Jr's custody issue arising from Ron's arrest

[Pondering Mind]

I assume they did, however that was last year and look what's transpired since then.

Hopefully they have been a whole lot more careful this time around TG, because you're right they did an investigation last year and left Butterbean in Ronalds custody and look what was going on behind the scenes all that time...Sad part is it appears to me the whole family HAD to know what was going on and nobody said a word..jmho..

 

[kiki the parrot]

Hmmm I'm all for what's best for Jr but too bad not everyone was so insistent upon regular "checks" when poor Jr remained in the custody of those in whose same lax "care" his sister went suddenly suspiciously "missing." I just wish there had ever been the same level of concern as we see re CS--urging drop-in visits or inspections etc--re children in the care of RC/MC... sounds like it's been a horrible environment for Jr and it was afterall from under his (and Misty's) watch and home that his big sissy "disappeared." :waitasec:

arrot:

 

[MADJGNLAW]

Exhibit E: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22810561/P...-Address-12222

In this email from KP it states that Crystal had offered random drug screens to DCF and allowed them to get her hospital records. It also states that Crystal was "Clean" free of drugs. In KP's rebuttal (sp), after CS fired her. KP claimed that CS was using and that was the reason why she "Did Not" help CS file for Custody back then or modify the child support. Which, IMO when you have an attorney they are supposed to do as you ask within the law and keep all that is said confidential. KP did none...she emailed, blogged, and gave her opinion on CS to the public. KP was fine with CS while she was working for her, it all turned when she got fired.

 

[Trident]

I assume they did, however that was last year and look what's transpired since then.

.

Yep, Ron, Misty, a brother, a cousin, and a "friend" are in jail for drug trafficking - wish every day would bring such good news. I believe Crystal is drug free and the only reason she ever got into it was because of her ex-boyfriend.

'Course this is just my OPINION

 

[Trident]

Hmmm I'm all for what's best for Jr but too bad not everyone was so insistent upon regular "checks" when poor Jr remained in the custody of those in whose same lax "care" his sister went suddenly suspiciously "missing." I just wish there had ever been the same level of concern as we see re CS--urging drop-in visits or inspections etc--re children in the care of RC/MC... sounds like it's been a horrible environment for Jr and it was afterall from under his (and Misty's) watch and home that his big sissy "disappeared." :waitasec:

arrot:

Yeah, regular checks for RC would have been good, wonder why they weren't done? However, we MUST be sure Crystal has no flaws even though she didn't lose her daughter and sleep around with underage young men. Hmmm, seems to me there's a double standard going on - is such a thing possible in this day and age?

 

[Trident]

I hope it all works out for little RJ and that Crystal isn't using drugs anymore but as you said....drugs are a demon to beat. A person really needs to go into treatment so that they have all of the tools that they need at their disposal to use. I hope she attends meetings too. They are really helpful. It's really hard to get clean and stay clean with no professional help.

(You are so right. I wonder if RC is addicted as well as selling?)

My hope is that someone was appointed to check on this household often for at least a year. I don't mean visit by appointment but drop in quite often. The last thing this little boy needs is to be moved from one drug invironment to another. Someone needs to make certain that Crystal isn't doing drugs anymore.

(Did anyone check up on Ron - like whether or not he was doing drugs? If not, why not?)

Does Crystal's boyfriend/stepbrother have custody of his kids too? Seems like he did have and that was why he couldn't stay with her when Haleigh came up missing.

(How does that factor in?)

Hopefully Crystal is very thankful for this second chance with her little boy. I hope he is first and formost in her prioritys as far as giving him a safe secure invironment with lots of love.

(I'm sure she will. At any rate, how much worse could she do than losing her daughter and landing in jail for drug trafficking?)

I don't think Ron will be the least bit surprised that he lost custody. What else could he expect? He made a choice between his son and dealing drugs and he made a bad one. His own fault.

My answers are in ( ), and yes, it is a bad choice he made, but he made it so he has to live with it - hopefully in jail for a LONG time.

My opinion only

 

[Crosby87]

All of the nice sentiments about Crystal regaining custody don't seem quite right to me. The poor child has a missing sister, a father looking at over 20 years in prison for drug trafficking, and a mother who is an addict and doesn't appear to be getting treatment. Even with all the best intentions in the world, addicts have great difficulty staying clean and sober, and addicts make TERRIBLE parents--just as drug dealers do. In this case, Crystal wins by default, but if she doesn't stay clean, she could be looking at CPS (or whatever Florida calls child welfare services) taking custody.

I was afraid KP's assessment of Crystal Sheffield might stand in Crystal's way of obtaining custody of Junior after Ron was arrested.

Would the Judge even consider KP's assessment of Crystal in this case?

