Remember the Good Ol' Days Before You Donate, Your District Attorney May Need It To Hire State Witnesses.

Cherokee County, TX has always been a yellow-dog Democrat district. It's political and societal rejects come across as very conservative as they feign their religious and moral convictions, but don't let the benevolent Democrat party tag fool you. They are not liberals; they are not conservatives; they work side by side drug dealers that use extortion to put money in their pockets. If you donate to them, then you need to know where your money is going, to whom and whom they are backing (even if they're pretending to be running against them).

Not all of the law enforcement, court personnel and attorneys are corrupt, but the entire Cherokee County political system has been corrupt for decades. For example, if one of their court appointed defense attorneys faces an Injury by Motor Vehicle civil suit, as in ALLBRIGHT, GREGORY WAYNE VS. TUCKER, BERT NEAL (Cherokee Co. Civil Docket; Case 2001030257) after a day of heavy drinking at the Rusk, TX courthouse, then where is the Cherokee County Bar Association's attorney reprimand? Is it that drunken court appointed counsel is more valuable than sober? Of course; it doesn't matter that an elderly man, a six-year-old girl and a car with a local Rusk family has crashed---sending all involved to the hospital. That is because the Cherokee County District Attorney's office and their associates DEFENDS the actions of an alcoholic bar member. And covers up the fact that people died and committed suicide over their injuries sustained in Cherokee Co. TX Civil Docket; Case 2001030257; Injury Involving a Motor Vehicle ALLBRIGHT VS. TUCKER.

In the 1960's, Cherokee County, TX never reported a single vote until Lyndon B. Johnson told the district judges the exact number of votes needed to win an election. Then Cherokee County would come in with the Democratic votes needed, right at the last minute. Sound familiar? With every voting officer related to the incumbent at the local precinct voting hall, Cherokee County to this day provides more votes than actual registered voters. Could we see the self professed right-wingers and Pro-Lifers do that now in 2007 with the Republican swing vote? Certainly. Cherokee County was corrupt then and it is corrupt now. Even neighboring Smith County has a history of voter machine "break downs" and voter fraud. Smith County and Cherokee County are not part of the state of Texas' Election Administration Management database.

All but 30 counties in Texas are not members of the TEAM's service, and Cherokee County will remain off the charts. There is no formal oversight in the local voting precincts.

This how you have individuals such as former Cherokee County District Attorney Charles Holcomb

Justice Charles Holcomb (R) TXCRIMAPP

being elected to judgeships, even as Cherokee County District Attorney accepting money from a murder victim's insurance payoff and convicting an obviously innocent Nacogdoches gentleman in 1990. And not mentioning it in his Texas State Bar profile that the conviction was reversed by the 12th Court of Appeals in 1993 and the defendant was ACQUITTED of Holcomb's charge of capital murder for remuneration. The case is State v. Terry Watkins; Watkins served 5 years.


Jacksonville Daily Progress June 3, 1993 click pic for large view.
The State was represented by Cherokee County's Elmer Beckworth during the appeal.

The Jacksonville Daily Progress August 23, 1990 ran an article on the actual murder trial, Charles Holcomb's "last big case" as District Attorney of Cherokee County, TX. The trial jurors themselves questioned Holcomb's acceptance of money from the victim's father in order to hire a State witness.


Daily Progress August 23, 1990 click above pic for larger view.

From The State of Texas v. Watkins in 1990:
You would think that state charges would be filed on the recipient of a $800,000 insurance policy of what Holcomb calls a "botched burglary (which was a charge thrown out by the 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler, TX). " The widow he says was "rumored to have had multiple affairs---" even though Holcomb knows the trial lasted for months due to the defense calling all her lovers, including the former police chief of Alto, TX, and several of Holcomb's friends and relatives. Read more at the Dec. 2006 posting.

Is this selective amnesia or a deliberate omission of the truth? The defense in State v. Watkins subpoenaed the various lovers of the victim’s promiscuous widow because her widespread pattern of infidelities was commonly known. This was not inconsequentially vaguely “rumored” but instead reported as the trial progressed. Many of her lovers were called to the stand, and as such, the State vs. Terry Watkins (1990) was the longest running criminal trial in Cherokee County, TX history.


Cherokeean Herald August 2, 1990 Click pic for larger image.

Is it honorable for a sitting Justice on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to cite to the Texas State Bar patently false resolutions to cases he prosecuted? Or is this the version Charles Holcomb wants the Bar to print because there are no old news articles from his hometown in circulation to prove he is in fact, being dishonest? Or no attorney within the Bar would research the case State v. Watkins (1990) on Find Law, because Holcomb's colleagues on the 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler chose not to publish the ruling against Holcomb who had just been elected to the bench?
Read Judge Charles Holcomb's State Bar profile for further comparison.

