Ron's Incident With The Gun Spark Investigation was opened by DCF.

[kiki the parrot]

I'm sadly familiar with RC's extensive arrest record and was still referring in this instance to his multiple drug arrests. I've explained what I consider forseeable consequences and parent's lifestyle choices which I don't equate nor see comparison w Smarts. And I've been long aware PCSO searched the trailer and determined soon after Haleigh was not present there. JMO

arrot:

 

[cajun]

I wish DCF would rule already- Jr deserves to be at the farm for all the holidays that are coming up-

Jr. is right where he belongs. With the person that has raised him since he was 6 months old.

I wonder if any of the "concerned posters" flooded DCF on Tommy Croslin which we know really happened. Tim's story of that day has changed 3 times and I doubt it ever happened.

 

[Emeralgem]

Jr. is right where he belongs. With the person that has raised him since he was 6 months old.

I wonder if any of the "concerned posters" flooded DCF on Tommy Croslin which we know really happened. Tim's story of that day has changed 3 times and I doubt it ever happened.

No doubt in my mind it really happened....I've noticed Ron C lies a whole lot about alot..JMO

 

[Malesherbes]

Jr. is right where he belongs. With the person that has raised him since he was 6 months old.

I wonder if any of the "concerned posters" flooded DCF on Tommy Croslin which we know really happened. Tim's story of that day has changed 3 times and I doubt it ever happened.

I disagree, but even worse, Ron took a little baby away from his mother, that just makes my stomach ill- I just cant ever agree to keep a child with a man who put a gun in his mouth in front of him, its just as bad as driving your kid around drunk-

jmo

 

[Baznme]

Jr. is right where he belongs. With the person that has raised him since he was 6 months old.

I wonder if any of the "concerned posters" flooded DCF on Tommy Croslin which we know really happened. Tim's story of that day has changed 3 times and I doubt it ever happened.

Would you care to point out the changed stories (3 of them no less)?

 

[KOOL LOOK]

I disagree, but even worse, Ron took a little baby away from his mother, that just makes my stomach ill- I just cant ever agree to keep a child with a man who put a gun in his mouth in front of him, its just as bad as driving your kid around drunk-

jmo

some females have no business having physical custody of a child, even their own babies. though concerning crystal, this case in point, i think she would have faired okay had she had her kids with all the support from agencies and her family. crystal like many females, wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially to take on child rearing when she and ron brought it in their lives. at least, most parents have one of those 3 necessities going for them at the time a baby arrives. neither had neither. but as the babies came, one surpassed the other in the tortoise race to maturity for being qualified to parent. Judge had to make a choice, he made it. Period.

 

[Emeralgem]

some females have no business having physical custody of a child, even their own babies. though concerning crystal, this case in point, i think she would have faired okay had she had her kids with all the support from agencies and her family. crystal like many females, wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially to take on child rearing when she and ron brought it in their lives. at least, most parents have one of those 3 necessities going for them at the time a baby arrives. neither had neither. but as the babies came, one surpassed the other in the tortoise race to maturity for being qualified to parent. Judge had to make a choice, he made it. Period.

Yes, looks like Crystal has raced to maturity faster than Ron C and that decision the judge made was a bad mistake...JMO

 

[Baznme]

some females have no business having physical custody of a child, even their own babies. though concerning crystal, this case in point, i think she would have faired okay had she had her kids with all the support from agencies and her family. crystal like many females, wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially to take on child rearing when she and ron brought it in their lives. at least, most parents have one of those 3 necessities going for them at the time a baby arrives. neither had neither. but as the babies came, one surpassed the other in the tortoise race to maturity for being qualified to parent. Judge had to make a choice, he made it. Period.

KoolL: Is this opinion or is this news on the latest decision since DCF opened an investigation?

