GBI: Pendergrass probe not yet begun; citizens rip council

MAYOR MONK TOLBERT

GBI: Pendergrass probe not yet begun; citizens rip council

Wednesday, August 26. 2009

The GBI said Wednesday morning that its probe into allegations of public corruption in the Pendergrass city government had not yet begun.

That contrasts sharply with what Pendergrass Mayor Monk Tolbert told a standing room only crowd at the town’s Tuesday night council meeting when he indicated the GBI investigation into the city was over.

Tolbert read a letter that said, “We have been advised today that the investigation by the GBI and District Attorney cleared our City Court of any wrongful conduct or ticketfixing. Also there is no issue of any criminal act regarding our SPLOST expenditures.”

Tolbert said there were some “personnel” matters about “other issues,” but left the clear impression that the town had already been investigated and was cleared of all allegations.

“No, the investigation is not over,” said GBI official Jim Fullington. “We just got the letter (from District Attorney Brad Smith asking for the investigation) this morning (Wednesday).”

Pendergrass has come under fire following the release of information from three city whistleblowers in July that indicate corruption in the town’s government. Tuesday night’s council meeting was the first time the group had met since the allegations surfaced.

A large group of around 85 residents turned out for the meeting with 18 addressing the council. Much of their anger was directed at city manager Rob Russell, who also serves as police chief.

Meredith Davison told the council, “It is embarrassing to say that we live in Pendergrass.”

Davison reported to the council that she called to set up a birthday event for her son and when she told the person on the other end of the phone that she lived in Pendergrass, they laughed at her.

For the full story on Pendergrass recent actions, see the Aug. 26 issue of The Jackson Herald.

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 I'm laughing, too on 08/26/09 at 01:20 PM [Reply]

Meredith, it's not just the surrounding areas that are laughing. I live clear out of state and I'm doubled over every time I read anything new online. Monk Tolbert must surely be the most arrogant person in the whole county, and THAT is saying something.

#2 Unbelievable! on 08/26/09 at 02:03 PM [Reply]

When will these liars quit. I can't believe that Mayor Tolbert sat in front of the citizens of this town and read a bold faced lie prepared by the city attorney to all in attendance at last nights city council meeting. I was there - he didn't flinch when he read it. Isn't everyone more than feed up with the actions the leaders of this city are taking. Someone needs to find out how to have them all removed from office - can a recall election be held? (although a certified election officer would have to be hired to certify the election since Pendergrass no longer has a certified city clerk to oversee this). Enough is Enough!!!!!! What's next?????

#2.1 Toni English on 08/26/09 at 04:42 PM [Reply]

Thank you, Mike for verifying the lie thrown out to everyone last night at the City Council meeting! It is so beyond unbelievable and I am just so stunned that the lawyer sat there and allowed the lie to be spoken. He has now confirmed his role as an accomplice to this corruption by providing the statement for the mayor to read. I hope that this revelation will be on the front page of the paper for everyone to see! It's time for the GBI to bring the handcuffs to Pendergrass and take the whole bunch to jail. I am just furious about the smug attitude of that group of elected officials who sat there stone-faced through the meeting ... with the exception of Hilda Gee who could not stay awake! And you are not the only one who saw the council members gather at Mr. Tolbert's business office across the street after the city council meeting was over.

#2.1.1 withheld on 08/30/09 at 09:33 AM [Reply]

Do people not no that it is illegal for elected officals to meet as a group outside an offical meeting to cohurse any type of government or personal business. Take a look at the Ga. sunshine law.

#2.2 City attorney on 08/27/09 at 10:24 AM [Reply]

If this is the same person, wasn't the city attorney on DA Smith's campaign committee?

