Solicitor’s Scandal Brewing In Pee Dee

By Isaac Wilson on May 21st, 2009 at 4:50 pm

Too many times have local politicians been able to slip through the cracks. It was time that someone take a bold stand against such corruption and bring these things to light and my hat is off to those who did. Maybe this will be the first step in bringing some reform to local politics.

By Kathy Harpe on May 22nd, 2009 at 8:37 am

Praise God!!! An answer to prayers!!!! I have known ever since I lost my precious son, how corrupt Jay Hodge is. He lied to every government agency we have concerning what he did concerning my son’s case. He took away ever victims rights we had, and did not even inform us of our rights.
I had to go to Columbia and get a victims rights attorney to represent us after what he did in court. I contacted every government agency and told them my story and he chose to lie to them also. Ever heard the phrase-”He will hang himself”? Well, that’s exactly what he did!!! He is just another criminal now, just like the ones he let go….. I have to say, I am so glad that he can’t hurt another family as much as he has hurt us. With so called friends like Jay Hodge, you don’t did any enemies…

By Becky on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm

To whom it may concern:

All these accusations that are being made towards the Solicitor’s office me personally i dont believe things i hear i needed to see some proof before i believe everything i hear!

By BECKY on May 22nd, 2009 at 6:03 pm

Well Big Bubba,
It appears as if all the info. that I am gathering is from the unfair and imbalanced website known as FITSNEWS.COM. When it appears on Fox or CNN, you can be the first to say I told you so. Until then, lets keep our eyes and ears open and wait for the facts to be revealed.

By Big Bubba on May 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Well Becky

The Link broke the story this week. The Link is a fair and balanced local newspaper. If not they could not keep the doors open. We have ourselves a federal investigation going on here. Do you think that the “feds” are here just to play games? I do not think so. Read all of the blogs that are being posted.

By Big Bubba on May 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 am

Wannajar

You are so correct about going on for years. We all have known about it, but the consequences of trying to get the right thing done could cause you to get hung in jail. This snowball is going to grow very fast once some of these “piggies” start squealing. As stated earlier CNN or Fox News may be on their way. Sort of reminds you of several movies that have been out in the past about corruption in small town. For instance “Road House”.

By What are yall smokin on May 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm

Rep. Ted Vick is a great representative and I talked to him today…He says he knew nothing of this matter until he got home from Africa…He did not contact anyone because he knew nothing and has nothing to do with it!!!

By Chesterfield Christian Voter on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm

I am really disappointed in the comments that I have read, concerning Rep.Vick, and Senator Sheheen. They have worked so hard for the citizens of Chesterfield County. I know personally, all the time, they have sacrificed, away from their families, to represent all of you. As a Christian voter, my comment to you is, “Judge not; that ye be not judged”; and “Vengence is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay”. I just pray that God is more merciful to you than you have been to them.

By Ervin Quilson on May 24th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I find it hard to believe that Representative Vick knew nothing of this, his long known association with former Solicitor Hodges places them in constant contact with one another. I’m sure the channels of communication between the two have been very active for several weeks now. The only difference is this time, they have been left out of the loop. If the feds are the ones who have instigated these inquiries, then their local and state level contacts will do them no good.

By KATHY HARPE on May 24th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

THIS ALL IS MAKING ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. I AM A CHRISTIAN AND I KNOW WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON !!! WHY TRY AND HIDE IT NOW… IF TED VICK AND SHEHEEN WERE NOT GUILT ,WHY ARE THEY BEING MENTIONED BY THE FBI??? GO FIGURE !!!! GOD IS ON TIME, ALL THE TIME!!!! WATCH OUT CHESTERFIELD CHRISTIAN VOTER AND I KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU MAY BE ON THE LIST !!! SEE GOD REVEALS THINGS IN ODD WAYS, OR I WOULD NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!

By Chesterfield Christian Voter on May 24th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Dear Toby Boy,

Sounds like you have already passed judgment. As Christians, we should lift each other up in prayer…as our Sunday School lesson said today…we should be encouragers…not discouragers. I just pray my fellow Christians, would lift me up in prayer…not tear my reputation down… God bless

By Toby Boy on May 25th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

Dear CCV

Where have you read in my comments that I have passed judgement on anyone? I am making a statment that is my thoughts not judgement. It sounds to me that you are attempting to get God to attack someone for a very thought out statement. God is very patient and non-condeming. This is because of Jesus. If we were living under the law of the old testament and were living during Moses’ time, and of the Hebrew nation,then there would be some “mighty smyting going one.” God is not going to come down on anyone. I believe that he is sitting on his throne and waiting patiently for a bunch of people here and elsewhere to say “I sorry. Lord. please forgive me.” Then, with great love, he will. I do not mean to offend anyone with my comments, but it is common knowledge, here in C’Field county, that there is great corruption in our local goverment. Of course, on the other side, there are some wonderful elected official that are worthy of there positions.

