2010.07.19 - Terry Shoemaker's comments to Art Harris RE: Misty

[SoSueMe]

Well, people can hope all they want for a drug trafficker to return to the streets, but its not going to happen for at least 15 years, if ever.

I'm just at a loss as to what's going on here. I would hope that Ron would get at least 15 years, but strange things happen in Putnam County. LE makes arrests, charges are made, charges are dropped and people seem to be back out on the streets in no time. I'd like to see just how many of these cases the DA/SA takes to trial in that county.

 

[SoSueMe]

IF this is true, I wonder how it will affect Ron?

"The Bald Truth has learned exclusively Misty Croslin aims to plead no contest to her drug charges Aug. 22 when the so called ringleader is scheduled to go on trial for trafficking pain kllers in Putnam County Circuit court . “Ronald’s case has no bearing on our case,” her attorney, Robert Fields, tells me in an exclusive interview, dismissing her as the main brain behind the drug operation."

http://www.artharris.com/2010/07/20/exclusive-misty-croslins-bad-memory/#more-4444

Gee, I thought Fields said he wasn't in the business of giving up. Just sayin....

 

[SoSueMe]

GER, I am totally confused by this. Mainly because the Judge had already given Ron a plea date and REFUSED his motion for a continuance. Then the day of the hearing all of the sudden the SA and Ron are asking for more time to get the plea in order. It just does not sit right with me. JMO though.

The judge initially denied the motion to continue the trial date, but GRANTED the extension for a plea. Since we haven't seen the motion or order (at least I haven't), we don't know how long the plea date was extended. I'm assuming it was extended until the 19th when RC had his court appearance and now the judge has extended it again.

 

[SoSueMe]

BBM

This could be, particularly in light of Hank and Lisa's presence in the courtroom. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them being there, but it did shock the heck out of me that they were.

I can see a couple of BIG reasons (Tommy and Misty) why Hank and Lisa would want to attend Ron's trial and/or any court appearances. First, they want to compare what is happening with RC against what is happening with their own children. Now they see that RC is working a sweet deal for himself and I would imagine they are going to want the same for Tommy and Misty. Also, if they were expecting a trial, they would want to see what RC had to say about Misty and Tommy's involvement in the drugs deals and/or his defense strategy (was he going to blame Misty). They probably were also curious as to all the speculation that RC would testify against Misty and wanted to see if they could hear any type of confirmation from the DA's own mouth. A lot of times the DA will state to the judge that the accused is cooperating, blah, blah, blah.

If I were Hank, Sr., I'd be at every court appearance of Mr. Cummings because I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

 

[krkrjx]

This plea talk really makes no sense to me. The only plea the state would be interested in, is information concerning Haleigh. For Ron to keep his mouth shut, for this long, guarantees his involvement in Haleigh's demise. I can't see the state offering him immunity for his testimony, and I pray that this doesn't happen.
...

There is no way Ron will get less than 15 years, he should get at least the 25 minimum. Anything less will prove that there is something, very wrong, with the justice system in Putnam County.

Plus, LE made a concerted effort to catch all of the drug dealers involved (Ron included). The ok for this bust had to come from higher up. If they really thought that Ron was the innocent father, of a missing child, would they have given the ok for multiple busts, involving this poor victim suffering the loss of his child. I doubt it.

One would hope that the only deal the SA will offer is for truthful information about Haleigh. But we must consider that Ron could have been involved in other criminal activity in that area, or could otherwise have information on other criminal activity. Maybe the SA needs information to solve another unsolved crime, or to put some bigger fish drug dealers away. If Ron can supply that, I can see the state dealing with him on his trafficking charges in exchange for that information. And I can see the SA offering Ron immunity if he provides information on major perps involved in a crime or crimes that he may have been involved in himself. That would be immunity for those crimes only, not immunity from prosecution for Haleigh; I hope and pray he never is offered that!

As much as we want Ron's deal to mean he is required to spill all in regard to Haleigh, it might not go that way at all. Or it might go exactly that way, and Ron might find his August court date looming with a less-than-sweet deal.

In the end, it all boils down to how serious Putnam County courts and prosecutors are about crime in that area and from what I have seen so far, I am not impressed.

 

[tehcloser]

I have a question, and I'm not sure where to ask it, so here's good. lol. Is there anything stopping Crystal from bringing civil chargers against Ron and Misty for oh, IDK...child endangerment or something. It would get the case in court right? Thinking of the OJ mess and wondering why that would not work here.

ETA. Also the Hormans are threatening civil action against someone who may be holding back info and not cooperating with LE. So would it work here?

 

[krkrjx]

I have a question, and I'm not sure where to ask it, so here's good. lol. Is there anything stopping Crystal from bringing civil chargers against Ron and Misty for oh, IDK...child endangerment or something. It would get the case in court right? Thinking of the OJ mess and wondering why that would not work here.

