Meet the candidates: Walker County sheriff
By Staff report
Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:26:27pm


Two people are vying for the Walker County sheriff’s job — Billy DeWayne Mullis, who is running as a Republican, and the incumbent, Steve Wilson, who is running on the Democratic ticket. They will face off against each other in the general election on Nov. 4.


BILLY DEWAYNE MULLIS

How may voters contact you?

PO Box 1425, LaFayette, or (706) 639-1795

How long have you lived in Walker County?

39 years

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

Kimberly (Middleton) Mullis, Walker County clerk’s office; Brandy, 10; Kiera, 2

Current/past professional/business experience

* Served in the U.S. Army as a Calvary Scout, active duty from 1987-89 and in-active duty from 1989-94. Completed training at Fort Knox, Ky. And was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas with the 2/3 Armored Calvary Regiment.

* Employed from 1989-2002 by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer, deputy sheriff, court service/warrant office, supervisor over the Traffic Accident Prevention unit (TAP) and the Community Response Unit (CRU) and detective sergeant. During my em-ployment at the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, I acquired state certifications in the fields of detention, Peace Officers and Standards Training, SWAT (basic and advanced), and criminal investigation and marijuana identification.

* Sub-contracted by the U.S. State Department as an international police officer for United Nations Mission in Kosovo. Served in Kosovo from 2002-04, main assignment at South Station Police Headquarters, Mitrovica Kosovo as Kosovo Police Service (KPS) coordinator for 100+ police officers.

* Employed by the LaFayette Police Department in 2004 at patrolman and currently serving as corporal in patrol division.

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

* Attend Naomi Baptist Church

* Recognized as Officer of the Year 1999-2000 by the Optimist Club

* Awarded the U.N. Medal for Service

* Certificate of commendation from Walker County commissioner

* Certificate of appreciation by the U.S. State Department

* Certificate of recognition from the state of Georgia for work at the Marsh Crematory in 2002

* Letter of commendation from Fort Oglethorpe Fire and Rescue

* Certificate of commendation from Walker County Fire and Rescue

* Numerous Letters of acknowledgement from Walker County Sheriff’s Office and LaFayette Police Department.

Current/past political offices

None

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

To use every available resource to fight crime and reduce crime in Walker County. Increase patrols throughout Walker County, including areas that complain they do not have deputies in their areas daily or even weekly. Improve public relations with citizens by having meetings at local fire stations and civic buildings. Establish an elderly/disabled persons welfare call list that was first envisioned by Sheriff Al Millard. To be a sheriff that the citizens of Walker County can depend on by having an open-door policy for both citizens and employees.


STEVE WILSON

Incumbent

How may voters contact you?

(706) 638-4500

steve@sheriffstevewilson.com

www.sheriffstevewilson.com

How long have you lived in Walker County?

48 years

Spouse and children’s names, ages, occupations

Sandy, 51, paraprofessional at LaFayette High School

Adam, 27, recreation

Ryan, 24, law enforcement

Katie, 22, cosmetology

Current/past professional/business experience

1976-79: Fingerprint examiner, security officer, FBI Washington, D.C.

1979: Georgia Department of Corrections

1980-86: Police officer with LaFayette Police Department

1986-96: Deputy, Walker County Sheriff’s Office

1990-94: Assistant commander, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force

1994-96: Commander, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force

1997-present: Sheriff, Walker County

Clubs/organizations (including churches) and any offices held

* Member and deacon, Oakwood Baptist Church, Chickamauga

* Member, LaFayette Optimist Club

* Member, Walker County Chamber

* Member and past president, County Officers Association of Georgia

* President, Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love

* Board member, Family Crisis Center, Cottage

* Past vice president, Georgia Sheriffs Association

* Member, steering committee, WACOPEP (Walker County Partners for Educational Progress)

* Board member, Regional Police Academy, Dalton, Ga.

Current/past political offices

Sheriff of Walker County, 1997-present

What are your goals for the post for which you are running?

* To implement a regional 800 MHZ radio system, linking Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties and Chattanooga Police Department. A $5.77 million Department of Homeland Security grant has been awarded to Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties to implement the communication system.

* To achieve law enforcement accreditation for the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.

* To work to establish an educational pay incentive for Sheriff’s Office employees.

* To implement Celebrate Recovery and GED programs for Walker County inmates.

* To work with the county commissioner to pursue construction of satellite sheriff’s offices in Fairview and Villanow.

* To complete improvements and capital repairs to the Walker County Detention Facility.




