SC

Columbia, SC: Where Gang Bangers Run Free

We’re often asked “is there anything you guys think government should do?” Well yes … and while we are obviously hard core libertarians here at FITS, we believe government ought to provide protection of life, liberty and property via a police force and a judicial branch. Which makes us “cops…

We’re often asked “is there anything you guys think government should do?”

Well yes … and while we are obviously hard core libertarians here at FITS, we believe government ought to provide protection of life, liberty and property via a police force and a judicial branch. Which makes us “cops and courts” libertarians, as the expression goes.

Unfortunately, we live in a world in which government tries to do pretty much everything under the sun – and yet performs core functions (like “cops and courts”) incompetently and corruptly.

Take the story of 18-year-old gang banger Lorenzo Bernard Young – a menace to society if we’ve ever seen one.

Young has a rap sheet a mile long – including recent arrests for assault, armed robbery, kidnapping and illegal weapons possession. Many of these arrests took place mere months ago – with the charges against Young pending.

Kelly Hunnewell
Kelly Hunnewell

Why are we bringing this up? Because Young is one of two hoodlums arrested in connection with last week’s murder of 33-year-old Kelly L. Hunnewell – a single mother of four children (three boys and a girl aged five through thirteen) who was working the early morning shift at a local bakery.

Young and one of his fellow delinquents robbed the bakery after another establishment they had planned to burglarize was closed. Hunnewell was shot multiple times in the upper body while attempting to defend herself during the attack.

Here’s our question …

With multiple recent arrests for numerous serious crimes on his record – what in the hell was Lorenzo Young doing on the street?

Seriously … was the Columbia, S.C. police department too busy busting college kids for underage drinking to make a compelling case? Was the local prosecutor (who like Young is black) too busy with “other things?” And what about the judge(s) who actually set Young free?

Talk about  a colossal systemic failure … one which has directly resulted in the murder of a young single mother struggling to provide for her four children.

And more to the point – when is the mainstream media in South Carolina going to wake up to the fact there is a major gang problem in the Palmetto State’s capital city? Because it’s getting out of control.

It is not government’s job to build parking garages or subsidize f*cking “hydrogen economies of the future.” Nor is it government’s job to give developers millions of dollars for new revitalization projects.

It is government’s job to keep criminals off of the streets, however – a job it is abjectly (and tragically) failing to do in Columbia, S.C. – which is home to an escalating gang violence epidemic.

Good luck luring businesses to town with that sort of track record …

***

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198 comments

CorruptionInColumbia July 9, 2013 at 3:24 pm

Well said, Fits!!!!!!!!

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 9, 2013 at 3:24 pm

Well said, Fits!!!!!!!!

Reply
Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Sure, most of the blame should fall on the shoulders of these derelict thug elements, but I also hold personally accountable the likes of Dan Johnson.

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Bullgerbil July 9, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Agree 110%. Columbia definitely doesn’t have a corner on the free roaming thug market. Take a look: http://chasthuglife.blogspot.com/

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Sure, most of the blame should fall on the shoulders of these derelict thug elements, but I also hold personally accountable the likes of Dan Johnson.

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Bullgerbil July 9, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Agree 110%. Columbia definitely doesn’t have a corner on the free roaming thug market. Take a look: http://chasthuglife.blogspot.com/

Reply
AnnieWho July 9, 2013 at 3:38 pm

Seriously, this is now a different town than the one I remember growing up in… The frequency of these kinds of stories is disturbing.

Reply
Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 4:09 pm

I’ve been here for 15 years Annie and have watched a medium sized city that once had a lot of potential, erode it’s potential away at the hands of inept city officials. Since I’ve been here, poor city planning, inept elected figures and derelict law enforcement have aided in the destruction of St Andrews Road, Broad River Road, Bush River Road, Beltline/Two Notch corridor, Decker/Trenholm intersection, Richland Mall, Columbia Mall, I’m sure I’m forgetting other blighted out parts of town but you get the picture. Had a known 15 years ago what I know now, I would have never purchased my first house in this god forsaken city, let alone my third.

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stantonlore July 9, 2013 at 8:15 pm

I don’t think you can blame law enforcement for the crime rate. Police come when called and bring the perps to jail. It is not the police or sheriff’s fault that judges release criminals on low bonds or on OR. The police and sheriff’s depts do a good job from my experience living in Columbia for 20+ years.

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Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 12:02 am

Randy Scott did not lead by example, that’s where I’m coming up with the derelict LEO.

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Sgt. Major Sledge July 9, 2013 at 8:41 pm

Amen!!!!!
But, the same corrupt crap will be elected over and over!

Reply
I'llBeYourHuckleberry July 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm

that is, until it is one of their children/wives/selves to be the target. I’ve been here since ’05, and have been less than impressed with the way things are handled here.

I mean, if the show “Gangland” focuses a show on your city (even if it isn’t as bad as other places they have highlighted), more than likely, you got a problem…

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Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 1:16 pm

I would argue that Columbia is as bad as many of the places Gangland has highlighted, per capita, but you’ll need to ask Steve Benjamin if we have a gang problem.

Smirks July 10, 2013 at 12:05 pm

I’m sure I’m forgetting other blighted out parts of town

It might be easier to name the few parts of town that aren’t completely ruined.

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Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 12:41 pm

Can you even begin to imagine the cesspool that the Shops at Sandhills will be 5 years from now?

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geez January 15, 2023 at 12:30 pm

wow, you called it!!!

AnnieWho July 9, 2013 at 3:38 pm

Seriously, this is now a different town than the one I remember growing up in… The frequency of these kinds of stories is disturbing.

