Lawsuit filed against Madison County sheriff

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Friday, March 23. 2012

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Madison County Sheriff Kip Thomas is being sued by a local bail bondsman, who claims his constitutional rights were violated when the sheriff terminated his services for supporting Thomas’ opponent in the upcoming election.

James H. Owens of Double “O” Bonding Co. filed suit in February in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, alleging that Thomas violated his First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment Rights.

Owens received a letter from Thomas on Jan. 26, informing him that he was no longer approved as a bonding agency for the Madison County Jail.

“This letter is to inform you that as of this date Double ‘O’ Bonding is no longer on the bonding list for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office,” Thomas wrote to Owens. “You are on my list of bonding companies and are supporting a candidate running for my office. This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by me or any other sheriff for that fact. Good luck with your business.”

Thomas’ attorney Ken Jones declined to comment on the allegations, but said a hearing on the case is set for March 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the federal court in Athens.

Thomas said he has discretion on who can serve as a bail bondsman in Madison County. He noted that four agencies — not including Double “O” Bonding — currently serve in that capacity.

“In his capacity as a bail bondsman, he works for the sheriff,” said Thomas. “He’s kind of like a subcontractor.”

According to the suit, Double “O” Bonding Company earned “an estimated $5,000 per week” on Madison County bonding services.

Owens’ attorney, Jim Smith of Athens, maintains that his client’s due process rights were violated, because his services were terminated “without notice or an opportunity to be heard.”

He noted that his plaintiff has a First Amendment right to engage in political speech and activities. Smith wrote that the sheriff “acted with malice and deliberate intent to punish or retaliate” against his client for his exercise of free speech.

“This punishment or retaliation was designed to chill free speech and free association and substantially harmed plaintiffs both economically and by depriving them of a substantial property interest,” wrote Smith.

The attorney wrote that Thomas is liable individually and in his official capacity as sheriff. He said Thomas’ actions are “likely to have an ongoing chilling effect on free speech in the county.”

Smith asked the court to “award nominal and compensatory damages,” “special punitive damages against defendant” and “reasonable attorney’s fees, expenses and costs of lititagion.”

Madison County attorney Mike Pruett said county constitutionally elected officers, such as the sheriff, have the same legal coverage as any other county officer or employee.

“Whenever a suit is filed, defense is tendered to the county’s insurer, which assigns defense counsel,” wrote Pruett in an e-mailed response to Journal questions. “The county’s only financial responsibility is for the deductible, which is a maximum of $10,000. This is pretty typical of all counties, I believe; the county, as the taxing authority, has the legal responsibility for funding the constitutional offices, and legal expenses are something everyone has to anticipate and provide coverage for these days, just as a matter of fiscal prudence.”

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#1 businessmantoo on 03/23/12 at 06:58 AM

show of hands of those who think the SHERIFF
sould pay the (up to $10,000) instead of us hard working TAX PAYERS! WOW I think I just heard a lot of hands going up!

#1.1 Anonymous on 03/23/12 at 01:51 PM

Show of hands who thinks this will be bogus and thrown out....WOW, I just heard alot more hands going up!!!!!!
Anyone with ANY sense can read through the lines honey! POLITICS and ELECTION TIME, LET THE MUD SLINGING BEGIN!!

#1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 03/23/12 at 08:00 PM

Anonymous- I agree with you 100% this is a stupid law suit? If I were Thomas I would address this Freedom of speach thing they are suing because of? I would say nobody shut him up, he still has that freedom BUT he will have to do it at another jail in another county? AND where is it written that the Sheriff's Dept. has to use any certain bonding company? Bonding Co.'s are like Towing Co.'s just because you own one don't mean you are going to get all of the counties business? UNLESS you have a contract.
Let's look at this on a much Grander scale. Ok lets say someone who works for the President of the United States(Obama) was out trying to get votes for someone who was running against Obama Do you think that person would still have a job with Obama? NO he would probably have them put in prison and would want them put to death? SO Mr.Owens get up in the morning and put your big boy pants on pour you a nice big gowl of Corn Flakes and have yourself a good cry and after that get on with your life you lost that job go find you another one. I hear the Waffle House is hiring?

