By FITSNews || A panel comprised mostly of South Carolina lawmakers refused to “go there.”
So did the S.C. Supreme Court …
But a group of citizens who claim to have been victimized by Lowcountry family court judge F.P. “Charlie” Segars-Andrews may be on the verge of stepping forward – a development that threatens to overturn the conventional wisdom regarding this ongoing Palmetto State legal drama.
As it stands now, the Segars-Andrews’ case represents the latest chapter in a long history of legislative meddling in the state’s judicial branch – for purely political purposes, of course. Yet this shining example of the “tyranny of the legislative state” could turn into something else entirely if the accusations being leveled against the soon-to-be former judge prove true.
Let’s recap, shall we?
Last fall, a legislatively-controlled judicial screening commission found Segars-Andrews unqualified to continue serving on the bench – a controversial decision that was based almost exclusively on testimony related to a case in which the Charleston, S.C. judge failed to recuse herself after discovering a conflict of interest. Supporters of Segars-Andrews cried foul, arguing that one mistake in a sixteen-year career did not justify her removal. They also pointed out (privately) that she had angered the wife of a powerful lawmaker in a recent decision- and that another powerful lawmaker coveted her seat on the bench for one of his former law partners.
In fact, last year FITS obtained a copy of an affidavit filed by Sue Limehouse – wife of S.C. Rep. Chip Limehouse (RINO – Charleston) – in a family court case in which Judge Segars-Andrews ruled against the wishes of the lawmaker’s wife. Mrs. Limehouse was seeking to have a guardian ad litem removed from a family court case involving one of her friends, although Segars-Andrews ultimately ruled against her wishes.
After she was found “unfit” to serve, Segars-Andrews sued the state’s notoriously corrupt Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC) over its decision to effectively end her career, arguing that political grudges – not legitimate grounds – served as the basis for the panel’s recommendation. That suit was dismissed this week by the S.C. Supreme Court, however, meaning that Segars-Andrews will be off the bench this summer.
Needless to say, the legal community in South Carolina is up in arms – decrying the political interference of state lawmakers, most notably Limehouse and Senate President Glenn McConnell.
But did these two politicians (both of whom are indeed as crooked as they come) actually have a good reason for opposing Segars-Andrews?
Possibly …
When we first started covering this case, we were informed by numerous sources that Judge Segars-Andrews and her husband, local divorce attorney Mark Andrews, were running a sophisticated racket that repeatedly steered favorable rulings to Andrews’ clients. Another judge, whose name was not provided at the time, was also said to be in on the scam – which allegedly included another prominent Charleston attorney and the very guardian ad litem that Mrs. Limehouse was seeking to have dismissed.
No evidence was ever presented to support any of these claims, however, and no reference was made to them during the recent media circus surrounding the case. In the wake of this week’s Supreme Court ruling, however, these sources are once again stirring.
In fact, FITS has received several emails in the last 24 hours from individuals who claim to have intimate knowledge of this scam – as well as the identities of the other judge and attorney allegedly involved in pulling it off.
Obviously, judges and lawyers colluding to circumvent justice – which is not an altogether unheard of accusation in a corrupt state like South Carolina – would be a much more compelling basis for removing a judge.
But wouldn’t something like that also be the basis for … we don’t know … jail time?
And why weren’t those issues raised during the judicial screening process?
Hmmmm …
All we know is that the Segars-Andrews drama may not be over just yet …
By Zach March 25, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Toal’s ethically challenged Commission on Judicial Conduct which is run by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel – Toalites – have had this for months and have done nothing with it. Hell, Segars Andrews was vice chair of the Commission for awhile! If a lawyer or judge proves himself/herself to be on the Toal Team, then charges are dismissed. If not, hang on. The only reason Segars Andrews’ stuff ever came out was because the victims went to the legislature. If South Carolina had waited on the Toalites to administer “justice,” we’d a been a waitin’ a very, very long time. Glenn McConnell is now chairman of the new South Carolina Judicial disciplinary body, the JMSC. He will do a better job, for all of his faults.
By Todd March 25, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Sic: You are getting too close to the bone on this one. Be careful. I hope you don’t live in Shandon. When Toal and Coggiola take their morning walk together, a hefty pipe bomb just might find its way into your living room. Toal approved everything Segars Andrews has done and dismissed it all – secretly of course.
By Lilly Collette March 26, 2010 at 6:01 am
[...] ” a group of citizens who claim to have been victimized by Lowcountry family court judge F.P. “Charlie” Segars-Andrews may be on the verge of stepping forward” [...]
I am going to be so pissed if I don’t get an invitation to this party.
