstatehouse.net/html-pages/s...
He wasn't impressive in the least on WTMA today. He sounds more like a backwoods redneck. Especially when an old friend of his called in live on the show, sounding like some hillbilly.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on May 30, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did he have to give the alphabet backwards? If so, that is a joke of a test--99% of people would fail that drunk or not--there's no song for that and no reason to say it backwards your whole life. They should get rid of it--now if you can't say it the way we all learned it, then that says a lot. Anyway, innocent until proven guilty, and they failed to prove squat. The system worked and Rose should lose for playing dirty polictics with the sherriff's office.
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He wasn't asked to repeat the alphabet backwards he was asked to count backwards. Not that it matters, he clearly said today he hadn't said the "alphabet in 100 years." Frontwards, backwards, he obviously doesn't know it.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 30, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HARPO-thats something I was blown away by too.His wifes reaction.Most law abiding citizens would flip out if their spouse called from jail.Such as "Oh my Gosh!What happened?Are you ok?" She seemed so casual as if it had happened 1000 times before.It was really bizaare.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep putting down the common man Thomass1776. rose is an elitest without being elite! Those you are calling hillbilly vote more often that most! Randy Scott welcomes their votes!
Posted by bushnell on May 30, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure Rose and Scott more pressing things to do than to read our comments on here.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 30, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel-Yell......Go back and listen to the tape..I am pretty sure he was not ask'd to say the alphabet backwards....I think he was just ask to say it.....
anyway for a sober man he sure had trouble counting backwards,,,,which should be a piece of cake when sober.....
Your right innocent until proven guilty.......I said this before and I will say it again....If he was innocent and not drunk he sure is stupid and not senate material....If you can't count you should not be in the senate.....also his actions in the booking room (cussing, telling the deputies they would be fired, trying to use his clout as a senator) are probably senate ethics rules violations.....
I am done with this "discussion" I think I have had enough of "Senator" Scott for this week.....
See ya!
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My Hearsay Information is 2 detention Officers pre-trial testimony in front of Ray Nash and the state prosecutor that were taken the day before the trial would have proved Mr Scott was not drunk.In General they say that he did not appear drunk and one said they did not smell alcohol...The P&C and The Blogs didn't FOIA this Yet.Or Is it thatRay Nash is not releasing it. There Names are Lt.Haynes & PFC Green......Wow I wonder why Ray Nash was there at Pre-trial interviews....After one Officer State Mr Scott was Not drunk,Nash allegedly asked him If He was Sure and if he is afraid,and To Tell the Truth.
Posted by buttercup on May 30, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guilty or not guilty……. The ethics committees in Columbia need to bring charges against Sen. Scott for miss conduct in office, more than a slap on the hand or a dismissal.
How can anyone say he is not guilty of this?
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Her attitude was very odd. A normal wife would have reacted and acted different.
So Scott has a say so in who gets appointed as a Magistrate Judge .... According to Article V, Section 26 of the S.C. Constitution, magistrates are appointed for each county by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the SC State SENATE. This just gets even more interesting. Is Magistrate Newsome concerned about losing his job so he ruled on a very very small and twisted trivial technically? Any average Joe, you can bet Newsome would not have ruled this way.
Complaints can be filed with the Governors Office.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey buttercup, is "miss conduct" anything like "Miss Congeniality"???
Thomass1776, how does your Blowup Doll Wife react when you give he bad news?
Can I complain to the Governor about you Thomass1776?
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buttercup,
I agree with you 110%. But it is painfully obvious that the good old boy network in the Senate, etc, is at work here to protect Scott. They are trading favors behind the scenes.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 30, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have had enough fun with you four guys, but I am tired of your same old boring posts... Change your material a little!
I shall leave this thread but you are all better for reading my posts! Good Luck!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, eyeinthesky. That is correct. Scott is a high school drop out and a drunk who litters our roads. He will be ticketed for littering. I am making sure of that. LMAO!
Posted by AuntBea on May 30, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did anyone notice that Mrs. Scott wasn't at the "trial"? That speaks volumes as well.
Posted by notafan on May 30, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you think Scott had "two glasses of wine" as a celebratory drink last night?
