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photo by Marcus Frazier
James Thomas holds the door of the U.S. District Courthouse on Pearl Street as Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Burnell Harris and his wife exit followed by Reverend Issac Turner Wednesday morning. Harris received a sentence of six years plus and pay restitution for embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering. Both Thomas and Tenner spoke on Harris's behalf.
Circuit clerk sentenced to six years in jail
Published Thursday, October 18, 2007
NATCHEZ — A federal judge sentenced Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Burnell Harris Wednesday morning to six years in jail and three years of probation.
Harris was convicted in July of embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering.
He must also pay $447,086.07 in restitution to the state auditor’s office.
Judge David Bramlette granted the request that Harris be allowed to report to serve his sentence in January.
Prosecutors asked the court to consider what they said was obstruction of justice when considering Harris’ sentence.
Harris, prosecutors said, lied on the stand and did not produce financial documents when asked.
Defense attorney Bruce Lewis said the documents in question were not among those requested by investigators.
Bramlette allowed the obstruction to play into the sentence.
“What we’re dealing with here is an educated man,” Bramlette said, referring to Harris’ master’s degree and his nearly-completed doctorate.
Harris was smart enough to recognize he deposited checks he should not have into his personal account, Bramlette said.
Prosecutors also asked Bramlette to take into consideration what they said was a breach of trust Harris committed as circuit clerk, which the judge did.
With supporters filling the benches, several people spoke on his behalf, lauding his positive acts in the community and asking the judge to be lenient.
The Rev. Isaac Tenner, an area minister and one of those who spoke, said he knew Harris his whole life.
“I grew up with him,” Tenner said. “All I am saying is he’s a good man. All of us make mistakes. This is the first time I’ve known him to make a mistake. He always helped anybody he could. I don’t think this mistake should be the end of his career. Please give him an opportunity to correct those mistakes.”
Then, Harris spoke calmly on his own behalf, saying he always tried to be the best person and clerk he could be. He served as a mentor to people who came through the court system, he said.
“Now, it’s embarrassing for me to stand here, and after what the community has been through, to stand here before you in the same situation,” Harris said. “I don’t want to take any money that’s not due to me. I’m very remorseful for the situation I put myself in, my family in and the citizens of Jefferson County in.”
Bramlette sentenced Harris to serve 72 months for five counts and 60 months for the remaining four, to be served concurrently, or at the same time.
The judge also sentenced him to three years probation.
Because Harris was not in a position to pay any fines, Bramlette did not level any fines against him, he said.
Harris will report to serve his sentence in January, giving him time to spend with his family, among other things.
Tenner said he was satisfied with Harris’ sentence.
“Based upon the evidence, I think it was fair,” Tenner said. “The judge did a fair job from what I can see. The sentence could have been worse. We appreciate him for that.”
The maximum sentence Harris could have received under law would have been 70 years in prison and a fine of $1.75 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal judges consult sentencing guidelines before meting out punishments.
Harris would not comment on the sentencing.
Defense attorney Lewis said he had not talked with his client about whether or not they would appeal the case.
Prosecutor Richard Starret said he thought it was a fair and just sentence.
The state auditor’s office issued a statement Wednesday night saying they would ask for $850,966.42 in restitution, nearly twice the amount in the judge’s sentence.
The state auditor’s investigation went two years beyond the federal investigation, a spokesman for the auditor’s office said Wednesday.
The amount, which includes the judge’s ordered restitution, includes money Harris embezzled from February 1999 to August 2005, according to the statement. It also includes interest on those funds and the cost of the auditor’s investigation.
Harris lost his bid for reelection in August.
Comments
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Holy Mackerel!!!!!
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Binky gets zilch and this guy gets this????
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know about yal but if MY Reverend showed up in court with me dressed like THAT I'd hit the back door and make a run for it.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lol@ sayitloud..That was to funny....But i have to agree lol...
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Judge David Bramlette is he from Jackson? If he is he is a tough judge..Was this the first time this guy has been in trouble??