 

[debs]

some females have no business having physical custody of a child, even their own babies. though concerning crystal, this case in point, i think she would have faired okay had she had her kids with all the support from agencies and her family. crystal like many females, wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially to take on child rearing when she and ron brought it in their lives. at least, most parents have one of those 3 necessities going for them at the time a baby arrives. neither had neither. but as the babies came, one surpassed the other in the tortoise race to maturity for being qualified to parent. Judge had to make a choice, he made it. Period.

She has never waved a gun threatening herself or anyone else, which seems to me to put her a step above at least one person in this whole horrific ordeal.

 

[pittsburghgirl]

I'm sadly familiar with RC's extensive arrest record and was still referring in this instance to his multiple drug arrests. I've explained what I consider forseeable consequences and parent's lifestyle choices which I don't equate nor see comparison w Smarts. And I've been long aware PCSO searched the trailer and determined soon after Haleigh was not present there. JMO

arrot:

I decided to look again at Ron's extensive arrest record, to see what it adds up to. Here is what I've found, thus far, not including anything after Haleigh's disappearance. I stopped at that point for two reasons. First, the original discussion was that Ron put Haleigh at risk with his criminal behavior. Second, the additional stress mitigates, for me at least, some of Ron's emotionality and reactivity since she disappeared.

2000: Driving without a license. (Ronald was 16 or 17)
10/24/2001: Assault (Ronald was a few days shy of 18)
12/2/02: Drugs (not specified in my sources); (Ron was 19)
12/20/02: Hunting violation (19)

11/2004: Traffic violation. Cited for over 20 grams of cannabis and paraphernalia. Pled guilty and went through ADI Level II successfully. Drug tested. Ron had just turned 21.

8/2006: Trespass. Guilty plea. 6 months probation. Successfully completed. (Ron was 22).

11/2006: Leaving scene of accident with injuries. Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor declined to go further) (Ron was 23)

4/2007: Affray (a fight or disturbing the peace). (Ron was 23).

11/2007: Wildlife citation. Hunting w/ rifle in muzzleloading season. (He was 24).

There is also a September 2005 order of protection and a violation of that order.

So what do we have here over an almost 10-year period, spanning Ron's life from 16-17 to today?
Non-violent Crimes, with no connection to bad criminal elements:

• 2 hunting violations, which from the records of others involved in this case, is fairly common in this area.
• 2 driving violations (driving without a license; leaving the scene of an accident). The fact that the prosecutor didn't go forward is typical in these cases. Drivers are cited at the maximum level and district courts almost always reduce these charges if the other person in the accident agrees. (I just appeared as a witness in such a case in PA; I am telling you what both the defense and the prosecutor told me in that case.)
• 1 instance of trespass, where he got 6 months probation. Not a wrist slap or dismissal for a first violation.

Violent Crimes

• 10/24/01 Assault (Ron was a juvenile)
• 4/2007 Affray (a fight or disturbing the peace) Ron got community service, paid costs, and went through a pre-trial diversion program.

Drug Related

• 12/2/02 Drug arrest (I don't have particulars).
• 11/2004 Traffic ticket, cannabis in excess of 20 grams, went through ADI level II program successfully.

First of all, it's clear that Ron has not been receiving preferential treatment. Local LE has cited him, or arrested him, and put him through the legal machinery for all of these incidents. He has done pre-trial intervention and drug intervention programs, which is typical of individuals with first or second offenses. He has been on probation and completed that without re-offending during the probationary period. If someone in the justice system was protecting Ron, he or she did a lousy job.

There have been two drug arrests, one clearly for marijuana possession. In the second, he was eligible for intervention, so that indicates the first one at age 19 couldn't have been intent to distribute or some serious charge for felony possession. This is not exactly an "extensive" record for drug violations. I've been reading words to that effect on this board for months; a serious drug violation history pointing to prison time would include more than one bust for heroin, oxycontin, methamphetamine, crack, or trafficking marijuana. The fact that Ron hasn't done prison time is an indicator that the nature and number of the violations didn't indicate he should get prison time.