#3 beyond belief on 08/26/09 at 06:45 PM [Reply]

I am in complete shock! Monk Tolbert is a bold faced liar! Rob Russel is a waste. I could not believe Rob Russel stood staring out the window crying like a little girl during the whole meeting last night. I will do everything I can to see that everyone of these filthy criminals are thrown out of office. We can not wait for an election. We need a recall election on everyone of them immediately! To all Pendergrass citizens I will be in contact to set up a meeting I will host to organize our efforts to rid us and Pendergrass of this scum! Rob Russel, if you have even a shed of decency you will resign and save the people of pendergrass any further embarassment! I swear I will not rest until every member of the council is removed in shame! If any of the council members actually cared for Pendergrass they would resign immediately! Citizens of Pendergrass please keep an eye out for flyers about a meeting I will be hosting.

#3.1 Unbelievable on 08/27/09 at 07:31 AM [Reply]

I couldn't agree with you more!!! We will be looking for the flyers confirming your upcoming meeting but remember - someone in this city likes to remove the flyers from citizens mailboxes - I guess they think if they remove them this stuff will go away - HA HA. Let's find out how to have them all recalled from office!

#4 take action on 08/26/09 at 06:49 PM [Reply]

Does anyone know how to contact the Val predas. I believe a class action law suit may be possible against the city leaders on behalf of the citizens of Pendergrass!

#4.1 yesIdo on 08/27/09 at 10:32 PM [Reply]

Her office is in Hoschton. Call the city hall and get the phone number from them.

#5 ? on 08/26/09 at 08:20 PM [Reply]

There are about 15 blogs on this subject so I thought I would throw this question in, did that guy become the new chief or are we still without one?
Beyond belief,
how are you going to get it certified? I think that is a question the city attorney is obligated to answer, it sounds like a duty for the city. If city hall gets enough calls and fails, then I think the Attorney General's Office can help, since the council is more than likely going to stonewall anything to do with a recall.

#6 Will Cummings on 08/26/09 at 09:16 PM [Reply]

Seams Like to me the 1920s are back in style, the gangsters have taken over and they think that no one can touch them bout time that the G- Men are put back in action Glad that me and my family doesn't live there. Makes me ashamed to let anyone know that I am from Jackson Co, Georgia , I feel sorry for the good folks that call Pendergrass their home town.

#7 Sick and tired on 08/26/09 at 10:29 PM [Reply]

Beyond belief: I look forward to your meeting and will be the 1st in line to help! Enough is enough! However, don't put the fliers on the mailboxes...I watched as "police" removed the City Council reminders from my street. Tape them to our doors!

#8 Shirley Mitchell on 08/26/09 at 11:12 PM [Reply]

I urge every citizen of Pendergrass to search your heart, step forward and stand up for what you know is right. It's time for everything to be out in the open. The "family" and everyone associated with them should be investigated.
We have a right to know what is going on in our town. I encourage all of you to contact the District Attorney, GBI, Governor's Office, newspapers and anyone else you can think of. To do nothing would be worse than what they are doing to us.

#9 laughing at the statement on 08/27/09 at 12:50 AM [Reply]

russell said he would kill joe sikes! if he messed with joe he would get his a$$ kicked.

#10 Jurassic Jack on 08/27/09 at 08:08 AM [Reply]

Forty years ago there was a money-making speed trap in Ludowici, the county seat of Clay County, Georgia. And you had to drive through it if you were headed north to Fort Stewart. Lots of folks were going in and out of Fort Stewart in 1970. Me too.

Ludowici was a sorry place—I remember it was shabby, but what I remember best were the billboards at the north and south ends of town. Then Governor Lester Maddox erected those billboards which stated, in capital letters, that LUDOWICI was a SPEED TRAP full of CLIP JOINTS. A State Trooper usually parked near the signs to protect them from the townsfolk. Gov Maddox described the town as corrupt and no good.

I propose that it would be bad for Jackson County if Pendergrass becomes known throughout the State as a speed trap and corrupt and no good. And I read in the Herald that a citizen has written to Governor Perdue asking for some oversight in Pendergrass. A couple of billboards might be just the gubernatorial oversight needed.

