SC

Lexington Ring: Indictments “Imminent”

MULTIPLE PUBLIC OFFICIALS “ABOUT TO GO DOWN”  Several prominent members of the so-called “Lexington Ring” will be indicted in the coming weeks for their participation in an illegal gambling empire, multiple sources tell FITS. Among them? A pair of current elected officials. The forthcoming indictments stem from a plea deal reached earlier…

video poker ring update

MULTIPLE PUBLIC OFFICIALS “ABOUT TO GO DOWN” 

Several prominent members of the so-called “Lexington Ring” will be indicted in the coming weeks for their participation in an illegal gambling empire, multiple sources tell FITS. Among them? A pair of current elected officials.

The forthcoming indictments stem from a plea deal reached earlier this week between federal investigators and Lanny Ray Gunter II, one of the most prominent sports bookies in the Palmetto State. Gunter was sentenced to five months in prison for his gambling activity – which was first exposed via the infamous Ascot Murders.

FITS was the first news outlet to report on the gambling connection to these slayings – which investigators referred to as the “tip of the iceberg.”

“Everybody has bet with Lanny,” one of our sources said. “And Lanny has rolled on everybody, that’s why he got such a good deal.”

Federal agents have been probing underground gambling in Lexington County, S.C. for several months – meticulously following the money in an effort to determine which public officials have aided and abetted (and perhaps even participated in) this criminal activity. Within the last few months they’ve reportedly tightened the noose on the “ring,” a cabal of corrupt politicians and crooked cops said to be running a video poker racket.

The ring burst into the headlines last year when a Lexington, S.C. councilman named Danny Frazier was surreptitiously recorded detailing the inner workings of its operation to a prospective client. These recordings were provided to the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) last spring by a former member of the ring – a ex-magistrate who claims he once issued favorable rulings from the bench on behalf of the underground video poker industry. Frazier originally denied making the statements contained in the recordings, but later changed his tune and said he fabricated them in an effort to make himself appear influential.

Among the names dropped by Frazier on the tapes?  Lexington, S.C. Sheriff Jimmy Metts, Columbia, S.C. mayor Steve Benjamin, former S.C. Senator Jakie Knotts (RINO-Lexington) and S.C. Senator Ronnie Cromer (RINO-Newberry).

How deep does this rabbit hole go?  Well, the ring’s activities are said to include misappropriated public fundsprostitution … even murder.

Originally exposed by The (Columbia, S.C.) Free Times – which mysteriously stopped reporting on it (and destroyed the evidence it was provided) – the saga of the ring was all the rage last summer, generating extensive (and incriminating) reporting from this website as well as Midlands, S.C. television station WIS TV 10 (NBC – Columbia, S.C.). However the scandal quickly disappeared from the headlines – prompting speculation that it would become yet another example of our state’s corrupt status quo flaunting its lawlessness without any consequence whatsoever for their actions.

Apparently not …

As we’ve said all along, this website supports the expansion of gaming in South Carolina and opposes the current state-run gambling monopoly (a.k.a. the so-called “education” lottery). We believe private businesses should have the right to offer gambling to their customers – and that private citizens should have the right to gamble. In fact the saga of the ring has only reinforced this belief …

Clearly, though, we cannot tolerate politicians and police officers profiting from the very activities they arrest others for engaging in …

***

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140 comments

vicupstate January 11, 2013 at 10:01 am

Seeing is believing.

Reply
Thomas January 11, 2013 at 11:42 am

Are you kidding? From the lips of the current Sheriff of Lexington, he could find a jury to convict anyone. Apparently in Lexington, the opposite is true as well.

Chief Stace Day was arrested for criminal domestic violence in 2006. There is much more. Uh-Uh on being elected or selected Sheriff. If there is a vacancy, the coroner assumes until an executive order appointment by Governor Nikki Haley.

behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2007/12/sc-3rd-mistrial-for-then-chief-day.html

wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=42449

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Thomas January 11, 2013 at 11:54 am

replied to the wrong one.

Well…indictments!

Considering Lanny’s 5 months at probably a Federal Prison Camp and home confinement for 5 months, 10k fine, and NO probation? It pays to do the right thing in this case.

This one heck-uva downward departure from Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Must be some deep, institutional corruption going on here.

You did right Lanny. The camps have no fences, you can walk around outside on the track and gaze upon what you avoided…triple razor wire fence enclosed hell on earth.

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Pelion Peanut January 11, 2013 at 3:06 pm

Too bad Joe Wilson isn’t caught up in this one. I suppose its one advantage to being stupid and absent.

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neighbor January 11, 2013 at 10:02 am

Stace Day should be the new sherriff.

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neighbor January 11, 2013 at 10:04 am

Edit Sheriff Stace Day.

Reply
neighbor January 11, 2013 at 11:23 am

What was I thinking……

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Thomas January 11, 2013 at 11:43 am

Are you kidding? From the lips of the current Sheriff of Lexington, he could find a jury to convict anyone. Apparently in Lexington, the opposite is true as well.
Chief Stace Day was arrested for criminal domestic violence in 2006. There is much more. Uh-Uh on being elected or selected Sheriff. If there is a vacancy, the coroner assumes until an executive order appointment by Governor Nikki Haley.

behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2007/12/sc-3rd-mistrial-for-then-chief-day.html

wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=42449

Reply
Governors grant January 11, 2013 at 1:13 pm

He was set up…didn’t happen. All because he wanted to run for sheriff.

