SC

Sheriff’s Festival Absence Raises Questions

Lexington County, S.C. Sheriff James Metts was a no-show at the annual Fourth of July Peach Festival in Gilbert, S.C. this weekend – the first time he’s missed his county’s signature event in years. The largest local festival in the state, this year’s event drew an estimated 50,000 people. Its…

Lexington County, S.C. Sheriff James Metts was a no-show at the annual Fourth of July Peach Festival in Gilbert, S.C. this weekend – the first time he’s missed his county’s signature event in years.

The largest local festival in the state, this year’s event drew an estimated 50,000 people. Its grand marshal? U.S. Sen. Tim Scott – who was one of dozens of elected officials pressing the flesh with his constituents. Among this year’s attendees were State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers, S.C. Senators Shane Massey and Katrina Shealy and S.C. Reps. Ralph Kennedy, Mac Toole, Kit Spires and Todd Atwater.

Dozens of other local officials also attended …

Metts’ conspicuous absence has fueled discussion about his legal status … and sparked another round of rumors regarding the impending collapse of the “Lexington Ring,” a cabal of crooked cops and corrupt politicians who have been running an illegal video poker operation based out of Lexington County.

Metts is one of the cops alleged to have figured prominently in the operation of the ring.

There was some major buzz about imminent indictments related to the ring last month … but once again nothing happened.

Obviously we’ll continue to follow the drama as it moves (hopefully) to some sort of resolution.

Or not … remember this is South Carolina, where accountability for law-breaking elected officials is selective.

***

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75 comments

southmauldin July 4, 2013 at 2:03 pm

If you wanted to look for the epitome of the small-town, corrupt fatass redneck sheriff, look no further than this goober.
Reminds me of James Dickey’s cameo at the end of Deliverance. The only difference, however, is Metts is the toothless cornholer and the taxpayers are Ned Beatty.
Happy 4th, people. Even you, T.

Reply
GrandTango July 4, 2013 at 3:39 pm

Thanks sm…and the same to you.
And I agree. Metts spends like a democrat, and 5 of the 9 so-called Republicans on LexCo Council give him gobs of money, year after year…

Reply
Goose July 7, 2013 at 2:36 am

Re-phrase. 5 of the 9 in any given year. The nine on the council are all libs. They just decide who votes for what based on what year it is. Not a dime’s worth of difference between them.

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GrandTango July 7, 2013 at 9:38 am

It’s why these forums are so diluted. People just run their mouths stupidly. There are at least THREE Solid Conservatives on LexCo Council. And one who votes that way because he told the people who elected he would…

That said: Even the taxers are far from liberals (see City of Columbia or Obama = Government Failure.) The 5 on LexCo Council are more like Conservative democrats, w/ the exception of DS and may JJ. They just are addicted to the power that their offices give them.

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Goose July 7, 2013 at 6:07 pm

Name one conservative on the LexCo County Council.

GrandTango July 7, 2013 at 8:14 pm

I’ll let you do your own homework, and it still may not do any good if you do…

That said: You are why we end up w/ bad people in office. If someone does not have a Liberal-Tarian (Only My Way or No Way) Approach…you bash them as liberals…

4 members of Lex. CC voted against the SMALL tax hike this year and last year…

People like you, w/ no ability to discern, makes it hard for those who do stand up. You bash the line-holders in the same breath you bash the free-spenders and the spineless…

southmauldin July 4, 2013 at 2:03 pm

If you wanted to look for the epitome of the small-town, corrupt fatass redneck sheriff, look no further than this goober.
Reminds me of James Dickey’s cameo at the end of Deliverance. The only difference, however, is Metts is the toothless cornholer and the taxpayers are Ned Beatty.
Happy 4th, people. Even you, T.

Reply
Blue Lights July 4, 2013 at 2:34 pm

Hopefully the entire Ring (Lexington Mafia) and their sycophants, ass kissers, partners in crime and corrupt politicians, other officials will all go down.
Widely rumored Fat Ass Danny razzier sang like a canary after being caught in many falsehoods and intentional misrepresentations.
Let us all hope the net is cast far and wide, so as to collect all!

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He, she and me July 4, 2013 at 7:09 pm

Let the Lexington Mafia/Lexington Ring feel the full wrath of the Criminal Justice system and the voters/taxpayers.