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 4:09 pm

I’ve been here for 15 years Annie and have watched a medium sized city that once had a lot of potential, erode it’s potential away at the hands of inept city officials. Since I’ve been here, poor city planning, inept elected figures and derelict law enforcement have aided in the destruction of St Andrews Road, Broad River Road, Bush River Road, Beltline/Two Notch corridor, Decker/Trenholm intersection, Richland Mall, Columbia Mall, I’m sure I’m forgetting other blighted out parts of town but you get the picture. Had I known 15 years ago what I know now, I would have never purchased my first house in this god forsaken city, let alone my third.

Reply
leviguy1947 July 9, 2013 at 8:15 pm

I don’t think you can blame law enforcement for the crime rate. Police come when called and bring the perps to jail. It is not the police or sheriff’s fault that judges release criminals on low bonds or on OR. The police and sheriff’s depts do a good job from my experience living in Columbia for 20+ years.

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 10, 2013 at 12:02 am

Randy Scott did not lead by example, that’s where I’m coming up with the derelict LEO.

Reply
Sgt. Major Sledge July 9, 2013 at 8:41 pm

Amen!!!!!
But, the same corrupt crap will be elected over and over!

Reply
I'llBeYourHuckleberry July 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm

that is, until it is one of their children/wives/selves to be the target. I’ve been here since ’05, and have been less than impressed with the way things are handled here.

I mean, if the show “Gangland” focuses a show on your city (even if it isn’t as bad as other places they have highlighted), more than likely, you got a problem…

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 10, 2013 at 1:16 pm

I would argue that Columbia is as bad as many of the places Gangland has highlighted, per capita, but you’ll need to ask Steve Benjamin if we have a gang problem.

Smirks July 10, 2013 at 12:05 pm

I’m sure I’m forgetting other blighted out parts of town

It might be easier to name the few parts of town that aren’t completely ruined.

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 10, 2013 at 12:41 pm

Can you even begin to imagine the cesspool that the Shops at Sandhills will be 5 years from now?

Reply
Smirks July 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm

I think I get the “Famously Hot” slogan now, “hot” just means “stolen.”

Reply
Smirks July 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm

I think I get the “Famously Hot” slogan now, “hot” just means “stolen.”

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GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

FITS, the liberals and the Liberal-Tarians, are as responsible as anyone..

You cannot go around spouting off about mo’ drugs, mo’ hos and no respect for reaosnable law enforcment, w/o the wild seeing it as carte blanche to do as they please…

There is a price for Liberal-Tarians telling the Stupid, undisciplined and lawless they have no responsibility…

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Smirks July 9, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Drug dealers wouldn’t sell dope if you could buy it legally, or at least if there were individual dealers, they wouldn’t have to break the law in order to sell. It would be less like buying something from an armed person that buys from an illegal cartel and more like going to the farmers market to buy hand-grown stuff.

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JohnQPublick July 9, 2013 at 3:59 pm

In a utopian society, sure. But you cannot be naive enough to believe that street thugs/gang members/criminal enterprises will respect a privatized drug market. The thug life mentality is not interested in complying with a working model of profit for controlled substances.

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Karolyn July 9, 2013 at 4:21 pm

They would be driven out of business. I read a piece in which a drug dealer was asked what he thought about legalizing drugs, and he was waaay against it.

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tomstickler July 10, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Back in Kentucky, counties have “local option” whether to allow sale of alcohol. A coalition of bootleggers and preachers maintains many “dry” counties.

Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:52 pm

“A coalition of bootleggers and preachers maintains many “dry” counties.”
I’ve heard the same for western North Carolina.

ShaneJax October 21, 2013 at 11:56 pm

Right, I know there are tons of thugs that don’t respect Budweiser and Coors legalities and cause turf wars full of violence to protect their alcohol territories. Oh wait…

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Curious July 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm

Or a medical dispensary…

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Karolyn July 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm

As stated above, this state is run by Republican “conservatives.”

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GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 4:23 pm

The Crinminal Justice System is run by Liberals. See what they did to G. Zimmerman in Fla. or Duke LaCrosse in NC????

Look at OJ. He walked because the left allows murder for certain special leftwing intrest groups….

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Junior July 10, 2013 at 1:44 pm

Please forgive me, but I am agreeing with GrandTango. There is no more corrupt, Democratic Party liberal, power hungry, vote buying thug on any court in America than SC’s Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal.

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JohnQPublick July 9, 2013 at 3:48 pm

Law enforcement agencies arrest violent and repeat offenders daily in our state. Once arrested and booked in to a detention facility, the offenders bond is decided by the bond judge. Our judges and the legislators that determine their powers then make the decision for what bond they will or will not receive. SC judges and legislators are augmenting the criminal problems in our state by giving these lowlife violent offenders personal recognizance bonds or surety bonds that are so low it is laughable. That is where the blame lies.

Reply
GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Liberals have been strong Advocates for the worst of our society for a long time. Murderers, rapists, child molestors…trial lawyers, the ACLU, and leftwing politicians defend them as if they are innocent…

The good people are culpable for not stopping the liberals…

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 3:55 pm

Yeah, because all those liberals at the statehouse are writing the laws. We need to throw those liberals out.

Wait, SC is controlled by and bought and paid for by Republicans.

Grand tango, it may sound nice to blame everything on liberals, but they are not in control here.

Wake up dude.

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GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 4:14 pm

Ever hear of the ACLU or the Trial Lawyers Association, and the millions and millions they give leftwing politicians???..so Criminals can walk free, and pay them…

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:24 pm

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. But keep talking. It is kind of funny.

All those groups do is support the Bill of Rights. You must hate the Constitution too.

All of your comments are always 100 percent negative. Must suck going through life as such a Debbie Downer.

GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

You might better read the Constitution…
The Constiution does not Give your special intrest groups the right, like OJ, to kill other human beings, just because you are a hateful and bitter RACIST…

Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:30 pm

There you go again.

The constitution gives us all the right to a trial by jury when accused of a crime. That is something our ancestors didn’t have in jolly old England.

OJ opted for that a jury found him not guilty. He was accused of another crime and he opted for the good old constitutional right to a jury trial again and a jury found him guilty. Now, he is sitting in prison.

What is your point? The constitution does not play favorites. It gives the inalienable rights to all of us.

Even you.

scyankee July 9, 2013 at 11:49 pm

Misstate – GOP has been in full control for about 12 years now.. it takes more than 12 years to undo 120 years of liberal laws

Reply
Shitless Joe July 10, 2013 at 9:05 am

I think our dad (Grand Tango) needs his Ex Lax. It’s your turn, but I promise to fight the good fight while your away.

Misstate July 10, 2013 at 9:59 am

Republicans took control of the S.C. House in 1994, followed by the state Senate in 2001. A Republican has been elected governor every four years, with one exception, since 1987. I would say the agenda in South Carolina is set by the Republican party.

However, to GrandTango’s point…liberals absolutely do not set the agenda in this deep red state. To think otherwise is delusional or just basic ignorance of the facts.

Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 8:42 am

It’s a nationwide epidemic.

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Sarge July 9, 2013 at 3:56 pm

Because in Richland County, 96% of these thugs will eventually vote for the Democrats. The politicians don’t want to make them mad.

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Gangbang At Groupe July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

96%? Shut the fuck up…these assholes don’t vote.

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Karolyn July 9, 2013 at 4:19 pm

Good point and one I try to stress when people assert this type of argument.

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm

They don’t have to vote, Ms. McButtface will make sure that their vote is counted regardless of them showing up at the polls.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:40 pm

Um, they don’t vote.

Some of you folks should get out more.

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JohnQPublick July 9, 2013 at 7:05 pm

Case in point: http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/14/2556606/2-dead-in-early-morning-columbia.html

Shyborn Belton (age 23) was out on a surety bond when he killed the governor’s employee, Chamberlain Branch, here in Columbia in December 2012. Belton’s criminal history was extensive and he had been arrested less than two weeks before Branch was killed (drug offense). Prior crimes were violent/weapons/drugs. An obvious repeat offender. Released by paying a sickening low amount of bond.

Don’t misinterpret what I am saying. Bonds should not only be determined by TYPE of offense, but by the criminal history/frequency of crimes committed. Belton contributed nothing to society but degradation. His “constitutional right” to bond resulted in a dead innocent South Carolinian.

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stantonlore July 9, 2013 at 7:56 pm

well put my friend.

Reply
JohnQPublick July 9, 2013 at 3:48 pm

Law enforcement agencies arrest violent and repeat offenders daily in our state. Once arrested and booked in to a detention facility, the offenders bond is decided by the bond judge. Our judges and the legislators that determine their powers then make the decision for what bond they will or will not receive. SC judges and legislators are augmenting the criminal problems in our state by giving these lowlife violent offenders personal recognizance bonds or surety bonds that are so low it is laughable. That is where the blame lies.

Reply
Sarge July 9, 2013 at 3:56 pm

Because in Richland County, 96% of these thugs will eventually vote for the Democrats. The politicians don’t want to make them mad.

Reply
Gangbang At Groupe July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

96%? Shut the fuck up…these assholes don’t vote.

Reply
Karolyn July 9, 2013 at 4:19 pm

Good point and one I try to stress when people assert this type of argument.

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm

They don’t have to vote, Ms. McButtface will make sure that their vote is counted regardless of them showing up at the polls.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:40 pm

Um, they don’t vote.

Some of you folks should get out more.

Reply
JohnQPublick July 9, 2013 at 7:05 pm

Case in point: http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/14/2556606/2-dead-in-early-morning-columbia.html

Shyborn Belton (age 23) was out on a surety bond when he killed the governor’s employee, Chamberlain Branch, here in Columbia in December 2012. Belton’s criminal history was extensive and he had been arrested less than two weeks before Branch was killed (drug offense). Prior crimes were violent/weapons/drugs. An obvious repeat offender. Released by paying a sickening low amount of bond.

Don’t misinterpret what I am saying. Bonds should not only be determined by TYPE of offense, but by the criminal history/frequency of crimes committed. Belton contributed nothing to society but degradation. His “constitutional right” to bond resulted in a dead innocent South Carolinian.

Reply
leviguy1947 July 9, 2013 at 7:56 pm

well put my friend.

Reply
Vanguard16 July 9, 2013 at 3:54 pm

Time for some target practice!!

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Vanguard16 July 9, 2013 at 3:54 pm

Time for some target practice!!

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Dan on Devine July 9, 2013 at 3:58 pm

It’s the fault of the white USC kids getting drunk at 5 Points! Didn’t you people listen to the former police chief and your esteemed mayor?

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Smirks July 10, 2013 at 12:06 pm

If only we could’ve understood the drunk frat guy tripping over himself to get back to his dorm caused all those rampant burglaries!

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Wild Bill Hickok July 9, 2013 at 3:58 pm

Arm the populace. There’s nothing more discouraging to a hoodlum than a potential victim shooting back or some of his gang banger friends dying from granny filling him with lead.

Eliminate the requirement for CWP’s and let everyone carry.

Society will become more polite and much of the trash will be dealt with without courts and cops.

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Dan on Devine July 9, 2013 at 3:58 pm

It’s the fault of the white USC kids getting drunk at 5 Points! Didn’t you people listen to the former police chief and your esteemed mayor?