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ShiningStar
Comments: 15
Joined: 06/27/2008
07/05/2008 07:14:20 AM
Since you say that Instead Billy Mullis was working....I would say it is because he has a job and was required to work the Freedom Festival. Since he is a LaFayette City Policeman, I would say that he was scheduled to work, wouldn't you?

 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
07/04/2008 11:50:06 PM
Does anyone know why Billy Mullis was not at the Freedom Festival campaigning. Instead he was working.
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/25/2008 10:03:25 PM
JT,
You are right Billy is a good man and the only people that I have ever heard talk bad about him were those he arrested who of course felt that they had done nothing wrong.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/22/2008 01:27:52 PM
I'm sure he is but Steve is a GREAT man who has done a lot of GREAT things for Walker County. He is the best sheriff this county has ever had, hands down.

 
JTScott
Comments: 24
Joined: 06/09/2008
06/22/2008 01:23:00 PM
Billy Mullis is a good man.
 
IrishRed
Comments: 515
Joined: 01/19/2007
06/22/2008 08:53:18 AM
I'm with you mdsp, at least Bill Mullis has the courage to run for the office. I don't think Wilson should be handed the job every election, someone needs to state opposing positions. Sorry NGA Citizen, but I have a hard time taking anyone who uses W's face seriously.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/19/2008 09:43:13 AM
Young Pup,

I can understand and sympathize with you if you have had a friend or family member go through the judicial system. Believe me, it is by no means perfect and no one person can change it entirely. However, that being said...the County Jail is not the Holiday Inn and no inmate encarcerated should think otherwise. The Sheriff is responsible for making sure of that and I believe he has done so. Some jails allow inmates to smoke in the jail. Walker County Jail is a Smoke Free Jail.

 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/18/2008 09:25:30 PM
Youngpup, I know exactly what EPA stands for. You keep reading your articles and I will keep listening to first hand information.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 08:01:33 PM
Jula - read the article that I posted earlier. It states "In February, Deal again called the EPA. The agency dispatched investigators who began the process of recovering 339 bodies." Do you know what EPA stands for? Environmental Protection AGENCY. EPA dispatched, not the WCSO. Let's don't lay blame on others, just admit that a terrible mistake was made and it backfired. If a search warrant was requested, then lets see the request. Who was the requesting officer?

I do not want to tell you any more about the bench warrant online because it involves another citizen who has a right to her privacy, but PLEASE, check it out. I can promise you that it is true. The paper work did make it to the SO. It wasn't until that Judge threatened to take it public that the warrant was issued and ultimately it doesn't matter if it was him or an employee, he is still responsible.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/18/2008 06:24:51 PM
Youngpup, EPA didn't go in and search. They do not have that authority. A call was made to the SO and officers were sent to the home as the first time. When gas was not purchased from the gas company, an employee made an anonymous call to EPA. This was reported to the authorities and then it went from there. The first time a call was made none of such info was given. The second time there was reason to get a search warrant. Just because officers go and request a search warrant doesn't mean a judge gives it. There have been many times when Judge Day would not issue warrants.

As far as warrants not being served, that isn't the Sheriff's fault. Once the paper work gets to the SO, they are served. WCSO has one of the top notch court service divisions in the state. This isn't Mayberry. Wilson has more employess than one so he depends on them to do the job. I just don't understand how one can believe that Wilson would be responsible for a benchwarrant not being served.

 
DAZZLIN
Comments: 58
Joined: 05/01/2007
06/18/2008 04:29:26 PM
youngpup - you are correct. There have been recent changes in enforcement procedures. This bench warrant was issued by another Judge.

NGC - Be sure before you post that you are completely informed because there are now other judges that can issue a bench warrant for failure to appear. Check it out. Don't take my word for it, as I have heard some of you say.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 04:23:45 PM
I don't have to ask Mr. Wilson, because I already know the answers. I am merely asking the question to see if anyone else knows the answers. You may not believe me, but I am really trying to keep an open mind. You just have to understand, when I hear all of the fluff that I keep referring to, it makes me upset all over again and it is hard for me to see another side to the story. I'm not sure that I will be posting any more because it is stressing me out, but please do your homework before posting. I haven't really seen any proof yet, just your own personal words.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/18/2008 04:10:00 PM
I am by no means saying that the Sheriff or his staff is 100% perfect. I am merely stating that he followed protocol and has resolved the issue.

Young Pup, I have no idea what you are talking about. "Why does Mr. Wilson not serve bench warrants to good people"? I think you are referring to Jerry Day. Maybe your question should be directed to him. Wilson's officers are charged with enforcing the laws and they only apprehend people that have been issued a bench warrant by Day. So, I'm not sure what you are referring to. Sounds like your wires are crossed.