Tim James councilman Cayce

Joe Owens mayor West Columbia

James R Metts Lex. County Sheriff

Jason Amidio former Chief (resigned) South Congaree

Randy Halfacre mayor Town of Lexington

Bob Peeler former Lt Gov, Clemson Trustee, Lobbyist
Dennis Tindle former Chief West Columbia
Steve Benjamine mayor City of Columbia
Hazel Livingston Council woman Town of Lexington
Senator Ronnie Cromer Sen Lexington/Newberry
Senator Jake Knotts former Senator Lexington
Donnie Myers Solicitor Lexington
Danny Frazier Councilman Town Lexington
And all of the women they run with (Danny’s Hoes).
and all of their associates in crime, immorality and ethical misconduct!

Reply
too old, too tired July 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm

Heard “Frog Face” had retained an attorney and is shooting for reduced charges and allowed to retire?
Don’t know; but widely rumored and from a very reliable source.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 7, 2013 at 9:56 am

“HELL NO” to reduced charges and retiring. The tyrant should have “retired” about four or so election cycles ago when he first promised that it would be his “last run”. He did the same thing again in the next election, yet he is still here like a giant herpes lesion on the genitals of law enforcement and good conduct.

I hope he gets serious jail time and that bubba thinks he’s purty.

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. July 5, 2013 at 6:54 pm

Dont forget the Town of Lexington chief and asst. chief. Ask them if they helped or have knowledge of Danny interfering with tickets and arrests.

Reply
Goose July 7, 2013 at 2:34 am

Also Harry Harman, Beth Carrigg, Ted McGee.

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Sunshine July 4, 2013 at 2:34 pm

I could not imagine anything worst then watching a back ass festival parade full of self-serving politicians on the 4th of July. How sad!

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell July 5, 2013 at 5:05 pm

At least Ol’ Strom no longer shows.

Reply
Howdy1975 July 8, 2013 at 7:46 am

Exactly. Most of them are pathological narcissist.

Reply
Blue Lights July 4, 2013 at 2:34 pm

Hopefully the entire Ring (Lexington Mafia) and their sycophants, ass kissers, partners in crime and corrupt politicians, other officials will all go down.
Widely rumored Fat Ass Danny razzier sang like a canary after being caught in many falsehoods and intentional misrepresentations.
Let us all hope the net is cast far and wide, so as to collect all!

Reply
He, she and me July 4, 2013 at 7:09 pm

Let the Lexington Mafia/Lexington Ring feel the full wrath of the Criminal Justice system and the voters/taxpayers.

Tim James councilman Cayce

Joe Owens mayor West Columbia

James R Metts Lex. County Sheriff

Jason Amidio former Chief (resigned) South Congaree

Randy Halfacre mayor Town of Lexington

Bob Peeler former Lt Gov, Clemson Trustee, Lobbyist
Dennis Tindle former Chief West Columbia
Steve Benjamine mayor City of Columbia
Hazel Livingston Council woman Town of Lexington
Senator Ronnie Cromer Sen Lexington/Newberry
Senator Jake Knotts former Senator Lexington
Donnie Myers Solicitor Lexington
Danny Frazier Councilman Town Lexington
And all of the women they run with (Danny’s Hoes).
and all of their associates in crime, immorality and ethical misconduct!

Reply
too old, too tired July 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm

Heard “Frog Face” had retained an attorney and is shooting for reduced charges and allowed to retire?
Don’t know; but widely rumored and from a very reliable source.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 7, 2013 at 9:56 am

“HELL NO” to reduced charges and retiring. The tyrant should have “retired” about four or so election cycles ago when he first promised that it would be his “last run”. He did the same thing again in the next election, yet he is still here like a giant herpes lesion on the genitals of law enforcement and good conduct.

I hope he gets serious jail time and that bubba thinks he’s purty.

Reply
. July 5, 2013 at 6:54 pm

Dont forget the Town of Lexington chief and asst. chief. Ask them if they helped or have knowledge of Danny interfering with tickets and arrests.

Reply
Goose July 7, 2013 at 2:34 am

Also Harry Harman, Beth Carrigg, Ted McGee.

Reply
Sunshine July 4, 2013 at 2:34 pm

I could not imagine anything worst then watching a back ass festival parade full of self-serving politicians on the 4th of July. How sad!

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell July 5, 2013 at 5:05 pm

At least Ol’ Strom no longer shows.

Reply
Howdy1975 July 8, 2013 at 7:46 am

Exactly. Most of them are pathological narcissist.