#1.2 businesswoman on 03/23/12 at 09:09 PM

Thomas should pay his own court costs. Hopefully, this man will be gone real soon. What an embrassment to our county.

#2 Anonymous on 03/23/12 at 02:24 PM

Can you say POLITICAL b%$!!!!!! How many people has Pedro sued in the last 10 years when he doesn't get his way?

#3 jimb on 03/23/12 at 03:33 PM

thomas just lost my vote.

#4 Anonymous on 03/23/12 at 06:36 PM

Hey jimb, why did he loose your vote? Was it because he didn't have it to start with. This petty little suit is nothing more than political bullcrap. KEEP THOMAS SHERIFF 2012!!!

#4.1 hollywood on 03/24/12 at 10:29 AM

Brenan Baird for SHERIFF 2012. LET'S CLEAN HOUSE CITIZENS OF MADISON COUNTY!!

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 03/25/12 at 09:31 AM

Mr.Baird, i have heard alot about you, could you take this opportunity to let the people of MC know a little about you. I heard you have worked at Clarke County for many years-have you ever worked in Madison County? I also heard you are a still just a CPL at Clarke County where promotions are very easy to come by there. (I worked there for many years myself and became a CPL only after 8 months) then a Sgt after only 18 months. Just wondering how many yrs you have worked there and why you havent moved up the ladder yet.

#4.1.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/25/12 at 09:56 PM

hollywood- I'm not saying nothing Bad about Brenan Baird because I don't know him and haven't heard nothing about him GOOD or BAD but that is the exact same thing most of these people said before Kip was elected and more people voted for Kip Thomas than voted for Clayton Lowe so Thomas won and he may have cleaned house a little to good and they got swept up in the trash pile with the other trash AND that's why they don't like him no more?

#5 Runningdear on 03/23/12 at 07:12 PM

Thomas still has my vote. There might be a due process clause that say's the double o bonding guy has a right to be heard before termination but there is no law that say's the sheriff has to advise folks to use that particular bonding service . So it will most likely even out in court if it get's there. There are a lot more bonding company's in this area. Look in the phone book. When you play you pay.

#6 bodawg on 03/23/12 at 07:46 PM

This is sending a message that bothers me on different levels. Is not the purpose of the bonding agents to get people out of jail on bond so we do not have to pay their upkeep in jail? Also is this sending a message that if I decide to support another candidate, I may be in jeopardy of negative enforcement or not coming to my aid if called and i have an opponents sign in my yard. I was hoping our new Sheriff was not going to be a small person. This is very telling about his lack of maturity. I may reconsider my vote also.

#6.1 Anonymous on 03/24/12 at 08:36 AM

I agree with bodawg. Will I receive the same service as opposed to someone else who supports the current sheriff? There is one of his opponents signs at the high school so will the schools receive proper attention if needed? This certainly does make me reconsider my vote. This shows how immature the sheriff really is.

#6.1.1 Firearms for females on 03/25/12 at 09:59 AM

I'm sure Sheriff Thomas is not going to do that. He is a very nice young man that I have come to respect. I appreciate everything Sheriff Thomas and his deputies did for me. He was patient and kind, as was all of his deputies. I was so scared of my gun, but the deputy that was helping me, i'm not sure of his name but he had dark hair and a moustache, was so patient with me. These same deputies have responded to my home during a burgulary and showed the same profesionalism, patience, and kindness to me during that hard time. Thank you and your deputies Sheriff Thomas for a job well done. I will surely make it to vote in July.

#6.1.1.1 alsobrokein on 03/26/12 at 10:00 AM

Did they solve the break in and get your property back? They didn't mine.

#6.1.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/25/12 at 09:45 PM

Ok Anonymous Dick-You say the current sheriff is immature? HOW immature is it to do like Mr.Owens and file a law suit all because the sheriff won't help him pad his pocket? If you DON'T have a contract with the county to do bonding in that county YOU don't have a leg to stand on? To me that sounds petty and immature?

