On April 6 2002, the Durham papers are filled with a front 
     page story about an embezzler, Thomas James Strang who
     had pleaded guilty to 15 embezzlment charges involving
     $378,000 between the years of 1995 and 2000.  Having
     pleaded guilty Mr. strng was sent home on his own
     recognicence and supposed to reappear for sentencing
     Thursday April 4th.  He never showed up, not even when 
     his case was delayed till Friday the 5th.  the judge then
     ordered his arrest, with a 1 million dollar bond for his 
     release required upon his arrest, if and when authorities 
     find him.
     
     Local citizens should be wondering why he was released 
     without bail in the first place after pleading guilty.
     And question why this judge would think there was a 
     compelling reason for him to reappear in court for
     punishment without such bond having been set.
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------
     
     On April 7 2002, the Durham papers tell of Shawn T. Baker
     being released on a mere $50,000 bond after being charged
     with armed robbery and murder.  Prosecurters originally 
     sough a bond of $200,000.  No reasons are given for the 
     reduced bonding, even though Mr. Bakers history includes 
     a number or previous felonies including:  larceny, breaking 
     and entering, finacial card theft, posession of stoen goods, 
     carrying a concealed weapon, assualt, and drug charges.
     
     Local citizens should be wondering if Mr. Baker will find his 
     way back into the courtroom at trial time considering the 
     previous case cited.
     
     ------------------------------------------------------------
     On April 21 2002, the Durham paper reports John T. Weaver's
     home and car are searched for weapons, after Weaver has
     shot two men.  Oe was shot four times in the abdomen, the 
     other once in the buttocks.  Police found a total of five
     weapons, and spent shell casings.  Of course he was released
     on a mere $35,000 bond.

     Local citizens should feel very safe having this man free on bond.
     ------------------------------------------------------------


     What do you do with 5,000 lbs of marijuana seized in a
     multi-agency law enforcement effort?  If you happen to be
     the Chatham County Seriffs Department, you merely load it
     up in an old army surplus duece and a half and park it from
     February 2000 to September of the same year behind the sheriff's
     offices, expecting it to take little notice.  Of course, what do
     they then do if when preparing to bury, rather the burn the contraband,
     discover that over 4,000 lbs has been stolen from the truck?  Certainly
     not hold onto what's missing, even after filling a report on the theft
     with the FBI, nor check the truck and surroundings for evidence of the
     stolen pot, you proceede to the landfill and continue with the plan
     to bury the stuff, nevermind it is now evidence in a new crime, and
     nevermind the fact it's once again openly available for the public to
     be reintroduced to the streets, that's job security!

     The Chatham County Seriffs Department certainly deserve the keystone-cops
     of the decade award on this case alone...
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     What's the best way to get the vote out?  According to
     US Rep Robin Hayes, it's sending armed NRA members out
     with campaign volunteers!  Doesn't being afraid of your
     own constituents make it hard to represent them in office?

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