Reply
GrandTango July 4, 2013 at 3:13 pm

I guess this means Nancy Mace’s dubious political career, is already over…

Guess the internal polling showed a ‘No Go’….

Reply
Thomas July 4, 2013 at 5:41 pm

Richard Cash is in, and he has 250.00 of my money. It takes 10k to file for candidacy. If she or anyone is running for Graham’s seat, better get those donations up and running.

AG Wilson is an interesting participant. Usually the AG runs for Governor. Just saying. BTW, if I was giving advice to Gov Haley, do not run, and use the 2 million in the bank for US Rep or something on down the road?

http://www.richardcashforsenate.com/

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Curious July 5, 2013 at 12:39 am

Great name for a politician.

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Goose July 7, 2013 at 2:41 am

Lindsey and Alan are both Quinnies. Alan did make a tactical error though, He is the only GOPer that could have beaten Sticky Nikki.

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jimlewisowb July 4, 2013 at 3:31 pm

There is an unwritten rule in the Federal Prosecutor’s Office

The one who cuts the first deal gets the best and only deal

Maybe the High Sheriff decided to stay away to avoid any future conflict of interest

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jimlewisowb July 4, 2013 at 3:31 pm

There

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Queen Jean July 4, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Billy: I have told you and told you. I am in charge and I run the South Carolina Judicial branch of government. One of my do-boys, Bill Nettles runs the Federal U.S. Attorneys office. I am staying in my position to protect my friends from prosecution. Jimmy is one of the chosen ones. Let all this stuff go.

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Sarge July 5, 2013 at 9:44 pm

You Fed boys have lost all credibility in South Carolina. You allow a power addicted psychopath like Jean Toal to continue her reign of terror, you ignore all the local corruption because you are too important to put up with local politics and you are actually intimidated by morons like Jakie Knotts and Jahue Moore. Come back when you really want to help clean up this mess. Otherwise, keep sending us money for local “improvement” projects so you can keep buying Democrat votes.

Reply
Queen Jean July 4, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Billy: I have told you and told you. I am in charge and I run the South Carolina Judicial branch of government. One of my do-boys, Bill Nettles runs the Federal U.S. Attorneys office. I am staying in my position to protect my friends from prosecution. Jimmy is one of the chosen ones. Let all this stuff go.

Reply
Sarge July 5, 2013 at 9:44 pm

You Fed boys have lost all credibility in South Carolina. You allow a power addicted psychopath like Jean Toal to continue her reign of terror, you ignore all the local corruption because you are too important to put up with local politics and you are actually intimidated by morons like Jakie Knotts and Jahue Moore. Come back when you really want to help clean up this mess. Otherwise, keep sending us money for local “improvement” projects so you can keep buying Democrat votes.

Reply
Inthe know July 4, 2013 at 9:11 pm

Rumor is he was already served with indictment letter…was not at work yesterday. Retained Vinton D. Lide as an attorney….who is a former U. S. Attorney.

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Mad July 6, 2013 at 10:48 pm

You mean Vinton D. “Liar”? If Jimmy is indicted, that shit stain of an attorney could not defend Jimmy’s corrupt ass if he did posses the mental skills to do so.

Jimmy retaining Vinton D. Lide! What a fucking joke on Jimmy for hiring this tool bag and Vinton for taking Jimmy as a client.

Reply
Truth seeker July 7, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Curious if Danny Frazier, Jakie Knotts, Jason Amidio and the rest of the Lexington ring went in for a group rate with this attorney? How much more of our tax money will be used to pay for this private attorney to defend them?

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South Congaree Slug July 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Tell ’em to call Richard Breibart. He’s got time, needs the money and knows the players. He and Jakie go way back. Ain’t that right, Boss Bull? Oh, yeah. You’re dead.

Reply
Inthe know July 4, 2013 at 9:11 pm

Rumor is he was already served with indictment letter…was not at work yesterday. Retained Vinton D. Lide as an attorney….who is a former U. S. Attorney.

Reply
Mad July 6, 2013 at 10:48 pm

You mean Vinton D. “Liar”? If Jimmy is indicted, that shit stain of an attorney could not defend Jimmy’s corrupt ass if he did posses the mental skills to do so.

Jimmy retaining Vinton D. Lide! What a fucking joke on Jimmy for hiring this tool bag and Vinton for taking Jimmy as a client.

Reply
Truth seeker July 7, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Curious if Danny Frazier, Jakie Knotts, Jason Amidio and the rest of the Lexington ring went in for a group rate with this attorney? How much more of our tax money will be used to pay for this private attorney to defend them?

Reply
South Congaree Slug July 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Tell ’em to call Richard Breibart. He’s got time, needs the money and knows the players. He and Jakie go way back. Ain’t that right, Boss Bull? Oh, yeah. You’re dead.

Reply
Inthe know July 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

And, 5 members of his executive staff (read cohorts) knew about this. The idiot #2 man is out the door and can’t get a job anywhere because he is a complete moron. Not to mention ALL of the baggage with Jimmy.

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Inthe know July 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

And, 5 members of his executive staff (read cohorts) knew about this. The idiot #2 man is out the door and can’t get a job anywhere because he is a complete moron. Not to mention ALL of the baggage with Jimmy.

Reply
Polyphemos July 4, 2013 at 10:59 pm

Whew! For a minute there, I thought we were going to have to look at a picture of Metts in a patriotic bikini..

Reply
Slartibartfast July 4, 2013 at 10:59 pm

Whew! For a minute there, I thought we were going to have to look at a picture of Metts in a patriotic bikini..

Reply
Batman July 5, 2013 at 9:44 am

The good Sheriff (AKA: Boss Hog) has been seen less and less in the public eye. One has to ask themselves, Why? The last time I show him was on a WIS TV interview, he looked like crap. Karma has come full circle on the Sheriff. He dodged a lot of crap through his years of service talking down to victims and the poor families, political contenders for his position, and using his office for personal gain. The sheriff prided himself as the longest seated sheriff, and all he will be known for is the fall he is preparing to take for the gambling ring of lexington county. He has watched Jake fall, a police chief step down, and now he awaits his own fate from pending indictments. Once all of thi is said and done, his name should be removed from the building he sits in. I am sure as he reads these comments he is getting fueled up, but his pride will not let him stand down. He will attempt to prove he is not worried and will show his face once again on TV or in the public. What he doesn’t realize from his pride, he looks, acts, and talks like crap and he doesn’t even know it. He closest allies from past are even laughing at him behind his back as they pat him on his back. Those slugs will ride his train as long as they can, and then forget about him once he derails that same train they are so comfortable stting on today.
Doesn’t it strike everyone funny. This once powerful sheriff eveyone feared for so many years and his croonies has been shut down. By what? A simple recording that was made public of a babbling idiot talking about these fools.
The recordings made public about a sheriff, senators,chief’s of police, council members, and local politicains. The sheriff being the most powerful of the bunch will be disgraced because of DANNY FRAZIER’s huge mouth. Wow, just think when Danny was cooking those dinners and raising money for the sheriff and Jake Knotts they both would FALL because of him.
Run away sheriff and hide your face. Doesn’t stop the process that is rolling your way. It has already cushed a couple of careers and will crush yours. Just remember, Step away now or wait until the next election. The election will prove everyone is tired of you and your antics. He WILL be humilated in the polls and walk away disgraced in your own pride that keeps you currently in office. Stick around like Danny is doing. It will set a better statement for others when you have to be removed from office.

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 5, 2013 at 4:10 pm

Lordy, Lordy, how they must hate Danny now!

Reply
Batman July 5, 2013 at 9:44 am

The good Sheriff (AKA: Boss Hog) has been seen less and less in the public eye. One has to ask themselves, Why? The last time I show him was on a WIS TV interview, he looked like crap. Karma has come full circle on the Sheriff. He dodged a lot of crap through his years of service talking down to victims and the poor families, political contenders for his position, and using his office for personal gain. The sheriff prided himself as the longest seated sheriff, and all he will be known for is the fall he is preparing to take for the gambling ring of lexington county. He has watched Jake fall, a police chief step down, and now he awaits his own fate from pending indictments. Once all of thi is said and done, his name should be removed from the building he sits in. I am sure as he reads these comments he is getting fueled up, but his pride will not let him stand down. He will attempt to prove he is not worried and will show his face once again on TV or in the public. What he doesn’t realize from his pride, he looks, acts, and talks like crap and he doesn’t even know it. He closest allies from past are even laughing at him behind his back as they pat him on his back. Those slugs will ride his train as long as they can, and then forget about him once he derails that same train they are so comfortable stting on today.
Doesn’t it strike everyone funny. This once powerful sheriff eveyone feared for so many years and his croonies has been shut down. By what? A simple recording that was made public of a babbling idiot talking about these fools.
The recordings made public about a sheriff, senators,chief’s of police, council members, and local politicains. The sheriff being the most powerful of the bunch will be disgraced because of DANNY FRAZIER’s huge mouth. Wow, just think when Danny was cooking those dinners and raising money for the sheriff and Jake Knotts they both would FALL because of him.
Run away sheriff and hide your face. Doesn’t stop the process that is rolling your way. It has already cushed a couple of careers and will crush yours. Just remember, Step away now or wait until the next election. The election will prove everyone is tired of you and your antics. He WILL be humilated in the polls and walk away disgraced in your own pride that keeps you currently in office. Stick around like Danny is doing. It will set a better statement for others when you have to be removed from office.