And if you want to know so bad, why are you asking me these questions. Call the Sheriff yourself and ask him. I'm not running for the office.
 
TimeTraveler
Comments: 920
Joined: 04/18/2007
06/18/2008 03:21:08 PM
northGAcitizen-

Guess what? I have to agree with you for a change. I think Wilson is the man for the job.
Steve is a reasonable man and will listen and think before he reacts. In that sense he
reminds me a little of Ralph Jones. Ralph was always there to hear you out. He recognized
mistakes and he recognized repentance.

If nothing else, I appreciate how Wilson is able to keep a straight face when certain characters
call him on Sheriff Talk. Some of that stuff is downright hilarious, yet Wilson sounds totally
sincere when he responds. My only question for Wilson would be: Do you really expect us
to believe there was no odor coming from the Marsh Body Farm? I know the Lime arguement
but still, there were too many cleanup folks out there choking and gagging for me to think
the place did not reak...

TT

 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 03:19:13 PM
Why is it that Mr. Wilson doesn't want to serve bench warrants to "good people"?? Ask Mr. Wilson and his staff about that.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 03:04:00 PM
Okay, explain to me why the EPA was able to go in if Mr. Wilson couldn't (or was it that he didn't)?????
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 03:02:08 PM
I'm sorry but it will never be old news to me!!! I can never forget it and I've already told you why. I am talking about it because Mr. Wilson felt the need to look the other way for two years until the EPA came in and made him pay attention. To me this is way more relevent to a sheriff's campaign than a Hug-a-Bear program, which I am not saying that it is not important, just that this lack of action is more relavent to his job performance.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/18/2008 02:59:38 PM
The officer that went to the Marsh house ask if he could look around and Clara said yes. If he or others wanted to search in the house or any buildings on the property, a warrant had to be obtained. The call that came in made them believe something was lying in the yard. This is all irrelevant because a conviction has been made. The Sheriff and his department worked day and night to do the best job possible. Many horrible things were found and you will never know what pain it was for those men and women. It was extremely hard for the families as well as those that were discovering bodies some of which were children. A door to building can't be opened without a search warrant. These guys are trained on how to do it correctly. What if a search had been done illegaly? Brent Marsh would not have gotten any time based on a technicality. Which had you prefer?
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/18/2008 02:51:37 PM
The Marsh case happened 7 years ago. Brent Marsh was arrested on 339 counts of theft by deception, was tried, and convicted and sentenced to 12 + years. Why are we still talking about it? The Sheriff's Dept. did everything they could. The arrested the man for his wrong doing and he is paying for his mistakes. I'm just curious as to why we are still talking about it. Seems like OLD news to me.
 
LiveLearnLaugh
Comments: 6
Joined: 06/10/2008
06/18/2008 02:38:22 PM
Juga---

If the officer that went out to the Marsh land was "given permission to walk around," wouldn't that be the same thing as "consent to search?" If someone gives you consent to search their property, then there is no need for a search warrant. That doesn't make much sense to me.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 12:58:44 PM
Okay Juga. You have pushed my button so let me enlighten you! MY very close relative was on that property. All that had to be done to find my relative was to open one door to a building and there they lay with their toe tag still on their foot. THAT IS THE FACTS. How is it hard to miss that. Don't tell me that I am wrong on this one, because I do know what I am talking about. RESPECTFULLY. I am not angry with you just the circumstances.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/18/2008 10:16:37 AM
Youngpup, I want to respond on the fact that Ridgeland has an SRO and drugs are still in the school. How can you hold the Sheriff responsible for that? He is one man trying to run a department with many qualified men and women assisting.

There is no way he could know about every drug arrest that is going on in every county asociated with DTF.

As far as the Marsh case, the time that the fofficer went to the Marsh house, they were given permission to walk around, but the evidence wasn't as clear as you would think. They didn't have probable cause to get a warrant. Clara Marsh being a democratic supporter didn't have anything to do with it. A good way to lose a case before it is a real case is to do something illegal or wrong and it will never make based on a technicality. Look at the case of the Huskey guy just arrested for child pornography. This had been going on since 2006 and the little girl continued to be abused until enough evidence found to make an arrest.

Contraband is brought into the jail all the time. Sometimes it is found and sometimes it isn't. That is in any jail. The part about employees participating, if you will continue to look they have been dismissed and one or two even prosecuted.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/18/2008 10:12:10 AM
All of that info is available to the public. I don't have the stats in front of me but you can request a copy of that info by going to the Sheriff's Dept. I'm sure they would be glad to print you off some material.