Posted by pollym44 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Guess all the people who are quick to yell about others playing the race card are still asleep. Two men, same crime, one kept in the state {good ole boys, we take care of our own} system, one in the federal {lets show the world how fair we are} system and two completely different ends. Beside the difference in the $'s, the only other difference is the skin color. Binky gets a slap on the wrist and get to go home, Harris get to go to jail. Yet there are still those who will make vain attempts to convince themselve and others that raceism DOES not exist!!!!!!
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've known this man my entire life. He has never been in any trouble and was barely 21 when he took this office. He beat a older white male who had been the clerk for many, many years. Rev. Tenner is not his pastor but a family friend. This has been very hard for his family. I also like you, feel that he should get time for any thing that he has done but can't understand how a white in the very next county gets nothing. For all of you who do not pay attention to your community, Judge Bramlett is the federal judge from right here in NATCHEZ. Did Burnell need to made an example out of while Binkey's sentencing doesn't get "accepted"?
Posted by annuity (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
to pollym44. They should halve the sentence and give the other half to Binky. If you look at the majority of the voters in Adams Cty they held their own trial for Binky, but unfortunately they cannot send anyone to the pen. Binky was lucky enough to draw a judge on the take and the influence a spineless wimp of an AG
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it over for the Binkey? He hasn't turned in his paper work yet!!!!. Maybe the N.D. will bring us up to date. He deserves the same punishment, but will he get it??? And the picture above makes me think of the nursery rhymne, rings on his fingers and bells on his toes. ROFLMAO. HAHA1111. I'm with sayitloud on that.
Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pollym44 - I'm a white person and I can't argue with you on this point. It does, indeed, seem like Binkey got preferential treatment due to his race and the good ole boy network that, to my dismay, obviously has not been dismantled like I naively thought it had.
The only reassurance I can give you is that a large amount of whites in Natchez were outraged that Binkey got off with little more than a slap on the wrist.
On a positive note - it took blacks and whites voting TOGETHER to get him voted out of office.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI: Judge David Bramlett is from Woodville, Ms. and is as good a judge as they come.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What is all this about? The man was found guilty and deserves to pay the time. He did the crime and now must pay the time! Binky will get his just due also. Remember, Bramlette is a Federal judge and Binky got a RETIRED judge. This has to start somewhere and as far as I am concerned, anyone bilking the PUBLIC, which is you and me, deserves a harsh sentence. I imagine, but don't know, he will probably get time off for good behavior and he will probably be a model prisoner. This does announce to the communities around, be responsible in your duties. Now, if only, we could the Feds in to arrest Binky --- then we would see just how many years he would get.
Posted by pollym44 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To annuity and xenon314: Thank you for confirming that there are fair-minded, honest and GOD fearing people out there!!! I NEEDED THAT!!!! BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!
Posted by lajazzlvr (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that there should be punishment. He knows better. However, the punishments are inconsistent in Adams County. If you are part of the old boy network, then you can get by with a slap on the hand. Why isn't Binky serving a prison term?
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHY don't you ask the Judge that? Write him a letter!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Binkey Vines deserved to go to prison. Why he did'nt is puzzling to me. He was allowed to give CHECKS to pay back what he stole and they bounced. CHECKS to pay back stolen money??? Since when is that allowed? Why did he not go to jail when the checks bounced? If anyone knows, please tell us if he's ever paid back any of it with actual funds.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Because the checks didn't bounce the second time they were run through. He did pay all of the money back, now he conveniently lost the new records from where he stole it all back.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unless the Feds move into Adams County nothing will be done. Does our judicial system take the entire
public to be stupid? We know dirty politics when we
see it and this amounts to filth. Shame, shame.
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The difference between Binkey and Harris is that Harris had FEDERAL charges that Binkey did not. Binkey had ONLY embezzelment. Harris also had tax evasion charges. That is the difference here.
Binkey should most diffently be in jail for his crime. The above post from annuity is right. SPlit the sentence let Binkey do half and Harris do the other half.
Posted by JunkyardDawg (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Harris, prosecutors said, lied on the stand and did not produce financial documents when asked."
hmmm...dejavu!
"Harris was smart enough to recognize he deposited checks he should not have into his personal account, Bramlette said."
LOL..go figure!
"With supporters filling the benches, several people spoke on his behalf, lauding his positive acts in the community and asking the judge to be lenient."
dejavu!
"The maximum sentence Harris could have received under law would have been 70 years in prison and a fine of $1.75 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice."
Ah ha, so that's why he had that big smile on his face after the sentencing. I was wondering!
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am still amazed at the difference of the two cases. It is just interesting 2 cases same issue and treated differently. Unfortunately, Binkey may never have to go to jail for his crime. I wonder if he has broken any plea agreement arrangements when he pled guilty to the charges... Has he submitted the books and returned all funds?
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would think Binkey would fall under tax evasion too. Maybe someone should turn him in to IRS. We know they will get'r done.
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Binkey was smart enough not to put the money directly into his own bank account.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ah, but there is proof he took the money. He pled guilty, it is in his court records.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the time is approaching when the Feds will be coming into Adams county to put a stop to this buddy system they've got going on. But why waste their time when the public will only put more of the same caliber in office? This has been going on since year 1 and hasn't slowed down yet. The public needs to be educated on this and showed where the brakes are located. lol Without the brakes we're gonna have many more BINKEYS in office.lof
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard the reason Binky hasn't turned in his records is because he's been too busy attempting to sabatage the system in order to cause all of the commentors on Natchez Democrat, who have had bad things to say against him, to be selected double time for jury duty, lol. So, be expecting your summons folks, and more often I might add...yikes!
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Binkey's records were supposedly turned in on last week. But of course, the ND is not reporting that. Also, why is the paper not going on and reporting on our election commissioners who are also elected and only work when they feel like it. Do you all know that we still do not have an official ballot. The elections are in November. This responsibility rests solely on them. Also, ND needs to report on how hard it is to simply speak to a supervisor in your district. These people seem to only show their faces during election. See, I have been living here for almost ten years and can't understand why would the local paper only print half of the story. Please lets move on from Binkey because there are alot of Binkeys in this town and people are turning a blind eye to it. I wrote the ND about the AJFC program on last year. The center has over 200 kids in attendance and all air conditioning units were stolen over a period of three weeks. These kids are infants to four years of age and had no cool air for months. Our local paper did not report this and there was no reward offered or nothing. This program gets millions to fund the school and to help within the community. Where is it? Adams County has old records stored away in a unit. These records consist of criminal, marriages, civil rights era crimes, etc. and the place is falling apart. The county has decided to say forget it and that they have more important things to take care of over than preserving history. Most of those marriages for example are from the 1700 to 1800s. Adams county did keep up with some black records so for you blacks out there this is very important. PLEASE MOVE ON!!!! If you get one politician then lets start to get them all.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Was the Rev. Tenner, as shown in the photo, supposed to be Mr. Harris' moral support? Is he the same Rev. Tenner who was convicted of a felony himself not long ago? Did they ever follow through with the drug distribution charges? No disrespect to the Rev., just curious about the facts.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
say what kpage?
very interesting
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IF this is the same dude, it was about three years ago.
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To me this is an issue that is a racial issues. I think that the judge from Harris trail sat and allowed things to come out in the sentencing face that did not come out in the trail. I am also to beleive that the this another JENA SIX issue. Why Harris judge could not be a RETIRED JUDGE? Mr. Harris was ask to do something that was not morally right to do; however, he refused and that is when everything started to hit the fan. I think that people in the surround areas take sides on things that are not true. How can a person whom help people get "Phen-Fen." The FBI allowed someone whom help many people get "PHEN-FEN", "THE MASTERMIND OF PHEN-FEN", and "THE SNITCH" walk around free everyday and her daughter recieve monies for this as well. They can go on with everyday life why not HARRIS. THIS IS NOT CLEAR AS MUD. BECAUSE MUD IS NOT CLEAR. How can Jurors go to sleep and then decied your faith. "Hello this happen during the trail. " CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW. "HE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FRIST STONE."
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OHHH!!!! so interesting. Keep going!!!!!!!! PEACE007 funneeee. I love it when things can become a fun situation. I haven't been laughing much today b/c a couple of 'ritzy's' been bashing me and the po'folks on the article about the balloon fest. Tune in, it's a blast. The only fun I get is bashing back.
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can someone please explain the comment for brother. I just don't understand wht the point is!
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry! I meant WHAT the point is!
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are many differences between Binkey and Harris court cases - they appear similar because they held the same office. Harris opened bank accounts in different towns trying to hide money (and income) He was charged with Tax evasion and lying to to the FBI - which is a very serious crime - Martha Stewart, Scooter Libby and others have found that out - even when they get cleared of the original charges the "little white lies" will send you to jail.
I am sure the feds have looked at Binkey's tax returns and found no smoking gun (like extra bank accounts) if so he would be facing federal charges too. Binkey somehow managed to almost bankrupt himself with one of the best paying jobs in Natchez. I hope Binkey will stay out of politics and find a job he can do well.
I do not think the differences in charges and outcomes was due to race - Binkey still could be in trouble. Bad checks do not send people to jail normally - Bubber West bounced some big ones and had no penalty either.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD MR. HARRIS WAS ASKED BY THE FBI TO WEAR A WIRE, LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER RESIDENTS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY HAVE DONE, TO ENTRAP SEVERAL RESIDENTS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY WHO PLAYED A ROLE IN THE FEN -PHEN MESS, WHEN HE REFUSED, THE FBI SET THEIR SIGHTS ON HIM.
ALL CIRCUIT CLERKS MAKE A LOT OF MONEY WHEN CASES ARE FILED. MR. HARRIS ACTUALLY MAKES A LOT LESS THAN OTHER CLERKS. WHEN HE REFUSED TO DO THE FBI'S DIRTY WORK, THEY WENT AFTER HIM.
I ALSO HEARD THAT SEVERAL JURORS SLEPT DURING THE ENTIRE TRAIL, BUT WOKE UP TO GIVE THE VERDICT. THAT IS CRAZY.
SEVERALS JURORS WENT BACK THE VERY NEXT DAY TO CHANGE THEIR VERDICTS TO NOT GUILITY. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE OUTCOME OF THAT WAS.
THIS BLACK MAN GOT HOSED!!!!!!!!!!! THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. HE HAD CONTROL OVER THIS MONEY FOR 25 YRS. WHY NOW. TRUE THE MONEY MAY HAVE BEEN MORE, BUT HE COULD HAVE DONE WHATEVER HE WANTED ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS. HE DID NOT HAVE TO TAKE A LARGE SUM OF MONEY AT ALL.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If he took a grand a month it would take a while to get to the total amount. What are you saying?
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TAKING A GRAND A MONTH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS OBIVIOUS. HE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT. THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JeffandConcerned;
Sorry but I don't believe anything you just said!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mommyof 3 and astrid, I guess the funs over. I can't understand what they are talking about either. Where did the fun people go. Guess I'll switch back to the balloon race and find out what the bashing's about now. That channel is BASHING DESTINY DAY, fun fun lol.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jeff if you know he took the money why do you say he got hosed?
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Destiny we had a blast today and put 500 posts on the brick story from yesterday. You should have been there. mwhittington was.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SayitLoud: That's your business, if you don't believe me. I'm stating what I heard and my opinion.
astrid: I said IF he wanted to steal the money he had 26 yrs to do it.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well do you think he did? Just asking.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JeffandConcerned;
what kind of folks were these that you were listening to? Probably his relatives.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What part of Harris was in front of a FEDERAL judge do people not understand??? It was a diffrent JUDGE!!GEEZZZ..I knew as soon as i saw this artical i knew it was gonna be it's all because he's BLACKnot because he did it!!!
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
whatever
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Race should not appear as everything around here and in the south and across the nation. There will always be "race" issues because it is easy to call it that way. I think the Natchez judges should not have recused themselves and done what they were elected and appointed to do -- judge a criminal case!
With that being said, Natchez is no different than other communities, better in some aspects and worse in others. All politics has the stigma of being corrupt -- honest, law abiding citizens seem to go wrong when they enter politics. Sure which it was different. -- These threads sure get off track don't they! LOL
I sure enjoy reading the comments and responding! Thanks all.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Several people have indicated that the Feds wanted Harris to give information on others - this is probably true - The Fen-Phen case did put him in the middle of another high profile case which I am sure he knew some more information on. It would not be shocking for the Feds to look at all his transactions for some leverage into getting his "help" with finding out how millions were made by suing doctors and Drug companies in Jefferson County. Some very important rich people were involved.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
astrid...you here yet?