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Smirks July 10, 2013 at 12:06 pm

If only we could’ve understood the drunk frat guy tripping over himself to get back to his dorm caused all those rampant burglaries!

Reply
Wild Bill Hickok July 9, 2013 at 3:58 pm

Arm the populace. There’s nothing more discouraging to a hoodlum than a potential victim shooting back or some of his gang banger friends dying from granny filling him with lead.

Eliminate the requirement for CWP’s and let everyone carry.

Society will become more polite and much of the trash will be dealt with without courts and cops.

Reply
Elfego July 9, 2013 at 4:08 pm

Fits,
If you have ever taken on a cause that needs attention this is one. Look up the FBI statistics and you will find white folks are being attacked by blacks on an average of 8-12 times higher than vice-versa. The race pimps along with the so called mainstream media pushed any white on black crime and stirs up hatred. I am a retired police office and I have watched this now for many years sorry to say and we cannot expect the US Justice Department or in most cases our local police departments to take a stand it appears.

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stantonlore July 9, 2013 at 8:11 pm

DOJ statistics also reveal black males are 6 to 7 times more likely to commit a violent crime and more than 95%of interracial rape is black on white. I no longer care why this is so. It is evil and should be dealt with by any means.

Reply
Elfego July 9, 2013 at 4:08 pm

Fits,
If you have ever taken on a cause that needs attention this is one. Look up the FBI statistics and you will find white folks are being attacked by blacks on an average of 8-12 times higher than vice-versa. The race pimps along with the so called mainstream media pushed any white on black crime and stirs up hatred. I am a retired police office and I have watched this now for many years sorry to say and we cannot expect the US Justice Department or in most cases our local police departments to take a stand it appears.

Reply
leviguy1947 July 9, 2013 at 8:11 pm

DOJ statistics also reveal black males are 6 to 7 times more likely to commit a violent crime and more than 95%of interracial rape is black on white. I no longer care why this is so. It is evil and should be dealt with by any means.

Reply
Yelsewh July 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

They messed up and killed an attractive white lady with 4 young children. Rest assured that after these clowns have their day in court they will never see the outside of a prison gate again.

Reply
guest July 9, 2013 at 7:27 pm

What ever happened to hanging on the northeast corner of the county court house. Public agony works!!

Reply
Scrappy July 9, 2013 at 10:32 pm

We can only hope. The truth be told, we the taxpayers should not have to feed these bastards the next 50 years. Conviction,-appeal-appeal-22 bullet to head. We may screw up every now and then, but then, nothing is perfect! Black, White, Brown or Green. All said, All done. The shit would stop!

Reply
JBB July 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

Ugly racist speculation about Dan Johnson in this article. Insinuating that because he is black, he contributed to these kids being on the street (with no other “evidence” to support that assertion mind you). The Solicitor is a Citadel graduate and a veteran who has served his country proudly overseas, not to mention the countless hours he has given volunteering in the community here.

Once again, more spineless and unsubstantiated tripe from FitsNews.

Reply
Honkey Whitebread July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Time for a new race card, the one you are playing with is worn out.

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 4:14 pm

These assertions would have nothing to do with his own criminal activity now would it? It’s obviously a race thing, because he’s mostly a black man.

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jimlewisowb July 9, 2013 at 4:43 pm

A Citadel Graduate you say

Well, let me be the first to apologize. If I had known he was a Citadel graduate then I would have measured my comments more carefully. A Citadel graduate, do tell

By the way, isn’t the Citadel the same place that let that little cornholer Skippy shuck his corn for a few years, isn’t the Citadel the same place that has stonewalled investigations of their nationally acclaimed Cornholer Graduate Degree Program, isn’t the Citadel the same place that recently resisted review of a female cadet’s charge of being groped, isn’t the Citadel the same place that spawned Dan Johnson, an official of the Court, who pulled a gun and threatened to kill a FBI agent…………

isn’t the Citadel – what the shit, I think you have gotten the message by now

oh, if it isn’t the Citadel, I apologize

Reply
Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Nailed it!

Reply
xx July 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm

C’mon anybody can get into the Citadel and anybody can get a degree from there. Look at the S.A.T.s. Basically a Citadel degree qualifies one to be an insurance salesman or a paper salesman. (No offense Nancy Mace)

Reply
fedupandsick July 11, 2013 at 12:47 pm

If this guy is so smart and such a hot catch, why doesn’t he go out and get a big-paying job somewhere? Oh, I forgot, he is so “selfless” he is willing to devote his life to public “service”. What a noble sacrifice.

Reply
Yelsewh July 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

They messed up and killed an attractive white lady with 4 young children. Rest assured that after these clowns have their day in court they will never see the outside of a prison gate again.

Reply
guest July 9, 2013 at 7:27 pm

What ever happened to hanging on the northeast corner of the county court house. Public agony works!!

Reply
Scrappy July 9, 2013 at 10:32 pm

We can only hope. The truth be told, we the taxpayers should not have to feed these bastards the next 50 years. Conviction,-appeal-appeal-22 bullet to head. We may screw up every now and then, but then, nothing is perfect! Black, White, Brown or Green. All said, All done. The shit would stop!

Reply
JBB July 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

Ugly racist speculation about Dan Johnson in this article. Insinuating that because he is black, he contributed to these kids being on the street (with no other “evidence” to support that assertion mind you). The Solicitor is a Citadel graduate and a veteran who has served his country proudly overseas, not to mention the countless hours he has given volunteering in the community here.

Once again, more spineless and unsubstantiated tripe from FitsNews.

Reply
Honkey Whitebread July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Time for a new race card, the one you are playing with is worn out.