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Governors grant January 11, 2013 at 1:18 pm

He and his wife are very happy together. Sad that all was fabricated.

Reply
Oh shit! January 11, 2013 at 4:20 pm

There have been other attempts to set up people.
An infamous adulterer, caught by the womans husband. meetings were held and an attempt to set the guy up on a domestic.
When that did not work, they got Chief James to request a Grand Jury investigation, trying to destroy the guy. SLED went along for political reasons. The guy is working on a book about these high ranking officials and the abuse of process to frame an innocent person.

Reply
@WH_Buz_Martin January 11, 2013 at 10:03 am

/// Clearly, though, we cannot tolerate politicians and police officers profiting from the very activities they arrest others for engaging in … ///

Why do you hate the traditions of South Carolina, Sic?

Reply
darksied calling January 11, 2013 at 10:03 am

Gonna be a whole lot of fat pigs squeeling when they land in Federal lock up.

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Guero January 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

That would be the LCDC which has the contract with the feds locally. Somewhere around $1M ( roughly the same amount of welfare payments Kirkman Finlay has taken ).

Reply
shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 6:07 pm

…. that’s per year, I believe

Reply
CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 10:11 am

“Imminent”

From the Sic Willie dictionary: Before the book on Haley/Folks is published and/or before whoever took the SAT for Wingo is identified.

Reply
or... January 11, 2013 at 10:21 am

the infamous allegation that went nowhere as to the Clemson football star that got his family a vacation up in the 5 star resort by the coaching staff. When you seem to remember the stories that never panned out you always forget to mention this one.

Reply
CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 10:28 am

or…,

I still remember it but the resident chickens will squawk if I use a Clemson reference.

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or... January 11, 2013 at 10:46 am

well fair is fair. have a nice day sir.

Reply
jimlewis,owb January 11, 2013 at 10:15 am

’bout time

Looks like some surgeons in the greater Midlands area are going to be busy installing asshole flaps.

Reply
Raspy January 11, 2013 at 11:19 am

Will Jimmy, Jake, et al, have trap doors in the back of their orange jump suits, I wonder?

Reply
Old Bike Dude January 11, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Lol true true.

Reply
shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 6:09 pm

….. yes, if they borrow the ones from Clemson

Reply
Sarge January 11, 2013 at 10:18 am

Lord, I hope they connect the dots between Jakie Knotts and this gang and Jakie Knotts and Jean Toal. Jakie and Jean are cell phone buddies, though not so much now that he lost the election. The Queen is distancing herself from him now that he can’t help her on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Jakie and the Lexington ring did not get the confidence to believe there would be no trouble in the state courts all by themselves.

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Raspy January 11, 2013 at 11:20 am

Good point about the cell phones. I hope the investigators are checking their phone records.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 3:40 pm

Toal is trying to get the law changed so that she won’t have to retire due to age. Wants to hang on to all that power

Reply
Carson January 11, 2013 at 6:30 pm

I hope they connect the dots between Jake and Joe Wilson.

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Gastonite January 11, 2013 at 10:21 am

They better hope Hursey don’t “sing”.

Reply
Wondering January 11, 2013 at 2:53 pm

Who?

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BigT January 11, 2013 at 10:44 am

When FreeTimes saw SB implicated, and DROPPED it…you know it’s HOT…

Benjamin the the GREAT hOPE for Gov. (even if it’s in the minds) of the left…

Free Times would NEVER be a party to taking him down…I’m Just Glad Jody picked it up and ran w/ it…

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@WH_Buz_Martin January 11, 2013 at 1:45 pm

Sic ran with it pretty damn strong, too, BigT. I notice you don’t mention that at all, and you were probably ragging on his ass when he did, and ranting your usual bullshit rant about him and all the others of us who point to corruption in SC being “liberals” who love Obama, and other such rhetorical diarrhea. You are the most dishonest person commenting on this blog, consistently, day after day after day.

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BigT January 11, 2013 at 2:11 pm

If I recall, I gave FITS some credit. But Jody Barr really did the WORK on it…

Also: You don’t “point to corruption” you F^&#in idiot…you attack people in positions, that you covet, that you are either too Stupid or too Lazy to obtain…

You pretty much Hate any Republican, but find @$$-Kissin’ really easy for democrats, especially black democrats…

You are SO desperate for adoration, for your self-believed “Wisdom” that you Suck the D!#* of the pop culture jockeys, hoping the liberals will give you the reach-around you so desperetly crave…

Aside from that you present yourself as a lecherous, hard-up perv, who will agree w/ any woman…in the hopes she does not puke on you…

Reply
@WH_Buz_Martin January 11, 2013 at 4:27 pm

I’m writing a book, BigT. Would you do the cover blurb for me?

