Disturbance reported at Jefferson Civic Center event

Friday, April 9. 2010

A Jefferson man reportedly caused a disturbance at a Jefferson Booster Club function held recently at the Jefferson Civic Center.

The man, who was not arrested, reportedly knocked over a table and then pushed a man on the dance floor.

According to the incident reported from the Jefferson Police Department, a table that had 20 to 30 beer bottles on it was turned over. Witnesses said the man, who was “very intoxicated,” turned the table over for “no reason.”

Five men came over to the table and told a police officer that they would clean up the mess and take care of the man.

Later that night, a man told a police officer that the man pushed him on the dance floor and threatened him. Two police officers then asked the man to leave the civic center

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#1 Mikey on 04/10/10 at 09:50 AM [Reply]

Hey why was there a police roadblock on Athens street Thursday night?

#2 concerned citizen on 04/11/10 at 03:12 PM [Reply]

While I may understand the policy of the newspaper not to print the names of people involved in an incident if they are not arrested, I don't understand why this man was not arrested. I will tell you that many people saw this incident and if the man was not the son of Mayor Jim Joiner he would have been handcuffed, arrested and taken to jail. Yes that's right the man causing this disturbance was Jay Joiner the mayor's son. Think anyone else would have received the same treatment, I don't think so. This man was drunk, caused a disturbance by turning over a table of food and drinks and struck a man and was just ask to leave. The man he hit was counseled by a police officer and after much discussion decided he would not press charges if they made him leave. Again this would not have been the case with anyone else attending this charity event. Someone needs to be asking some tough questions to the leaders of Jefferson! What can you get away with if you’re the mayors son?

#2.1 If only on 04/12/10 at 10:53 AM [Reply]

Good thing it was Jefferson hosting this booster club "fund raiser", if it had been a county event the drunk causing the problems would have been taken to jail and charges would have been pressed. All in who you know...

#2.1.1 Yep! on 04/12/10 at 01:38 PM [Reply]

You are exactly right....and names would have been printed in the paper!

#3 Jefferson Parent on 04/11/10 at 05:31 PM [Reply]

My concern is why was there alcohol at a School Booster Club function? What message are they sending to our students who read this in the paper?

#3.1 Are you kidding? on 04/12/10 at 06:15 AM [Reply]

The message of "I am over 21 and you are not." Seems like the right message to me. Do you drink? Do you smoke? Do you speed? Do you curse? Do you tithe 10% every week? What message are you sending to your children? Get real! I love it when "concerned parents" have so much to say about what kind of role models their children have when it is the PARENT who should be the role model. This one guy getting drunk and stupid is because of his own stupidity, do not blame the alcohol he drank.

#3.1.1 I agree on 04/12/10 at 10:01 AM [Reply]

I agree with you ,there were plenty of people having a good time for a good cause. The easy thing to do is blame everyone the hard thing is to punish the people involved in this incident.

#4 jazkaban on 04/11/10 at 09:36 PM [Reply]

Sounds like the time some locals 4 wheel water skied in the water reservoir and filmed it. The video was on YouTube.
The video listed the names of the participants.
Only certain kids could get away with the stuff they did in those videos.

#5 What about... on 04/11/10 at 11:04 PM [Reply]

What was the outcome of the poker game held in the side storage room?? There was MUCH money trading hands from what I saw! Too bad the goons wouldn't let me play...I was in the mood to clean-up!

#6 Party planner on 04/12/10 at 11:56 AM [Reply]

I was there, and helped organize much of what was supposed to be, and has been, a very positive function in the past. It only takes one idiot, like the one that caused such a scene at the event, and these types of community supported affairs will end. Fortunately in this case it was the mayor's son and it was handled in a different fashion than it would have been otherwise, but that sometimes can be a good thing. The mayor would be the first to tell you that certain people should be treated better than others, like criminals for example, and although this person got out of hand he shouldn't be treated like a common everyday person. Good job Jefferson Police just keep after the bad guys and let us good people do what we want, I think we've earned it!

#6.1 Nell on 04/12/10 at 01:56 PM [Reply]

Well put. I have been a victim of the mayor's "chosen family & friends" that over-rule what is actully legal and right to do, because a friend of the mayor did not approve.
What makes the mayor's family above the law, when anyone outside of his circle would have been arrested. and why do the Jefferson policemen have to do things for the mayor and put their own jobs in jepordy, especially if this is investigated? Mayor Joiner, do the right thing, do not disgrace your elected position.
To # 7, "Disgraceful" is right.
"Illegal" also comes to mind.

#6.2 The chosen on 04/13/10 at 10:43 AM [Reply]

I know what your talking about the rif raf can be treated a little different after all he is the Mayors son, they should have cut him some slack. I think though after the flipping of the table he could have been asked to leave then and maybe the other would not have happened. While I think some should be treated a little different you have to draw the line somewhere!