ETA. Also the Hormans are threatening civil action against someone who may be holding back info and not cooperating with LE. So would it work here?

I would like to see Crystal do this and have any settlement paid into a trust account for Junior. There is no guarantee she would be successful but if she were, R and M would be fined big bucks. There would be no criminal penalty as civil cases are usually settled with a monetary judgment.

The reasons I would like to see this are...it would keep Haleigh's name out there, and it would hamper R and M from benefiting financially from Haleigh's disappearance and the subsequent cover-up. Meaning, at some point R and M will be in a position to cash in on Haleigh's demise; no doubt there will be book and/or movie deals coming at them. I would like a judgment on record because, as it sits, there is nothing stopping them from benefiting from Haleigh's disappearance.

 

[Emma Peel]

I have a question, and I'm not sure where to ask it, so here's good. lol. Is there anything stopping Crystal from bringing civil chargers against Ron and Misty for oh, IDK...child endangerment or something. It would get the case in court right? Thinking of the OJ mess and wondering why that would not work here.

ETA. Also the Hormans are threatening civil action against someone who may be holding back info and not cooperating with LE. So would it work here?

Wouldn't work, practically speaking.

It takes $$$$ to sue civilly (gotta pay your lawyer). Or an attny willing to work for % of damages/settlement. And that's a problem because there's no chance of real financial result (blood out of a stone) to be expected, so attny could not even work on % of damages basis.

State brings criminal action for victims at no cost to vicitm. Civil action? ... I don't think the state would do that.

 

[krkrjx]

Civil action is on your own dime, that is true. And often the cases are dragged out in court practically forever, and the longer it takes the more it costs. However, if Crystal had a way to do this, I would like to see her try. It makes my skin crawl to know that R and M will likely never be prosecuted and will probably benefit financially to boot.

ETA: 1Chump is right, there is no evidence available to sue for wrongful death since there is no evidence of how Haleigh died or even IF she has died. Suing for child endangerment is possible, but not very likely. It would be hard to prove who was negligent and how they were negligent. Still, Crystal suing at some point down the road is not out of the realm of possibility, should evidence come available that she could use successfully. Personally, I would like to see it but I doubt she will pursue it.

 

[1Chump]

I have a question, and I'm not sure where to ask it, so here's good. lol. Is there anything stopping Crystal from bringing civil chargers against Ron and Misty for oh, IDK...child endangerment or something. It would get the case in court right? Thinking of the OJ mess and wondering why that would not work here.

ETA. Also the Hormans are threatening civil action against someone who may be holding back info and not cooperating with LE. So would it work here?

OJ is completely different. They had the criminal evidence to give them a ton of "evidence" to support a civil case.

IMO, As the criminal case has not been filed, Crystal would not have any access to the criminal file to support her case. So at this time, I would say she would have an extremely hard time coming up with a cause of action. Wrongful death, emotional distress, negligence, how would she prove anything? Even DFC's investigation against Ron/Misty over Haleigh hurts Crystal. Although I am better not mentioning my feelings on DFC.

As far as the Horman case, IMO...empty threat. You cannot sue someone for exercising their Constitutional Rights. You cannot sue someone for being friends with someone you do not like. IMO, they are trying to scare people away from the Step-Mom to isolate her.

 

[tehcloser]

Ok fine you naysayers. Bust my bubble. I'm going to go pout now. :snooty:
Seriously, I just want them in court, under oath, any way we can get them there.

 

[dodie20]

I have a question, and I'm not sure where to ask it, so here's good. lol. Is there anything stopping Crystal from bringing civil chargers against Ron and Misty for oh, IDK...child endangerment or something. It would get the case in court right? Thinking of the OJ mess and wondering why that would not work here.

ETA. Also the Hormans are threatening civil action against someone who may be holding back info and not cooperating with LE. So would it work here?

I've been wondering the same thing, & I don't think the actual judgement, would matter, dollar speaking. If she sued Ron, & the grandmothers, etc...were called as witnesses, LE could use all of their statements, inconsistencies, etc...to help build a criminal case. Misty, Tommy, Lindsey, Joe, Timmy, Crystal, everybody. I would like to see it happen, because this case has dragged on long enough. & as for Crystal paying for a lawyer, well, there are plenty of people who would be willing to donate.

 

[1Chump]

I would like to see Crystal do this and have any settlement paid into a trust account for Junior. There is no guarantee she would be successful but if she were, R and M would be fined big bucks. There would be no criminal penalty as civil cases are usually settled with a monetary judgment.