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 4:44 pm

Yeah Barr did the work until Donita pulled the plug

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@WH_Buz_Martin January 11, 2013 at 4:50 pm

btw, just as I can prove you’ve lied about Obama being my hero, I could point to a wealth of comments on this blog that run absolutely counter to this bullshit line from you: /// You pretty much Hate any Republican, but find @$$-Kissin’ really easy for democrats, especially black democrats… ///

You conveniently ignore my constant criticism of cooked-ass crony capitalist Democrats in SC such as Vincent Sheheen, Ted Vick and Dick Harpootlian – but ESPECIALLY of US congressman Jim Clyburn, who is the worst of the lot. Never once have I rhetorically kissed the ass of a single one of them on this blog.

As for the other part, you seem to be jealous of someone with a healthy libido who loves women and enjoys ribald humor. Must be real tough being such a jealous, self-repressed, hateful knotted-up bundle of fossilized misogynistic dogshit.

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@WH_Buz_Martin January 11, 2013 at 5:02 pm

/// cooked-ass crony capitalist Democrats ///

Should have been CROOKED-ASS crony capitalist Democrats, but it will indeed be a glorious day when all of their asses are COOKED, politically speaking.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 5:38 pm

if all of the crooked ones are cooked who will be left to run the county?

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King-Tut January 11, 2013 at 10:55 pm

That’s not the only plug Donita pulled. Ask Kara Gormley about the story she was working on when Lott intetviened.

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BigT January 12, 2013 at 11:37 am

Boz: If I did the “Cover Blurb” for you (whatever that is)…it would be the only thing making ypur “book” interesting…

Cliche is the WORST fiction and/or non-fiction…and I’d expect nothing else from you..and anything BUT from me….

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@WH_Buz_Martin January 12, 2013 at 2:35 pm

///
Boz: If I did the “Cover Blurb” for you (whatever that is)…
///

Jesus, BigT, for someone who likes to keep telling us how intelligent he supposedly is, you keep posting things that are like a sign hung around your neck proclaiming “I R a dumbass!” Just Google the term “cover blurb” and you’ll get 14,600,000 results. It isn’t a new, trendy “pop culture” reference, either. It originated in 1907.

Dumbass.

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Yo mama January 13, 2013 at 8:02 am

Sources tell me that the new owner of the the Free Times is very interested in collecting the dirty on Mayor Bo.

Reply
Countryboy January 11, 2013 at 10:56 am

I miss the old poker machines!

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marshall January 11, 2013 at 11:07 am

If Lanny has truly “rolled on everybody”, GA Mangus is probably pissing in his pants, rather than on the sidewalk, like he usually does.

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jeffy01 January 11, 2013 at 11:07 am

ohhhhh sure…..I bet sometime between now and never

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Joe Friday January 11, 2013 at 11:07 am

The fox breaks the web that catches the fly.

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Bonhoeffer January 11, 2013 at 11:42 am

I’m glad to note that you said “FEDERAL” agents have been probing underground gambling. If it were local or state, they would either cover up or screw up any investigation. For you right wingers out there, the Federal government does have many positive attributes–at when compared to local and state government.

Reply
Hazeliusnut January 11, 2013 at 3:09 pm

Alan Wilson could never figure this one out. He seems to need TWO TRIES to get it right. Just like his bar exam.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 11:43 am

I sure hope they get all the little rats too. Like some of these so called local businessmen who cozy up to these crooks to get favors…the same ones who profit from these machines and share prosititutes with these “elected officials”

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Disgusted January 11, 2013 at 11:50 am

You mean Rogers?

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 12:15 pm

that’s one of em

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 3:44 pm

that Hummer (which I guess he needs to make up for a lack of something else) has been seen parked in front of two different places in West Columbia that are known to have machines and I don’t think he’s playin them

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Alison Andrews January 11, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Who are these little fish that need to be caught?? Who is Rogers?

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 6:37 pm

Darren Rogers…he was the third man who took use of the prostitute (behind Jakie and Danny Frazier) according to Jamie Lucas’ statement…having had personal dealings with this one, my opinion of him is that he is one of the worst people I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. there are a thousand stories of him abusing his friendship with LCSD and there are rumors that he hastened his fATHER-in-laws death but you cannot convict with merely rumors even if you feel in your heart that they are true

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Fox House January 11, 2013 at 6:41 pm

Man it takes one sick or drunk redneck to f a whore behind Knotts and Frazier. Disgusting.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Rogers is also best friends with Kermit LaForce who has been in trouble for money laundering and was involved with Southern Gentlemans Club. LaForce’s wife works for Rogers wife

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Wondering January 11, 2013 at 11:49 am

So who was Brett Parker having an affair with?

Is his father going down with this?

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curious January 11, 2013 at 1:33 pm

I sure hope everybody involved goes down with this – it all sounds crooked as hell.

After they get finished, can they please take a look at who is running Richland County/ City of Columbia – Voter Registration office director and city manager hires leave many people to wonder why the best interest of the employee is the over-riding factor.