#10.1 Unbelievable on 08/27/09 at 12:47 PM [Reply]

Jurrasic Jack - I think you're missing the point here. It's not about Pendergrass being a speed trap or not - this is about the city government being corrupt - firing whistle blowers, settling lawsuits that the citizens weren't even aware of without anyones approval, telling bold faced lies to the more than 85 citizens in attendance at the Tuesday night city council meeting, miss use of SPLOST funds and on and on and on. I don't care where you drive - if you exceed the posted speed limit then you're probably going to get a ticket. If it's such a well known fact that Pendergrass is a speed trap, then why does everyone driving through the city continue to exceed the posted limit??? I applaud everyone who is trying to solve these issues! The only people who should left employeed by the city are the whistle blowers themselves - everyone else needs to be kicked out!

#10.1.1 Jurassic Jack on 08/27/09 at 02:23 PM [Reply]

You’re right. If drivers break the law they should expect to be ticketed whether driving on roads patrolled by Pendergrass officers or in any other jurisdiction. It is what happens after that that leads to a reputation for abuse and corruption. My point, poorly expressed, was that I agree that oversight is needed here, and Mr. Buffington should not have to go it alone. Ludowici was a historical comparison, and it was a speed trap, but it had a corrupt government, too.

#10.1.1.1 James Buffington on 08/30/09 at 07:52 AM [Reply]

I'm afraid that the Pendergrass Police Department and even the whistle blowers themselves are still part of the problem. The over zealous cops are just a symptom of the root problem. My recommendation would be to dissolve the department and start over. You can research my past comments to the Pendergrass council some years ago. I believe I was quoted calling them all (or to Russell himself / can't remember) "Barney Fife wannabees". All my family (except my wife) have been stopped by Pendergrass at least once with no tickets issued. I myself will not recognize them any further and will request a deputy if stopped again. Just pure damn harrassment.

Sorry my rant and tangent,

James Buffington
Pendergrass (Mailing address only)

I live in Talmo

#11 enough already on 08/27/09 at 11:06 AM [Reply]

I can't believe "police" took fliers off mailboxes! I guess that is what happened to mine because I never got one. I support whatever we need to do to make Pendergrass clean! I am so glad this is all coming out-it has been happening for years and yes Meredith-it is embarassing.

#11.1 Meredith Davison on 08/27/09 at 12:57 PM [Reply]

If we knew 3.5 years ago what we know now, we would have never built our home in Pendergrass. With the state of our current economy, we are stuck here for quite some time. Since this is the place we CHOSE to raise our children, I will CERTAINLY be doing my part to help clean up the city we call home.

I was ONE of the people that put the flyers out about the city council meeting, and I will continue to do my part to keep our citizens informed...but yes, "sick and tired", any notices should go on the door. Beyond belief, I will gladly help you with anything to get this group out of office, and I pray that more will do the same!

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
-Thomas Jefferson

#12 beyond belief on 08/27/09 at 01:55 PM [Reply]

Great suggestion about putting the flyers on doors. although I would love to get a picture of the current administration taking my flyers off of mail boxes. I am making preperations now I hope to have more info about the meeting soon. Let us all work as a team to end this nonsense! Has anyone found out how to start a recall election?

#13 JAUTRY on 08/27/09 at 02:01 PM [Reply]

AMAZING......These idiots running Pendergrass might as well pack up and head for the hills. Jackson County Detention is packed full of inmates that have more credibility than these jerks do. Can't wait to see where this one ends!

#14 just a thought on 08/27/09 at 05:06 PM [Reply]

Just a thought or two from me.

1 the flyers may have been removed by the post office (it is against federal law to put flyers on mailboxes)

2 two words.....recall vote

#14.1 unbelievable on 08/28/09 at 09:25 AM [Reply]

Yes they could have been removed by the post office but, one of the homeowners saw an unmarked police car removing them. . . . Most flyers were placed on the post of the mailbox not the mailbox itself.

#15 Sick and tired on 08/27/09 at 06:15 PM [Reply]

Information on launching a recall petition in the State of Georgia is located in Article II, Section II, Paragraph IV of the State Constitution. Go to the Secretary of State Website to access the State Constitution. It is a very large PDF file.