By Lilly Collette March 26, 2010 at 6:04 am
See, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=628405884
By Come Forward March 26, 2010 at 9:23 am
If you have a true complaint no matter what court it is, Family, Circuit, or magistrate file the complaint follow through! Yes I have witnessed judicial wrongdoing but it is not just in family court. This “UNQUALIFIED” judge was not found unqualified by one case like the pro segars-andrews team wants the public to believe. THis article cnfirms that! The people of SC have to come forward take a stand and take back our judicial system in order for the people of SC to get a fair hearing in any of its courts! DO IT NOW, FILE THAT TRUE COMPLAINT!
By CURIOUS March 26, 2010 at 9:30 am
HMMMM, since segars-andrews has been found unqualified for her ethics, are there any cases on appeal and if there are how will toal and her groupies rule on them?
By Zach March 26, 2010 at 10:53 am
The problem, Come Forward, is with whom do you file the complaint? Filing a complaint with the Toalites is essentionally wasting your time, paper and printer ink. That is strictly a farsical secret system that only rewards their friends and punishes their enemies.
By Nothing Could Be Finer March 28, 2010 at 11:35 am
Anyone check Jeal Toal’s trash can lately?
By Lilly Collette March 28, 2010 at 1:35 pm
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/27/system-to-track-sc-deadbeats/
“Last year, South Carolina collected just over half of the nearly $350 million owed, collected payments in more than half of cases in arrears — distributing a total of more than $260 million — and established paternity in 89 percent of cases.”
————- HELLO!!! ————-
WITHOUT ESTABLISHING PATERNITY YOU CANNOT ORDER CHILD SUPPORT! AND THIS ARTICLE STATES THAT PATERNITY WAS ESTABLISHED IN ONLY 89% OF THE CASES!!!
By theoriginaljustme March 28, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Will:
All alleged anonymous sources. We are all waiting for the “truth” to come out – but know it won’t because the truth is that this is all a figment of people like Lilly Collette’s imagination. Is it “just me” or do her postings make no sense whatsoever?
By Lilly Collette March 29, 2010 at 5:01 am
The truth standing against Segars-Andrews is all documented record. One’s inability to comprehend the obvious is a personal problem which has no bearing on the actual evidence against Segars-Andrews. Nonetheless, thank you for your public admission of a failure to comprehend.
By Lilly Collette March 29, 2010 at 5:27 am
How confusing is this:
Segars-Andrews was not a “judge”. She committed a crime from the bench and became a trespasser to the bench. Chuckie Segars-Andrews was no better than an “enforcer” in a criminal cartel.
By Todd March 29, 2010 at 3:40 pm
NCBF: Are you referring to Toal’s trash – literally – as to what is in the cans outside of her house, or figuratively referring to her trash and describing her employees at the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and a couple of her clerks?
By Lilly Collette March 30, 2010 at 6:15 am
Are my comments now being blocked …
By Lilly Collette March 30, 2010 at 6:22 am
Those pro-Segars-Andrews freaks have been threatening to have me locked up in a nut-house and now they are llegally threatening to have me arrested — although they never say why.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1625439945853248265&postID=7621867177953260607
Anonymous said…
The arrest warrants for the person listed at the very top of this page have been drafted and prepared for the signature of a federal magistrate.
They sit in a folder awaiting the word.
March 29, 2010 10:56 PM
Anonymous said…
An arrest warrant for Silly Lilly?
How can that be?
March 30, 2010 1:50 AM
By Patriot1776 March 30, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Segars-Andrews’ better turn in the people’s property she has in her residence.
By Patriot1776 March 30, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Just me. This, I am sure, is of interest to you >> http://www.safetybasement.com/Listening-Devices-Spy-Listening-Devices-s/389.htm
By Lilly Collette April 2, 2010 at 4:10 am
All I’m seeing is bleating blather about an allegedly “wronged” family court judge—who in fact had ceased to be a judge through willful wanton knowing violations of our law while they were trespassing on the bench.
It would be a real step towards —JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE— if this state would actually prosecute people who commit crimes from the bench (therein ceasing to be judges) instead of jerking the victims around with such anti-social garbage.
Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/31/1223058/end-legislatures-stranglehold.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=4309370#Comments_Container#ixzz0inDcuyJU
By The Truth is Revealed April 21, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Just found this on another website:
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/beaufort-sc/TAAUR04575SEVMUO5
Interesting read…
Yeah, and that prominent Charleston attorney is none other than Robert Rosen!
….When we first started covering this case, we were informed by numerous sources that Judge Segars-Andrews and her husband, local divorce attorney Mark Andrews, were running a sophisticated racket that repeatedly steered favorable rulings to Andrews’ clients. Another JUDGE, whose name was not provided at the time, was also said to be in on the scam – which allegedly included another prominent Charleston attorney…. Dirty Benches need more cleaning in CHS
Please continue investigating and cleaning house in Charleston County’s Family Court!
By vradiohd August 26, 2010 at 11:42 am
segar – andrews, of mount pleasant, IS responsible for the death of a child in her gestapo ruling attitude in family court .
she is coldhearted………….