Ask yourself before you donate in the Cherokee County, Texas primaries:
Is the money you give going to a candidate who is pretending to be a God fearing Republican or an opportunistic pervert?
Is the money going into someone's wife's new S-Class Mercedes, to make up for the secret escapades of a bored and alcoholic trial attorney?

Is this guy you're turning over your hard earned money to a bonafide civil rights championing Democrat, or did he do his part in blaming the victims of racially motivated beatings at the hands of Cherokee County, TX law enforcement?

Do these guys actually play golf with each other and laugh all the way to the bank for basically doing nothing, because their paychecks depend not only defending and prosecuting the petty crimes of a handful of locals, but getting a cut from the REAL drug dealers working in law enforcement?

Has your trial lawyer candidate ever been involuntarily committed to drug rehab by the District Judge and Cherokee County Bar Association? Has this attorney been given court appointed representation for his DUI's, yet assigned local court appointed service as a friend of the Cherokee County District Court? Has he drunk himself literally to death as he is in and out the hospital, but at the same time assigned to 'represent' indigent clients on the docket?

And lastly, is your choice for public office simply hedging votes for a buddy, just to turn around and endorse an "opponent"- one of the oldest tricks in the book!

Is that where you want your children's future to be in the hands of? A county with multiple drug convictions of its bailiffs, constables and police chiefs; AND NOT ONE ARREST BY THE CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT?

If you enjoy having your property taxes and city services monies stolen by the government employees you elected (and will never be prosecuted for embezzlement), then Cherokee County is the place to for you live and do business. If you don't have a problem with the constable that serves your subpoenas (and works as your bailiff in the court house), why, if don't care that he's dealing drugs while he "enforces the law," then the welcome mat is rolled out for you. Remember that when you attend a good ol' fashioned political rally with cupcakes and pecan pies for sale. The drug dealer of your choice depends on it.

In the memory of Jennifer Hester, Jacksonville, TX

Jacksonville, TX:
This post from the news article that ran in the Jacksonville, TX Daily Progress.
We post it here forever, for the taxpayers of Cherokee County, Texas. Local Jacksonville, Texas nursing school graduate Jennifer Hester was struck by a pickup and killed within her apartment complex. The grieving Hester family was told by the Jacksonville, TX police department and Cherokee County District Attorney that a "hit-and-run homicide could not be investigated on private property."
Elmer C. Beckworth, Jr. presented Jennifer Hester's death to a Cherokee County grand jury as an "accident" that she caused. The driver was No Billed. The Jacksonville Police Department continued the charade after the fact, claiming in the Daily Progress to seek "additional information."

Elmer Beckworth, et al has championed the death, that could have been prevented with one phone call, of Faye Bell Harris of Jacksonville, TX. Yet no offer nor the semblance of a formal grand jury investigation into the death of Jennifer Hester, mother and daughter. Elmer Beckworth even calls the incident"a hit-and-run" in his few statements to local media.
Because the greiving Hester family and friends of Jennifer offered no political clout, Beckworth refused to convene a real grand jury to question the driver of the hit -and-run. The individual was exonerated before the grand jury foreman signed the NO BILL. And of course, relatives and cousins were seated on the panel by a sympathetic District Clerk.
Any other county in the state would have, by law, convened a grand jury and at minimum, indicted the driver with Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentence could have been commuted. Only in Cherokee County, folks, only in Cherokee County. And hopefully the populace can catch Elmer Beckworth's faux paux of actually calling the accident a "HIT AND RUN" in the Daily Progress article. Hit and Run, but no indictment? If you accidently back into someone's car in the parking lot, the driver is legally liable. Human life is more valuable than a fender bender. Laws and penal codes are completely arbitrary when it comes to the allies of the Cherokee County Texas district attorney's office.