There are times where you as the citizen need to do a little research and homework too. Crime has definitely improved in the last 12 yrs.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/18/2008 09:39:10 AM
Not to repeat myself but....

I didn't see statistics on how he has reduced crime, reduced/increased arrests, tickets issued for DUIs, drug busts, how many drug dealers has he arrested/convicted, etc. Things that a law enforcement officer should boast about accomplishing.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/18/2008 09:02:51 AM
The Sheriff nor the Owner of a Company knows EVERY SINGLE THING that goes on under his/her watch. Its impossible. You have to delegate somewhat to your co-workers and you have to trust them to do their job. That's why you have employees. If your employees mess up, then it is your job as supervisor to discipline and correct the problem. I personally think that he has done an efficient job.

No jail in the state is completely free of contra-band. Not a single one. However, again it is up to your employees to crack down on the problem and remove what they find. You would prob. get sick at your stomach if you really knew how some contra-band was smuggled inside the jail.

Like I asked you to do earlier, call the Sheriff and talk to him about your concerns. I gave you his office number 706-638-1909. Then, make an informed decision on your vote.
 
DAZZLIN
Comments: 58
Joined: 05/01/2007
06/17/2008 11:04:09 PM
youngpup - you are bringing up some great points. I like that you are providing mostly facts and clippings from the paper. It helps to see that it is not just rumors. I am also enjoying seeing another view instead of just bashing it is actually a view with real reasoning. Thank you and I do agree on most of what you are saying. Keep it coming.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 10:55:28 PM
Okay, here is what I think of his "accomplishments"
All of the funding for new things is a great accomplishment because it helps with cutting down on the need for general fund money and helps with services. The civic stuff like Hug-a-bear is great and needed; however, I didn't see statistics on how he has reduced crime, reduced/increased arrests, tickets issued for DUIs, drug busts, how many drug dealers has he arrested/convicted, etc. Things that a law enforcement officer should boast about accomplishing. He secured a grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to target DUI and speed violations on county roads. What were the results of that grant money? Can we see those statistics? If he implemented a K-9 Drug Detection Unit to assist in arresting drug dealers and he is the Chairman of Control Board Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (DTF serves Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga counties, as well as the City of LaFayette), then yes he should know every time there is a drug bust because he has the K-9 and he is the Chairman that oversees the DTF.
It says that he implemented countywide community meetings - when and where and who was invited? This is the first I have heard of this and as you can tell from my posts, I really do try to stay informed.
It also says that he implemented first School Resource Officer program in Walker County at Ridgeland High School, but as I understand it, they have the same drug problems as all of the other schools in our area do, so has it really been completely affective.

I will be the first to admit that he has done some good things; however, this is not enough for me. I have seen too much and know too much. I am still not convinced to even vote in this sheriff's election. I will continue to listen and try to learn more though as I am sure that all of you will. I appreciate your efforts because it shows that you care about Walker County. I just feel that we, the citizens, have been misled for several years. Yes, I have voted for him in the past.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 10:35:59 PM
Again, a five gallon bucket of finger and toe bones on the ground outside the back door, where the deputies would have knocked to just talk with the Marsh's. They didn't notice those??? I am sorry, but on this issue we just need to respectfully disagree. I know that Clara was a very strong democratic supporter and I know that it would have been difficult for him to have to investigate, but if someone had of just walked onto the property, they would have seen. If you read the article closely, the EPA reported the complaint to the Sheriff, not the other way around. When nothing happened, the EPA sent out investigators. Not the other way around.

I will check out the website and try to keep an open mind.

To comment on my relative - Juga stated that "Hopefully the inmates are not enjoying themselves in jail and realize the mistakes that were made and never want to go back." Actually, my relative WAS enjoying jail a little too much if you know what I mean. Drugs hidden in light fixtures and in potato chip bags, sleeping and sex on details, etc. There is no management, when the person would call it would sound like a frat party going on in the back ground. You misunderstood what I was trying to say, but it is completely understandable, because I too would hope that being in jail was not a fun experience. Oh, I forgot to mention the sexual offers and advancements between both inmates and employees. Some of this has been documented. Search the newspapers.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/17/2008 10:05:36 PM
I forgot to comment on the crematory...Listen, the complaints were investigated and checked into but without a search warrant Law Enforcement can only do so much so it was turned over to the proper authorities EPA and they investigated. Once they turned some disturbing evidence up, a search warrant was issued by the Walker Co. Sheriff's Dept. and at that time Brent Marsh was arrested and charged.