#6.2 selfcenterd69 on 03/24/12 at 03:32 PM

I agree with you on this one,sometimes you have to be the bigger person and carry on doing your job..regardless of who is voting for who...

#6.3 Richard on 03/25/12 at 09:43 AM

I dont think this shows a lack of maturity at all in our young sheriff. He has done a great job as far as i'm concerned. Whenever I have needed anything, he has been there-and I wasnt a supporter last election, I even had a Lowe sign up in my yard, so I guess he doesnt care if you are his supporter or not-he is going to do what he can for a citizen. I was so impressed that i am now a Thomas supporter. And people, crime rate is up everywhere! Metal theft especially-who we need to go after is the Junkyards that buy it, there needs to be more regulation for them-and they have to know some of this is stolen. Go to Clarke County and ask the ACPD how they respond to burgularies-most of the time they dont even take fingerprints-they will investigate, but basically tell you there is nothing they can do about it but write you a report for the insurance complany. As for Mr. Owens, if he supported and campaigned for the other candidate then thats his right, but it would not be tolerated by any dept. I do like the timing of this article....Makes me LOL! Although it also makes me wonder why some of the other candidates law suits didnt make the front page. Just one of those things that makes you go HMMMMMMMM. Sheriff Thomas you have won the support of my family, which includes about 15 votes. Good Job!

#7 Taxed on 03/23/12 at 08:06 PM

AWARD FOR DUMBNESS: To terminate the services of a business and tell the owner in writing, "... (you) are supporting a candidate running for my office. This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated..." Not because "Your services are not adequate anymore" or "Your services are not needed anymore"... just because "you are supporting a candidate running for my office."

AWARD FOR HYPOCRISY: To then tell the terminated person, "Good luck with your business."

#7.1 IF YOU ONLY KNEW on 03/25/12 at 10:13 AM

This is not the first time. The LAST sheriff and his faithful followers turned on half his staff after he lost the election. A deputy was called into the office and asked "Did you support Kip in the election" the deputy didnt lie-he said yes i did, guess what happened next, "YOU ARE FIRED, GET OUT OF MY OFFICE". There were so many others that were talked down to, ignored, accused, and treated so horrible-even though they supported Lowe, but he "heard they supported Thomas, or he suspected"-SOME OF THEM DIDNT EVEN LIVE IN THE COUNTY AND COULDNT VOTE ANYWAY! OH YES, Mr. Lowe had people working in his office that didnt live in Madison County-actually lived in Franklin, Clarke, and Oglethorpe Counties. Some of the deputies were not backed up on calls, it was awful for two entire months.

#7.1.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 10:56 AM

IF YOU ONLY KNEW- But that was Ok for Lowe to do that because these people think Lowe was God? And he thought he was too? AND if Lowe is elected back to sheriff things are going to go back to like they were when he was sheriff the first time? There is an old saying "You can't go back" AND as long as Kip keeps doing the job he has done and is doing HE HAS MY VOTE.
A friend of mine is the Pastor at a church right here in Madison County and their church was broken into and several musical instruments were stolen? They reported it and 3 days later the people responsible were in jail and the church got all their stuff back. Good job to Kip and every officer who worked on this case.

#8 Uususus on 03/23/12 at 08:48 PM

Looks like we going to know a little more Tuesday if it's bogus, if we are going to not only fork up 10,000.00, but also watch our insurance premium go threw the roof, my vote is on the line!!!