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 4:14 pm

These assertions would have nothing to do with his own criminal activity now would it? It’s obviously a race thing, because he’s mostly a black man.

Reply
jimlewisowb July 9, 2013 at 4:43 pm

A

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Nailed it!

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xx July 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm

C’mon anybody can get into the Citadel and anybody can get a degree from there. Look at the S.A.T.s. Basically a Citadel degree qualifies one to be an insurance salesman or a paper salesman. (No offense Nancy Mace)

Reply
fedupandsick July 11, 2013 at 12:47 pm

If this guy is so smart and such a hot catch, why doesn’t he go out and get a big-paying job somewhere? Oh, I forgot, he is so “selfless” he is willing to devote his life to public “service”. What a noble sacrifice.

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nitrat July 9, 2013 at 4:12 pm

You need to be upset with the magistrate and/or circuit judges who have serious problems – nationwide – evaluating people for bond, up to and including a widespread difficulty understanding the definition of “violent”.

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Set the bond too high, you’re a racist. Hand out due punishment, you’re a racist. Pass them up for parole, you’re a racist. Fight back, you’re a racist. Thanks progressivism run amok for making the system damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

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nitrat July 9, 2013 at 5:18 pm

progressivism in SC???

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 7:59 pm

It’s a nationwide epidemic.

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guest July 9, 2013 at 7:28 pm

THEN BE A FUCKING RCIST!!!

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guest July 9, 2013 at 7:29 pm

“racist”

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nitrat July 9, 2013 at 4:12 pm

You need to be upset with the magistrate and/or circuit judges who have serious problems – nationwide – evaluating people for bond, up to and including a widespread difficulty understanding the definition of “violent”.

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Set the bond too high, you’re a racist. Hand out due punishment, you’re a racist. Pass them up for parole, you’re a racist. Fight back, you’re a racist. Thanks progressivism run amok for making the system damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

Reply
nitrat July 9, 2013 at 5:18 pm

progressivism in SC???

Reply
The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 7:59 pm

It’s a nationwide epidemic.

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guest July 9, 2013 at 7:28 pm

THEN BE A FUCKING RCIST!!!

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guest July 9, 2013 at 7:29 pm

“racist”

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CorruptionInColumbia July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Damnit to hell Fits, will you PLEASE fix this damn comment board????

Please, divide the board up into pages or something so that we can read it when it gets more than a few comments deep.

PLEASE!!!!!!!

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Same ol' Same ol' July 9, 2013 at 9:57 pm

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. This website/blog design sucks.

Reply
d d July 10, 2013 at 10:53 am

that type of design change will take a long, long time or complete redo as my bud tells me. I agree

Reply
tomstickler July 10, 2013 at 4:13 pm

No problems whatsoever viewing with Google Chrome on a Windows Vista laptop.

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CorruptionInColumbia July 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Damnit to hell Fits, will you PLEASE fix this damn comment board????

Please, divide the board up into pages or something so that we can read it when it gets more than a few comments deep.

PLEASE!!!!!!!

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' July 9, 2013 at 9:57 pm

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. This website/blog design sucks.

Reply
S E July 10, 2013 at 10:53 am

that type of design change will take a long, long time or complete redo as my bud tells me. I agree

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tomstickler July 10, 2013 at 4:13 pm

No problems whatsoever viewing with Google Chrome on a Windows Vista laptop.

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jimlewisowb July 9, 2013 at 4:17 pm

You are so naive willie my boy

Blacked out souped up Dodge Chargers/SUVs with lights/ logos; peg legged pants stuffed into steel toed patent leather buster browns; Glocks: M16s; Browning BARs; 14k gold scrambled eggs on the shirt collar; permed hair is all made possible by the existence and robust daily activities of gangs

If Richland County, City of Columbia and Dan TheJohnson Johnson got rid of the gangs, they would be destroying the Golden Goose which lays their Golden Eggs

Not to be crude but the same can be said of the sons of bitches over at DSS. Without a dead baby or two every few months how can you expect the goddamn mother fuckers to find a legitimate reason to ask for a few more million dollars just to have the same fucking results a few months down the road

Dead babies, dead mothers are a means to an end – nothing more, nothing less

Silly boy, willie, silly boy

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jimlewisowb July 9, 2013 at 4:17 pm

You

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GrandTango July 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm

I wonder if Obama will jump out and claim any of these murderers LOOK LIKE HIS SON???

Makes you feel a lot better about what George Zimmerman did??..Yet you actually have people on the left vehmently defending the THUGS…

I sure wish this woman would have been armed. We need to think about this case, the next time the liberals try to prosecute an hispanic guy for defending himself from a Street Monster, like these….

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d d July 10, 2013 at 11:00 am

GT, you really don’t have a grasp of reality at all. Republicans hold power over almost all branches of government in SC, for sure the legislature and Gov office. The courts are packed with largely republicans, elected by the Republican dominated/controlled legislature. So, to say that liberals and others to the left are responsible for the streets being flooded with criminals is just flat wrong. You, again, spew b.s. and just propaganda with no basis in fact. If we were in CT or MA then you probably would be right. Every post you make only serves to paint you as an ill-informed, angry, bitter purveyor of political nonsense. Again, you are not self-aware, at all. I fully expect to be called some name like a liberal etc although I am a conservative. lol

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edr July 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

4 years ago 65 year old man arrested by undercover female
deputy in lexington county for using internet to seduce 14 year
old girl, was headlined by wis tv on 6 oclock news. has not been
to trial yet.

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nitrat July 9, 2013 at 5:19 pm

And, that is why judges should handle dockets and not solicitors.

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edr July 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

4 years ago 65 year old man arrested by undercover female
deputy in lexington county for using internet to seduce 14 year
old girl, was headlined by wis tv on 6 oclock news. has not been
to trial yet.

