1 September 2003
TO: District Attorney, (David Miller), Hand given to Clerk of the Courts!
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received a letter and statements signed by eleven citizens of the “United States of America” incarcerated in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
“Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.”
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement! (Available upon request)
- “On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency – please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.”
Questions to the District Attorney:
1. Is “The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual” kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State—if required? Where can citizen’s checkout this “Manual?”
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmate’s complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old “Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates—and aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)? In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help! Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
ACTH:
(1) Letter Addressed to me [Names blocked out]
(2) Copy of Official Statements with signatures, on letterhead Stationary
Dated, 24 July 2003, [Names blocked out]
Cc: Various Local Organizations
======================================
Inmates Who Requested My Assistance
FEBRUARY 2005: 1st published on Internet in February 2005, following our local newspaper article!
Dear Editor & anyone else concerned about Fellow Human Beings Across the Nation!
[Headlines in the Valdosta Daily Times on 30 January 2005. JAIL WOES (But Nothing about the human beings living in these conditions) The question MUST be asked by people of conscious. DOES THEIR LIFE MEAN ANYTHING TO EDITORS, AND REPORTERS?]
On 30 January 2005, Grace Accosting a reporter of the Valdosta Daily Times reported. Inside the Lowndes County Jail are cracked walls, rusted pipes and locks that require maintenance. Capt. J.D. Yeager at the jail is mystified as to how the food storage facility passed inspections. They use an intake built for 124 inmates that now accommodate more than 600 on a Friday or Saturday night. Eight (8) to 12 inmates lay out in the hall says Capt. Yeager.
They wash 600 dishes by hand half of the time---because the dishwasher is broken. There is no adequate food storage area. Capt. Yeager is mystified as to how they could receive 80s and 90s on food scores.
Hundreds of entangled wires cause cells and jail doors to malfunction. Pluming problems are rusty copper and terracotta pipes, water faucets in the shower or sinks run constantly. While some are covered with toothpaste caps to prevent leaking.
On the Opinion page it reports: The Managing Editor of the Times is Kay Harris, Publisher Keith Blevins, and General Manager J. H. (Sandy) Sanders reported in their Opinion Column. That their Editorial Board toured the jail and determined that the jail needs improvement---nothing was off limits.
“We found a facility that has seriously out grown its capacity and is in critical need of an expansion. Pluming issues were among the worst problems and food for 600 inmates is prepared in a kitchen smaller than the ones in many homes. Inadequate medical clinic, lack of air circulation, spread of disease is a concern, inmate sleeping in boats on the floor. Moreover, they reported---It is a shame that these conditions have been allowed to deteriorate to this point.” However, the TIMES failed to mention the many inmates having to live under these inhumane, unsanitary conditions. THEY REFUSED TO EVEN MENTION THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE ILL CONDITIONS INMATES PROBABLY SUFFERED AS A RESULT. HOW CAN THIS BE IN THE 21ST CENTURY? Moreover, there have been about eight inmates OR MORE who have died in our surround the jail---for whatever reason. The most recent Death was on 21 June 2004.
It is my opinion that OUR ONLY NEWSPAPAER has contributed to these ill conditions---- by refusing to do investigative reporting as editor Al Parson of the Lake Park Post did---for over 16 years. Their article is the reason WE need help in this South Georgia Town.
Even a person with below average intelligence could have read and reported the findings of a U.S. District Court Judge of the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division. Wherein, Judge Hugh Lawson ruled in his Court Order and consent decree #89-54-VAL, (over sixteen years ago). Those 105 violations must be corrected within two years. Apparently this was not done because many of these problems were identified nearly two decades ago.
While local citizens watched in shock as our “only Daily News Paper” refuse to inform the general public. For more information and follow-up on this two decade old “Hell Hole.” As referred to by Editor Al Parson in a two-hour documentary video entitled “A Chorus of Fear” produced by Professors and students at Valdosta State University. A must for All Americans to see.
For more information: Please contact Al Parson editor of the Lake Park Post 229-242-7179, Rev Floyd Rose, 229-241-1288, President of the Peoples Tribunal, Charles More 229-242-7179 a local writer and educator, and Lee Touchton a white lady who was the President of the local NAACP. Moreover, letters highlighting inmate’s requests and alleged abuses are available upon request from several local organizations.
Inmates have been ignored by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, State Representatives and many other elected officials. However, for over 20 years jailed inmates continues to write letters, tell their parents, children, and file law suits seeking outside help to get through the wall of silence—but to no avail. We have signed letters, and notarized statements from inmates who ask me personally to get some concerned person in America to help them. Needless to say no one is concerned about this Hell Hole according to inmates many of whom are American Veterans!
It appears that many Americans care more about Iraqi oil, and the liberation of the people of Iraq. Than our own suffering citizens, mothers, fathers, children, pastors, and lawyers here in the Homeland. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity
This information was sent to many American News sources, and elected officials. However, we must search the Internet for our news in the 21st century....