By Toby Boy on May 26th, 2009 at 11:42 am

Dear Justice:

Where have you read in my comments that I am saying any of these people are innocent? I think I stated that there is a lot of corruption in this county. I have been hearing these names dropped for years, especially one name. I am just tired of these “bible belt” people using God like an attack dog if they want someone to be brought down. I with you bring in the lions for the GUILTY. I hope that everyone in this county that is involved with any wrongdoings of such are brought down swiftly and justly. My only concern is that this investigation may not go as deep as it needs to go. I wonder how many others should have went to jail, with Jim Bakker, that did not.

By AMAZED AT HOW STUPID THIS IS on May 26th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Oh Yeah, and since everyone that has put a post on this sit seems to quote the bible, Christians arent supposed to JUDGE ARE THEY. I thought that CHRISTIANS were supposed to pray for sinners, not sing and dance because someone has made a mistake. So I question the knowledge of the bible and the faith of each one of you.

By God Bless You on May 26th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

The person that mentioned Myrteen Lee’s name in this silly nonsense when you point your finger you have three fingers pointing back at you. I’m sure she’ll be glad to know that she is so prosperous to envoke such envy. I’ll say a prayer for you all.

By Toby Boy on May 26th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

Carry The Torch

Thank you for your timely comment. Once again living in the “Southern Bible Belt” does bring out the comments and Bible verses. If there were no facts in all of this then it would not be going this far. I wish that everyone in this county had computer access to this website. I am sure that there would be alot more facts to arise. I do not want to see this fade into the sunset without convictions and jail sentences.

By Big Bubba on May 26th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Well now Big Bubba has more comments. It look like we are having our self some sort of revival. “Gossiping is a sin” “Judge YE not”. Ifen we lived in Irag and the women folk had to cover their mugs or ifen we lived in a communist country then we could not “gossip” or “judge” if that is what you want to call it. HOWEVER—-Big Bubba lives in the good ole US of A. We The People, who vote, pay taxes do have a right to our opinion. If there was not a fear of someone “busting your head”, this would be talked about more open and not behind an internet site. I do think that we should regard our fellow man. if he is good then reward him and give him the praise he deserves. BUT if he or she is crooked then “shout it from the rooftop” people. I can not comdemn anyone that is being named because I do not know them, do not really want to. But “thar is a lot smoke around here. sooooo thar may be a fire!!!!! Carry on, people of the USA.

By Leroy on May 26th, 2009 at 5:11 pm

I hope and pray that the FBI will look into all of Chesterfield County political people starting from our little ole courthouse and their record keeping and the elected officials that have positions at the courthouse. I am mainly talking about our PROBATE OFFICE( I believe he holds our DRUG COURT, ALSO!!!!!!) The FBI can go from there to a couple of attorneys that mainly deal with probate or land transactions.  While they are looking they need to go downstairs to our Clerk of Courts office and check to see if ALL RECORDS are in their place.  It has been my experience that some records are never recorded and other things(plats to land) DISAPPEAR from the office.  All of this will depend on how DIRTY your attorney is and how CONNECTED he is with our probate judge and elected officicals.  Our whole county is run by a FEW CROOKS that are elected to help all of the people and all they do is help their selfs or the ones that give them money for their election.  WE DO HAVE A FEW THAT JUST LIKE THE POWER TRIP!!!!  In the county it goes from attorney to the courthouse to the solicitor’s office and selected employees.  All of this is OKAY with our house of representive Ted Vick and our Senator Vick Sheehen but of course they are getting kick backs and then they elect our judges that do the same thing and then it starts all OVER!!!!!! Does anyone have to wonder why Chesterfield County is one of the poorest counties in the state and we CANNOT get ahead and this is not because of the average working person in the county, because their are GREAT PEOPLE in and from this county IT IS OUR GOVERMENT from THIS COUNTY that holds each and everyone of us down while they are FILLING THEIR OWN POCKETS and going against the morals of mankind.  So tell your friends to get involved with this NEW scandal and lets all tell the news media and the state officials and the FBI about all of the WRONG DEALINGS that are done UNDERHANDED IN THIS COUNTY!!!!!!!!!  If we do this we can make a difference and it will be better for all of us in the future.

By Carry The Torch on May 26th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Dear Marvin Simpson, A contact at the courthouse confirmed today that the property that you mentioned in an above posting did sell to Michael Scott Hunter (Mayor of Cheraw) from Celia P Floyd (nursing home patient) in April of this year and that former Solicitor Hodge prepared the deed and it was witnessed by Myrteen Lee so there you go.