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nitrat July 9, 2013 at 5:19 pm

And, that is why judges should handle dockets and not solicitors.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm

Columbia needs to wake up or we are going to end up looking like detroit.

Go out to Sandhills after dark and walk around. Feel safe?

Hell, go to Columbia Mall during daylight and good luck not getting carjacked.

This town is changing. There are a bunch of young punks running around with pistols who base their lives off of how their favorite rap star acts in a video. They think their actions have no consequences and for the most part they don’t. They have zero parental influence to check their actions and they act however they want to.

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 4:39 pm

I was feeling bold a few days before Christmas last year and visited the Macy’s at Columbia Mall to try and find my wife a jewelry armoire, horrible idea by the way. I probably looked like a cop to most everybody milling around in there and was met with a whole lot of rude trifling Macy’s employees. So to try to warm up to some of the sales associates, I began wishing each one that I came into contact with a “Merry Christmas”. I made this simple holiday wish to no fewer than a half dozen African American employees and was met with ugly looks, grunts, and had a few just flat out ignore me. You’re f*cking A right this town is changing, but it’s not just this town it’s this country. The steady decline of western civilization is occurring daily.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:45 pm

I blame the internet. And anonymous comments.

You’re right though. This place is getting scary. Rural lexington is just as bad. Different problems, different drugs, different skin color but same violence and thuggery.

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xx July 9, 2013 at 7:24 pm

@Jay – Columbia Mall – do you have a death wish?!

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Just trying to embrace diversity.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm

Columbia needs to wake up or we are going to end up looking like detroit.

Go out to Sandhills after dark and walk around. Feel safe?

Hell, go to Columbia Mall during daylight and good luck not getting carjacked.

This town is changing. There are a bunch of young punks running around with pistols who base their lives off of how their favorite rap star acts in a video. They think their actions have no consequences and for the most part they don’t. They have zero parental influence to check their actions and they act however they want to.

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 4:39 pm

I was feeling bold a few days before Christmas last year and visited the Macy’s at Columbia Mall to try and find my wife a jewelry armoire, horrible idea by the way. I probably looked like a cop to most everybody milling around in there and was met with a whole lot of rude trifling Macy’s employees. So to try to warm up to some of the sales associates, I began wishing each one that I came into contact with a “Merry Christmas”. I made this simple holiday wish to no fewer than a half dozen African American employees and was met with ugly looks, grunts, and had a few just flat out ignore me. You’re f*cking A right this town is changing, but it’s not just this town it’s this country. The steady decline of western civilization is occurring daily.

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Misstate July 9, 2013 at 4:45 pm

I blame the internet. And anonymous comments.

You’re right though. This place is getting scary. Rural lexington is just as bad. Different problems, different drugs, different skin color but same violence and thuggery.

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xx July 9, 2013 at 7:24 pm

@Jay – Columbia Mall – do you have a death wish?!

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Just trying to embrace diversity.

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JM July 9, 2013 at 6:04 pm

SLED goes where the money is – more money in busting underage kids with rich parents than gangbangers. Doesn’t surprise me

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JM July 9, 2013 at 6:04 pm

SLED goes where the money is – more money in busting underage kids with rich parents than gangbangers. Doesn’t surprise me

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Comrade1917 July 9, 2013 at 6:33 pm

Groids kill.

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Comrade1917 July 9, 2013 at 6:33 pm

Groids kill.

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stantonlore July 9, 2013 at 8:03 pm

I hope those who feel strongly enough to comment here will also donate a few dollars to the woman’s family. Read the wistv article and at the end there is a link.

After the gang muggings in five points the last several years I made sure my concealed carry permit was current. If this woman had a weapon she would have had a chance. Maybe she is killed anyway but maybe she takes one with her. This case should tell people it can happen anywhere to anyone. Be prepared.

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Jay Ellington July 9, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Absolutely sir.

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leviguy1947 July 9, 2013 at 8:03 pm

I hope those who feel strongly enough to comment here will also donate a few dollars to the woman’s family. Read the wistv article and at the end there is a link.

After the gang muggings in five points the last several years I made sure my concealed carry permit was current. If this woman had a weapon she would have had a chance. Maybe she is killed anyway but maybe she takes one with her. This case should tell people it can happen anywhere to anyone. Be prepared.

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 9, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Absolutely sir.

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Your neighbor July 9, 2013 at 8:40 pm

Unfortunately, it is a problem all over and a very dangerous one. I was personally responsible for a drug dealer being arrested by SLED when I could get little help from Lex. Sheriff.
He was placed in Lex. jail, had recently been arrested by Lex. County and was back on the street in a matter of days!
The guy now transports drugs from another state to SC.
He is a meth cook, prefers the shake and bake method and pays young people to but Sudafed for him and then supplies them with any drug of their choice. He also pays them handsomely for all of the Sudafed they providwe to him.
These SOBs are destroying lives and are continually apprehended, then returned to the street shortly to continue pushing their poison.
Many lives are destroyed. The jails are a revolving door.
The General Assembly sits on their asses, work a few hours a day, raise money to buy votes and continually get re-elected to sit on their asses and allow this kind of thing to continue!

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:39 pm

“when I could get little help from Lex. Sheriff”
Big surprise there.