The assault arrest as a teenager I would like to know more about. I couldn't find details. Maybe some poster will know more. The "affray" is likely a bar fight or some such thing. These are the arrests that bother me most, and would, for example, prevent him from getting jobs in some fields.

Like Ron, I have a couple of traffic citations. I drove without a license more than once as a teenager under 16; we lived in the country and it was common to do on local roads The hunting violations are interesting because they run through the males involved in this case, which suggests that community norms about hunting may conflict with the laws about hunting.

I don't see an "extensive arrest record" for drugs. No intent with possession, no sales, no weapons, no trafficking, etc. No gang activity; no solicitation; no theft, burglary, larceny; no felony assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, manslaughter or murder; no drug trafficking; no fraud or financial crimes; no child abuse. Has Ron been a model citizen? No. Is he an habitual, hardened criminal who should be in prison? Not hardly.

 

[pittsburghgirl]

Now, a follow up. So what it comes down to, regarding a comparison between Ed Smart and Ron Cummings is "lifestyle choices." These are MORAL objections to the way Ron has lived his life to this point, at the advanced age of 26, where there are no MORAL objections to the way Ed Smart lives his life. But the issue is: who put his child at risk? The one arrested for having marijuana in the car, getting into a bar fight, etc. or the one who invited a psychopath into his home to work? Again, I am objecting only to a double standard that ignores real risk (psychopath in the home) and exaggerates the correlation between moral failing and the abduction/disappearance of a child.

 

[PorcineGranny]

But yet, Mr.Smart had no idea to my knowledge of the kidnapper's record. Ron on the other hand did have knowledge of Misty's drug use and moral behavior. Mr. Smart invited the man to do work. Ron invited Misty to live , supply sex and babysit in his home.( this is my opinion from reading posts) Mr. Smart had no prior record of any kind that I am aware of. I saw Ron's record at some point on these treads and there were alot of charges without convictions in the drug context. I don't think he should always be penalized for charges that are old or are a past situation thing, however personally I don't think that is the case. It is my personal opinion that he is still active with drugs although I don't claim to know in exactly what capacity. I don't see Ron as someone who has put the past behind him and is making a new start in life. I see him as someone who would like for us to think that. He has no respect for others as shown in referring to Misty as his stupid b---- girlfriend. He has no respect for his children , he placed them in direct danger by allowing Misty to be their caretaker. He has guns, cars and some would suspect recreational drugs for his own use but his children have one blanket for their beds apiece and no bedframes. I just can't compare Ron to Ed Smart.
That is the situation we were discussing the other night in the difference in a terrible
accident and actually putting someone in danger. These are my opinions .

 

[elle1919]

I really don't know how to respond anymore. Ronald criminal history is indeed not ideal, I have really never commented on the arrest records of all the players in this case except to inquire if there were recent charges or claims of drug use. Why? Because in my opinion in the months before Haleigh went missing I felt that both Crystal and Ronald were getting a grip on their lives. I don't think pictures posted on my space should be used to put either parent in a bad light. Having said that, I feel I need to say something because Ronald's history is being used against him unfairly.
Hear me out please....Most of these key people who are the closest to Haleigh and JR have a past. However Ronald's is the only record that is being referred to over and over again. Did anyone ever consider that one of the reasons Crystal did not receive primary custody was because of the previous criminal records of her parents? Marie was arrested for possession as well and that is not the worst of it, she was also charged with maintaining a drug dwelling among other things and I see no differences in the amount of punishment that were given to either of them. Everyone wants to point to the fact that Ronald is responsible and he was a bad parent because he allowed Misty around his children. Crystal still lives out in Baker County on her mothers land. I am not sure when Crystal went to live with her mother or what her relationship was with her father( who has an extensive record as well.) But in my opinion it makes no difference, they are still her parents and Haleigh and Junior's grandma and Grandpa.