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Lawn Sharts January 11, 2013 at 11:50 am

the sound of this one going off could likely have the same register as a pop gun…

however, a plea deal with a known bookie is a great first step. even if no one else is indicted, the fall of D Frazier will be well worth seeing.

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lawmeister January 11, 2013 at 12:04 pm

We cannot forget the scourge that is inhabiting the coroners office.ie Randy Martin. We have given the lcsd eviction papers to be served on him regarding his bonding company ez out bail bonds and they say they can’t find him!!! Lol he’s at James metts complex everyday!!! Judgement day is fast approaching for all of the unethical pos that draw a government check. Have a great day.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 12:19 pm

That is indicative of the problem. LCSD and their friends abide by different laws than they expect the general public to live by. The corruption is pervasive throughout every governmental department in this county. And the nepotism is rampant. I don’t think most people have a true understanding of how large a percentage of the people paid by our tax dollars are related to each other…and those who are not related are sleeping together

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Pelion Peanut January 11, 2013 at 2:44 pm

Randy Martin?? He almost lives at Creekside Restaurant in Lexington. Is there with old Harry Harman often. Anyone tell you Harman’s not around town is a lying sack of shit. He eats well at Creekside!

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Persimmon Grove January 11, 2013 at 3:18 pm

R Martin is in there most Mondays at lunch with harmon. Lawmeister must be frankenstein barron. hey frankie–give up the campaign. you LOST. leave Martin alone–he will kick your ass in next election if he decides to run.

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lawmeister January 11, 2013 at 4:44 pm

I doubt Martin will run for anything except cover. Thanks for the location on that pos. I live to see him sqirm when he sees me anywhere. I’m not Coroner Barron but I do have his back because he has the back of the people of lexington.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 4:49 pm

by the way Martin’s ex wife is a prison warden here in SC

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Sander V January 11, 2013 at 6:26 pm

I haven’t heard anything except good things about Deputy Coroner Martin. I’ve also heard that Frank Barron is a very smart guy and was an ok coroner in Columbia but he talks too much and rambles so people avoid him like the plague.

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lawmeister January 11, 2013 at 6:51 pm

http://www.scalc.net/decisions.aspx?id=351&q=4
check this out and see what sled and his former employers think of Martin.

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lawmeister January 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Martins other wife was a dispatcher until fired for parking lot activities. She even had “six-pack” as her personalized tag. She then became jeffcoat’s personal assistant. YUK!!! Check it out all fact.

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Tammy January 11, 2013 at 7:26 pm

as in JOHNNY JEFFCOAT the double-dipping Lexington County councilman who also works for Halfwit in some made up job in the Town? Halfacre puffs about all these supposed jobs he takes credit for (but others do all the shit) but Jeffcoat already has a job that someone else could be doing so he isn’t the big jobs guy he says he is. Just like that other pos Joe Wilson.

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lawmeister January 11, 2013 at 7:44 pm

No jeffcoat the magistrate another member of the ring.

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Rascals January 11, 2013 at 9:27 pm

I forgot. . .everyone’s inbred in Lexington County.

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Southern Bella January 11, 2013 at 1:57 pm

When is Brett Parker’s trial? Has anybody heard?

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bob January 11, 2013 at 2:31 pm

Boz, we need those F.B.I.agents in Horry County, they are much quicker than the ones in Horry.

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Cornwallis January 11, 2013 at 2:41 pm

FITS must have had so many hits with the Lexington High Teacher sex scandal story that he had to quickly roll out a Lexington Ring story to keep the momentum going. There is nothing to all this stuff. Frazier and Halfwit and the Lexington Council are all happy butt buddies again so Frazier must have told them he has immunity and they are all safe. Since the article mentions a pair of elected officials, that eliminates Jake. Metts isn’t going anywhere and anyone who thinks he is is dreaming. Move on with this tired old story. Bring back Moots and Bokor. Now THAT’s a story!

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Hazeliusnut January 11, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Big event at town center last night and Halfwit was absent. It was even televised. He sent his lacky town manager(who crowed about the proposed 1 penny tax being a good thing.) It’s not like Halfwit to miss anything televised or to get in front of a camera, particularly in his back yard. He conveniently puts his goon out there to raise the penny tax issue so he can look like he is not supporting it. Too bad Halfwit–you are not going to get away with saying you don’t raise taxes in the town and then advocate a penny tax and blame it on county council or the taxpayers. You are one slick operator.
TRIPP NEWSOME FOR MAYOR IN 2014

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Governors grant January 11, 2013 at 3:22 pm

This town will flourish without Randy as Mayor. He will lose.

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Golden Hiller January 11, 2013 at 3:32 pm

Maybe when he loses, he could move. Like maybe Newberry.

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not in the ring January 11, 2013 at 4:48 pm

While I understand that there might be frustration because this corruption seems to be persisting uninterrupted, I can’t find it in me to be so complacent that I could just say well it’s always gonna be this way. Frankly that’s the kind of attitude these people are counting on.