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.dragonslayerpress.com/Audit1....
4,199 To Character first.....Unethical and a crime
80k For computer work to Brother in law of Franklin Smith(Ralph Reahard) Purchase Orders say "Other"With No details.....Unethical yes-Illegal-Maybe
Nash Firing Numerous employee for Political reasons,Living Out Of wedlock,Or For Being on Workmans Comp too long(recently).
This Is What These Same Christian exodus members whohave posted for over a year Praise Mr Nash For.
Posted by notafan on May 30, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And this post deals with Scott in what way? Oh yeah I forgot about the agendas certain people try to push on this blog.
Posted by equaltime on May 30, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas, I heard the officer made Senator Scott pick up the Cigarette but they edited that out as well as the Audio when they were editing the tape for trial!
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia you are a real man of genius - you can't even follow the thread.
Posted by CedarPosts on May 30, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think once you read past all the crazy people and their endless rants (you know who you are) ........ (errrrr maybe you don't know who you are?)... you will notice that the thing that troubles the rest of us is that when it comes to LE's word vs the common man LE always wins.
In the case of the dear Senator, LE lost.
Now if LE is willing to try to get a conviction of a well known state Senator on such weak evidence, what are they willing to try and pull off when it comes to the common man.
I don't care about senator Smith I care about the 1000s of common people who are given expensive tickets each year for minor traffic infractions. They can not afford to take on LE like Senator Smith did, so were is their justice?
Why do we have a system that takes 1/2 of someone's paycheck just because he/she was 5 mph over the speed limit?
Posted by equaltime on May 30, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Logicoveremotion, I think Chrispia is tying the loose ends of the thread together. It all starts at the top and Sherrif Nash is at the Top. I want to know why Mike Rose was subpoenaed? Is anyone else curious. If he was notified of Senators Scott's arrest before the Sun came up, I think we could read that as political motivation. I have heard that all phone records were subpoenaed. Chrispia, could you dig around and find that out?
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
equaltime - the precedent has been set. If I throw something from my car and get stopped for littering, which carries a hefty fine, I will now be allowed to just pick it up and NOT pay the fine.
Posted by equaltime on May 30, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are also precedents for giving Warnings for Misdemeanor Offenses. Happens all the time. Whats your point?
Are you all now hanging your hats on littering? That is sad!
Posted by barrister on May 30, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aunt Bea,
Amanda Scott was present the entire time. She was required to leave the Court room late Thurs. morning because she was a potential witness.
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the point is laws are written for all levels of society. Politicians should be held accountable just like the common people. I would hope that an elected official would act in a manner befitting his/her position.
I'm sorry, but the actions of this individual were not something that made this tax payer very proud.
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms Scott was told to leave the room because she is going to be a witness,BUT Ray Nash Is Allowed by the state prosecutor to be in the room and participate in depositionsof Officers and question them when he didn't get answers he didn't like.Did the Prosecutor not think that Mr Nash was notgoingto be a witness. That could Be Very Intimidating.The Officers still told the truth.
Posted by concernedlocal on May 30, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
raregar67 I have to agree! I'm sure the www has appropriate places for such.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reign those horses in folks, it aint over yet. Prosecutor just said on the news that the judges ruling was outrageous and he is appealing, to the SC Supreme Court if need be. This Senator and his slick lawyers have tarnished the deputies and the Sheriff with their baseless accusations of politics.
The prosecutor said that if you listen to the audio, the reported 60 seconds of silence on the audio is not silence, you can clearly hear the radio static and other noises as the senator stumbles and fumbles around his vehicle.
Hats off to this prosecutor, now maybe we can really get to the bottom of this and see if this judge got any payoffs for this outrageous ruling.