TO: District Attorney, (David Miller), Hand given to Clerk of the Courts!
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received a letter and statements signed by eleven citizens of the “United States of America” incarcerated in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
“Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.”
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement! (Available upon request)
- “On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency – please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.”
Questions to the District Attorney:
1. Is “The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual” kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State—if required? Where can citizen’s checkout this “Manual?”
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmate’s complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old “Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates—and aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)? In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help! Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)
ACTH:
(1) Letter Addressed to me [Names blocked out]
(2) Copy of Official Statements with signatures, on letterhead Stationary
Dated, 24 July 2003, [Names blocked out]
Cc: Various Local Organizations
======================================
Inmates Who Requested My Assistance
FEBRUARY 2005: 1st published on Internet in February 2005, following our local newspaper article!
Dear Editor & anyone else concerned about Fellow Human Beings Across the Nation!
[Headlines in the Valdosta Daily Times on 30 January 2005. JAIL WOES (But Nothing about the human beings living in these conditions) The question MUST be asked by people of conscious. DOES THEIR LIFE MEAN ANYTHING TO EDITORS, AND REPORTERS?]
On 30 January 2005, Grace Accosting a reporter of the Valdosta Daily Times reported. Inside the Lowndes County Jail are cracked walls, rusted pipes and locks that require maintenance. Capt. J.D. Yeager at the jail is mystified as to how the food storage facility passed inspections. They use an intake built for 124 inmates that now accommodate more than 600 on a Friday or Saturday night. Eight (8) to 12 inmates lay out in the hall says Capt. Yeager.
They wash 600 dishes by hand half of the time---because the dishwasher is broken. There is no adequate food storage area. Capt. Yeager is mystified as to how they could receive 80s and 90s on food scores.
Hundreds of entangled wires cause cells and jail doors to malfunction. Pluming problems are rusty copper and terracotta pipes, water faucets in the shower or sinks run constantly. While some are covered with toothpaste caps to prevent leaking.
On the Opinion page it reports: The Managing Editor of the Times is Kay Harris, Publisher Keith Blevins, and General Manager J. H. (Sandy) Sanders reported in their Opinion Column. That their Editorial Board toured the jail and determined that the jail needs improvement---nothing was off limits.
“We found a facility that has seriously out grown its capacity and is in critical need of an expansion. Pluming issues were among the worst problems and food for 600 inmates is prepared in a kitchen smaller than the ones in many homes. Inadequate medical clinic, lack of air circulation, spread of disease is a concern, inmate sleeping in boats on the floor. Moreover, they reported---It is a shame that these conditions have been allowed to deteriorate to this point.” However, the TIMES failed to mention the many inmates having to live under these inhumane, unsanitary conditions. THEY REFUSED TO EVEN MENTION THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE ILL CONDITIONS INMATES PROBABLY SUFFERED AS A RESULT. HOW CAN THIS BE IN THE 21ST CENTURY? Moreover, there have been about eight inmates OR MORE who have died in our surround the jail---for whatever reason. The most recent Death was on 21 June 2004.
It is my opinion that OUR ONLY NEWSPAPAER has contributed to these ill conditions---- by refusing to do investigative reporting as editor Al Parson of the Lake Park Post did---for over 16 years. Their article is the reason WE need help in this South Georgia Town.
Even a person with below average intelligence could have read and reported the findings of a U.S. District Court Judge of the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division. Wherein, Judge Hugh Lawson ruled in his Court Order and consent decree #89-54-VAL, (over sixteen years ago). Those 105 violations must be corrected within two years. Apparently this was not done because many of these problems were identified nearly two decades ago.
While local citizens watched in shock as our “only Daily News Paper” refuse to inform the general public. For more information and follow-up on this two decade old “Hell Hole.” As referred to by Editor Al Parson in a two-hour documentary video entitled “A Chorus of Fear” produced by Professors and students at Valdosta State University. A must for All Americans to see.
For more information: Please contact Al Parson editor of the Lake Park Post 229-242-7179, Rev Floyd Rose, 229-241-1288, President of the Peoples Tribunal, Charles More 229-242-7179 a local writer and educator, and Lee Touchton a white lady who was the President of the local NAACP. Moreover, letters highlighting inmate’s requests and alleged abuses are available upon request from several local organizations.
Inmates have been ignored by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, State Representatives and many other elected officials. However, for over 20 years jailed inmates continues to write letters, tell their parents, children, and file law suits seeking outside help to get through the wall of silence—but to no avail. We have signed letters, and notarized statements from inmates who ask me personally to get some concerned person in America to help them. Needless to say no one is concerned about this Hell Hole according to inmates many of whom are American Veterans!
It appears that many Americans care more about Iraqi oil, and the liberation of the people of Iraq. Than our own suffering citizens, mothers, fathers, children, pastors, and lawyers here in the Homeland. Peace!
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity
This information was sent to many American News sources, and elected officials. However, we must search the Internet for our news in the 21st century....