#7 Emmett Delaney on 04/12/10 at 01:10 PM [Reply]

Disgraceful

#8 liberty5449 on 04/12/10 at 04:20 PM [Reply]

IF THAT HAD BEEN MY SON SHOWING HIMSELF IN THAT PLACE . jUST BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN TO PRISON . HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SENT BACK TO PRISON. NOW FAIR IS FAIR THE GUY SHOULD HAVE WENT TO JAIL THAT NIGHT AND JUST BECAUSE HE IS THE MAYOR'S SON DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING TO ANY OF THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON OR PENDERGRASS. SOUNDS LIKE SOMEBODY IS LETTING THIS GUY GET AWAY WITH IT. THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS IN PUBLIC IT MIGHT NOT BE A FEW BROKEN BEER BOTTLES BROKEN. IT MAY BE THE MAYOR HIMSELF WITH A BROKEN ARM, LEG OR HEAD. REMEMEBER DRUNK PEOPLE ONLY ACT THIS WAY WHEN THEY ARE DRUNK AND THEY ARE CAPABLEOF HURTING OTHER PEOPLE AND SOME TIMES KILLING THEM. I DON'T TRUST A DRUNK AT ALL.

#9 Dennis Cain on 04/13/10 at 10:02 AM [Reply]

I have been one of the chairmen of this event for about 10 years. We work countless hours to make sure that all the people that purchase a $100.00 ticket that admits TWO ADULTS OVER 21 has a great and entertaing evening.Even in the hard economic times we face today, we had record breaking attendance. Thats what our community is about. They were there supporting a great cause. This event has a wonderful track record of sixteen years. One very small incident don't take away all the money we have raised all these years. If anyone would have done the same thing,it would have been handled the same way.It's called TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN.I'm Dennis Cain call me if you want to discuss this years event or next years event.Tickets will go fast,we have booked THE SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS again for next year. BE THERE!!!!!!!

#9.1 countyresident on 04/13/10 at 01:40 PM [Reply]

Dennis while you yourself may be a good fella I have seen first hand how some of the Jefferson kings and queens treat some of "their own" I'm not real impressed. Why not just treat everyone the same that seems like a good idea,drunk at a charity event,means going to jail after you disrupt things and strike someone(guess he wasn't one of you guys huh?)I agree you have done a lot of good and this does not reflect badly,except where it needs to. With the way the was pushing and hitting people on the dance floor he put the "swinging" in the Medallions. I say bring him back next year and lets get "The smashing pumpkins"

#9.2 Roy on 04/13/10 at 10:08 PM [Reply]

You may be a good fella(?), but you have just put yourself in a very bad light by condoning what Jay Joiner did, and making the statement "TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN"
Right is right, wrong is wrong. Jay Joiner was wrong, and all those who interferred with the law, are wrong. This is just one of many things that this administration has used the law to serve their (or their friends) personal needs. I trust more people will come forward to express their concern over how the king rules his kingdom...any common folk would have gone to jail..

#10 just curious on 04/13/10 at 10:29 AM [Reply]

Things I ponder:

1) Why was alcohol involved in an effort to raise money for underage athletes? (Next thing you know, gambling will be used to finance education.)

2) Why do people act surprised when they are around a group of people consuming significant quantities of alcohol and at least one person acts like a hiney? Wouldn't it be more surprising if no one acted like a hiney?

3) Why are so many of those commenting so upset that someone didn't get arrested? I can think of quite a few times when I received mercy instead of justice. Bet some of y'all can apply that reasoning to yourself, too. And sometimes it's been because of who I was or who I knew.

4) Why are people who insist on naming names/printing names in the paper not using their real names to make comments? (BTW, my last name is not Joiner.)

5) Why does the paper follow a sensible policy of not printing names of people who were not arrested, but then approve comments that include names of people who were not arrested?

6) What could I have accomplished at work during the last few minutes if my boss didn't provide Internet access?

#11 Dennis Cain on 04/14/10 at 08:15 AM [Reply]

Thank you for your reply county resident.It was a great reply until the end. This small incident was just that, small. No one even took a swing at anybody. And the comment I made taking care of our own was meant for every one in the building that night. My goal is for everyone to have fun and spend alot of money and in return, if , something does happen to handle it within. Were you there that night? I did put my name in here by the way.

#12 Steve Crawford on 04/14/10 at 08:29 AM [Reply]

These events have increased in popularity over the years. It is common for booster clubs and private organizations to have off-site, adults-only, BYOB raffles/auctions to benefit clubs, charities, and philanthropic efforts. They are also a lot of fun. As for the harsh words regarding the incident, please remember that these citizens were there to support extracurricular athletic programs for the City high school regardless of the difficult economic times. The restraint by the JPD (likely there after hours as private security) as shown was probably warranted, regardless of the person involved. He messed up. It happens. Move on. He without sin...etc.