I am not saying that everything should be forgotten and dismissed. I just feel that we should give the family members in this case a break. Haleigh is gone, and it's not clear why, but can't we play the blame game after there is resolution. Again I am not excusing anything, you reap what you sew and being an adult means that you accept responsibility and own your issues. I am not talking about Misty either. Personally I have heard enough to establish suspicion of her in my brain, but I can't blame a missing child's father, mother, grandmother or grandfather until we have the facts. The comments we make are easy to type out and post on a website, but if none of these people are involved , no amount of talking will make the comments go away....JMO:twocents:

 

[pittsburghgirl]

But yet, Mr.Smart had no idea to my knowledge of the kidnapper's record. Ron on the other hand did have knowledge of Misty's drug use and moral behavior. Mr. Smart invited the man to do work. Ron invited Misty to live , supply sex and babysit in his home.( this is my opinion from reading posts) Mr. Smart had no prior record of any kind that I am aware of. I saw Ron's record at some point on these treads and there were alot of charges without convictions in the drug context. I don't think he should always be penalized for charges that are old or are a past situation thing, however personally I don't think that is the case. It is my personal opinion that he is still active with drugs although I don't claim to know in exactly what capacity. I don't see Ron as someone who has put the past behind him and is making a new start in life. I see him as someone who would like for us to think that. He has no respect for others as shown in referring to Misty as his stupid b---- girlfriend. He has no respect for his children , he placed them in direct danger by allowing Misty to be their caretaker. He has guns, cars and some would suspect recreational drugs for his own use but his children have one blanket for their beds apiece and no bedframes. I just can't compare Ron to Ed Smart.
That is the situation we were discussing the other night in the difference in a terrible
accident and actually putting someone in danger. These are my opinions .

The issue is not whether or not either man has a "record." It would be possible for a person with a criminal record to have a child abducted--and that abduction would have no relation to his criminal record. I have reiterated this point until I can see no reason to keep repeating myself. Everything you say indicates that the only distinction you are making here is that you like and approve of one man and not the other. Elizabeth's sister recognized, eventually, the abductor because he had been IN THAT HOME. My objection is to the double standard: How is it a "terrible accident" that a worker in the home abducts a child and not a "terrible accident" in Ron's case where we don't even know what has happened?


I have read somewhere that the kids have regular beds and a bedroom, not just the mattresses in the master bedroom. Am I incorrect in that? I have never seen video of the kid's room(s). I don't see where owning a gun or a car makes him a bad guy. I own a gun and a car; my friends in LE do; most everyone in Western PA does. We have no evidence that he is now doing drugs. Our opinions and suspicions are not evidence. Certainly, he passed drug tests while on probation and he is under serious scrutiny today, with every twitch of the blogosphere bringing child welfare into his home. And frankly, many people don't see smoking marijuana as being much different than drinking--and probably less dangerous to children than cigarettes. The only difference is that our culture has deemed marijuana illegal, and that decision has a very odd history.

 

[MeoW333]

The only way I know how to respond to this is to use myself as an example. I know I do this a lot but I have no oither way to explain what I mean and this works best for me as it's the only experiences Iv'e got. You know I love you, KiKi, so please don't feel like I'm replying directly TO you, I'm just trying to explain my mind set with this case..

I am a felon. So's my mother. I worked for an escort agency, I was addicted to and sold my own and other peoples (including my mothers) prescription drugs. I commited crimes while I had my son with me. Horrible.. I know. I did some lousy things but none of that means I didn't love my child. I was sick. I made poor choices but my choices didn't mean I'd deserve to have my child stolen from me. I always loved him.. I sold my body and drugs so I could feed him. I stole medicine for him when he was sick because I was broke. None of this is OK, I know this now but then? I was doing the best I could with what I had to work with. I 'spose I coulda left him, let his father take him but that was never an option for me because as screwed up as I was I loved him and wanted him.