#9 County Citizen on 03/23/12 at 09:06 PM

I think there is one in the room that isn't as dumb as a bag of hammers. You hit it spot on Anonymous .
Sounds to me like we don't need this trouble making bondsman in our county . Taking five thousand a week from the tax payers and not putting a dime back into this county because Double O is in Athens where Owens also lives.
Sounds like he just got mad like a spoiled brat who didn't get his way and now we are all going to pay for what amounts to a frivolous lawsuit that's going to be thrown out anyway because it has no merit. However there will still be some cost for Madison County tax payers that could have been used for something else. Doesn't sound like he cares about our county at all to me.
This would also make me wonder about the candidate that he supports who is willing to accept his endorsement and his money for favors in return . Do we really wont to return to the good ole boys way of doing business.
We already have 4 other bonding companies working in this county why do we need a trouble maker like Owens here anyway .
I recently learned he is the only bondsman allowed in Franklin county and the Sheriff their wont allow anybody else in . Why is that ? Sounds like Owens might be a hypocrite .
Owens probably broke all the policies set by the Sheriff here in Madison County that the other 4 bonding companies don't have a problem following and now he wants to engage in political assassination against Kip Thomas.
Whoever Owens is promoting might want to think about watching their back if they are elected and let Owens back in because he will be the next one sued when Owens doesn't get his way again .My hand goes up in full support of Kip Thomas he is the only choice for any rational person. Thomas just got my vote again .

#9.1 Taxed on 03/24/12 at 08:24 PM

YOU SAID: "Taking five thousand a week from the tax payers and not putting a dime back into this county". TWO CORRECTIONS:

FIRST: the five thousand a week does NOT come from the tax payers -- it comes from individuals who use this company's bail bonding services. SECOND: I can give you at least one instance where the company has put money back into the county, and I'm sure there are more. If you will look at the high school spring sports program, you will find a full-page ad sponsored by this company.

#9.1.1 John Fulford on 03/26/12 at 10:22 AM

Taxed, what are you talking about? What private individuals aren't tax payers ? I bet that high school spring sports program, you will find a full-page ad in sponsored by this company was for his own tax deduction and to promote his business before anything else . Wow 5,000 x 52 = 260,000 how much did that big ole ad cost? I'm sure is was a great boost to our local economy . Way more then the $ 260,000,00 he took out of the county right ? This freaking lawsuit is gonna cost tax payers of the county way more then any little benefit the tax payers received from that ad. I,m with county citizen on this one, I don't want this guy back in our county nor do I want any Sheriff that would support the likes of this guy . Go Kip !!! Keep up the good work . Did he really have to sue all of us? Which is what it amounts to. Couldn't he have just supported his candidate and waited for the outcome ? Rather than dragging all of us tax payers threw the mud for his own selfish reasons . Why didn't he just spend the money for his lawyer on his candidate and then he might have won and got the favoritism he wants and it would not have cost us a dime . Good riddance !!! Kips got my Vote . Should Kip for some reason not be the next Sheriff I say we should all Boycott Double-O Bonding indefinitely . On A final note I sure wouldn't want a sub-contractor ,contractor ,employee ,etc. etc . working for me knowing they were going behind my back trying to cut my throat. Is there any among us here or anywhere else that would find this action except-able and condone it. I think not . Unless they were brain dead maybe.

#9.1.1.1 businessmantoo on 03/26/12 at 12:11 PM

I've Been Boycotting Bonding Companys All My Life, IT'S CALLED OBAYING THE LAW AND STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE!! I also place ads in programs
and I do expect some business from them and not just donating to the programs. It's called doing business.

#9.1.1.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 12:41 PM

John- You hit it right on and I am telling everyone I know DO NOT USE DOUBLE "O" BONDING COMPANY FOR NO REASON. Also look at it like this is Double "O" Bonding doing anything to clean up the crime in this county? NO they are just bonding the people out of jail to go out and commit more crimes.

#9.1.1.2.1 HAHAHA on 03/26/12 at 02:11 PM

A lot of your friends need bonding?

#9.1.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 12:01 PM

Taxed- BUT if you have the money you can buy any size ad you want and does that make you a better citizen than the person who can'tn afford to spend all this money?

#10 Ben Had on 03/24/12 at 06:20 AM

This bailbondsman has deeeep pockets. It will be interesting to see how much he's willing to spend to help oust Thomas from his throne.
Considering a $5000 per week loss to his business, I would guess his support of another candidate will be substantial.

Probably another not-so-smart move by the Sheriff.

#11 bodawg on 03/24/12 at 11:34 AM

I guess I do not have the Madison County DNA to understand this, but if the reason is purely political and nothing to do with the professional services provided.......this is just wrong. I see this as a threat to anyone who is not a political supporter had better watch out and he carries a grude that I do not want in my elected Law Enforcement officers. Ps. I do not know the bonding company owner. Just an opinion...Don't hate me for it.

#12 colbert deacon on 03/24/12 at 11:47 AM

Voted for Kip Thomas, but then was very disappointed that he immediately showed himself to be petty and immature when he made hiring / firing decisions based on politics, not job skills. Like a little boy and his toys.

But, still gave him the benefit of the doubt to see how he did on the job. Disappointed again. People are stealing metal and wire and air conditioners more than ever before. Honestly, it's like we don't even have a Sheriff. That's how bad it is.

Now this. Again, not letting people do their business over petty politics. Kip started out behaving behaving like a child. 4 years later and he is still acting like a baby, and more importantly, all the property crime is much worse.

Ultimately, I can't vote for Kip again for the latter reason: crime has skyrocketed the last 4 years. I've never seen so much metal / wire theft and cocaine / meth zombies everywhere. If you don't stand guard you're gonna get robbed. Sheriff's dept. is nowhere to be seen. All got worse the last 4 years. That's what I judge the Sheriff on: CRIME has SKYROCKETED.

Not sure who to vote for yet, but in discussions with all, I, my family and my friends, WE WON'T VOTE FOR KIP THOMAS AGAIN. He just couldn't do the job. And now crime is worse.

#12.1 Larry on 03/25/12 at 04:49 PM

Sheriff shouldn't be trying to put people out of business. That hurts us all. Now we will have to pay a bunch of money for this lawsuit.

Glad this happened BEFORE the election and not after! Lots of us talking about this after church today. Nobody happy; everybody mad.

Kip Thomas: you just lost our votes!

#12.1.1 Larry #2 on 03/26/12 at 10:02 AM

Larry #1 whay dont you wait and see how the case turns out in court. Thomas has not lost yet, Its just like all the other law suits filed. And Mr. Owens business is in another county, and he lives in another county. We have Madison County Bonding Companies here-why dont we use them instead of Pedro. I would like to keep the business in the county if possible, that gives us more revenue. I dont think Mr. Owens has a leg to stand on. If i worked at Bilo and told a shopper "Oh, Dills has better meat and its cheaper" I would get fired! Did I not have the right to speak what i felt was the truth-freedom of speech? This is the same thing. I voted for Lowe last time, but i'm voting for Thomas this time, mainly because of all the nonsense that has come from the Lowe camp. Those are the people that were ugly to any Thomas supporters, I was ashamed. Those people are so full of hate and critisism, but they need to look in their own back yards first.

#12.1.1.1 Anonymous on 03/26/12 at 12:23 PM

Sheriff hurting business in the county? Now that's just plain stupid! Anybody can see that. Sorry Kip. You've got to go.

#12.1.1.1.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 06:47 PM

Anonymous- Why don't you tell us who you be SO if Kip is elected to another term we can all run you out of this county? I'm sure you ain't stupid enough to think that all the business closings in Madison Co. is Kip's fault? That is happening all over the state and country BUT I guess Kip is responsible for them too? OR am I giving you to much credit?

#12.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/25/12 at 09:33 PM

Will- That's just like all some of these posters on here that are running Kip now could talk about before he was elected was how Madison county needed a change in the Sheriffs Dept? Well the way I see it You had 2 choices to vote for the same old sleepy Clayton Lowe or Kip Thomas the change you all wanted? You wanted it and you got it NOW you DON'T want it? I think it's because now that Kip is the sheriff YOU people can't get away with what you used too OR Kip has arrested your faimly members?
I personally think Kip has done a good job as sheriff and I WILL VOTE FOR HIM AGAIN AND AGAIN.

#12.3 Comer Resident on 03/26/12 at 09:38 AM

Now deacon would you be putting the blame of crimes committed by others as the fault of the Sheriff. Surly it wouldn't have anything to do with the economy at all would it? Metal theft is out of control all across the State if not the country and your gonna blame that on Kip too ? Who was it that got fired in your family that you are really mad about ?

#13 Anonymous on 03/24/12 at 04:07 PM

Wow this county is so racist.

#13.1 SardonicVeracity on 03/25/12 at 08:18 PM

Maybe "the county" is racist. What does that have to do with this story, though?

#14 Will on 03/24/12 at 05:39 PM

I love where I live but I see the hate that's really in people's hearts like right here and feel ashamed ot say I'm from Madison County.

#15 Voted for Kip Thomas also on 03/24/12 at 07:59 PM

Kip still has my vote. You people should love it that Kip will not put up with this kind of bullcrap. This was nothing more then Clayton Lowe again. When will people realize that he got beat 4 years ago. Kip is the best thing that happened to this county. What the hell are we gonna do if Lowe wins again????? Tommy james died, and he can't build another lake. C. lOWE.......... STAY IN jACKSON COUNTY pLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#15.1 Mustang Sally! on 03/26/12 at 10:19 AM

You will probably have to find a new job!

#15.2 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 12:14 PM

Voted forKip Thomas- I agree with you 110%.

#16 whatever on 03/24/12 at 09:13 PM

Kip is a good man. James "Pedro" Owens is sue happy. He does not even live in the county. He likes to sue people...he loves his money. And there is no way he made $5000 a week in Madison county. If he did, I'd like to see his taxes.

#17 bodawg on 03/24/12 at 10:46 PM

NO county citizen, according to the letter the only policy he broke was supporting another candidate. I would have no problem letting him go if he broke the policy.....but Sheriff Thomas stated the only policy he broke was not supporting the current Sheriff....Did you read the letter before you wrote. Again, just going by the letter and do not have any other information to go on. It is the reason that he said....That is why this is so weird. The only money he took was from the individuals he bonded out. He did not take taxpayer money. really?

#17.1 OMG on 03/25/12 at 09:48 AM

Did you read the actual letter Bodawg? If you did, tell me where because I would like to read it also. I dont always trust the media, even though I do like the MC journal, but often things are left out. I would really like to read this letter if it is available, and since you have, please tell me where I can get a copy.

#17.1.1 READ THE PAPER on 03/26/12 at 10:57 AM

In the story the newspaper used quotation marks when they said what the letter said. I don't think they would have done this if they weren't quoting from the actual letter.

#17.1.1.1 OMG on 03/26/12 at 01:17 PM

I did read the paper-READ MY BLOG-sometimes the PAPER leaves out important info. Pedro is an a** and always has been-and LOVES to sue people over BS. The fact is it will probably b cheaper to settle than to go to court-thats just how things work-but it's not right. Dont know what will happen to this case, but Jim Smith is a regular old money hungry dragon-you can tell by his clients that he defends-I know he has to know some of them are guilty as hell, but he doesnt care as long as he gets paid. Win or loose, Thomas still has my vote. I do NOT want to go back to the "good ole boy" Sheriffs office we had before. If my only choices were Lowe and a frog-well i would vote for the frog.

#17.1.1.1.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 06:28 PM

OMG- AMEN all the way. SOME of these people believe if they read it in the paper it has to be true? Most things you read in the paper are one sided stories they never tell you both sides? So you are left to wonder and make up the other side of the story? If you know both people involved then you decide who you like best as to who has the best story?
I tend to believe Thomas here. Let's look at the records? How many people has Thomas filed Bogus BS law suits against? Ok now lets flip the page. Now how many people has Mr.Owens filed Bogus BS law suits against? I'd bet Owens holds that record hands down?

#17.2 Anonymous on 03/25/12 at 07:58 PM

bodawg- Mr. Owens knew this law suit was bogus and he knows he will not win. He don't care about winning he just wants to smear Kip Thomas' name ONLY BECAUSE the election is coming up? If this weren't an election year nothing would have been said because Owens would have nothing to gain and I want just one of Owens supporters to SHOW me where it is written down in the bilaws of Madison County that the sheriffs Dept. HAS to use Bouble "O" Bonding Co.? If you CAN'T then get over yourself Mr. Owens everyone has lost jobs before?