By John Wilson on May 26th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

Carry The Torch,

How could it be that Mayor Hunter purchased property from Celia Floyd, wouldn’t the nursing home have rights to it? Just asking, not sure how this works out. When my mother was in care facility, she basically lost all of her property to them.

By michael campbell on May 26th, 2009 at 10:17 pm

Ah hell, just lock up all the crooks!

By Miss Kitty on May 27th, 2009 at 10:17 am

If they lock up all the crooks,we will need pretty much all new people in the town of Cheraw,and the police dept.I agree with they really need to look close and these lawyers and the clerk office. I know it is true some plats of land are there and others arent. I also know some have been changed. I just hope the Feds will not stop until they have them all,and I still see some of the main ones names missing here.

By John Wilson on May 27th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Well Prettiest Town In Dixie, how naive you are. What is known is that a subpoena was delivered to the Solicitor’s office and Mercy Ministries, that much was reported in the newspaper. We also know that some have resigned from both organizations. What we are now seeing, as has been posted within, is the link that exists with those parties and the others that you mention, IE: Representatives, Senators, Mayors, Former Solicitor, etc. To try and cull out those names is unfair to the persons making comments, as the old saying goes, where there is smoke, there is fire. There have been some fairly convincing comments made on here and have been backed up with specific information that is a matter of public record, IE: real estate transactions. So if there is any shame that is to be given, let it be on yourself, not those who have found a forum to share what they know.

By Laura Campbell on May 27th, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Dear Prettiest Town in Dixie and others holding this opinion:

As I stated before, it is tragic that ALL people in any office, whether it be non-profit, political, law enforcement, or military, do not realize how many innocent people are affected by the simplest act of corruption on their parts.

It is no secret in this town that 8 years ago, I had a substance abuse problem that led to a full breakdown. I can honestly state, and have stated to SLED and FBI that while I was on the wrong side of the fence with the wrong people, there were law enforcement there as well. Neither is it a secret that my daughter’s father is a very troubled Desert Storm Veteran who knows and have seen quite a few things himself.

I know more now than I ever hoped to know about the corruption of organizations there to help than I ever desired to know. It has been both frightening and soul-breaking. More than anything, the lack of empathy and kindness has been the most disturbing.

True, I have elected and people into office who turned out to be complete shams. But all one can do is listen and analyze, pray, and make a decision.

Truth is, noone is going to lose their careers for standing up to a majority and saying who is doing what. A few have. Jesus Christ being the prime example and look what happened to him. Tens of thousands of others died on crosses fighting the same corruption in the Temple that he did.

Finally, ANY and ALL organizations in this country are connected. No machine runs just from one part. It is simple fact that every organization works together and those in it. JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE. THEY CANNOT FUNCTION INDEPENTLY FROM ONE ANOTHER NOR THOSE WHO COMPOSE THESE BODIES OF GOVERNMENT. WHEN ONE PERSON IN ONE AREA FAILS, THEY ALL FAIL AND PEOPLE SUFFER.

By Laura Campbell on May 27th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

I apologize, I accidentally hit the submit button by error. Just a few more words and a Thank You to ones above who say it better than I can.

It is so very important that the entire political structure of this town be investigated and those guilty charged. The same is true of this great nation or we will all suffer dire consequences.

My main concern is with law enforcement and the fact that a great number of people in this town find it humorous that we have at least one municipal judge who stays intoxicated during a good number of his working hours. Our mental health care center is a tragic failure, but when Bryan Schallenberger breaks down after his parents try to get him help there, everyone wonders how this could happen in Chesterfield.

I know there are places that function better than this. I lived in Charleston, SC for ten years and a person could genuinely get legitimate help if they needed it and did not have to worry about stepping on the wrong people’s feet or being laughed at and shunned.

I do plan to leave this area, even though it is my hometown, sometime in the very near future. I cannot cope with people who point fingers at my family because I made mistakes 8 years ago that I have worked very hard to correct. I cannot sit by and watch my ex-husband not get the treatment he and other veterans so desperately need. He is considered just a crazy vet and a nuisance by so many, forget that he was a good soldier for 9 years and served this country in wartime. I cannot continually watch my back in fear of retaliation from certain, not all, people in law enforcement I have made angry by turning in to proper authorities. What do you do when they call your house for no good reason to laugh about the fact that they’ve gotten the wrong number for the 4th time in a row? What do you do when 2 of them stand in your kitchen and slowly pull on their black gloves and tell you not to contact anyone anymore about anything because you are causing problems between departments?

What do you do when you try and put yourself on the line to reveal what you know so it doesn’t happen anymore or to someone else and all you get in return is more of the same?

