It Was The Happy Meal!
The self-professed “best friend” of S.C. House Ways & Means Chairman Danny Cooper was found not guilty of “soliciting an immoral act” on Friday in Anderson County, a verdict that shouldn’t surprise anyone considering the venue (and the defendant’s connections).
Seriously, people … you will not find a more incompetent, more corrupt local government anywhere in South Carolina, which is obviously saying something.
FITS readers will recall that former Anderson County Superintendent District 4 Superintendent Gary Burgess – who had previously resigned from his post after he was accused of intimidating a school nurse – was arrested earlier this year for allegedly soliciting oral sex from a male undercover cop at a public park.
According to the report filed by the undercover cop, Burgess rubbed his leg provocatively and exposed himself before asking the officer whether he was “disease-free” and “good at oral.” Burgess is then said to have invited the officer to join him in his van for sex, provided the former Superintendent was allowed to be “on top.”
Burgess’ lawyer, State Rep. Fletcher Smith, said none of that was illegal … and that all the odd behavior his client exhibited at the park (which is known for hosting homosexual activity among the Anderson “elite”) had a perfectly rational explanation.
At one point, he even said “is it illegal for two men to have a conversation about sexual activity?”
From the Tin Foil Hat Times (a.k.a. Anderson Independent-Mail):
During the trial, Burgess said he was in the park to eat a Happy Meal for lunch. He said he frequently came to the park to relax or to write his book. Burgess said he rubbed his leg because of a dermatological condition, not as a sexual come-on.
Amazingly, the jury bought it. And with this verdict in hand, Smith immediately leaped to the wrong conclusion.
“This verdict tells the world that Anderson is ready for the big leagues,” Smith told the Independent-Mail. “This verdict will let the international business community know that the city of Anderson is ready to operate in the 21st century.”
Ummm … okay …
Comments
By calhoun fawls on August 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
All I want to know is where were Anderson County Council members Cindy Wilson and Eddie Moore when all of this was taking place? I know Bob Waldrep could not remember where he was yesterday to save his life. But, the rest, I want answers from.
By Laura Campbell on August 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I beg to differ, FITS. Chesterfield County government has got to top Anderson on corruption. Trickle-down effect from Washington and Cola Town, I suppose.
According to bloggers on the solicitor issue, our local rep has had the solicitor investigation shut down. The story has fallen off the radar. Very little in the local media about it. We all pretty much knew nothing would happen anyway, save for a few resignations. Citizens who spoke out about those involved are now simply waiting for repercussions, as it was stated under “Mercy Ministries Accounts Frozen” that they are being planned by those in office who were exposed. No paper trail, no convictions, right?
By Correction on August 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
That would be former State Rep. Fletcher Smith!
By Quiet Voice of Reason on August 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
The words that cracked me up the most were “Anderson elite.” Live in the county, can’t find a single one.
PS — word has it that the best friend could soon be headed to the Upstate for a new job at a research university………
By CNSYD on August 24th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Have not a clue about the individuals and this situation. But I do know how law enforcement runs stings. It borders on and many times crosses the line on entrapment. The object is to get the suspect to say something, anything, that they can slap handcuffs on them. They can’t go back to the station empty handed.
By peyton manning sucks on August 24th, 2009 at 10:21 am
it seems that in willie’s sic world, if you’re connected (and not named mark sanford) you’re guilty when charged. BUT you are not necessarily guilty when you ACTUALLY plead guilty. have i got it straight, will “i-pled-guilty-to-it-but-i-didn’t-really-beat-my-girlfriend” folks?
By Barney Fife on August 24th, 2009 at 10:27 am
CnSYD,
You can’t entrap someone who is a willing participant. This jury was sidetracked by the freakshow of an attorney that Burgess had.
Wil, Anderson is not that bad. We just have and have had a few bad politicians. Our current crop of Council members are great folks who are trying to eradicate the sins of the past.
We still have a few bad apples, but that to will be eliminated in the essence of time.