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Your neighbor July 9, 2013 at 8:40 pm

Unfortunately, it is a problem all over and a very dangerous one. I was personally responsible for a drug dealer being arrested by SLED when I could get little help from Lex. Sheriff.
He was placed in Lex. jail, had recently been arrested by Lex. County and was back on the street in a matter of days!
The guy now transports drugs from another state to SC.
He is a meth cook, prefers the shake and bake method and pays young people to but Sudafed for him and then supplies them with any drug of their choice. He also pays them handsomely for all of the Sudafed they providwe to him.
These SOBs are destroying lives and are continually apprehended, then returned to the street shortly to continue pushing their poison.
Many lives are destroyed. The jails are a revolving door.
The General Assembly sits on their asses, work a few hours a day, raise money to buy votes and continually get re-elected to sit on their asses and allow this kind of thing to continue!

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:39 pm

“when I could get little help from Lex. Sheriff”
Big surprise there.

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Chief Shorty July 9, 2013 at 9:50 pm

NEWS FLASH!!!!

Leon Lott is holding another news conference announcing his deputies will be driving with the blue lights on 24/7 to let the bad guys know they are watching! Ooops! Did that one already! Ok….. Leon Lott is holding another news conference announcing his specially trained deputies will be driving Dodge Challengers! Oh, did that one too?

Crime continues to rise while Sheriff Leon “short-man” Lott plans another news conference. Stay tuned!

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Chief Shorty July 9, 2013 at 9:50 pm

NEWS FLASH!!!!

Leon Lott is holding another news conference announcing his deputies will be driving with the blue lights on 24/7 to let the bad guys know they are watching! Ooops! Did that one already! Ok….. Leon Lott is holding another news conference announcing his specially trained deputies will be driving Dodge Challengers! Oh, did that one too?

Crime continues to rise while Sheriff Leon “short-man” Lott plans another news conference. Stay tuned!

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Squishy123 July 9, 2013 at 11:28 pm

Build a gallows in the middle of an outdoor basketball court in MLK-fucking park and show these niggers what capitol punishment is all about.

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:49 pm

Your type would save all that expense of a trial as well.

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Squishy123 July 9, 2013 at 11:28 pm

Build a gallows in the middle of an outdoor basketball court in MLK-fucking park and show these niggers what capitol punishment is all about.

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:49 pm

Your type would save all that expense of a trial as well.

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Mguzman July 10, 2013 at 8:00 am

Just maybe its time to hire VETS who are well trained to come to the rescue and for the legal system to wake up because its not working to protect We, the people as it clearly is more concerned with protecting the rights of those who commit the crimes so its time to WAKE UP! America by getting real tough with those who chose to break the laws not just patting them on the hand making sure their rights are protected forgetting all about the innocent victims……Prison life should be 3 hots-n-cot only with all rights gone just as the innocent victims were taken from them. I bet mothers/grandmothers would make some awesome judges!!!!

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Mguzman July 10, 2013 at 8:00 am

Just maybe its time to hire VETS who are well trained to come to the rescue and for the legal system to wake up because its not working to protect We, the people as it clearly is more concerned with protecting the rights of those who commit the crimes so its time to WAKE UP! America by getting real tough with those who chose to break the laws not just patting them on the hand making sure their rights are protected forgetting all about the innocent victims……Prison life should be 3 hots-n-cot only with all rights gone just as the innocent victims were taken from them. I bet mothers/grandmothers would make some awesome judges!!!!

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InvisibleMan July 10, 2013 at 8:01 am

I’d rather hang out with these guys(scare pic) than the assholes on this blog…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZDUEilS5M4

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm

I’d bet the gangbanger prattle, all-in-all, is pretty similar to the redneck bullet-to-brain and string’em-up blither, and made for much the same purpose.

Self-absorbed posing and strutting.

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InvisibleMan July 10, 2013 at 8:01 am

I’d rather hang out with these guys(scare pic) than the assholes on this blog…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZDUEilS5M4

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm

I’d bet the gangbanger prattle, all-in-all, is pretty similar to the redneck bullet-to-brain and string’em-up blither, and made for much the same purpose.

Self-absorbed posing and strutting.

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Mr. Manager July 10, 2013 at 9:39 am

Alison Lee — judge that lowered one of the perp’s bonds — is up for a FEDERAL judgeship.

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Mr. Manager July 10, 2013 at 9:39 am

Alison Lee — judge that lowered one of the perp’s bonds — is up for a FEDERAL judgeship.

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scotty July 10, 2013 at 11:01 am

No doubt the City of Columbia has lost its way. Doing everything but providing the services a Capital city should provide. Plundering water and sewer account buying an old useless warehouse. Now spending money it doesn’t have to buy more property. Hiring incompetent managers,police chiefs back door deals by the wannabe full time Mayor. The Police dept. is a disgrace to the term public service. Covering up crime rather than deterring and arresting, hiring shorty as Chief was beyond belief.

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BrigidBernadette July 10, 2013 at 11:25 am

Well put, and use of the term ‘plunder,’ they truly are the barbarians at the gate.

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:42 pm

“The Police dept. is a disgrace to the term public service. ”

Worth repeating.
Though if it is like so many other public agencies, there is probably a lot of bad management and a fair number of decent front-line personnel.

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scotty July 10, 2013 at 11:01 am

No doubt the City of Columbia has lost its way. Doing everything but providing the services a Capital city should provide. Plundering water and sewer account buying an old useless warehouse. Now spending money it doesn’t have to buy more property. Hiring incompetent managers,police chiefs back door deals by the wannabe full time Mayor. The Police dept. is a disgrace to the term public service. Covering up crime rather than deterring and arresting, hiring shorty as Chief was beyond belief.

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Brigid July 10, 2013 at 11:25 am

Well put, and use of the term ‘plunder,’ they truly are the barbarians at the gate.

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Soft Sigh from Hell July 10, 2013 at 7:42 pm

“The Police dept. is a disgrace to the term public service. ”

Worth repeating.
Though if it is like so many other public agencies, there is probably a lot of bad management and a fair number of decent front-line personnel.