Posted by LogicoverEmotion on May 30, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Equaltime - ChrisPia can't tie anything together with an instruction manual and a tutor. Instead of addressing the issues in the posts he spews forth a plethora of crap because he has a set agenda against the sheriff. I don't care who Chris Pia does or does not like - what I can tell you that based on his ravings and rantings in his comments, I wouldn't hire him - wouldn't touch him with a 50 foot pole - he is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I don't have a problem with the littering being brought into the discussion - it was on tape, if what WAS on tape isn't going to be addressed then why are we attempting to address what WASN'T on the tape? Again - trying to cut pieces out of the whole picture to come up with a scenario suitable to the ideas/opinions of the one served. Just because you peel the skin off an orange doesn't mean it will now taste like a banana.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris, the arresting officer (Randy Botten) is a decorated Deputy Sheriff do you really think that he is going to go through all of this as a political stunt for an outgoing Sheriff. Your suppositions dont even pass the simple logic test. You like to act like you support LEOs but here you are impugning the reputation of a fine officer.
Posted by mosinfan on May 30, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully with this appeal the TRUTH will come out and vindicate these fine officers that have been drug through the mud all for the politics of this drunken excuse for a public servant.
Anyone ever seen what an inebriated person looks like...look at Senator Scotts booking photo...give me a break the guy is 3 sheets to the wind.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hold on to your hats. Will Scott will be charged with littering? ( $1000.00 fine and/or 30 Days in jail) ... .. .
Nash defends Scott DUI arrest video, vows appeal
By Dave Munday (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, May 30, 2008
SUMMERVILLE — Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash called a press conference Friday afternoon to defend an arrest video that led a judge to dismiss state Sen. Randy Scott's DUI arrest case Thursday.
Nash and 7th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette played the segment of video that Columbia Magistrate Phillip Newsome said was missing a minute and 10 seconds of audio. Newsome threw out the case because there was no affidavit explaining the gap in the audio.
Barnette said there was no affidavit because there is no gap in the audio. While the video played on a screen, he pointed to icons that he said showed that the arresting officer's microphone was on at all times. He also pointed out background noise during the segment, such as the deputy's radio, that he said showed the microphone was working.
Nash also produced a letter from the president of the company that makes the video system attesting that the video, audio or other data can't be tampered with after it is recorded.
Barnette said he will appeal the case, so a jury can decide whether or not Scott was intoxicated when he was arrested April 19.
Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's in Mr. Scott's senate email account? Any scratch my back and I will scratch your's correspondence? Does he even know how to type? Hmmm?
SC Department of Natural Resources has a ZERO tolerance when it comes down to litterbugs, like Scott. I can see it now .. "Mr Scott, Sir? We hate to do this but you are under arrest for littering ... .. "
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 30, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you, Dave. Well written story!
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mosinfan....He received a phone call and order to stop the car(FACT).. He is also a family man whom has to feed his family.The History of Ray Nash would dictate that in He Didn't do this He would have been fired.....Why would 2 officers say they didn't think randy Scott was drunk when he was brought it and they didn't smell alcohol........How does this happen in the time he was handcuffed and the time it took to get to the jail? how do you explain the Videos were not working Now they are grainy?..
I am a highly decorated Officer also But that does not mean I will get a free pass when I get caught in a scenario like this...The Facts of the stop Don't make sense.The video's and reports have many discrepancies in them.
45 minutes to stop him?After saying the first deputies video was down(it Was The Video of the car swerving-His name was on it),Why was He not Stopped In The Bi-lo parking lot by the Original Observing(probable Cause) officer Freshman.,,Why Didn't Sgt Botten Turn Off all the bluelights when doing the pen and eye test? Who ordered the stop of the car?,Why Was the BAC Room door opened?,Why was the video and audio tapes released when Nash knew this would be used in court?(HE DID NOT HAVE TO UNDER FOIA!HE COULD HAVE REFUSED),Who were the 19 phone calls to and from?
The Bottom Line is if Sgt Botten Refused He would have been fired.Sgt Botten put himself in this situation Not Me.If He wants to protect Ray Nash that is his choice.He could have chosen another route which wouldn't impune his integrity.I am stating the facts of the case.
Posted by ChrisPia on May 30, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who Owns the Video recorder Company and which DCSO Employee Is Related to Them..RAy You really called him quickly to get this information BUT if You Called Them When all Three went grainy(broken?) and Got Them Fixed You wouldn't be in this mess. Or would You?
Posted by focus on May 30, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest re