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Corrupt Government
See other Corrupt Government Articles

Title: Innocent Couple Would be In Jail Had they Not Secretly Recorded this Corrupt Cop Extorting Them
Source: Activist Post
URL Source: http://www.activistpost.com/2016/04 ... orrupt-cop-extorting-them.html
Published: Apr 29, 2016
Author: Matt Agorist
Post Date: 2016-04-29 22:34:58 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 4349
Comments: 39

An innocent couple exonerated themselves after secretly recording a Clayton County cop trying to shake them down.

Earlier this year, Mike and Michelle Pierce, who run a thrift and salvage business in Griffin, decided to buy a car from an auction; a decision that would later haunt them. It turned out that the car was stolen.

The Pierces had no clue the car they just purchased was stolen, but as soon as they found out it was, they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over. However, after they turned the car over, police gave it back and then arrested them for having it.

“They arrested us in our store in the middle of the day,” said Michael Pierce.

“We didn’t know why. They just threw the cuffs on me and put me in the back of the car,” Michelle Pierce cried as she told WSB-TV her story. “That was the worst thing.”

The gross police incompetence that led to the innocent couple be locked up was only the beginning of their legal debacle with Clayton County police, however.

After being thrown in a cage for a crime they did not commit, the couple learned that an officer, not related at all to their case, Grant Kidd, wanted to talk to them.

“We didn’t want to talk to him because he was a Clayton County officer and we’ve already been arrested for no reason,” Michael Pierce said. “We were scared to (and) scared not to, so we talked about it at the kitchen table with my kids, and my kids said we’d go meet and talk to him, but they were going to film it…to cover our butts in case we got arrested again.”

The decision to record their conversation with officer Kidd would prove to be crucial, as it would have been their word against his otherwise. As the conversation begins, Kidd claims he has someone on the inside of the DA’s office who can get their case thrown out — for a price.

“We ain’t had nothing yet that didn’t go away. If it don’t go away, if it go into the grand jury (inaudible) you get your money back,” said Kidd. “You’ll never see him. He (inaudible) actually works with the DA in the office.”

Mr. Pierce then asked, “And we won’t get in trouble for bribing?

“No,” Kidd replied. “You ain’t never going to talk to him.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said attorney Lee Sexton who represented the Pierces in their criminal case.

After the recording, the charges were dismissed. That’s when the FBI launched their investigation into Kidd.

Of course, Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Lawson denies that Kidd had any contacts within the office. But in the conversation, it sounded like this was a frequent practice for this corrupt cop.

“Any conceivable reason he could be saying that?” WSB-TV reporter asked Clayton County Police Chief Michael Register. “No,” said the chief. “It certainly is a conversation from my standpoint that just turns your stomach.”

“Instances such as this undermine public trust and confidence in our judicial system,” said attorney Darryl Scott. “Their sense of security has been violated, and they did exactly what they were supposed to do by contacting law enforcement, and it backfired.”

To say that this instance undermines the trust is accurate and the reason for so much of the divide in America today. Law enforcement in this country, we are told, is composed of heroic men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to maintain order. However, this case, and many more like it, sends this fantastical facade crumbling to the ground.

In an interview with WSB-TV, Chief Register summed it up perfectly by stating that this is “another reason people feel the way they do about law enforcement.”

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#1. To: Deckard (#0) (Edited)

Earlier this year, Mike and Michelle Pierce, who run a thrift and salvage business in Griffin,

That's Paultard lingo for "buys stolen shit"

I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح

GrandIsland  posted on  2016-04-29   22:42:12 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: GrandIsland (#1)

"buys stolen shit"

Deliberately and knowingly, are you implying? Then why did they then do this: "as soon as they found out it was [stolen], they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over"?

A government strong enough to impose your standards is strong enough to ban them.

ConservingFreedom  posted on  2016-04-29   22:49:04 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: GrandIsland (#1)

That's Paultatd lingo for "buys stolen shit"

Seriously?

Are you really gonna go with that?

The Pierces had no clue the car they just purchased was stolen, but as soon as they found out it was, they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over. However, after they turned the car over, police gave it back and then arrested them for having it.

Let's recap, shall we - the couple realized the car was stolen and then doing their duty as good citizens, the reported it to the police.

If they were "buying stolen shit" as you so ignorantly claim, they should have just shut up and kept it.

But here's where it get's really interesting : a "heroic" cop attempts to extort them to make the problem go away.

The decision to record their conversation with officer Kidd would prove to be crucial, as it would have been their word against his otherwise. As the conversation begins, Kidd claims he has someone on the inside of the DA’s office who can get their case thrown out — for a price.

“We ain’t had nothing yet that didn’t go away. If it don’t go away, if it go into the grand jury (inaudible) you get your money back,” said Kidd. “You’ll never see him. He (inaudible) actually works with the DA in the office.”

Mr. Pierce then asked, “And we won’t get in trouble for bribing?

Hey, you were a cop once. Is it standard procedure to extort innocent citizens?

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-29   22:50:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: Deckard (#0)

The Pierces had no clue the car they just purchased was stolen, but as soon as they found out it was, they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over. However, after they turned the car over, police gave it back and then arrested them for having it.

Were the police involved subsequently prosecuted for deliberate malfeasance and misuse of office and extortion? Why not. This sounds like a case of collusion to commit grand larceny to me.

rlk  posted on  2016-04-30   0:18:06 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: rlk (#4)

He will be prosecuted, one way or the other ... the Pierces hired a civil attorney and filed a lawsuit.

When the chief learned of the incident involving Kidd, he immediately called Kidd in to revoke his official powers, but in the midst of that, Kidd quit.

He's gone ...

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   0:29:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: Gatlin (#5)

When the chief learned of the incident involving Kidd, he immediately called Kidd in to revoke his official powers, but in the midst of that, Kidd quit.

Let me know when Kidd, along with his buddies that were also in on it, are sentenced to five years in the state pen.

rlk  posted on  2016-04-30   1:08:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: GrandIsland (#1) (Edited)

Earlier this year, Mike and Michelle Pierce, who run a thrift and salvage business in Griffin,
That's Paultard lingo for "buys stolen shit"

I read this to mean “thrift and salvage business” is sometimes lingo for “buys stolen shit” and that was not a reference to any action by Mike and Michelle Pierce.

There is strong evidence that the coined phrase is appropriate. Here is a link to but one case: Police: Lakewood thrift store sold stolen goods. There are others.

Pawn shops, swap meets, flea markets, thrift and salvage businesses are all havens for thieves looking to fence stolen merchandise.

I think some folks were too eager to attack you and they did not read what you posted, they read something into what you posted.

But then I could be wrong … I was once … back in 1947 … or was it 1948 ...

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   1:42:32 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#8. To: rlk (#6)

When the chief learned of the incident involving Kidd, he immediately called Kidd in to revoke his official powers, but in the midst of that, Kidd quit.

Let me know when Kidd, along with his buddies that were also in on it, are sentenced to five years in the state pen.

If I run across a story on that, I surely will ... if you see it first, then you can let me know. Okay?

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   1:44:37 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: Gatlin (#7)

Exactly. I've investigated enough burglaries to know that most of the shit taken from hard working, tax paying honest people, ends up in pawn shops and "thrift stores". There has been a rise in these possession of stolen property buffets being opened all across America because there has been a rise in drug addicted assholes (Deckards buddies he defends night and day) that need to find ways to pay for their addictions when the welfare check won't do it. (The "addiction" that Deckard calls a " disease" and the addict can't help it and it's not their fault so feel sorry for them).

These vile shitbags buy stolen shit all day long. They profit from other people's misery... and then they are found with a stolen vehicle... say it ain't so.

I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح

GrandIsland  posted on  2016-04-30   7:34:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: GrandIsland (#9)

One never gets the whole story from these yellow journalism articles Decard constantly saturates the forum with.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   8:06:53 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#11. To: GrandIsland (#9)

There has been a rise in these possession of stolen property buffets being opened all across America because there has been a rise in drug addicted assholes (Deckards buddies he defends night and day) that need to find ways to pay for their addictions when the welfare check won't do it. (The "addiction" that Deckard calls a " disease" and the addict can't help it and it's not their fault so feel sorry for them).
Absolutely! Pawnshops will continue to profit as desperate “diseased” addicts trade heirlooms for highs and Deckard will continue to be completely dictated by emotion and ignorance rather than reason and facts. C'est la vie.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   8:51:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#12. To: ConservingFreedom (#2)

Then why did they then do this: "as soon as they found out it was [stolen], they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over"?

Could be they heard the cops were investigating the cars sold at that "auction".

misterwhite  posted on  2016-04-30   9:04:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: Deckard (#0)

and the police make three more enemies

`eth yalad `eth muwth.

BobCeleste  posted on  2016-04-30   9:07:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#14. To: Deckard (#0)

"the couple learned that an officer, not related at all to their case, Grant Kidd, wanted to talk to them."

An officer? Was he a Captain?

That would make him Captain Kidd. Oh, the irony.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-04-30   9:08:30 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: misterwhite (#12)

Could be they heard the cops were investigating the cars sold at that "auction".

Doesn't sound that way:

'The bizarre story started when the Pierces decided to buy, at auction, a Toyota Corolla that had been locked up in a Clayton County storage unit where somebody stopped paying the bill.

'The Corolla was a good deal, $1,700. But Mike Pierce said he’d found good deals this way before.

'“I've bought dump trucks for $2,000 doing the same thing,” Pierce said.

'But it turns out the Toyota was a stolen vehicle.

'The Pierces said they didn’t know until after they paid for the car and their tow truck driver checked out the car’s vehicle identification number. They said they immediately contacted the Clayton County Police about it and handed the car over.

'Three days later, the police mistakenly released it back to them. When a detective told them that was a mistake, the Pierces cooperated as police impounded the car again.'

www.wsbtv.com/news/2- inve...ef-on-officer-accused-in-shakedown-it-makes-me-sick/247258317

A government strong enough to impose your standards is strong enough to ban them.

ConservingFreedom  posted on  2016-04-30   13:13:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#16. To: Gatlin (#7)

Earlier this year, Mike and Michelle Pierce, who run a thrift and salvage business in Griffin, That's Paultard lingo for "buys stolen shit"

I read this to mean “thrift and salvage business” is sometimes lingo for “buys stolen shit” and that was not a reference to any action by Mike and Michelle Pierce.

Of course you did, even though it was obvious to everyone else that GI was smearing this innocent couple with a dishonest comment attempting to associate them with criminals and criminal actions.

It's no big surprise - the "cops are gods" contingent here do that all the time.

What is also not surprising is the fact that none of the boot-lickers here have even said anything condemning the cop who tried to extort them.

Apparently, to you and the other "usual suspects"...the cops was "just doing his job".

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   13:37:39 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#17. To: misterwhite, GrandIsland (#12) (Edited)

Then why did they then do this: "as soon as they found out it was [stolen], they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over"?

Could be they heard the cops were investigating the cars sold at that "auction".

That was the first thing I though of while reading the article.

I became even more suspicions when I found out there were wearing a hidden “wire” to capture audio proof of illicit police activity. The use of a wire is a common technique in surveillance, espionage and in police investigations but how many mom and pop resell operations do you know that wear a covert listening device?

And the part about the tow truck operator checking the VIN and discovering the vehicle was stolen just does not resonate with probability. Just imagine the impracticality of their calling a tow truck to pick up the vehicle at auction and take it to their place of business. Before doing so, The tow truck operate says that he will do that but he must first check the VIN to see if the vehicle is stolen. COME ON!

But we are not supposed to think about this in any other way than what the author is controlling us to think. It is expected that we are to be channeled to read the information selectively edited by the author and quickly decide: Oh those POOR people, Mike and Michelle … then reach for a tissue.

The illogicality of this whole situation would be amusing if it had not been such a disastrous event.

Gawd, I hate yellow journalism …

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:04:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#18. To: Deckard (#16)

Of course you did, even though it was obvious to everyone else that GI was smearing this innocent couple with a dishonest comment attempting to associate them with criminals and criminal actions.

News FLASH, sport … you don’t speak for everyone, no matter how hard you continue to try.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:06:34 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: Deckard (#17)

What is also not surprising is the fact that none of the boot-lickers here have even said anything condemning the cop who tried to extort them.

I'll get to that and I will condemn the illegal action by the rogue cop, but I am still trying first to figure out why they were wearing a hidden “wire” to capture audio proof of illicit police activity … along with other things that don’t seem to jive with reality as presented from the author’s view.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:15:30 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: Gatlin, misterwhite (#17) (Edited)

The use of a wire is a common technique in surveillance, espionage and in police investigations but how many mom and pop resell operations do you know that wear a covert listening device?

A "wire"?

What is this, 1965?

The recording of interactions with police has become a common occurrence, especially with those who are innocent. Are you one of the paulsen disciples who erroneously believe that citizens have no inherent right to record police?

After the recording, the charges were dismissed. That’s when the FBI launched their investigation into Kidd.

Of course, Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Lawson denies that Kidd had any contacts within the office. But in the conversation, it sounded like this was a frequent practice for this corrupt cop.

“Any conceivable reason he could be saying that?” WSB-TV reporter asked Clayton County Police Chief Michael Register. “No,” said the chief. “It certainly is a conversation from my standpoint that just turns your stomach.”

Interesting, the Police Chief himself says that Kidd's actions "turned his stomach".

And yet here you two are still defending the actions of a cop who attempted to extort an innocent couple.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   14:15:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#21. To: Deckard, misterwhite (#20)

And yet here you two are still defending the actions of a cop who attempted to extort an innocent couple.

I am defending no cop.

I am doing what I have always done. I am having a great deal of difficulty to place any trust and confidence in a media report that you have blindly accepted as accurate and fair.

My trust level in your posts continues to drift downward. Just when I think it has hit rock bottom, you amaze me and drive it even further down.

Attaboy, gullible one. Try to understand why I never have really huge expectations in your ability to get anything right.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:27:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#22. To: Gatlin (#17)

I agree. Everything stinks about this case.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-04-30   14:34:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: Deckard (#20)

A "wire"?

I try word my posts to your low intelligence level in hopes that you can understand them.

I find that sometimes there are people whose comprehension is at a fifth grade level yet know how to clearly understand words and thoughts ... they are smart and intelligent, but you definitely are not one of those.

I seek your indulgence as I continue to try to work through and around your severe mental handicap.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:37:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#24. To: misterwhite (#22)

I agree. Everything stinks about this case.

Oh, but Deckard posted it and believes it ... I will keep searching for "something" I can believe in. /S.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   14:39:53 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#25. To: Gatlin (#23)

A "wire"?

I try word my posts to your low intelligence level in hopes that you can understand them.

You're a dinosaur Gatlin.

Not only are you using archaic terminology, this was not even a "wire" in any sense of the word.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   15:08:50 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: Gatlin, misterwhite (#24) (Edited)

I agree. Everything stinks about this case.

Oh man - two esteemed members of LF's canary clan are having a collective mind meltdown because all the facts have demonstrated that the cops acted dishonorably during this entire incident.

A couple does exactly what good citizens are supposed to do - report a crime to the authorities.

Cops try to pin the stolen vehicle on the innocent couple.

Then another cop gets involved, and attempts to extort the couple, promising to make the problem go away.

The FBI finds enough evidence to begin an investigation into the unlawful actions of this criminal cop.

Then the Police Chief admits that the extortion attempt caught on a recording device ...certainly is a conversation from my standpoint that just turns your stomach.”

The Chief goes on to add...this is “another reason people feel the way they do about law enforcement.”

What stinks paulsen and Gatlin is your inability to EVER find fault with any action that law enforcement officers take, no matter how corrupt or slimy.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   15:20:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#27. To: Deckard, misterwhite (#20)

Are you one of the paulsen disciples who erroneously believe that citizens have no inherent right to record police?

I am not a disciple but I do realize that he is extremely intelligent and I respect his opinions. He is extremely clever in dealing with your difficult situations.

I believe that when in outdoor public spaces where you are legally present, you have the right to capture any image that is in plain view, BUT you cannot in any way interfere with a police officer performing lawful duties. When you are on private property, the property owner sets the rules about the recording.

Furthermore, I believe Voltaire had someone exactly like you in mind when he said: On parle toujours mal quand on n'a rien à dire.

Paraphrasing: You, Deckard, always speak badly when you have nothing to say.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   15:40:23 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: Deckard (#20)

The recording of interactions with police has become a common occurrence, especially with those who are innocent.

Do you record all your interactions with police?

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   15:41:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: Deckard, GrandIsland, rlk, Gatlin, misterwhite (#0)

Mr. Pierce then asked, “And we won’t get in trouble for bribing?

“No,” Kidd replied. “You ain’t never going to talk to him.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said attorney Lee Sexton who represented the Pierces in their criminal case.

After the recording, the charges were dismissed. That’s when the FBI launched their investigation into Kidd.

This does not comment on when Pierce informed the FBI/police of the bribery conspiracy, if ever. The original article makes clear that their lawyer in the criminal case notified the District Attorney, but leaves unclear when that occurred.

Left unsaid is whether Pierce paid the bribe and entered into the conspiracy.

Did he fess up as a result of an FBI investigation, or did he cause the FBI investigation?

The Pierces had no clue the car they just purchased was stolen, but as soon as they found out it was, they called 9-1-1 and handed the car over. However, after they turned the car over, police gave it back and then arrested them for having it.

“They arrested us in our store in the middle of the day,” said Michael Pierce.

The story appears to have lost something in the Matt Agorist process of rehashing the original source material. In the Matt Agorist rehash, it appears the couple were arrested for having the car.

In the original article by Mark Winne/WSB-TV, the police informed the Pierces that the car had been released erroneously, and they had impounded again the day before the arrest.

The Pierces said they didn’t know until after they paid for the car and their tow truck driver checked out the car’s vehicle identification number. They said they immediately contacted the Clayton County Police about it and handed the car over.

Three days later, the police mistakenly released it back to them. When a detective told them that was a mistake, the Pierces cooperated as police impounded the car again.

But that was nothing compared to what happened next.

“They arrested us in our store in the middle of the day,” said Michael Pierce.

The original Mark Winne/WSB-TV article:

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/2-investigates/police-chief-on-officer-accused-in-shakedown-it-makes-me-sick/247258317

'It makes me sick,' police chief says of officer accused in shakedown

by: Mark Winne
WSB-TV
Updated: Apr 28, 2016 - 7:37 PM

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. —

A Clayton County Police officer is off the force after Channel 2 Action News played a recording for the police chief, who said the shakedown it depicts turns his stomach.

A husband and wife said they secretly recorded the officer, and Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne obtained the recording.

Mike and Michelle Pierce never thought they’d need to record a police officer. They’ve had little experience with law enforcement. They’re grandparents, and together they run a thrift and salvage business in Griffin.

But before their ordeal ended, they’d get a voice identified as that of Officer Grant Kidd on audio saying, “You pay a thousand dollars up front and then the rest of it you pay after it go [sic] away.”

The bizarre story started when the Pierces decided to buy, at auction, a Toyota Corolla that had been locked up in a Clayton County storage unit where somebody stopped paying the bill.

The Corolla was a good deal, $1,700. But Mike Pierce said he’d found good deals this way before.

“I've bought dump trucks for $2,000 doing the same thing,” Pierce said.

But it turns out the Toyota was a stolen vehicle.

The Pierces said they didn’t know until after they paid for the car and their tow truck driver checked out the car’s vehicle identification number. They said they immediately contacted the Clayton County Police about it and handed the car over.

Three days later, the police mistakenly released it back to them. When a detective told them that was a mistake, the Pierces cooperated as police impounded the car again.

But that was nothing compared to what happened next.

“They arrested us in our store in the middle of the day,” said Michael Pierce.

“We didn't know why. They just threw the cuffs on me and put me in the back of the car,” Michelle Pierce cried as she told Winne. “That was the worst thing.”

Then their story took another strange twist.

As the Pierces faced theft charges for a crime they didn’t commit, they learned a police officer, Grant Kidd, wanted to talk with them.

By this time, the Pierces were out of jail on bond, but nervous about meeting Kidd. He had no official connection to their case.

“We didn't want to talk to him because he was a Clayton County officer and we’ve already been arrested for no reason,” Michael Pierce said. “We were scared to (and) scared not to, so we talked about it at the kitchen table with my kids, and my kids said we’d go meet and talk to him, but they were going to film it…to cover our butts in case we got arrested again.”

The Pierces said Officer Kidd tried to shake them down for money to make the charges go away.

You can hear the voice on the audio making an apparent money-back guarantee: “We ain’t had nothing yet that didn’t go away. If it don’t go away, if it go into the grand jury (inaudible) you get your money back.”

Mike Pierce said Kidd suggested he had someone inside the District Attorney’s Office who could get the case “administratively dismissed” for a price.

Again, the audio recording tells the story. “You'll never see him. He (inaudible) actually works with the DA in the office.” Mr. Pierce asked, “And we won’t get in trouble for bribing?” “No,” the voice identified as Kidd replied. “You ain’t never going to talk to him.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said attorney Lee Sexton, who represented the Pierces in the criminal case.

The charges against Michael and Michelle Pierce were dismissed, but the investigation into Officer Grant Kidd was just beginning.

Sexton Told Winne he immediately contacted Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Lawson.

“I have to give credit to her office. They did a very thorough, intensive investigation into not just the allegations the police made against my client, but the allegations that I was making against the people prosecuting the client,” Sexton said.

D.A. Lawson told Winne, “We immediately turned it over to the FBI.”

Lawson said she doesn’t really believe Kidd had anyone working inside her office, but said, “I would make sure that any employee of mine that took a bribe would get the maximum sentence.”

Winne took the audio of Kidd to Clayton County Police Chief Michael Register.

“Any conceivable reason he could be saying that?” Winne asked.

“No,” said the chief. “It certainly is a conversation from my standpoint that just turns your stomach.”

The chief said when he learned of this, he immediately called Kidd in to revoke his official powers, but in the midst of that, Kidd quit.

He added he wishes someone would have told him about the allegations sooner.

Winne tried to reach Kidd by phone, through a lawyer, even went to his home several times, but Kidd never talked to Winne.

As for the Pierces, they’ve hired a civil attorney and filed a lawsuit.

“Instances such as this undermine public trust and confidence in our judicial system,” said attorney Darryl Scott. “Their sense of security has been violated, and they did exactly what they were supposed to do by contacting law enforcement and it backfired.”

The chief said that, outside of Kidd, the case was handled properly.

nolu chan  posted on  2016-04-30   15:47:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#30. To: Deckard (#26)

A couple does exactly what good citizens are supposed to do - report a crime to the authorities.

Exactly when and specifically why?

Cops try to pin the stolen vehicle on the innocent couple.

what were the circumstances and under what conditions?

Then another cop gets involved, and attempts to extort the couple, promising to make the problem go away.

Contemptible action that is rightly being taken care of.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   15:48:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: Deckard, GrandIsland, rlk, Gatlin, misterwhite (#0)

The quirky Georgia law on clandestine recording may be relevant.

http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-16/chapter-11/article-3/part-1/16-11-62

2010 Georgia Code TITLE 16 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES

CHAPTER 11 - OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY

ARTICLE 3 - INVASIONS OF PRIVACY

PART 1 - WIRETAPPING, EAVESDROPPING, SURVEILLANCE, AND RELATED OFFENSES

§ 16-11-62 - Eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication which invades privacy of another; divulging private message

- - - - -

O.C.G.A. 16-11-62 (2010)

16-11-62. Eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication which invades privacy of another; divulging private message

It shall be unlawful for:

(1) Any person in a clandestine manner intentionally to overhear, transmit, or record or attempt to overhear, transmit, or record the private conversation of another which shall originate in any private place;

(2) Any person, through the use of any device, without the consent of all persons observed, to observe, photograph, or record the activities of another which occur in any private place and out of public view; provided, however, that it shall not be unlawful:

(A) To use any device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of persons incarcerated in any jail, correctional institution, or any other facility in which persons who are charged with or who have been convicted of the commission of a crime are incarcerated, provided that such equipment shall not be used while the prisoner is discussing his or her case with his or her attorney;

(B) For an owner or occupier of real property to use for security purposes, crime prevention, or crime detection any device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of persons who are on the property or an approach thereto in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy; or

(C) To use for security purposes, crime prevention, or crime detection any device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of persons who are within the curtilage of the residence of the person using such device. A photograph, videotape, or record made in accordance with this subparagraph, or a copy thereof, may be disclosed by such resident to the district attorney or a law enforcement officer and shall be admissible in a judicial proceeding, without the consent of any person observed, photographed, or recorded;

(3) Any person to go on or about the premises of another or any private place, except as otherwise provided by law, for the purpose of invading the privacy of others by eavesdropping upon their conversations or secretly observing their activities;

(4) Any person intentionally and secretly to intercept by the use of any device, instrument, or apparatus the contents of a message sent by telephone, telegraph, letter, or by any other means of private communication;

(5) Any person to divulge to any unauthorized person or authority the content or substance of any private message intercepted lawfully in the manner provided for in Code Section 16-11-65;

(6) Any person to sell, give, or distribute, without legal authority, to any person or entity any photograph, videotape, or record, or copies thereof, of the activities of another which occur in any private place and out of public view without the consent of all persons observed; or

(7) Any person to commit any other acts of a nature similar to those set out in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this Code section which invade the privacy of another.

nolu chan  posted on  2016-04-30   15:53:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#32. To: Deckard, misterwhite (#26)

What stinks paulsen and Gatlin is your inability to EVER find fault with any action that law enforcement officers take, no matter how corrupt or slimy.

I must have all the facts before I ever find fault with anyone or anything. I will not find fault after reading what may be a yellow journalism article presenting a biased author’s agenda.

I refuse to fall prey to someone who tries to be a master of mental manipulation. You may do so and continue to fall ever deeper into your own pit of despair suffering, in your own mind, the ultimate insult of being a cuckold.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   16:01:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#33. To: Deckard (#25)

[Gatlin]: I try word my posts to your low intelligence level in hopes that you can understand them. [Deckard]: Not only are you using archaic terminology, this was not even a "wire" in any sense of the word.

I can took the freedom to depart from the conventional rules of language when writing in order to create an effect.
That you asshole, is poetic license.
Ever hear of it?
Go ahead and say: “Duh, no.”

You're a dinosaur Gatlin.

If I were, I’d be like a cross between Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones
I wonder if I should change my screen name to “Tyrannosaurus rex?”

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   16:19:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#34. To: Gatlin (#33) (Edited)

I can took the freedom to depart from the conventional rules of language when writing in order to create an effect. That you asshole, is poetic license.

Oh come on man, "Poetic license"?

Seriously?

Like I said, a recording made using a smartphone can in no way be interpreted as a "wire".

Covert listening device (Wire)

A "wire" is a device that is hidden or concealed under a person's clothes for the purpose of covertly listening to conversations in close proximity to the person wearing the "wire". Wires are typically used in police sting operations in order to gather information about suspects.

The act of "wearing a wire" refers to a person knowingly recording the conversation or transmitting the contents of a conversation to a police listening post. Usually it's accomplished by some sort of device that is attached to the body in an inconspicuous way, such as taping a microphone wire to their chest.

"Wearing a wire" by undercover agents is typical plot element in gangster and police related movies and television shows. A stereotypical move scene is when someone is suspected of "wearing a wire", the criminals will tear the suspect's shirt open hoping to reveal the deception.

When infiltrating a criminal organization a mole may be given a "wire" to wear under his or her clothes. This wire device transmits to a remote location where law enforcement agents monitor what is being said. Wearing a wire is viewed as being risky since discovery of a hidden wire by a criminal could lead to violence against the mole or other retaliatory responses.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   16:48:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#35. To: Gatlin (#28)

Do you record all your interactions with police?

Typical Gatslime bullshit innuendo.

But to answer your loaded question, I have taken steps to ensure that any interactions with police that may occur will be adequately documented.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   16:55:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#36. To: Gatlin (#30)

A couple does exactly what good citizens are supposed to do - report a crime to the authorities.

Exactly when and specifically why?

When? As soon as they discovered the vehicle was stolen.

Why? Because that is what responsible citizens are encouraged to do.

I can't simplify it for you any more than that.

Your entire post is typical of those who worship the cops as gods - try and shift the blame to the victim who has been fucked over by the police.

We're done here, your posts have become tedious and repetitive...and with all due respect, you're the biggest asshole on the site.

Congratulations - you knocked misterwhite from the top spot.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-04-30   17:00:32 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#37. To: Deckard (#35)

Have the police ever done anything to harm you in any way?

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   17:36:50 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#38. To: Deckard (#36)

When? As soon as they discovered the vehicle was stolen.

You DON'T know that ... you only know what you were told.

Gatlin  posted on  2016-04-30   17:38:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#39. To: Deckard (#20)

"Are you one of the paulsen disciples who erroneously believe that citizens have no inherent right to record police?"

What about the citizen bystanders who are being recorded at the same time? Don't they have a right to privacy?

misterwhite  posted on  2016-04-30   18:23:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


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