I pray and hope that this will bring about the necessary change in this area so that people do not continue to suffer while others carry on as usual, with no sympathy or empathy for others and the fallout of their actions.

By John Mimms on May 28th, 2009 at 12:46 am

Carry the torch, John Wilson, Marvin Simpson…I got the info on above property from the courthouse today…it’s public record, all you have to do is look…the property is 61 Cherokee Ave which is a nice looking brick home in a nice neighborhood behind Brady’s…why did it sell for such a depressed price($20,000) compared to tax value($46,000)…I guess the parties involved are just “sharp” business people in our community, good for them…if they took advantage of a situation, especially an elderly lady, shame on them…only they know the truth and owe the public no explanation…just remember who they are and decide if you feel comfortable doing business with or voting for such “sharp” business people…after all it is a free country and we only have ourselves to blame for our actions…I also got some info regarding a scam pulled off by Hodge, Vick involving property to Mercy Ministries that I am going to share with the Link in the morning…if they cover it fine, if not I’ll take it to someone else…all I can suggest to people on the blogs is to stand up, ask questions and decide for yourself

By Miss Kitty on May 28th, 2009 at 10:55 am

I know a lot of the people who were given community service work are afraid to talk,but I really think it would help a lot if you just tell the truth. Tell about the houses and places you have been made to work at. A lot of u know these places were then sold and money made from your free labor.

By Gill Taylor on May 28th, 2009 at 11:51 am

Ms Kitty, I am beginning to agree with Mr. Wilson, you sound like an insider or former insider.

By Toby Boy on May 28th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

I know that people are starting to feel a bit paranoid about all of this horrible talk and news that is going around. But, I truly hope that the “Finest” or whomever does not start intimidating. This can be very scary knowing that “trumpt up” accusation cans be made against a good person. Resulting with incarceration and possibly mental or physical abuse or “torture”, which ever word you choose. We, all, may should start carrying cameras and record any suspicous encouters with the “peacekeepers.” Just a thought

By Big Bubba on May 28th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

Big Bubba has a great idea for ya’ll to ponder deeply. As soon as the dust settles and hopefully all parties deserving are in the “Big House” not related to Big Bubba. Why don’t we all get together for a “pig pickin” at Bubba’s trailer and celebrate getting to know our allies and friends. You can get to meet Big Buck my dog. You can all use your real names, you already know mine. Big Bubba will supply the pig as I have about 3 and one is expecting piglets. We will need tater salad and bread, lots of bread, some tea and maybe someone can make some “homemade” ice cream. Maybe someone can play a fiddle or banjo for some music. This would really be fun around July 4th. This could be Independence Day for our county. Ya’ll think about it. Until then.

Big Bubba

By Ashamed to Live Here on May 29th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

When all this is over I hope Jay Hodge and Scott Hunter bend over so you can all kiss their butts

By You have a brain people....use it...... on May 30th, 2009 at 11:47 am

Mr. wilson,
The Board of Mercy Ministries, Inc., was hand pick by the puppet master himself, Jay Hodge. All are VERY close friends,worked for him while employed as the solicitor or they changed his diapers when he was an even bigger baby than he is now!!!!!
He tells them how to vote and how to think. Unless he is angry with a Board member, than he just exculdes them from the meetings.

By an outsider on May 31st, 2009 at 5:23 pm

i thought “real” christians were suppose to forgive people, not judge them.oh,i forgot we are in cheraw, its more like do as i say & not as i do

By You have a brain people....use it...... on June 1st, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Hey Outsider…do not use the Bible to control or belittle people. Sounds to me like you are judging people!

By Laura Campbell on June 6th, 2009 at 1:07 am

Amen, You have a brain people…Very few Christians in this area live by non-judgement. However, if no one judges, society would fall completely apart. Also, very little is shown by local Christians in the area of tolerance, unless of course, it’s to our upper class or politicians or those who tithe greatly, and then they run the churches. Very little to do with how Jesus lived. He rebelled against the temple for the same way churches are doing business now. The people he helped, SOME Christians here would laugh at, walk past, or simply ignore. Thank goodness for the true Christians I know.

Those who have played dirty in their respective jobs in this upheaval should receive the same sentencing anyone else would for their crimes. The Bible also states that,”to whom is given more, more is expected from them.” When your job affects so many people and you live better than most of the population, or when you don’t do your job correctly and many peeople suffer, then perhaps you should suffer the consequences more.

A few months ago, someone wrote a letter to the editor asking why Joyner and the other assistant solicitor were let go of their positions. I, for one, did not realize Jay Hodge was even aboard as assistant solicitor working in Bennettsville until this news broke. Wonder what they know. And still big names missing. How far and how far back does all of this go and who is involved or knows something?