#12.1 inside the center on 04/14/10 at 10:40 AM [Reply]

I was there at the civic center and over heard one of the cops say he needs to go to jail the big one is the one that did not want to take him although after turning the table over and striking someone he should have gone to jail. The ealier comment about him not hitting anyone is simply not true, there is a report on file and that was told to four people standing outside by the man who was assalted, if anyone tells you different go look it up

#12.1.1 Joe Martin on 04/15/10 at 09:27 AM [Reply]

I would like to get a few of the facts stated correctly. I was standing there when the table was knocked over, and there were no broken bottles and the empty bottles were picked up and disposed of in a matter of seconds. I also personally saw the individual who complained to the police say to them " I felt threatened." Until I read some of the above comments I had never heard of anyone taking a swing at anyone and find it heard to believe that this is just now coming to light. I was told by several people that there was 2 bumps that happened on a crowded dance floor. The person in question was asked to leave and did so immediatly with no problems. I believe if you would ask most expericanced police officers, they would have handled the situation the exact same way, regardless of who the offender was. As far as having adult beverages at the event, this event has been going on for 16 years with an average attendence of over 300 people attending each year. That adds up to over 4800 people and this is the first incident report in 16 years! One final note I have also observed a member of the Mayor's family get thrown out of a baseball game that he was coaching, for arguing a call with an umpire, because he was thrown out of a game he was suspended the two following games. He received no special privelages and did not get a reduction of his penalty. This punishment was handled by the Jefferson Recreation Department, a department that Mayor Joiner oversees. The Mayor's son made a mistake and paid for it like a man, so please don't think that he or others get special treatment because of who they are. I have known Mayor Joiner for a number of years and I know that without doubt he would never ask for or expect special treament for himself, family members or fiends, and if you think otherwise than you don't know our Mayor at all.

#12.1.1.1 begto differ on 04/15/10 at 01:10 PM [Reply]

I don't think you saw the entire incident and for the guy to say by your own words” I felt threatened" tells the story. Getting thrown from a ballgame in front of kids drunk at a charity event and other events shows a pattern and yes many of us know that family very well, and don't bother putting” well say your name then" you think we would want the kind of retribution that would surly follow. Many of us know what kind of arrogant leadership we have in Jefferson, don’t believe me, and try getting a return phone call or speaking with them about a problem...good luck!

#12.2 old friend on 04/14/10 at 02:37 PM [Reply]

You know what they say the apple doesn't fall far the tree I have seen someone throw a few back too!

#13 Eric A. Nicolaus on 04/15/10 at 01:56 PM [Reply]

I know this may sound simplistic, but my 26 years in law enforcement always seem to come back to the fact that to arrest someone the police must have "probable cause". If the police did not see the crime (or have a documented video tape of it), they must have a witness willing to swear to it (inevitably in writing) before reaching the probable cause threshold required by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. It certainly seems some of you are blaming the police and the mayor for something they did not appear to have ANY control of - the potential complainant. If the police have no one who will file a written complaint (and arrest them anyway) they can be sued for "unlawful arrest". If you - who can not seem to write your real names down - were actually there and are truly claiming that the police coerced the potential complainant not to press charges (e.g. "You're not going to press charges buddy, are you?"), please do the right thing and go see the District Attorney - HE WILL have you file a written complaint through HIS office. The District Attorney will then assign a DA staff investigator to talk with the potential complainant, the police officer{s), and other witnesses. The district attorney, not the mayor or JPD police officer(s), will decide on who gets prosecuted for what (that "probable cause" term comes up again in order to charge anyone) - if at all. I guess the real "tough question" is: Are "you" going to step forward and file a complaint of coercion, i.e., where the police officer(s) or mayor threatened to take or withhold action as an official, or cause the complainant to take or withhold action (i.e., file the actual complaint)? I doubt it because it probably never happened. My guess from experience - this or these complainant(s) is / are NOT willing to file a complaint for the same reason 9 out of 10 times people will not file complaints - it didn't really happen, THEY have some culpability in the squabble, OR they don't want to get involved. I guess they can just continue to whine here in complete anonymity instead.

#13.1 police officer on 04/16/10 at 01:20 PM [Reply]

What do you do in law enforcement did you do in twenty-six years from what I can gather you pushed a pencil and wrote a good game but you keep on defending this type of action says a lot for your character! But if the person is drunk in public causing a disturbance they can be arrested for just the same.

#14 concerned alumni on 04/16/10 at 04:24 AM [Reply]

maybe the bigger question about this event is why alcohol was allowed at an event sponsored by the school booster club. not a very good example to set for our kids, following this logic, i guess it's time to start selling beer at high school athletic events.

#15 Emmett Delaney on 04/21/10 at 05:02 PM [Reply]

Just tell me the guy did not drive home!

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Disturbance reported at Jefferson Civic Center event

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