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Persimmon Grove January 11, 2013 at 6:18 pm

Get ready for TRIPP NEWSOME as our next Mayor. He’s a class act. Halfwit, Hazel whatever her last name is now, MacDougall, Frazier, Stumbleitis, Grizzly Shevchik–they’re all OUT. These guys just lie to our faces and think they can get away with it. Watch that penny sales tax people–these guys are going to be pushing that hard behind the scenes and saying up front that they don’t care either way because its up to the voters. They still haven’t come clean on the beautification fund issue which paid to upgrade Halfwit’s chamber building using plants and landscaping from Hazel’s husband’s business. Thats an inside deal all the way. VOTE FOR TRIPP!

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Cory January 11, 2013 at 6:20 pm

Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!

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Fox House January 11, 2013 at 6:38 pm

Tripp Newsome sounds good to me for Mayor. Anyone else in this race besides the older lady who runs every year?

as far as I’m concerned, its got to be Anybody but HALFWIT. He ought to step down from mayor and the chamber of commerce. What a liablity to the town of lex and everything else he touches.

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Pella Pam January 11, 2013 at 7:42 pm

I also think the town of Lexington will flourish with someone else as Mayor. Halfacre has run his course. He has a weird fixation on young kids. Town hall seems to be overrun by these incompetent kids including that so called city manager and did you know the town has an “events coordinator” (we really need this taxpayer funded position??)who is about 20 years old but they also contract with a party planner who is also some young kid who Halfacre pals around with. Town of Lexington spending is out of control. The chamber also seems to be a magnet for young blondes. Professionalism please.

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and while we're at it January 11, 2013 at 11:50 pm

Anybody but Halfacre, Frazier, Hazell, and the whole gang of thieves.
We also need to remember Metts, Meyers and get rid of them, as well as Joe Wilson.
Joe Owens in West Columbia, Chief jason Amidio, Chief Dennis Tindle, Councilman Tim James (Towwn of Cayce/ lexington Medical Center). All are part of the ring and associates and part of the Mafia.
Other close associates, who are not elected officials; but, have their hands in the till and party with the gang of rogues and thieves, Bob Peeler (Lobbyist) and Donna Peeler(County employee/neice of Justice Toal)), Mike Bedinger(Lexington Medical Center) and all of the rest.
Lexington County deseerves much better than this bunch. They have been a blight on the Town and County much too long and the stench has hung in the air for much too long.
The need to clean up here is greater than that crap dump in Pelion.

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JimmyJohn January 11, 2013 at 6:38 pm

Tripp Newsome is a Tea Party idiot who follows Steve Isom around like a lost puppy! His other problem, he is a Wilson suck up! That’s exactly what Lexington needs..

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Oh SHIT! January 11, 2013 at 6:46 pm

HELL NO! WE DON’T NEED A WILSON SUCK UP!!!!!! LEXINGTON TOWN IS GOING TO BE ONE FUCKED UP PLACE IF HALFAKER IS RE-ELECTED OR IF THIS NEWSOME PERSON IS ELECTED. NO MORE WILSON’S ANYWHERE!!!
AND ISOM IS THE COUNTY IDIOT AS WELL. DON’T KNOW WHICH ONE IS WORSE–ISOM OR WILSON.

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Rascals January 11, 2013 at 9:24 pm

You’re an idiot. Tripp Newsome is a decorated veteran, a successful businessman, father, and cares about the community. He has no axe to grind with Halfacre. Just doesn’t believe Halfacre should be in bed with the chamber of commerce while serving as the mayor. He is too focused on himself getting recognition, on building roads and whatever the businesses want while the residents and homeowners who would like some tranquility and peace and quiet suffer. If Halfacre likes businesses and roads so much he should move to Greenville or to his beloved Columbia.

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Cornholio January 11, 2013 at 9:36 pm

Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Common Sense Candidate for Mayor of Lexington!

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Five Guys January 12, 2013 at 9:14 am

Nobody in my neighborhood supporting Halfacre this time around. Too much money being spent to support his downtown business friends. Rest of the town is going to hell. Voters should be approving the purchase of property for a downtown outdoor theatre. People get on council and turn into ATM machines spitting out cash for their personal interests. McDougall, Shevchick, Maness are a disappointment. We already knew the others are Big spenders.

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Cornholio January 12, 2013 at 9:17 am

You will have a great option in next election in Tripp Newsome.

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Joe Wilson Sucks January 12, 2013 at 3:01 pm

If the choice is Halfass,, Tripp Newsome and Constance C Fleming this is a no brainier. Newsome by a landslide. Folks are fed up with HalfASS using town resources to hire his buddy Jeffcoat for some made up job, the administration of the town is top heavy with people doing jobs that could and should be outsourced, and using the town resources to help the chamber is unethical. Tripp will be an awesome mayor and get Lexington back on track.

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Tripp Newsome January 30, 2013 at 8:34 am

I am not a Tea Party member. I am a conservative, constitutional, Reagan Republican. There is a reason I follow Steve Isom around… I support the Lexington Republican Party where I have been elected as treasurer. I want to see it flourish. As far as the Wilsons go, I served in Iraq with Alan, and I am very proud of the job he is doing. Roxanne is a hoot and like a second mother to me. Regardless of what Joe does on the hill I know him personally and where his heart is. Do a little research Jimmy John. Thank the rest of you for your support.