 

[WillenFan21]

Exhibit E: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22810561/P...-Address-12222

In this email from KP it states that Crystal had offered random drug screens to DCF and allowed them to get her hospital records. It also states that Crystal was "Clean" free of drugs.

This seems like BS(what KP is saying in the email I mean) to me .If this was the case then why does Crystal still have her other child living with her? Don't you think they would have taken the child out of her home if that was true?

 

[pittsburghgirl]

Hmmm I'm all for what's best for Jr but too bad not everyone was so insistent upon regular "checks" when poor Jr remained in the custody of those in whose same lax "care" his sister went suddenly suspiciously "missing." I just wish there had ever been the same level of concern as we see re CS--urging drop-in visits or inspections etc--re children in the care of RC/MC... sounds like it's been a horrible environment for Jr and it was afterall from under his (and Misty's) watch and home that his big sissy "disappeared." :waitasec:

arrot:

There wasn't need to call for regular checks as CPS investigated Ron twice after Haleigh's disappearance, thus there was no need to call for them. Clearly, if authorities were investigating, there were regular "checks." And as soon as he was arrested for drug trafficking, he lost custody. As he should have. When a dealer is busted, that is public knowledge, as we see in the case of this stupid bunch who were just arrested. There's a criminal record. It's tougher, though, for CPS to keep track of garden-variety addicts who may be surrounded by enablers and who may be able to keep their drug abuse out of the public eye. There's no way to spin this story in a good way. We still don't know what happened to Haleigh, and I will keep saying that until we do, it isn't right to assume that a parent is at fault because a child disappears "on his or her watch." I would say the same thing if Haleigh had been with Crystal.

 

[nomoresorrow]

Exhibit E: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22810561/P...-Address-12222

In this email from KP it states that Crystal had offered random drug screens to DCF and allowed them to get her hospital records. It also states that Crystal was "Clean" free of drugs. In KP's rebuttal (sp), after CS fired her. KP claimed that CS was using and that was the reason why she "Did Not" help CS file for Custody back then or modify the child support. Which, IMO when you have an attorney they are supposed to do as you ask within the law and keep all that is said confidential. KP did none...she emailed, blogged, and gave her opinion on CS to the public. KP was fine with CS while she was working for her, it all turned when she got fired.

I was afraid KP's assessment of Crystal Sheffield might stand in Crystal's way of obtaining custody of Junior after Ron was arrested.

Would the Judge even consider KP's assessment of Crystal in this case?

KP's recent statement from the Palaka Daily News;
(BBM)

"It looks like the amount of bond will keep Ronald in jail for a while, so naturally the child would go to the biological mother in this case," Picazio said. "It is definitely the safest place for Junior."http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2010/01/23/news/news01.txt

In my own opinion, based on this statement, KP's prior "assessment" only further proves to me to be what I suspected all along; an act of retaliation against Crystal for bringing her before the bar. Had there been any truth to it, she wouldn't have a problem stating so publicly now - outside of the "before-the-bar" arena. [possibly fear of legal repercussions, e.g,. slander(spoken) and/or libel(written) I'd love to hear some thoughts from our experts here] JMHO -

 

[Emeralgem]

There wasn't need to call for regular checks as CPS investigated Ron twice after Haleigh's disappearance, thus there was no need to call for them. Clearly, if authorities were investigating, there were regular "checks." And as soon as he was arrested for drug trafficking, he lost custody. As he should have. When a dealer is busted, that is public knowledge, as we see in the case of this stupid bunch who were just arrested. There's a criminal record. It's tougher, though, for CPS to keep track of garden-variety addicts who may be surrounded by enablers and who may be able to keep their drug abuse out of the public eye. There's no way to spin this story in a good way. We still don't know what happened to Haleigh, and I will keep saying that until we do, it isn't right to assume that a parent is at fault because a child disappears "on his or her watch." I would say the same thing if Haleigh had been with Crystal.

Ron C has blatantly paraded his drug abuse in front of the cameras and in the public eye for almost a year now... Shame on DCF for choosing to ignore it...JMO

 

[Pondering Mind]

There wasn't need to call for regular checks as CPS investigated Ron twice after Haleigh's disappearance, thus there was no need to call for them. Clearly, if authorities were investigating, there were regular "checks." And as soon as he was arrested for drug trafficking, he lost custody. As he should have. When a dealer is busted, that is public knowledge, as we see in the case of this stupid bunch who were just arrested. There's a criminal record. It's tougher, though, for CPS to keep track of garden-variety addicts who may be surrounded by enablers and who may be able to keep their drug abuse out of the public eye. There's no way to spin this story in a good way. We still don't know what happened to Haleigh, and I will keep saying that until we do, it isn't right to assume that a parent is at fault because a child disappears "on his or her watch." I would say the same thing if Haleigh had been with Crystal.

hi pittsburghgirl! Wanted to say that I always enjoy reading your posts but I have to respectfully disagree with the part I bolded and hopefully we can just agree to disagree on this point. ..as I don't see that clearly at all...