THIS is a crazy story too!! PLEASE!!
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everybody in Jefferson Co. knows that B. Harris has been skimming money for YEARS!!!! It is a well-known fact. The only reason he has not gotten caught up to now is that he has greased many a palm in that county to keep mouths shut. And those palms belong to some VERY prominent people. He deserved what he got...and probably could have gotten a lot stiffer sentence if he had not made some deals. More heads to roll, I hear, thanks to Mr. Harris.
As for Binkey.....he deserved to be punished in a similiar way. It doesn't matter what color he is, he did wrong and should have paid for it. It is not an insult to black people that he "walked away" from his crime without punishment, it is an insult to THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
I would be very fearful if I were him.....not in fear of more punishment from the judicial system, but from God...he spent more time during the campaign linking his name with God than addressing the very obvious issue of his crimes. I don't imagine that God is real happy with the Binkster right now. So be afraid, Binkey...be very afraid!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm here one step behind you for the second or third time. Don't leave again.
Posted by halla (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of what yall saying is true. Basically we need to upgrade our political system. We have 82 counties and 82 plus Circuit Clerks in Mississippi and they all have the same power. Are there only problems with 2 out of 82.....Come on now...holler
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I lost sayitloud again.
She'll be back. Wuz up halla???
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'M HERE!!!!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ME TO.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no halla I'm sure we have 82 problems in the state! I used to be disgusted with the politics in Louisiana but now we have gotten in Miss. just as corrupt!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'VE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WHERE DID YOU GO. I WAS A STEP BEHIND YOU EVERY TIME.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think halla left but give it a little time. Just talk about anything. Did you see where some person told us to go get a room? Dufus.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry astrid....I was reading the "BOOK" comment section on the brick throwing incident!! OMG
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wait, what was that about? I either forgot or it was from yesterday.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no thankfully I missed that comment....some people....you don't invite them to your party and they get their panties in a bit of a wad.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah you can find it if you go to the "older stories" link.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Really. I've giggled most of this day. You shoulda been there today.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
true dat........I was bouncing from story to story and really get into MOST of the comments until I hit a snag......a sorry S.O.B
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RAVEN you mean???
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bingo! Sorry sucker is EVERYWHERE putting in his 2 cents.....which when you think about it is probably all he is worth!!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is everybody? Must have families all of them.
Not bored like us.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well he's not worth that but what stories is the jerk going to?
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i'll open another window just to get him. He's a loser and he needs to be put down bad.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
astrid;
gotta run now but don't get bashed while I am away OK? Rip THEM a new one for me.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will if they deserve it. see ya later.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SOME ONE SAID THE HARRIS HAS BEEN SKIMMING MONEY FOR YEARS AND PAYING OFF PEOPLE!!!!!!!! CRAZY!!!!!!! JEFFERSON COUNTY DOSEN'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!!!! HAVE YOU BEEN THERE LATELY?
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not pulling a race card. I just simply mean that when the JUDICAL SYSTEM WANTS YOU DOWN YOU GO DOWN. For the one who said he was getting the last of his monies. He has a right to clear out his office. If you know the law like I know the law you would have know that he has 72 hours to resign. If people in Jefferson County did not like him why was he just shy of a few hundred's of votes to elect someone in office. Because of narrow minded people like you that is why people have a hard time trying to get things done. I think you all need to go and get your facts together because you don't know what you are talking about. If you were in court you would have seen and know that people were there just to see him go to jail. AFRICAN-AMERICANS, BLACK, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR YOU NEED TO HELP THIS MAN. Don't and sit and let him go to jail because he refused to help set people up. Like the Sheriff of Jeffeson County Peter Walker, and etc. Put the shoe on your foot. You should hate to see someone going to jail for something they did not do. WHAT IF THIS WAS YOUR HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER, SON, COUSIN, AND CLOSE FRIEND. THINK ABOUT IT. I was also mentioned that some of the jury members wanted to change their guilty verdict to not guilty. THAT WAS MEANS FOR A MISTRAIL DID IT HAPPEN NO. Only thing I was is for everyone to just asset the situation and think about what is going on. Would you want it to happen to you. I DON'T THINK SO.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Brother2Brother;
SO.....is this YOUR husband, father, brother, son, cousin, or close friend because you sure sound like it. Sorry but I tend to go with investigations on matters such as this. The courts have decided "brother".