#17.2.1 bodawg on 03/26/12 at 04:44 PM

Maybe you are right. I will wait and see what the court decides if it goes to that. The issue may be that 00 did not want to pay to play in Madison County and got burned. I guess that would tick me off also. I would like to know how much the other Bonding companies have paid for the benefit of bonding in Madison Co this election cycle...if any?

#18 Anonymous on 03/25/12 at 11:36 AM

Childishness on the part of Thomas. He is going to end up costing the county taxpayers a lot of money because he is a spoiled brat and thinks he is some sort hero. I have known his family for years, or so I thought, and apparently I did not know them as well as I thought I did. He might have gotten away with dropping Double O from the approved bondsman list and saying he decided that Double O no longer met the criteria. But when he tells him IN WRITING he is dropping him because he is supporting another candidate for the office is a violation of free speech and the federal judge will have his ignorant, arrogant a$$ for target practice.

#18.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 11:48 AM

Anonymous- HOW is this going to end up costing the tax payers money? This case is bogus and will be thrown out of court? As far as Double "O" Bonding's freedom of speach? They still have that JUST NOT at the Madison County jail more? Mr.Owens should have learned the lesson long ago watch what you say and to whom you say it? And if he lives in Athens it don't matter who or what he supports? He CAN'T VOTE in the Madison county election anyway? AND would any of you walk into a KKK rally and say you support black power?

#19 Anonymous on 03/25/12 at 10:13 PM

What an abuse of power. Get that guy and his ego out of office. I wonder how else he has abused his power.

#19.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 10:40 AM

Anonymous- ABUSE OF POWER? You know what I bet he even arrested people comitting crimes and selling drugs to your kids and mine?
Also to all of you who says Kip doesn't do his job. HELLO if Double "O" Bonding is making $5,000. a week off of people locked up at Madison Co.jail? Kip had to be arresting someone or Double "O" Bonding would be suing because they ain't getting enough business. Then YALL would say this is proof he ain't doing his job. So I guess Kip is in a no win situation? You say you want all these bad people arrested BUT when he does YOU say it is an abuse of power? Who would give the sheriff the power to arrest someone breaking the law? My God what's this world coming too?

#20 ?????? on 03/26/12 at 06:41 AM

Look folks, if someone works for Pepsi and is seen drinking a Coke, then they can be fired too. I would not keep any body that would use my office or company for a pay check and then spit in my face.
I think this was a really stupid idea for the bond company! But, I guess you don't have to be that smart to do this kind of work, just watch Dog the Bounty hunter a couple of times and you'll understand.

#20.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 10:26 AM

??????-I agree. That's like I knew a guy years ago that was hooked on Diet Coke and he went to work for Pepsi Cola and they told him if he was caught drinking a Coke product he would be fired on the spot? I thought that was crazy but he explained it to me. If you owned Pepsi would you want new customers coming in your office and everyone in the office is running around with a coke product? That would make the customer wonder is your product any good? If it's not good enough for your own employees then how can they expect you to buy it? AND no you don't have to be that smart to own this type of company you just have to have the money? AND the more money you have don't mean the smarter you are?
AND I have another question Does Double "O" Bonding own land or anything in Madison County? I always heard to go on someones bond you had to own property in the county they were locked up in?

#21 ProudMama on 03/26/12 at 09:01 AM

Wow... I would think that legally you can't circumvent free trade based on political preferences - that would be akin to taking them off the list for their race or Church affilition... NOT cool in the USA.

Nonetheless, it seems like a pretty dumb move for someone seeking re-election; which brings me to my major concern here; obviously, Mr. Thomas shoots from the hip without careful consideration of his actions -- don't know about you, but it bothers me that someone like that carries a gun. AND is "in charge" of a number of other gun-toting folk. Just sayin......