Wilson and his deputies worked hours upon hours during that case. He and his staff handled the case with the upmost professionalism. I commend him. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture. Wilson and his staff would never intentionally overlook a mess like that. You are smart enough to know that I think.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/17/2008 09:58:20 PM
Young Pup,

Wow..where do I even start on the accomplishments? I'm not even going to begin to list them all but I will give you a valuable website resource that I found online with all of his accomplishments. Go to website resource http://www.sheriffstevewilson.com/accomplishments.html

You will find everything you need to know about the sheriff and then some. If after reading his accomplishments, you are still not convinced please click on the "Qualifications" link and read those. I think one of the biggest qualifications is that he has been sheriff since January 1997. I mean he has to be doing something right. The citizens continue to re-elect him with strong confidence (70 + % each time).

So this is what I ask of you. If you don't know Sheriff Wilson, call him at the office 706-638-1909. Talk with him and ask him to tell you why you should vote for him. I am convinced and you are not so why not find out whether or not you like him from the horse's mouth?

I think if you talk to him, you will be very surprised and I know you are open minded so just talk with the guy.

Thanks!
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/17/2008 09:18:59 PM
Youngpup, I don't know who informed you of the fact the Sheriff doesn't know what is going on his jail. I can't say that I know he goes to the cells daily and sees what is going on, but I do know that he has supervisors in positions that handle the day to day operations. He has a major(chief deputy) that oversees the operations of the jail. I am sure he gets reports when needed.

"I had a relative in the jail and it is unbelievable what goes on down there" What does that mean? If the relative was giving info about what went on I am sure it wasn't a good thing. Hopefully the inmates are not enjoying themselves in jail and realize the mistakes that were made and never want to go back. The inmates get two meals a day and probably get more priviledges than other jails.

As far as drug tips, there is a task force that handles drug bust. The agents are from various counties. I would be willing the say the Sheriff doesn't know everytime a bust is about to happen.

I believe if the Sheriff can have an effective jail being ran and he can go out and serve the public, he is doing his job. I am sure there are things his employees do not like, but for the most part, I am sure he is liked by most. He has hired quality and effective supervisors who can run the department. This is the sign of a good leader.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 05:28:17 PM
NGC - I do not feel any disrespect by your comments, thank you for saying that though, but we will just have to agree to disagree. Read the article below for yourself. I copied it word for word and didn't change a thing. As you put it, c'mon. There were bodies and remains everywhere. They picked up a five gallon bucket of nothing but finger and toe bones in their yard. How can an investigator not notice this? With so much around on the property how can it not be noticed? I believe that when it was discovered and he had to address it, he did address it very professionally, but not until it was reported to another authority other than the Walker County Sheriff. Is this not true??? Was it not another law enforcement agency that initiated the investigation? I didn't say that Mullis could do better, Mr. Wilson conducts himself very well in front of the public and the cameras, but that is not all it takes to be a sheriff. I also said that Mr. Wilson is probably a wonderful man, but again, this is not what it takes to be a sheriff. Visiting with people is not what it takes to be a sheriff, sending condolences is not what it takes to be a sheriff. Convince me of the things that he has done and I'll be the first to vote for him, but as of yet, I am not convinced.

As for the drug bust, I am not saying that it is Sheriff Wilson tipping them off, but it is under his watch. Someone in law enforcement related to the investigation is tipping them off. This needs to be addressed or our community will never be clean. The investigations have come so close, only to be destroyed so that more of our children can become addicts. Do the people that are tipping them off not care about our kids?

You know this is one of those times that I just may not vote for a sheriff because I am not convinced yet either way. As I said in my previous post, I do not know Mr. Mullis and can not speak to his abilities, I just know that I do not like what I have seen thus far with Mr. Wilson. Try convincing me, I will be paying attention, but give me facts and back it up. Don't just send me a lot of "fluff and stuff". I don't like to hear nonsence. I want the facts with something to back it up.


Below is an article from the Walker County Messenger:

Wilson corrects media error

10/17/02
From staff reports

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson clarified some incorrect news reports this week, saying authorities first heard reports of bodies at Tri-State Crematory 16 months before they found the first body.

Authorities first heard about the bodies in October 2000, not April 2001 as reported recently by some media, Wilson said Wednesday. Law enforcement received reports about the crematory in October 2000, November 2001 and February 2002. Gerald Cook saw bodies while delivering gas to the crematory in October 2000, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The discovery was reported to the sheriff’s department at that time.

The Environmental Protection Agency gave the sheriff’s department another tip in November 2001 when Fay Deal, a secretary in the Rossville FBI office and Cook’s aunt, reported finding a human bone while she was walking by the crematory, according to The Journal.

In February, Deal again called the EPA. The agency dispatched investigators who began the process of recovering 339 bodies.

When asked why no action was taken, Wilson said his office received two separate complaints — one from a man claiming to have seen dead bodies and an anonymous tip that a dog found a human bone.

Crematory operator Ray Brent Marsh, 29, faces 333 charges of theft by deception and 64 counts of abuse of a corpse. He has been released on bond and remains under house arrest.


 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/17/2008 04:50:21 PM
Young Pup,

This is no disrespect to you at all. I am only going to say this, "you are misinformed". Let me first say this and keep in mind, again I mean no disrespect to you. Mr. Wilson knows exactly what is going on in his jail. He does indeed visit the jail so whoever told you that he doesn't misinformed you. I can guarantee you that you did not hear those words come out of his mouth. Secondly, you mentioned drug busts being tipped off. Are you implying that Mr. Wilson is tipping the drug dealers off because I would have to respectfully disagree whole-heartedly with you because he is one of the most honest and trustworthy professionals I have ever met. Lastly, I would like to comment on your accusation that Wilson knew for 2 years about the Marsh incident. That is completely luducrous to suggest. It is very unfair and completely false. No one in their right mind would let something as horrific as the Marsh incident to continue. He did everything by the book and handled the Marsh case with the up most professionalism. Our County didn't look like a bunch of rednecks because Wilson addressed the media daily for over a month with knowledgeable professionalism. Do you honestly think Mullis could have even come close to conducting a high profile press conference??? C'mon now. Think outside the box.

Young Pup, You are entitled to your vote and opinion and I sincerely hope that you think long and hard about it. I am not trying to change your opinion of either candidate but only trying to correct the misunderstandings.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 04:01:46 PM
bygracethrufaith - I agree. It is our fault, 100%. God does not like ugly and he will be our judge one day. ONLY he knows all of the facts, but I would love for some of the major issues to be address. Like why is it so hard to get drugs cleaned up out of our schools. Remember when the girl from Lakeview on TV said that it is as easy as going to Walmart to get what ever drug you want at the high schools. This was confirmed by a 15 year old child that I know that attends LaFayette High School. Has anyone ever asked, why? There are drug dogs that can be used, but for some reason the lockers are clean when drug dogs are brought in. Ever wonder why? Seems to me that someone tips the students that it is going to happen. If only law enforcement knows about the plan, then how is it that they are tipped off? To me this speaks volumes about our current law enforcement in general. That is one major issue that should be addressed, our kids and their issues, especially at school. I thought that this is one of the major reasons that we have a SRO, but how is that this person doesn't see the drugs? There are so many issues, someone please enlighten me.
 
bygracethrufaith
Comments: 1109
Joined: 07/13/2007
06/17/2008 03:34:55 PM
youngpup,

I'm in Catoosa, so I don't have a vote in this one. Nor do I know much about Wilson, therefore cannot agree nor disagree with your words regarding him.

However, the last sentence in your post deserves a standing ovation!

To take it a bit further, I believe that when the "good ones" DO decide to run, the public does not put them in, because they may not fit into the ideal "mold" that has been created for that particular person. We get mad when people don't do what they say they are going to do....yet, when they were running for office making promises, seems no one ever thought to ask HOW they were going to keep these promises. If someone says, "I'll get it done." I want to know HOW, otherwise how do I even know that they can do it in the first place. We depend on empty promises too much because we don't ask the right questions, then get mad because the person we put in office doesn't do what they say they would do.
Maybe no one asked the right questions.
It's OUR fault for putting them in there without having all the facts.
The ones who get elected and fail may truely be doing their BEST. But we didn't make sure that they were ABLE to get the job done. Doing your best is not good enough in politics if it does not get the job done....we need to elect the person who's "BEST" also WORKS.
 