Having investigated cases with DSS as it's known in my state, not working for them, but as a volunteer GAL, so before I get pounced on :truce: please take my opinion or leave it fwiw..:twocents:..

What I see clearly is that an investigation by DCF involving very young children is tricky at best. HaLeigh had just started school so there was only a few months that she was surrounded by no one but family and Jr, at that time was not in school yet. It's extremely difficult to find out what is really going on when you have the whole family closing ranks and they are the only people that the children are involved with on a day to day basis. If physical abuse is suspected you at least have something to look for..bruises, old or recent, burns etc, as well as speak to treating physicians. And of course what you gather from speaking with the child/children. I don't believe that was the case here. Excessive discipline..maybe..probably imo, but the truth is we don't know.

Anyway, my point was that when a case involves drug abuse and if said drug abuse is being covered up by the very people that DCF has to count on in an investigation AND these same people are the only ones around the children everyday...where do you go from there? Drug tests can be ordered (as a matter of fact I wonder if DCF ever did that?) but unless it's a hair strand test, it's easily passed imo.

JMO, but even IF DCF was doing the best they could, it appears to me that they were probably obstructed at every turn and they can't just ride in on white horses when the very people they have to count on to help them protect the children were telling them that everything was just fine and dandy when in reality it was anything but..

I hope that makes a lick of sense as I feel like I'm blabbering, lol! As always that's jmho and all....

 

[Concerned Papa]

KP's recent statement from the Palaka Daily News;
(BBM)

"It looks like the amount of bond will keep Ronald in jail for a while, so naturally the child would go to the biological mother in this case," Picazio said. "It is definitely the safest place for Junior."http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2010/01/23/news/news01.txt

In my own opinion, based on this statement, KP's prior "assessment" only further proves to me to be what I suspected all along; an act of retaliation against Crystal for bringing her before the bar. Had there been any truth to it, she wouldn't have a problem stating so publicly now - outside of the "before-the-bar" arena. [possibly fear of legal repercussions, e.g,. slander(spoken) and/or libel(written) I'd love to hear some thoughts from our experts here] JMHO -

Nomoresorrow, I would like to say at the onset of this comment that I have the greatest respect for your posts and insight in this case. I find myself agreeing with your position virtually all of the time. However, in the part I have bolded above, I must respectfully disagree.

Sadly, I feel that the information contained in KP’s Bar Complaint defense was likely true. I see two compelling reasons to believe as such.

(1) KP was forced by the Complaint to answer allegations of a lack of diligence by not filing for child support modification and custody. She was compelled to answer truthfully as to why she had not, and could not, file these actions. She gave the reasons to the Bar, they investigated the allegations and her defense, and completely vindicated KP of any violations.

(2) KP was CS’s attorney for only 4 months (mid-March through mid July). A new attorney has represented CS for the past SIX MONTHS and has not filed for support modification or custody either.

Why do you suppose the new attorney hasn’t filed?

In all reality, yesterday’s ruling granting temporary custody to CS was still not as a result of any action filed by CS or her attorney. According to this article it was an Emergency Shelter Hearing which can ONLY be brought in Florida by the DCF.

Crystal Sheffield has been granted temporary custody of her son Ronald Cummings Jr. after an emergency shelter hearing Thursday. The hearing was held after the arrest of the boy's father Ronald Cummings Sr. on drug charges.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=151021&catid=3

It sounds like DCF may have actually removed Jr soon after RC’s arrest:

Once the child is taken away from the home, there will be a shelter hearing held within 24 hours. The shelter hearing is to establish whether DCF had probable cause to shelter the child and if so, who the child should be sheltered with. If no relatives or friends are available to care for the child, then the child may have to go to foster care. A Shelter Order will be put in place..

http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/dcf-shelters-your-child

And

Sections 39.401(3) and 39.402(8)(a) of the Florida Statutes mandate that a shelter hearing be held within 24 hours of the time a child is taken into custody.

http://www.law.fsu.edu/library/flsupct/sc96265/96265juvenile.pdf

I am very glad that Crystal now has Jr no matter how it came about. However, she will still have to file for custody and have a hearing before this temporary measure becomes permanent. I hope and pray that she can and has taken whatever measures in her life are necessary to provide a stable, loving home for her son.

He deserves no less.

 

[Bobbisangel]

.

Yep, Ron, Misty, a brother, a cousin, and a "friend" are in jail for drug trafficking - wish every day would bring such good news. I believe Crystal is drug free and the only reason she ever got into it was because of her ex-boyfriend.

'Course this is just my OPINION

That sounds like Ron's mother blaming Misty for Ron getting into the dealing of drugs. Ron and Crystal are both big people...adults who have made some bad choices in their lives. Both of them could have said "no" if they didn't want to get involved with drugs. No one can MAKE another person do anything they don't want to do.