I cannnot fault Ron. He was doing the best he could with what he had to work with.. I really believe he loves his children he just doesn't have much to work with.

Thank you for explaining this better than i did =) it seems certain people didn't understand my example and others did.
No one is perfect, just because Ron made bad choices doesn't mean he killed his daughter or is soley responsible.
I agree with your post!

 

[twall]

I decided to look again at Ron's extensive arrest record, to see what it adds up to. Here is what I've found, thus far, not including anything after Haleigh's disappearance. I stopped at that point for two reasons. First, the original discussion was that Ron put Haleigh at risk with his criminal behavior. Second, the additional stress mitigates, for me at least, some of Ron's emotionality and reactivity since she disappeared.

2000: Driving without a license. (Ronald was 16 or 17)
10/24/2001: Assault (Ronald was a few days shy of 18)
12/2/02: Drugs (not specified in my sources); (Ron was 19)
12/20/02: Hunting violation (19)

11/2004: Traffic violation. Cited for over 20 grams of cannabis and paraphernalia. Pled guilty and went through ADI Level II successfully. Drug tested. Ron had just turned 21.

8/2006: Trespass. Guilty plea. 6 months probation. Successfully completed. (Ron was 22).

11/2006: Leaving scene of accident with injuries. Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor declined to go further) (Ron was 23)

4/2007: Affray (a fight or disturbing the peace). (Ron was 23).

11/2007: Wildlife citation. Hunting w/ rifle in muzzleloading season. (He was 24).

There is also a September 2005 order of protection and a violation of that order.

So what do we have here over an almost 10-year period, spanning Ron's life from 16-17 to today?
Non-violent Crimes, with no connection to bad criminal elements:

• 2 hunting violations, which from the records of others involved in this case, is fairly common in this area.
• 2 driving violations (driving without a license; leaving the scene of an accident). The fact that the prosecutor didn't go forward is typical in these cases. Drivers are cited at the maximum level and district courts almost always reduce these charges if the other person in the accident agrees. (I just appeared as a witness in such a case in PA; I am telling you what both the defense and the prosecutor told me in that case.)
• 1 instance of trespass, where he got 6 months probation. Not a wrist slap or dismissal for a first violation.

Violent Crimes

• 10/24/01 Assault (Ron was a juvenile)
• 4/2007 Affray (a fight or disturbing the peace) Ron got community service, paid costs, and went through a pre-trial diversion program.

Drug Related

• 12/2/02 Drug arrest (I don't have particulars).
• 11/2004 Traffic ticket, cannabis in excess of 20 grams, went through ADI level II program successfully.

First of all, it's clear that Ron has not been receiving preferential treatment. Local LE has cited him, or arrested him, and put him through the legal machinery for all of these incidents. He has done pre-trial intervention and drug intervention programs, which is typical of individuals with first or second offenses. He has been on probation and completed that without re-offending during the probationary period. If someone in the justice system was protecting Ron, he or she did a lousy job.

There have been two drug arrests, one clearly for marijuana possession. In the second, he was eligible for intervention, so that indicates the first one at age 19 couldn't have been intent to distribute or some serious charge for felony possession. This is not exactly an "extensive" record for drug violations. I've been reading words to that effect on this board for months; a serious drug violation history pointing to prison time would include more than one bust for heroin, oxycontin, methamphetamine, crack, or trafficking marijuana. The fact that Ron hasn't done prison time is an indicator that the nature and number of the violations didn't indicate he should get prison time.

The assault arrest as a teenager I would like to know more about. I couldn't find details. Maybe some poster will know more. The "affray" is likely a bar fight or some such thing. These are the arrests that bother me most, and would, for example, prevent him from getting jobs in some fields.

Like Ron, I have a couple of traffic citations. I drove without a license more than once as a teenager under 16; we lived in the country and it was common to do on local roads The hunting violations are interesting because they run through the males involved in this case, which suggests that community norms about hunting may conflict with the laws about hunting.