youngpup
Comments: 35
Joined: 06/17/2008
06/17/2008 03:17:04 PM
Has everyone forgotten that Mr. Wilson turned his head for two years when someone was trying to report the Marsh's for what was going on at the crematory? Does anyone ever wonder why some of the drug busts in the past either fail or get canceled because someone tips off the criminals? Oh, and what about the comment that he stated on TV that "he doesn't go down to the jail". Isn't that he primary responsibility if you look at the County Charter? Let's see, does anyone think that it is odd that Phil Summers can answer just about any question asked of him about his department in Catoosa County, but every time Mr. Wilson is asked a question he has to go back to find out the answer because he is not familiar. I am not saying that I am all for Mr. Mullis. Frankly I don't even know him, but I do know what I do not like about the current Sheriff's administration. I had a relative in the jail and it is unbelievable what goes on down there. I am not bashing Mr. Wilson, but I do believe that a lot of people who have probably never had a run with the law or a relative who has are sadly mistaken on what really goes on. I'm sure that Mr. Wilson is a wonderful man, but being a wonderful man does not make you a good law enforcement officer. Some of these comments are concerns of my friends and some are from personal (family) experience, but regardless, they are important things to consider. I don't know how I am going to vote. It is almost like some other elections whether local, state, or federal, I am not sure that there is a right person. The best people for the jobs have about quit running because of all the bashing that goes on. We the people have created the "politician" that all of you keep talking about.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/17/2008 01:30:51 PM
I agree with you guys...Steve is an honest man who cares about the community that he serves. You don't get that kind of service everyday. I don't consider Steve a politician. I consider him a friend that I can call upon at any time of the day. Steve's family is also a class act. I've known his father who ran the service station on North Main for years. You can't find a more friendly family.

 
frankrichards29
Comments: 24
Joined: 02/10/2008
06/17/2008 11:04:22 AM
I have a real problem with Billy Mullis. I think that he is the kind of officer that gives the good officers bad names. I heard that he has a real temper and it is hard for him to control. I wish that he were not running on the Republican ticket. Steve Wilson is not perfect, but he is very balanced and really cares about the community.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/17/2008 10:54:51 AM
lost, I totally agree with you. When I see Mullis in public, he is everything but welcoming. His personality will beat him alone. Whether his followers will admit it or not, he has an ax to grind with the Sheriff's department and he wants in to take care of business. That is not the kind Sheriff Walker County needs.
 
lostinga42long
Comments: 2
Joined: 02/04/2008
06/17/2008 09:27:25 AM
However I have had the pleasure of meet both Billy Mullis and Steve Wilson.
I do like Mr. Wilson and I feel like he has done this community the best that he can.
I do not care much for Mullis. I think he is a law abiding person and believes in doing his job as a city police officer to the best of his ability. However I also feel he has no compassion for people and he shows little respect for the everyday person he comes in contact with.
Maybe ,just maybe, all the time he has served in other countries has numbed him of how we do things and treat people here in the United States.
I know if someone has done something illegal they should face the consequences’ but he should also be more understanding to some situations and the people involved than to just lump everyone into one category.
This town needs a law abiding Sherriff and also one who helps the community and even the offenders.
Not a Sherriff that feels superior to all and above the law.
I do hope Mr. Wilson stays the sheriff.
Mr. .Mullis to concerned with his own agenda to be placed in a position where he can abuse peoples rights as human beings. He is heartless and very unforgiving, even after forgiveness is asked for after the fine was paid in court. (A simple traffic ticket.)
You would have thought the person had committed the most violent crime and caused him personal injury with the way he responded to the apology that was offered to him.
Personally he deserved no apology and I know now if I ever have to deal with him because of any ticket he would never get one from me.
I also would really feel sorry for anyone who has to work under his command.
Just my opinion!!
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/12/2008 11:47:40 PM
Again, its a no brainer when it comes to Walker County. Steve Wilson will be Sheriff as long as he wants because the majority of folks realize how valuable he is not only to the Sheriff's office but to the community as a whole.

You can't argue that.

My prediction is Steve wins this election 70% - 30%
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/12/2008 11:25:50 PM
Billy probably is still friends with lots of people at the SO, after all he spent several years there and he grew up in this town.
Like I said I like both Steve and Billy and yes Steve does have more experience due to his time on the job and his age.

I really appreciate your comments on the comm. race.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/12/2008 10:02:58 PM
I believe that Billy is staying in touch with some of the officers at the SO, especially those who may be disgruntled with the Sheriff. For some reason, there are those who feel the Sheriff isn't the person he ought to be. Regardless of what each feels, he is the Sheriff and he is in control. Billy has made it known that he isn't fond of the Sheriff and I believe he come forward with information of things going on within the SO that others feel is wrong. Since he worked there, he knows the procedures and even those who are followers of his have worked at the SO and know the procedures. There are several who are disgruntled and will use tactics to try to make the Sheriff and his people look bad in the eye of the public. I don't believe Mullis' agenda is to better serve the people, but to make the current Sheriff look incompetent as a Sheriff.
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/12/2008 08:10:38 PM
Juga:
You say Billy has an agenda, what do you think it is?
Obviuosly you and I agree on some candidates but not on others and that is okay that is wy wea are here to express our opinion:).
 