#21.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 11:10 AM

ProudMama-You said you are just sayin? WHAT ARE YOU JUST SAYIN? Kip did NOT file this law suit Double "O" Bonding did? This is just a ploy to get Kip out of office and get Lowe back in that way crime can run wild again? AND I give it 2 years if Lowe is re elected and all these people that put him back in office again will be saying we need a change in the sheriffs Dept. AGAIN. YOU PEOPLE WILL NEVER BE HAPPY?

#21.1.1 4 years of kip and crime is WORSE on 03/26/12 at 01:56 PM

Crime run wild again? You must not live in Madison County. Here, PROPERTY CRIME here is the HIGHEST in the HISTORY of Madison County. This Kip experiment is a failure by any standard. I don't know who to vote for, but we GOTTA HAVE A CHANGE at Sheriff. If we wait 4 more years, NOBODY will have any property LEFT!

#21.1.2 ProudMama on 03/26/12 at 04:03 PM

Resident Redneck: I'm JUST SAYING that... Goodness you are a bitter and illogically argumentative person. So, NOW.... "I'm just saying...." Look into antidepressants. Peace Out.

#22 Anonymous on 03/26/12 at 10:43 AM

I think the important thing here is to understand that this is the paper! All the information is not here! I think the Sheriff not only has done a great job getting GOOD and HONEST deputies in the county where they were lacking, but he is a very kind and decent man! He gave our family his personal condolences when we lost two of our family members last year. He takes care of the men and women who work for him AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, he keeps business in the county! He does it honestly too and that says a lot! He is active and the county knows him which is more than you could say about Mr. Lowe. I was happy to see him go and even happier about the changes that have happened these past few years. The "Good ole boy" treatment is on the line here and that is why Lowe's followers are trying to push him in office here. Kip, keep up the good work!

#22.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 12:30 PM

Anonymous- And the news paper is going to give you just a little of truth to get you intersted? I'm not saying they print lies BUT they tell you one person's side of the story?

#23 Ask Kip? on 03/26/12 at 11:27 AM

I think you people should verify your information before posting! I do belive Mr Owens owns land in Madison County. You may also want to ask Kip about the Madison County Bonding, if I'm not mistaken the owner of that company actually lives in Oconee County and just started a bail bonding business in Madison County after Kip took office. Larry, you shouldn't hold things that Lowe supporters say against him. He actually did a great job and was a good Sheriff for 12 years. If you see him in public he does speak to you and he has not control on what people say! After all this is America! The land of the free!

#23.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 07:05 PM

YEAH YEAH YEAH Ask Kip- And you probably voted for Obama and think he is the BEST President EVER? You people want to lay the rise in crime at Kip's door because you say it happened on his watch? Well the same can be said about Obama? The crime rate went up AFTER he was elected President. SO I say this is ALL his fault?

#24 Madison County Tax Payer on 03/26/12 at 11:32 AM

I would be willing to bet that as soon as Kips attorney see's this letter he will tell Kip to send the bonding company another letter saying something like I'm sorry! Can we work this out? That is if he hasn't already. The man is an embarrassment to Madison County.

#24.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 06:55 PM

Madison County Tax Payer- Hey why don't we do this Just do away wuth law enforcement all together? Go back to the old west days where if someone made you mad the fastest gun told the truth?

#25 Anonymous on 03/26/12 at 12:32 PM

Kip Thomas doesn't need to go because of underhanded politicizing that denigrates the integrity of his office.

Kip Thomas has to go for the reason we ALL know: On his watch property crime has gone up through the roof and beyond. Lived in Madison County all my life and never seen crime so rampant. It's like we don't have any police.

#25.1 Mr.Resident Redneck on 03/26/12 at 06:38 PM

Hey Anonymous- NEWS FLASH it's not just Madison County where crime has gone through the roof? It's in every Town, Every county. every State, and in every country. It's the Economy it's everywhere. Yes I tremember a time when you could leave your doors unlocked and standing wide open and leave for a week and come back to find nothing gone or even moved out of it's place.

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Lawsuit filed against Madison County sheriff

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Lawsuit filed against Madison County sheriff

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