I don't see an "extensive arrest record" for drugs. No intent with possession, no sales, no weapons, no trafficking, etc. No gang activity; no solicitation; no theft, burglary, larceny; no felony assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, manslaughter or murder; no drug trafficking; no fraud or financial crimes; no child abuse. Has Ron been a model citizen? No. Is he an habitual, hardened criminal who should be in prison? Not hardly.

Don't forget to include the charges in other counties besides Putnam.:biggrin:

 

[KOOL LOOK]

KoolL: Is this opinion or is this news on the latest decision since DCF opened an investigation?

You can't tell which? Tortoise might be a clue that it's my opinion. Really!

 

[KOOL LOOK]

She has never waved a gun threatening herself or anyone else, which seems to me to put her a step above at least one person in this whole horrific ordeal.

Where is "Mama"?

 

[Whisperer]

IIRC Marie had ONE arrest for Marijuana, most likely growing a plant/s in her house in 1997. She paid her fine and has been clean. She drives a school bus and her record has been checked.

Ron, OTOH, has been caught with heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, GHB (date rape) marijuana, methamphatimes, marijuana for sale, maintaining a drug vehicle, possession of marijuana and illegal prescription drugs. Comparing Marie with RC is prepostorous. Quite a candy store Ron Cummings had there, I must say. In most States, RC would be doing prison time.

Ron was caught again in 11/04 and convicted in 3/05 (he plead down) he got 6 months to pay his fine. Crystal and he broke up and he came to her house and took the kids (he told her a vacation) and filed for custody. He again got arrested for drugs in September 05. He claimed he took the kids because he thought CS was doing drugs...HA!

RC is now under the protective custody of his mother, grandma and attorneys. If not, I think we would be hearing about more problems...IMO.

Comparing RC with Ed Smart is silly. There is absolutely nothing similar in the two cases.

Ron Cummings has to be seriously considered as a suspect or one with knowlege of a crime...IMO. His history, behavior, assaults, retalliation and association with guns for threat and intimidation is striking. His hiring of attorneys to protect him screams a "Red Flag".

Ed Smart should not even be mentioned in the same paragraph with RC. I think it is insulting to Mr. Smart.

 

[elle1919]

IIRC Marie had ONE arrest for Marijuana, most likely growing a plant/s in her house in 1997. She paid her fine and has been clean. She drives a school bus and her record has been checked.

Ron, OTOH, has been caught with heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, GHS (date rape) marijuana, methamphatimes, marijuana for sale, maintaining a drug vehicle, possession of marijuana and illegal prescription drugs. Comparing Marie with RC is prepostorous.

Ron was caught again in 11/04 and convicted in 3/05 (he plead down) he got 6 months to pay his fine. Crystal and he broke up and he came to her house and took the kids (he told her a vacation) and filed for custody. He again got arrested for drugs in September 05. He claimed he took the kids because he thought CS was doing drugs...HA!

RC is now under the protective custody of his mother, grandma and attorneys. If not, I think we would be hearing about more problems...IMO.

Comparing RC with Ed Smart is silly. There is absolutely nothing similar in the two cases.

Ron Cummings has to be seriously considered as a suspect or one with knowlege of a crime...IMO. His history, behavior, assaults, retalliation and association with guns for threat and intimidation is striking. His hiring of attorneys to protect him screams a "Red Flag".

Ed Smart should not even be mentioned in the same paragraph with RC. I think it is insulting to Mr. Smart.

I hardly agree that having one marijuana plant growing somewhere in her house would constitute a drug dwelling charge. So drugs are bad except for marijuana? Back in 1997 how old was Crystal? Do you think it was acceptable to grow an illegal drug on her property with her children living in the home? Drugs are drugs and a law is a law.

I most certainly was not comparing Marie to Ronald, I was comparing the charges that they shared. I hold each and every person to the same standard. You don't in my opinion and that's okay too. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.