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LEXINGTON PENNY January 11, 2013 at 6:59 pm

Halfacre wants you to pay a penny more in sales tax for that road to nowhere out by the airport named after some friend of his and Jake’s (John Hardee). Halfwit Halfacre fleeces the small biz’s to pay outrageous chamber of commerce dues to promote himself and pet projects outside the town. My son’s business is on Columbia Avenue and that Hardee road does nothing for him or any other town of lexington business. It doesn’t help lexington but it gets Halfwit appointed to state chamber of commerce board of directors and some shiny award from some organization. it’s all about HIM. You chamber members are a bunch of SUCKERS to be going along with this and you see that ugly ass palace he built for himself on Main Street. His ego and fat ass and his bevy of babes was apparently too big to stay in the other chamber headquarters which wasn’t that bad. times must be good for all these lexington businesses to be forking over the cash to Halfwit. I don’t give a rat’s ass who is mayor as long as its not Halfwit. It can’t get any worse.

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Restauranteur January 11, 2013 at 9:33 pm

LOL! I already dropped my chamber membership. It’s nothing but a big club to pay the Mayor’s salary. He’s already retired so he’s collecting cash from the chamber as well as from the town as mayor. I heard he makes about 90,000 as chamber of commerce CEO and he is also driving around a car that the chamber members have to gas up for him to go off to all those lunches and dinners. I’m sure he has other perks as well, including a brand new building to strut around in. Nice gig and you can bet your ass he is not doing anything to piss off those chamber people and to hell with what his town constituents and taxpayers think!

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Cornholio January 11, 2013 at 9:37 pm

Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!
Newsome!

RETIRE HALFACRE (AGAIN)!

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Belden January 12, 2013 at 8:49 am

Voted for Halfacre twice. What a mistake. Just spending money on boondoggle projects. Anybody else for Mayor!

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Is it just me January 12, 2013 at 9:19 am

Voted for Halfass once and believe me once was enough.
Have heard Half has a squeeze employeed at the chamber. The two are very cozy, spend a lot of time together.
Half is retired from the State drawing a big pension and a large salary from the Chamber, as well as a salary as Mayor.
He definately needs to go.
The “Lexington Ring” has used these women to rub all over these idiots to get what they want from them. It is all a sick disgusting bunch.
I cannot help but wonder how the wives feel? The rumors are rampant and where there is this much smoke, there has to be fire.

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Davis Family January 12, 2013 at 9:29 am

Mayor Halfacre keeps saying there is no money for road improvements because there is no “matching fund” money. However, there seems to be an endless supply of money to give to downtown businesses to spruce up (although other Lex businesses don’t get this benefit) and now million to buy property (downtown) for an outdoor theatre (not needed). Had this money gone toward matching funds for roads or sidewalks it would be better use. Next time you sit in traffic you can look no further than Halfacre and town council. don’t let them tell you it is all the fault of Haley or the state, Feds, or Lexington County. When Town Hall gets serious about roads and puts their money there they will have some credibility. In short, unless you are a down town business or live near downtown, Lexington town council doesn’t give a damnn about you.

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Carrefour January 12, 2013 at 9:34 am

Halfass needed a new building to house his squeeze. The hanky panky going on there is well known. As someone else wrote, the chamber members are a bunch of suckers funding this sleaze.

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Major Dan January 12, 2013 at 10:48 am

TRIP NEWSOME for Mayor. End the Halfacre dictatorship.

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Pilot January 12, 2013 at 1:29 pm

HALFACRE THE HALFWIT IS DUMB AS A ROCK. A MILLION DOLLARS COULD BE BETTER SPENT THAN USING CHAMBER MEMBERS MONEY TO BUILD HIS BIG UGLY BARN ON MAIN TO BAIL OUT HIS BUDDY CRAIG, GIVE THE CONTRACT TO HIS DRINKING BUD AND NEIGHBOR ROYCE, AND GET HAZEL TO USE THOSE LEXINGTON BEAUTIFICATION FUNDS TO LANDSCAPE IT, FROM HER HUSBANDS BUISNESS OFCOURSE.

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Joe Wilson Sucks January 12, 2013 at 1:37 pm

FITS got a months worth of new stories off this thread!

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Tammy January 11, 2013 at 7:03 pm

Anyone think Danny Frazier has immunity and sang to get his fat ass off the fryer? I hear he sang like a bird about Halfacre.

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Pella Pam January 11, 2013 at 9:20 pm

I’d like to know if Frazier sold his house or if that was just a ruse. Is he still living in the Town or has he moved out the lake? Is Frazier back working for Jimmy Metts? I see the human porcupine is now working for Beth Carrigg, who would have lost had Suzanne Moore made it onto the ballot. This stuff is simply amazing.

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BradWarthenSucks January 11, 2013 at 9:57 pm

Ha, Suzanne Moore is nothing more than a coattail riding lesbian.

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Five Guys January 12, 2013 at 8:53 am

Carrigg hiring Frazier is infuriating. The woman was assisting with criminal activity and she gets hired by the Clerk of Court? Doesnt the county council have any say over their employees? Carrigg must not be wanting to be reelected.