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
agree with sayitloud. I think you hit the nail on the head....
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SOMEONE STATED THAT MR. HARRIS TRIED TO EVADE TAXES AND HIDE MONEY! HE OPENED ACCOUNTS IN HIS NAME AND IN THE NEIGHBORING COUNTY!!!! DOESN'T SEEMS LIKE HE WAS TRYING TO HIDE ANYTHING. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT WHEN YOU OPEN AN ACCOUNT IN YOUR NAME YOUR SOCIAL IS ATTACHED. THEREFORE ALL INTERESTS AND EARNINGS FROM THAT MONEY IS ATTACHED TO THAT SOCIAL.
YOU CALL THAT HIDING AND EVADING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are the all CAPS necessary.... are you screaming?? it sure seems so... is it really necessary? to get your point across?
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
true dat mwhittington!
And by the way JeffandConcerned....maybe the man was simply not bright enough to think it through! OOPS!
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sayitloud- You are right. Just because someone is a college graduate does NOT make them smart. A smart man never would have taken the money in the first place.
Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll have to agree with mwhittington on this one Are you mad at someone JeffandConcerned? Why use a capital letters to get your point stressed, like said earlier there is noe use in screaming out now the decision has been made in this man's fate, he did the crime now he is gonna have to do the time!!!!!
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THE CAPS ARE MY CHOICE JUST LIKE LOWER CASE IS YOURS. DON'T READ MY ENTRY IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT.
ONE MINTUE MR. HARRIS WAS A MASTERMIND WHO STOLE JEFFERSON COUNTY BLIND. (YEAH RIGHT)
AND THE NEXT MINTUE HE WAS SO STUPID THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO HIDE MONEY IF THAT'S WHAT HE WAS TRYING TO DO. PLEASE!!!!!
DOES NOT ADD UP. THERE IS SOMETHING MORE TO THE STORY.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WERE DID THE POOREST COUNTY IN MS GET SO MUCH MONEY.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at noon (Suggest removal)
stop screaming... you are giving me a headache
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JeffandConcerned: let's rephrase sayitlouds last post: "Please" stop screaming.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sayitloud, bear, and mommy...JEFF sounds like he feels that people shouldn't have to be punished for stealing over a half-a-million dollars from his county! Why, Jeff? Do you believe he didn't do it? Regardless of palm-greasing or teasing, didn't the evidence in the court of law tell on him? The old Binkster needs to do some time, too. Just like Burnell.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is the way I see it...
If an individual is in public office, then that person should conduct themselves in a manner that is BETTER than the average citizen. That person should feel and act as though they live in "a glass house" so to speak. When caught red-handed stealing, they have let all that voted for him down and is non-deserving of their personal support. After all...he DECEIVED you!!! Why would people of any logical thinking continue to support someone of that caliber? I'll tell you why...they see nothing wrong with stealing themselves.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I DON'T BELIEVE THAT MR. HARRIS IS GULITY. HE IS A BLACK MAN WHO WOULDN'T BE A PUPPET FOR THE "GOOD OLE WHITE BOYS" FBI AND THEY WENT AFTER HIM.
EVER AFRICAN AMERICAN SHOULD BE OUTRAGED.
LET'S SEE IF THEY INVESTIGATE ANY OTHER CLERKS.
DOUBT IT!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By Jove, I think you have something there, rocketman. My mother caught a co-worker stealing from her purse so she asked the thief "Why?". The thief said, "If you have your purse laying out with money in it, then I have the right to take it." Is this the same kind of logic Jeff uses to OK Burnell's thievery?