 

[Bobbisangel]

There wasn't need to call for regular checks as CPS investigated Ron twice after Haleigh's disappearance, thus there was no need to call for them. Clearly, if authorities were investigating, there were regular "checks." And as soon as he was arrested for drug trafficking, he lost custody. As he should have. When a dealer is busted, that is public knowledge, as we see in the case of this stupid bunch who were just arrested. There's a criminal record. It's tougher, though, for CPS to keep track of garden-variety addicts who may be surrounded by enablers and who may be able to keep their drug abuse out of the public eye. There's no way to spin this story in a good way. We still don't know what happened to Haleigh, and I will keep saying that until we do, it isn't right to assume that a parent is at fault because a child disappears "on his or her watch." I would say the same thing if Haleigh had been with Crystal.

If we are going to start blaming the parents when a child disappears I guess we better add John Walsh's wife as she was at the department store with Adam....Mark Glaas as he was right there when Polly disappeared...Mark Lunsfords parents as they were right there when Jessica was taken...the Smarts were right there when Elizabeth disappeared and on and on. It is cruel to blame the parents as they carry enough guilt because it happened on their watch in the first place. And to any one on here that has little kids...it could happen to you. These creeps think nothing of walking right into your home and making off with your child with you sleeping in the next room so don't do to much blaming...you could be next. Hopefully not but it happens daily. Besides, not a soul on here knows what happened to Haleigh.

 

[RJA00]

.

Yep, Ron, Misty, a brother, a cousin, and a "friend" are in jail for drug trafficking - wish every day would bring such good news. I believe Crystal is drug free and the only reason she ever got into it was because of her ex-boyfriend.

'Course this is just my OPINION

I hope for jr sake your right, but i dont think her new boyfriend record is very clean either

I hope they did a homestudy and checked everybody over 18 background.
and gave them a plan to work.

and do some unannounced visits from time to time

jr will need some intense therapy. its not good to yank any kid out of a home overnight and tell them there moving. needs to be done slowly if allowed

 

[Bobbisangel]

My answers are in ( ), and yes, it is a bad choice he made, but he made it so he has to live with it - hopefully in jail for a LONG time.

My opinion only

I asked about Crystal's boyfriend's kids because I was curious. I think we can still ask questions because we are curious. I also wondered how much competition RJ was going to have for the attention of his mom. No big deal :banghead:

 

[Whisperer]

I was afraid KP's assessment of Crystal Sheffield might stand in Crystal's way of obtaining custody of Junior after Ron was arrested.

Would the Judge even consider KP's assessment of Crystal in this case?

Nope...they never even considered ron's drug use or arrest.

 

[Whisperer]

I asked about Crystal's boyfriend's kids because I was curious. I think we can still ask questions because we are curious. I also wondered how much competition RJ was going to have for the attention of his mom. No big deal :banghead:

I was concerned about the competition factor too when rc had his attention focused on Misty. That competition didn't work out too well for Haleigh.

 

[nomoresorrow]

Nomoresorrow, I would like to say at the onset of this comment that I have the greatest respect for your posts and insight in this case. I find myself agreeing with your position virtually all of the time. However, in the part I have bolded above, I must respectfully disagree.

Sadly, I feel that the information contained in KP’s Bar Complaint defense was likely true. I see two compelling reasons to believe as such.

(1) KP was forced by the Complaint to answer allegations of a lack of diligence by not filing for child support modification and custody. She was compelled to answer truthfully as to why she had not, and could not, file these actions. She gave the reasons to the Bar, they investigated the allegations and her defense, and completely vindicated KP of any violations.

(2) KP was CS’s attorney for only 4 months (mid-March through mid July). A new attorney has represented CS for the past SIX MONTHS and has not filed for support modification or custody either.

Why do you suppose the new attorney hasn’t filed?

In all reality, yesterday’s ruling granting temporary custody to CS was still not as a result of any action filed by CS or her attorney. According to this article it was an Emergency Shelter Hearing which can ONLY be brought in Florida by the DCF.



It sounds like DCF may have actually removed Jr soon after RC’s arrest:



And



I am very glad that Crystal now has Jr no matter how it came about. However, she will still have to file for custody and have a hearing before this temporary measure becomes permanent. I hope and pray that she can and has taken whatever measures in her life are necessary to provide a stable, loving home for her son.

He deserves no less.

I love you Concerned Papa! :hug: The respect is mutual - it would be extremely boring if we all agreed on everything all the time.

Back to the business at hand... I do want to respond to your opinion on KP & the bar complaint BUT (always a "but" isn't there, lol) before I do, I need to relocate, re-read, and refresh my memory on something - I just don't want you to think that I'm ignoring you -