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Carson January 12, 2013 at 10:29 am

The scuttlebutt is that Johnathan Pinson the indicted crook from SC State and Danny Frazier close buds. Wonder if Frazier ratted him out or vice versa. Pinson trial could be fun to watch. Benjamin is friend too. Pinson could bring these two down if he sings.

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Jennifer January 12, 2013 at 10:45 am

Probably a sure bet he has immunity and after the way Halfass scrambled to save his own ass when the tapes came out Danny should throw Halfass and everyone else involved under the bus. Halfass is as dirty as they come. you can bet an immunity deal is premised on Danny delivering some heads. Who would have thought it would come to Dirty Danny being on the side of the law?

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BIN News January 11, 2013 at 8:34 pm

Someone made a great point.

Where is the world is the book that sic(k) willie used to claim to be writing about his claim that he had nookie-nookie with Trikki Nikki?

Our Funding Editor is looking forward to seeing a copy.

But, if it ever appears (not likely) don’t pay cover price.

Within a few days of it’s (unlikely) release, you will find stacks at the local “dollar stores.”

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yeah whatever January 11, 2013 at 11:21 pm

Nothing is going to happen to anyone. They will all get away with it. Move on…

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upstate rolls on January 12, 2013 at 6:43 am

Watched them roll 3 more machines into the station in Simpsonville Thursday. Same deal, pickup, lift-gate, machines wrapped in black plastic. Roll them in cut the plastic and boom, it’s like Vegas in that place.

See them all the time rolling down 385 and dem ain’t pac-man machines baby

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Corruptcolumbia January 12, 2013 at 8:19 am

Who’s next?

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Corruptcolumbia January 12, 2013 at 8:37 am

Funny how some people think Gunter got a good deal and others think he got screwed. If this would have been some great investigative work to unveil an unknown gambling operation then I would applaud law enforcement. However, knowing that Leon Lott has known the identity of Columbia area “bookies” since the 1st day he stepped into office as Richland County Sheriff and did nothing to stop them should totally discredit anything he has to say about the case. This is a perfect example of a sheriff trying to clean the dirt off of him after Brett Parker allegedly went psycho. If Lott had any ethics at all, it should have recused himself from the gambling case and the Parker case due to his personal relationships with those involved. There is a reason he looked like he saw a ghost during the press conference to announce Parker’s arrest. A man that loves the camera as much as Lott has never been seen like that before.

It’s time for respectable media to ask our elected officials tough questions and hold them accountable for their actions.

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junior justice January 12, 2013 at 9:48 am

Interesting, would like to hear more about this development.

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Thomas January 12, 2013 at 9:55 am

You are right. Something is fishy on Gunter’s plea bargain. He was the ring leader, yet no probation? I did not see reports he will be on probation which is extremely out of the ordinary. The two accomplices have 5 years each Federal Probation.

In a case that involves illegal gambling money, loans, debts north of 100k, a monthly financial report MUST be required from Gunter during his probation. If no probation, no monthly financial reports. If not, and these financial reports are standard for organized criminal gambling enterprises else where, why not? Are the Feds covering for Gunter because his financial dealings are exculpatory or incriminating? Who are the 5 or so people that arranged no federal probation? Why were there were no US Marshals seizing assets from Gunter’s illegal gambling enterprise they started in 2006. Are we to assume the illegal profits were not laundered through other business enterprises? Local banking institutions? That homes, boats, cars, art work were not purchased? How much money did this illegal enterprise generate?

Is this whole village one corrupt cesspool?

Personally, I think I can make a personal fortune befitting a sheik without having to kiss ass, go along with these people, break the letter and spirit of the law, lie, cheat all for a 100k paycheck and a stake in a taxpayer funded State Retirement System.

Good guys and gals who initially get sucked up into this generational systemic corruption and do nothing about it 10-15 years into their careers are people that are worse than the instigators. They are perpetuating this.

Nothing short of a Sheriff or Ex-State Senator or Banker should be brought down over this.

Is capitalism so weak, the opportunities so scant that if you get an education through individual discipline and hard work, that assuming your formative years were not filled with horrific violence and traumas, that you will have little chance to be financially successful in this life? Having to sell your morals and namesake over a few lousy 100k and go along with routine criminal activities that violate your oath, conscience, or core values is the best you can do?

Pitiful

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junior justice January 12, 2013 at 10:11 am

It does appear to be a cesspool – a huge one.

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Truth seeker January 12, 2013 at 8:08 pm

Just like anyone of us, Leon Lott has faults but integrity and willing to stand up for what is right even when it might not be the most popular thing to do, is not a fault of his. Unlike other politicians, Chiefs of Police and individuals in this state. In fact it is a strength that so many look to him for and mirror that virtue.

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Wondering January 12, 2013 at 9:24 am

Anyone know who the whore is that Parker was banging on the side?

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junior justice January 12, 2013 at 7:16 pm

Sorry, I don’t have a clue – but I am curious.