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CAN SOME ONE PLEASE TELL ME WHERE JEFFERSON COUNTY GETS SOOOOOO MUCH MONEY.
I KNOW HOW THE CLERKS OFFICE WORKS AND THERE IS NO WAY MR. HARRIS COULD HAVE TAKEN SO MUCH MONEY FROM SUCH A POOR COUNTY.
SOMETHING IS MISSING FROM THIS STORY
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well, jeff---certainly sounds as though it doesn't matter what the man did, only that he is black, thus, he must go free. That is his given right, because of that, I guess. So glad that there are some smart people in this world that are black and have morals and wise enough to know right from wrong, regardless of color!
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The core services provided by clerk of court include: filing court proceedings; filing and retrieval of documents such as arrests, traffic citations, affidavits, marriage licenses and other court related documents; collection of court fees; creation of court dockets and notification of participants. Now, jeff...can you see where all the money could come from?
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DO YOUR RESEARCH, CLERKS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KEEP A PORTION OF COPY FEES AS PERSONAL INCOME AND THE OTHER MUST BE TURNED OVER TO THE COUNTY. MR HARRIS DID THAT........ WHERE DID THIS OTHER MONEY COME FROM THAT MR. HARRIS SO CALLED STOLE.
JEFFERSON COUNTY HAS NO MONEY
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right, Jeff. Not anymore.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JeffandConcerned;
you are one angry black man aren't you? Just can't help but to take up for your fellow brother...that is good but when he commits a crime don't try to put the rest of us down for his theft!!!
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are right kpage! There's no more money for ANYONE to steal!!!
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ROKET MAN DO YOUR RESEARCH MR. HARRIS WAS CHARGED WITH STEALING COPY FEES AND NOTHING ELSE.............. I HAVE LIVED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND WORKED IN THE COURT HOUSE THERE IS NOTHING THERE.......NO CITATIONS ARE GIVEN, FEW PEOPLE MARRY, EVEN FEWER ARREST ARE MADE. THERE IS NO WAY THAT OFFICE MAKES MONEY!!!!!
REMEBER HE WAS ACCUSED OF STEALING COPY FEES!!!!!!!!!!!! WEAK! WEAK! WEAK!
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jeff...I guess my last comment just flew right over your head! DUH! The fact that he has access to all those fees IS WHERE ALL THAT MONEY CAME FROM!!! No wonder Mr. Harris was able to steal so much from the citizens!
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So stealing copy fees makes him less of a thief?
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And remember, he wasn't just "accused", he was "convicted"...PROVEN to be a thief!
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO ROCKETMAN IT FLEW OVER YOUR HEAD........HE WAS ONLY ACCUSED OF STEALING COPING FEES!!!!!! THOSE OTHER FEES WERE NEVER DISCUSSED.......EVERYONE INCLUDING THE FBI KNOWS JEFFERSON COUNTY HAS NO MONEY.....
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
embezzlement means STEALING! And if he was convicted, that means he was caught!
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ANGIETAYLOR IT'S A LOT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. SINCE YOU ARE SUCH AN EXPERT IN GRAMMAR, YOU SHOULD KNOW TO NEVER START A SENTENCE WITH NUMBERS. IT ($447,086.07) SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPELLED OUT.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets see, you must have taken courses from Bill Clinton on working around an issue. You remember when on the stand and they asked him a question and he replied "It depends on what the definition of "is" is"!!
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AND ANGIE I SAID THE COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE ANY MONEY! I DIDN'T SPEAK FOR EVERY CITIZEN. I AM SURE IT BOTHERS YOU TO THINK THAT A BLACK PERSON COULD LIVE IN A BIG HOUSE. THAT CAN HAPPEN AND NO A WHITE PERSON DOSEN'T HAVE TO GIVE IT TO US.
AND BY THE WAY MY ENGLISH TEACHER WAS WHITE AND SHE TREATED EVERYONE THE SAME. THAT'S WHY I LOVE HER TODAY.
Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the thief from jefferson county should have followed the example of being a good thief, such as the one from adams county. steak dinners and golfing weekends could have had the jefferson county thief walking the streets. if only he had thrown these types of parties for such influential people: judges, prosecutors, attorneys general, etc!!!
but we all know what trouble coulda, woulda shoulda brings!! LOL!!