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell July 5, 2013 at 4:10 pm

Lordy, Lordy, how they must hate Danny now!

Reply
Inthe know July 5, 2013 at 10:19 am

And to top it all off, there is yet ANOTHER Federal investigation from ICE involving the Rawl family, Danny boy, and Jimmy Metts. All those illegal immigrants have caught up with everyone and now, this investigation has revealed that preferential treatment went to the Rawl employees (illegally here) by LCSD. Guess who is a HUGE contributor to Jimmy Metts? And guess who the captain was of that area? A man who is married to a Rawl and is one of Jimmy’s henchman….does it ever stop????

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Inthe know July 5, 2013 at 10:19 am

And to top it all off, there is yet ANOTHER Federal investigation from ICE involving the Rawl family, Danny boy, and Jimmy Metts. All those illegal immigrants have caught up with everyone and now, this investigation has revealed that preferential treatment went to the Rawl employees (illegally here) by LCSD. Guess who is a HUGE contributor to Jimmy Metts? And guess who the captain was of that area? A man who is married to a Rawl and is one of Jimmy’s henchman….does it ever stop????

Reply
jeffy01 July 5, 2013 at 11:39 am

imminent indictment I’m sure?

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jeffy01 July 5, 2013 at 11:39 am

imminent indictment I’m sure?

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Mguzman July 5, 2013 at 12:59 pm

What kind of HAIRDO does he have going on??????

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dwb619 July 5, 2013 at 2:51 pm

Atomic comb-over.

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Mguzman July 5, 2013 at 12:59 pm

What kind of HAIRDO does he have going on??????

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dwb619 July 5, 2013 at 2:51 pm

Atomic comb-over.

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Elfego July 5, 2013 at 1:39 pm

America has become a Nation of Lawless instead of a Nation of Laws. We have damned ourselves.

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Elfego July 5, 2013 at 1:39 pm

America has become a Nation of Lawless instead of a Nation of Laws. We have damned ourselves.

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wswswsws July 8, 2013 at 7:44 am

Scott .. pfftt … Only in politics for the money and the perks.

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wswswsws July 8, 2013 at 7:44 am

Scott .. pfftt … Only in politics for the money and the perks.

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Inthe know July 8, 2013 at 9:15 am

Here is yet another kicker- Metts teaches (on taxpayer dollars) at Anderson College- if he filled the class, he got a percentage of the tuition back- now guess who a third of the class is filled with???? You got it- LCSD Deputies- on the taxpayer payroll, with taxpayer gas, in a taxpayer car. Wanna know who else taught there? His staff attorney and his daughter! WOW! What a racket!

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CorruptionInColumbia July 8, 2013 at 11:08 am

I didn’t know that but am not in the least surprised. This needs to be brought out into the open at every opportunity. Thank You for sharing!!!!!!

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Inthe know July 8, 2013 at 9:15 am

Here is yet another kicker- Metts teaches (on taxpayer dollars) at Anderson College- if he filled the class, he got a percentage of the tuition back- now guess who a third of the class is filled with???? You got it- LCSD Deputies- on the taxpayer payroll, with taxpayer gas, in a taxpayer car. Wanna know who else taught there? His staff attorney and his daughter! WOW! What a racket!

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CorruptionInColumbia July 8, 2013 at 11:08 am

I didn’t know that but am not in the least surprised. This needs to be brought out into the open at every opportunity. Thank You for sharing!!!!!!

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Darth July 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm

Do Jakie Knothead bin there?

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Darth July 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm

Do Jakie Knothead bin there?

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Jeff Mars June 18, 2014 at 8:09 am

Notice how quiet Town of Lex. PD is….. Danny’s ole buddy Jay is a little nervous.

Reply

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