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Whale Hung January 12, 2013 at 11:43 am

Hope it makes the national news. After all, people can’t get enough of our fucked up state. Really, Newt for prez?

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BigT January 12, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Obama is the president…you F&*(in’ nut job…

You CAN’T get more F&*(ed up than that….

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acorn January 12, 2013 at 1:34 pm

This should get national exposure. A case study in how elected officials should not act. Sad thing is we the people keep electing these crooks. Nobody to blame but us. Keep pulling the straight party lever and voting only name recognition and you will never emerge from this cesspool.

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Whale Hung January 12, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Sorry, was Newt your guy? Fucking loser…

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Truth seeker January 12, 2013 at 7:33 pm

Why would anyone offer or talk about immunity for Danny Frazier or anyone else. FBI has the winning hand on Danny Frazier and he can either cooperate with their investigation or get a longer sentence in federal prison. But hold these corrupt people accountable for abusing their positions for their personal gain. Not reward them with immunity. The message that will be sent by giving Danny Frazier or anyone else for public corruption will reinforce the notion that crime does pay and there are no consequences for illegal, corrupt and immoral conduct. Put Danny Frazier in jail along with Sheriff James Metts, Jakie Knotts, Danny’s wife, Cynthia, the police chief’s and law enforcement officer who provided protection for this activity.

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junior justice January 12, 2013 at 9:50 pm

Keep seeking – and hoping. We’ll follow this story.

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Lucy January 13, 2013 at 4:01 pm

If you want to read a sad commentary on this situation go to Chris Dorsey’s Face Book page, and read his glowing remarks about his friend Lany Gunter. And then see the 160 plus likes. The face book page is open. No doubt Lanny Gunter may have been a nice guy. But gambling causes problems for many people. In this case two people are dead and there are children missing parents.

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Corruptcolumbia January 13, 2013 at 7:57 am

Lott knew that the Parker’s were bookies since he has been sheriff and did nothing to stop them. Mainly due to his personal relationship with them and their campaign donations to him. Now that there are murders tied to them, he is in damage control mode. He has no credibility in either case and should recuse himself and just turn it over to his department. He should have no involvement personally.

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djk754 January 13, 2013 at 8:13 am

There is not one thing positive that has come from Richard Nixon’s ‘War on Drugs’.

It cost trillions.

It incarcerated millions and put millions of dependents on welfare.

It corrupted and destabilized Mexico, all of Central America and the northern half of South America.

It destroyed Civil Liberties.

It diverted Law Enforcement from actual criminal investigation.

That is just some of the negatives, please feel free to add your own.

And it never kept anyone who want to from getting high.

For fuck-sakes, they can’t even keep drugs out of Prison, let alone High School.

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Corruptcolumbia January 13, 2013 at 9:20 pm

Lucy, gambling didn’t kill anyone, a psychopath did. Stop looking for excuses for deadbeats in this society. If you really think gambling killed them then complain to the Richland County Sheriff. He let these guys knowingly run their gambling businesses in his county from day 1 of him being elected sheriff. So with your logic, you can say that the Sheriff caused the problem that led to the murders. Ludicrous

How many people come back from gambling junkets to Las Vegas or Atlantic City and kill someone? Nobody does and as soon as we put the blame on personal responsibility instead of liberal, BS excuses this world will become a better place. It’s always somebody else’s fault and that is the problem.

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Golden Hiller January 14, 2013 at 9:59 am

They really really should hope that Hursey doesn’t sing. Big trouble. Please do not even think for a second that Sponseller committed suicide.

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Wondering January 14, 2013 at 11:21 am

Who is Hursey and what is his connection?

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conserve January 14, 2013 at 1:16 pm

In the Fitsnews search block, type in hursey and read the last two comments.

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Gastonite January 14, 2013 at 3:23 pm

OMG. Wow!

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Just the Facts Please January 14, 2013 at 2:57 pm

Evidently someone does not want us to read any updates on Butch
because the search and the link both failed.

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Inletman January 15, 2013 at 8:09 am

Does the FBI leak information to see if they can get more people to roll over? Seems like every three or four months more leaks come out but Indictments don’t. Same thing in Horry county. Without heads rolling slime balls will continue to be slime balls.

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@WH_Buz_Martin January 16, 2013 at 6:37 pm

It’s my understanding that strategic leaks are one way that they do get people to “roll over.”

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Unbelieveable January 16, 2013 at 1:53 pm

Ole’ Jimmy Metts had one of his “special” deputies get caught burning down a lawyers office after he broke into it. The man had credentials and blue lights in his car.

The same guy was arrested for domestic violence twice and tried to kill himself.

Jimmy Metts has been lining his pockets for quite some time….look at when he had the jail phones reaping profits into his wife’s personal account.

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Amused January 16, 2013 at 8:52 pm

What’s a the latest on don taylor and the taylor bunch, megronigle, and the drug connections?

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Amused January 16, 2013 at 8:54 pm

Era wilder and avail realestate?

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guest May 23, 2013 at 11:31 pm

48 Hours has arrived!!!!

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guest May 23, 2013 at 11:31 pm

48 Hours has arrived!!!!

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