The reasons I would like to see this are...it would keep Haleigh's name out there, and it would hamper R and M from benefiting financially from Haleigh's disappearance and the subsequent cover-up. Meaning, at some point R and M will be in a position to cash in on Haleigh's demise; no doubt there will be book and/or movie deals coming at them. I would like a judgment on record because, as it sits, there is nothing stopping them from benefiting from Haleigh's disappearance.

Does anyone know if Florida has any type of Son of Sam law that prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes?

 

[Chablis]

Does anyone know if Florida has any type of Son of Sam law that prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes?

If its revealed that Ronald has known his daughter has been dead, and has put Crystal threw all this stuff, and even accepted child support for the dead child knowing her fate, I really cant see anyone throwing money at him, I mean who could even support him after that, except family maybe?

If I were Crystal, I would cut all ties, and major losses and never associate with any of them again. jmo

 

[Dr. Know?]

Does anyone know if Florida has any type of Son of Sam law that prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes?

Yes there is.

http://www.jayhowell.com/articles/46.pdf

(bottom of 2nd page)

There is good news for Florida crime victims in this important decision, because it again affirms the
right of the crime victim to request a restitution lien against the real or personal property of a convicted
offender and that such personal property could be such items as “art,” autographs, and proceeds from
books. This decision is Rolling vs. State, ex. rel. Butterworth, decided by the First District Court of Appeal on
September 28, 1999.

 

[krkrjx]

Does anyone know if Florida has any type of Son of Sam law that prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes?

Florida might have such a law, but since there have been no charges filed, the players are free to sell their story to anyone who wants it. And I see movie producers each wanting to put the story out with their own personal spin on it--even with no one telling what really happened. So, unless some kind of legal action comes about that would allow for an order prohibiting them from profiting, they can reap rewards over and over. Sickening!

 

[Dr. Know?]

That's right Krkrjx. Here's a good post from the Casey Anthony case from March 2009.

It is Gardenharts post.

Florida's Son of Sam law - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community

I hope this is okay to post another forums link???

 

[1Chump]

Florida might have such a law, but since there have been no charges filed, the players are free to sell their story to anyone who wants it. And I see movie producers each wanting to put the story out with their own personal spin on it--even with no one telling what really happened. So, unless some kind of legal action comes about that would allow for an order prohibiting them from profiting, they can reap rewards over and over. Sickening!

None of the players in this case could sell their story until AFTER a trial. they need the trial to back them up.

Because the players have either been caught in too many lies to be believed or have refused to talk to LE so cannot risk talking to anyone who wants to buy their story.

 

[krkrjx]

None of the players in this case could sell their story until AFTER a trial. they need the trial to back them up.

Because the players have either been caught in too many lies to be believed or have refused to talk to LE so cannot risk talking to anyone who wants to buy their story.

Some movie producers tell an honest story. Some tell a story in a way that sensationalizes, and brings bucks at the box office.

Just look at this cast of characters! Not a one of them would have to say one word to reap benefits of a movie deal. The movie could center around the story as we know it--this cast of characters and all their lies, and no proof of anything sufficient to arrest anyone.

I want this to not be possible for our players here. Really, I don't want anyone making one more dime off this little girl's suffering. Only after the case is solved should any movie even be considered, IMO, out of respect for Haleigh if for no other reason. JMO.

ETA: Was off topic so I edited, but I do feel this stuff is relevant, pertinent, and something I hope we never see come to pass.

 

[dodie20]

Some movie producers tell an honest story. Some tell a story in a way that sensationalizes, and brings bucks at the box office.

Just look at this cast of characters! Not a one of them would have to say one word to reap benefits of a movie deal. The movie could center around the story as we know it--this cast of characters and all their lies, and no proof of anything sufficient to arrest anyone.

I want this to not be possible for our players here. Really, I don't want anyone making one more dime off this little girl's suffering. Only after the case is solved should any movie even be considered, IMO, out of respect for Haleigh if for no other reason. JMO.

ETA: Was off topic so I edited, but I do feel this stuff is relevant, pertinent, and something I hope we never see come to pass.

I don't think there's much of a market out there for a movie. too many unanswered questions. The only idea I can see, would be a fictionalized account, with absolutely no input from any of the players-because all of their self serving input would be worthless. But a movie about a child's kidnapping, centered around this particular drug culture, might be interesting. Back in the 70s, there was a big drug bust in this area, & a couple of undercover cops went to prison. While there, the female cop wrote a very good book, & it was later turned into a movie. Rush, was the title. Actually, a few weeks ago, my daughter had gone to play pool with her bf, & she met a couple, (now, up in their 50s), who had been involved, in that bust. They told my daughter that they had been married all these years, & had been 'run out' of Smith County. The lady told her about the movie & books, & said that the book, not written by the cop, was the better of the two. & she seemed quite pleased with her noteriety.