mdsp
Comments: 162
Joined: 07/16/2007
06/12/2008 08:02:47 PM
Billy Mullis is not one of those if you scratch my back I'll scratch yours kind of cops. Some cops will work with Lawyers on tickets for their clients but he doesn't.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 150
Joined: 01/08/2006
06/12/2008 02:36:13 PM
I have nothing negative to say. All I know is that Steve Wilson is the best Sheriff Walker County has ever had and he is an honest and trustworthy man. He does so much more for Walker County than the office of Sheriff asks him to. He goes above and beyond the call of duty.

I often wonder how many hours each year he volunteers for local charities like the Stocking Full of Love and the Cottage for disadvantaged children. Does the office of Sheriff require him to volunteer his time in that capacity? The answer is no. The only reason I can pin point that he does it is because he enjoys giving back to the community he was raised in. He honestly cares about the citizens of Walker County. He cares about his employees and he cares about the senior citizens. He spends a good bit of his own time speaking at churches and civic events that have no direct relation to the office of Sheriff. Why does he do this? Because he cares.

So in closing, I just want to say that I support MY Sheriff...Sheriff Steve Wilson because he is EVERYTHING a Sheriff should be and a whole lot more.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/12/2008 02:32:47 PM
Believe as you will. You will see in the end what I am talking about.
 
LiveLearnLaugh
Comments: 6
Joined: 06/10/2008
06/12/2008 12:12:22 PM
juga ---

How ironic it is to read your comments about someone being "negative and bashing" - reeks of hypocrisy in my opinion. I guess it's easy for you to sign in "anonymously" and post comments about people (even mentioning the deceased, quite offensive to many I'm sure), which you obviously don't even know personally, and make statements that are simply hearsay. Spreading gossip really doesn't help your candidate; it does the opposite, and I would only guess that others who read these posts can see through that type of strategy as well. I can see that you feel this is what politics is all about, but I have a much different view.

I hope you will consider this simply a suggestion to maybe take a different approach if you really want to get your point across. Maybe if you can get past the rumors and the degrading of these individuals, we could all have intelligent, informative discussions about the candidates we have to choose from this year in Walker County, in all the political races.
 
juga
Comments: 252
Joined: 02/05/2007
06/12/2008 11:01:17 AM
Actually, your guess is wrong,but that is insignificant. I am not being negative; I am stating the truth. Billy Mullis has an agenda he wants to prove whether you believe it or not. He has made his statements and so has his campaign manager. If he didn't want a negative campaign, why did he choose Don Simmons has his campaign manager. You can't find anyone more negative and bashing than Don Simmons. He nor his brother(now deceased) could beat Steve Wilson.

You can speak to any candidate and he/she will tell you how qualified they are. He may be, but he isn't strong enough to win this election. He may start out positive, but it won't end that way. When you have Simmons on your side and start getting beat, mudd starts slinging. People involved in politics need to realize how politics are and be ready for the negative comments. Bashing candidates is not the same and stating an opinion of a candidate. Mullis has been heard throughout the county speaking against Steve Wilson. He has been heard stating how dishonest he is and how he runs his department. Don't tell me how positive your candidate is. You will not find a more caring man than Steve Wilson. Does he make all the right decisions? No, he isn't perfect. Does he ever makes mistakes , Yes!!!! Anyone running against Wilson is throwing away money and killing a lot of time because he can't be beat. The republican part can find anyone strong enough to run against him.
 
LiveLearnLaugh
Comments: 6
Joined: 06/10/2008
06/12/2008 09:41:25 AM
juga ---

I have been following all three Walker County political blogs, and I cannot understand how you are so quick to pass judgment on people. As far as the sheriff race, my guess is you either work for the sheriff's department or have a spouse who has a significant position there. Whatever the case, it seems to me you have been misinformed and are simply spreading the gossip.

I have known and dealt with both candidates over the years, and I have spoken with Billy Mullis recently about his ideas and goals should he win the election. I believe he is certainly qualified and has the experince, the intelligence (and yes, most importantly in my opinion, the heart) to really make a difference.

And, guess what? I have nothing negative to say about your candidate, the incumbent. Whether you believe it or not, bashing other candidates on this blog and questioning their "kindness" or qualifications actually puts a negative view on the campaign you have obviously chosen to support. I think a sheriff candidate who is willing to run good, clean campaign might just go further than you think in this race.
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