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okay July 10, 2013 at 11:27 am

Crime in Columbia is horrific. It’s not getting any better and a major reason a lot of people, like me, have no interest in living here longer than we have to. The judge and the prosecutor are completely to blame for this. I’m sure the police would prefer to have this kid sit in prison, but they don’t get much of a say.

And it’s clear that Mayor Benjamin has no interest in actually cleaning up the streets in Columbia. He’s more interested in not pissing these folks off and keeping his poll numbers up among a certain demographic.

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okay July 10, 2013 at 11:27 am

Crime in Columbia is horrific. It’s not getting any better and a major reason a lot of people, like me, have no interest in living here longer than we have to. The judge and the prosecutor are completely to blame for this. I’m sure the police would prefer to have this kid sit in prison, but they don’t get much of a say.

And it’s clear that Mayor Benjamin has no interest in actually cleaning up the streets in Columbia. He’s more interested in not pissing these folks off and keeping his poll numbers up among a certain demographic.

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BrigidBernadette July 10, 2013 at 11:50 am

Just look at that picture, the photo above.

If you search youtube for ‘columbia sc gangs’ it pulls up dozens of videos of South Carolina gangs, one after another. This is where Charles Austin said years ago, presciently, that there was no gang problem in Columbia. Watch South Carolina Gang Wars, and I thought I read about two weeks ago about a ‘former’ gang banger working on a feature length documentary about gangs in the South Cacklackie. Good thing too, get this kid financing–because state and local media won’t even acknowledge it, The State won’t even give you a vague description of a wanted violent perpetrator, much less do investigative journalism about it.

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Brigid July 10, 2013 at 11:50 am

Just look at that picture, the photo above.

If you search youtube for ‘columbia sc gangs’ it pulls up dozens of videos of South Carolina gangs, one after another. This is where Charles Austin said years ago, presciently, that there was no gang problem in Columbia. Watch South Carolina Gang Wars, and I thought I read about two weeks ago about a ‘former’ gang banger working on a feature length documentary about gangs in the South Cacklackie. Good thing too, get this kid financing–because state and local media won’t even acknowledge it, The State won’t even give you a vague description of a wanted violent perpetrator, much less do investigative journalism about it.

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Roberto July 10, 2013 at 12:11 pm

These people were out on bond for other felonies. The bond companies now want their bond money back, since the thugs are in custody. I have an idea:

The bond company should forfeit the bond if the person they have bonded out is arrested and convicted on a felony while bonded out on a prior felony.

If the bond companies are making money on the financial responsibility for a person to appear, should they not take full responsibility?

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Roberto July 10, 2013 at 12:11 pm

These people were out on bond for other felonies. The bond companies now want their bond money back, since the thugs are in custody. I have an idea:

The bond company should forfeit the bond if the person they have bonded out is arrested and convicted on a felony while bonded out on a prior felony.

If the bond companies are making money on the financial responsibility for a person to appear, should they not take full responsibility?

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hack July 10, 2013 at 12:57 pm

Columbia is a shithole. Any attempt to fix it will get you labeled as a raciss. The fact there are 35,000 plus students all loaded with student loan overage checks, iphones, and nice cars daddy bought them just keeps the degenerate thugs in business. Need a little more gentrification but sadly Columbia lacks the pleasant geography of Charleston that civilized people tend to enjoy.

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Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 1:38 pm

If Columbia were half the city Greenville is, we might be on to something. Sadly, Columbia is really no more cosmopolitan than Florence, SC.

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hack July 10, 2013 at 12:57 pm

Columbia is a shithole. Any attempt to fix it will get you labeled as a raciss. The fact there are 35,000 plus students all loaded with student loan overage checks, iphones, and nice cars daddy bought them just keeps the degenerate thugs in business. Need a little more gentrification but sadly Columbia lacks the pleasant geography of Charleston that civilized people tend to enjoy.

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 10, 2013 at 1:38 pm

If Columbia were half the city Greenville is, we might be on to something. Sadly, Columbia is really no more cosmopolitan than Florence, SC.

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Jay Ellington July 10, 2013 at 1:18 pm

Embrace the diversity people…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebZmGSFuZDI

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The Ghost of Fat Greg Dulli July 10, 2013 at 1:18 pm

Embrace the diversity people…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebZmGSFuZDI

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E. Goldstein July 10, 2013 at 7:45 pm

You see that rap sheet your were talking about, those are charges made by Police Officers. When they’re not busy dealing with idiots in five points(which seems to have significant influence over CPD through politicians) they are out arresting these ‘gang bangers’. The problem is not the officers, it’s the judges/lawyers.

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E. Goldstein July 10, 2013 at 7:45 pm

You see that rap sheet your were talking about, those are charges made by Police Officers. When they’re not busy dealing with idiots in five points(which seems to have significant influence over CPD through politicians) they are out arresting these ‘gang bangers’. The problem is not the officers, it’s the judges/lawyers.

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Brigid July 11, 2013 at 11:08 am

And so today, we have this story on WIS:

http://www.wistv.com/story/22810958/police-stats-show-decrease-in-violence-but-perception-of-crime-has-increased

With the same denials: “When you look at Columbia overall, we’re talking about a very small percentage of gang members in gangs,” said Columbia’s Interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago.

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Brigid July 11, 2013 at 11:08 am

And so today, we have this story on WIS:

http://www.wistv.com/story/22810958/police-stats-show-decrease-in-violence-but-perception-of-crime-has-increased

With the same denials: “When you look at Columbia overall, we’re talking about a very small percentage of gang members in gangs,” said Columbia’s Interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago.

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