#15.1 unbelievable on 08/28/09 at 09:22 AM [Reply]

In reference to a recall election this is some of the information I found: Ga. Code §21-4-1 et seq.
All state and local officials who hold elective office - No recall may commence during the first or last 180 days in office.

Grounds for recall are conduct which relates to and adversely affects the administration of his or her office and adversely affects the rights and interests of the public; and act(s) of malfeasance, violation of oath of office, failure to perform duties prescribed by law willful misuse, conversion or misappropriation of public property or funds.

Time for gathering signatures is 45 days for a petition requiring 5,000 signatures or more; 30 days for a petition requiring fewer than 5,000 signatures.

Signature requirement is number equal to 30% of the electors registered and qualified to vote at the last regular election.

#15.1.1 Focusing on a SOLUTION on 08/28/09 at 10:26 AM [Reply]

All of the facts are being gathered for the grounds for recall (GA recall Act of 1989 section 4a.). Once the facts are in place (as this is our ammunition)we will begin the application process and seek sponsors/signatures.

We will need 10% of the registered voters from the LAST election in order to submit the APPLICATION. I don't think that will be an issue!!! If you live within the city limits, PLEASE speak with as many people as possible, and ask them to get on board!

Thank you in advance for your help, and keep an eye out for information about the recall.

#15.1.1.1 To Solution on 08/28/09 at 02:32 PM [Reply]

It's great that you are getting your ducks in a row for a recall, but there is one more essential element that is needed to get the government of Pendegrass back on the right track: Someone has to step up and be willing to run for office. Folks are complaining that they have been unhappy with their corrupt government for many years, but no one has taken an active step to do something about it by running against the Tolbert family machine. It won't do us any good to get the Tolberts or the rest of the city council out if there is no one willing to put themselves out there, and let's face it...in this era where it has become a way of life to constantly criticize the decision-makers (and I'm not just talking about Pendegrass -- I'm talking about our entire nation) it is going to be hard to find someone who wants to deal with public life. In short, who is willing to step up for the citizens of Pendegrass?

#15.1.1.1.1 Why not me? on 08/28/09 at 09:54 PM [Reply]

I've always had a passion to be an elected official for Pendergrass. Pendergrass has run deep in my roots for all of my life. It means so much to me. The people. The memories. Politics in general make me tick. I have always wanted to have a seat on the council. Now, I am afraid, that will never happen. You see, now, more than ever, people will want to run for election. Many for not the best reasons....just to replace current administration. Just to do their business with the city....I beg of you...all of you, if you do consider running for an elected position make sure you are doing for the right reasons and that they are no other better qualified people to do it. Good luck!

#15.1.1.1.1.1 who are you? on 08/29/09 at 09:10 AM [Reply]

Who are so we can vote for you?

#16 pda on 08/30/09 at 05:16 PM [Reply]

im stll curious as to what house the city car was seen at? hope for some clarification on that one that just blows my mind

#17 talbort in a can on 09/02/09 at 12:02 PM [Reply]

Pendergrass is a town with around 500 citizens, why not just dissolve the city government altogether and annex the town into the nearest town city government? why does Pendergrass need Police Dept.? with no Police Dept. they wouldn't need a Judge, court building,etc.

#18 Laughing at you idiots on 09/02/09 at 05:35 PM [Reply]

Tolbert you need a good ole trip behind the barn! But no, then who would we laugh at? A person does not need the Sunday comics, just pick up the Jackson Herald. Now, I do hope no one thinks the GBI will find anything, they sure didn't find the 14 Thousand dollars the tax commissioner of Banks County lost!!! I don't think the GBI could find their way out of a paper bag in a rain storm if someone cut a hole in the top, dropped a rope and flashlight, roadmap and compass!! Pendegrass, a city in the running for comic of the decade!

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment: E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
Phone*

What is zero plus eight?
: Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry
: Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed.

GBI: Pendergrass probe not yet begun; citizens rip council

JacksonHeraldTODAY

GBI: Pendergrass probe not yet begun; citizens rip council

Recent Stories

Recent Comments

This Week's Poll

Sister Sites

Archives

Community

Keyword Tags