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
silly-willy: You are SO RIGHT! A thief is a thief is a thief! BTW...Love your name...silly willy!
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poor JeffandConcerned. TskTsk. I guess he missed the whole point. Some people just don't get it.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jeffandconcerned leave angiestaylor alone. nos. are shorter than words. AND since you invited us to skip your unwanted remarks that's exactly what we probably will do. Hey gang, where's that magic finger that does all the deleting. Lets sik'm on this dude.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Leave it to us oldies to hang in there. These newbees should learn how to act with a few manners, huh????? All the oldies have always acted with respect for one another what's wrong with these newbees?
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
he might be glad buttercup is on the road for Natchez. Boy his goose would really be cooked.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HaHaHa!!! destiny you are so right. Well, angie and destiny, looks like he has whimped out. I know for a fact at least one of those big houses belongs to a black. Yes, it was Phen-Phen money...and they admitted there was nothing wrong with them...with a laugh, I might add. I will also add that I wasn't being racist, either. Facts are facts no matter what color you paint them.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Angie it was you who tried to point out my mistakes. So I returned the favor. And not everyone in Fayette recieved money. We do work dispite what you think.... You brought up my English teacher. So I returned the favor. I never said I was a grammarian. But you sure portrayed yourself as one.
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am nither one. I am an attorney who has been following this case since day one. If you must know things you should try to investigate them yourself. There are you twoside to every stroy. You are only getting the media side of the story. Zero level of understanding. You are sitting back laugh making all of this more than what it is. You don't wanna say racial isssue but when you look at the facts you will see how every has been played. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!!! Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, 5 Blind Boys of AL could see thru this.
Posted by JeffandConcerned (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most of the huge houses were bought with Fen Phen? How many are there? Dozens............ I don't think so! I challenge you all to visit Fayette and count these so called huges houses
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When all is said and done, the point is "IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME, DON"T DO THE CRIME!" It really does not matter who else did what, HE got caught. He was convicted, now he has been sentenced. Hopefully Binkey won't be too far behind him.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Brother, you are an attorney? With your grammar and spelling issues, you make need to retake you BAR! For your information, I did investigate this Phen Phen deal. I found someone who won an ungodly amount of money and has one of those houses. Asking this person how their health is today, I received this reply.....ain't nothing wrong with me!!!! Rich and ain't nothin' wrong. And you're trying to defend a convicted man? Hey family....what's wrong with this picture?
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are you around kpage. I'd given up?
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brother2Brother;
lawyer huh? yeah right....OH YEAH.....ME TOO......whatever.
you sir are a lawyer wanna be. No lawyer is going to be on this posting comments like you have been!!
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sayitloud it's not that an attorney might be here at all it's that the attoneys i know would never have all the typos he's got on that post. They would look sloppy and who would hire them??? If he were an attorney for reelz he'd be trying to get clients right here.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
true dat astrid
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kpage is on the shooting story.
Posted by lajazzlvr (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What I find really amazing is how personal the comments are. Initially, the comments were regarding Harris's conviction. From there it went to contrasting the trail outcomes of Binky versus Harris. Now, personal shots are being taken. Wow!!! Let's give everyone a break and get back to the article. BTW, I hope everything is gramatically correct in this comment.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
angiestaylor;
You are correct!!!!
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People do have their down time. If you see that all of these post are not during the work hours. I don't not edit my stuff. Do you some of you don't even spell or write correctly either. So don't judge a book by its cover. You wanna be smart people.
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kpage.....You tried to get at me. But you misspelled something; howerver, you and broke some verbs as well. NOW!!! GET LIKE ME NOT AT!!! P.S. Don't hate the player hate the game. When you don't know ask someone.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Brother2Brother;
go lie somewhere else......you are about as much an attorney as I am.
get over yourself
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sayitloud: you said it all!
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want the name of the head Phen-Fen snitch! (LOL) Also, there is a huge house on 61 headed North, nice home, if I am not mistaken, that was purchased with a phen-fen settlement. I think that's legit though.
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