What if the driver had not been related to the grand jury foreman, and let's say, been an out-of-state driver who caused a minor accident?
REPRINTED HERE
From the Jacksonville Daily Progress:
in memory of Jennifer Hester
Editor’s note: Due to the high volume of letters received expressing grief over the loss of Jennifer Hester, who died as a result from a hit-and-run accident on Feb. 12, 2005, the Daily Progress staff is running all letters received to this point together here.
Remembering Jennifer HesterOne year ago today on February 12, 2005 Jennifer Hester lost her life. In one moment, the lives of all those that loved her were forever changed. Jennifer was a hard worker always striving to make her life and the lives of those she loved better. Most importantly she was a daughter, a mom, a sister and a best friend. Jennifer lost her life to the senseless, heartless and cowardly act of hit and run. No time for good byes no time for a last hug or kiss in a split second she was gone and so was the driver. Today we honor Jennifer for the woman that she was and all that she would have been given the chance. Remember her and honor her. If you didn’t know her, think of her as your mother, sister, daughter and friend.
I know the pain the Hester family suffers all to well, I lost my sister and best friend, Tina DeMuro to a hit and run driver on November 9, 2005. If you do not understand our pain, be thankful, I would not wish this pain on anyone. Let’s not only remember Jennifer today but rather let us all remember her everyday. She was a beautiful person who should still be with her family.Kelley Olivera, Wallington, NJ In memory of Jennifer HesterDaughter, Sister, Mother and Friend.Today will mark the one-year anniversary that Jennifer Hester’s life ended and the lives of her family and friends changed forever.Jennifer was a loving daughter, compassionate sister, nurturing mother and a great friend. She worked hard all her life to provide for her family and for herself. Everything she did in life was to be successful.
That is what Jennifer accomplished by finishing school and becoming a nurse and providing a life for her 3-year-old son Mason.On February 12, 2005 – Jennifer’s life ended by the hands of a hit and run driver. She was left to die in the streets of her hometown. She was taken from her family and friends without a goodbye or answers to questions that are still unknown today. Her son Mason – asks everyday about his mommy and Jennifer’s family has to explain that she is in heaven now. How does anyone take on that – to explain to a 3 year old little boy that his mommy is not here. His mommy will not be tucking him in at night or reading him a story. His mommy will not be teaching him how to ride a bike or getting him on the school bus for his first day of Kindergarten. Yes, Jennifer will see her little boy grow up – but the only way is to be looking down from Heaven. That is not fair to Jennifer or Mason.
Today – we remember Jennifer and who she was and through her son Mason – her legacy will live on. But we also remember that the driver that took Jennifer’s life – their life still goes on. They will see their children grow up and be able to hug their family and friends. This person has not been handed down a consequence for what they did. Everyone needs to remember – it could be your loved one, one day being taken from you and someone driving away. Stopping your vehicle and rendering aid is to only solution to an accident. Driving away – only causes more grief and pain that will never go away.I personally did not know Jennifer – but through a support group – I meet her family and friends.
My father was killed by a hit and run driver, November 14, 2003 and the person responsible for his death is still at large today. I know the pain that the Hester family is going through. Please remember Jennifer today and everyday – she was a wonderful person and would have made a world of difference in your community if only given a chance.
Thank you –Lisa MilesDaughter of Lawrence R. Skinner, Sr. (killed by a hit and run driver November 2003)
My heart goes out to Jenn’s family.I am writing this letter in regard to the upcoming one year anniversary of the death of Jennifer Hester. I never meet Jenn in person but I feel like I have known her all my life thru her sister Dana and her friend Kari. They miss her more than words could ever express. My heart goes out to all of Jenn's family and friends during this difficult time. My God bless them and the angels surround them with comfort and peace. We miss u Jenn.
Sincerely, Amie Nobles Navasota, Texas
A wonderful friend is missed. Words can not describe how unique Jennifer was. Jennifer is so talented, she could sing, play instruments write songs, and dance. But her best talent was raising her son. Jennifer was a wonderful loving mother. I miss our friendship so much, this has been a long hard year and I miss her beyond words. I miss talking to her everyday and laying in sun with her and our kids playing together. Jennifer is a wonderful person and she will never be forgotten.
Her son is Jennifer made over, all you have to do is look into his eyes and you see Jennifer, he is a comfort. February 12 will be one year since she was taken away and the pain is just as great now as it was last February 12th. I am writing this in honor of a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. I miss you so much Jennifer. Love you, Kari GroganOne year ago today someone made a choice that would affect the lives of an entire family and community, forever. One year ago today Jennifer Hester was left to die on the road as the person who hit her drove away. Jennifer was a dedicated mom to her 3 year old son Mason.
Jennifer raised Mason while putting herself through nursing school and had only been working at her new career for 3 weeks when she was struck and killed. On this, the one year anniversary of Jennifer’s death, we remember her. A mother, sister, daughter, friend. I did not know Jennifer myself. But I have met her family and friends through our shared grief, losing a loved one to hit and run. Having lost my nephew to this horrible crime, I know the path of devastation it wreaks. Somewhere there is a person who is living his or her life without consequence. But Jennifer does not have that opportunity, nor do her family, friends or most importantly her son Mason.
Jennifer is gone forever and that is a grief to the world, beyond words to describe. I would ask that each person remember Jennifer today. Think about your daughter, sister, mother, friend and how you would feel if one moment their life was held in someone else’s hands, and that person just drove away. Remember Jennifer today and every day.
Karen Paul, (aunt of Christopher Bascom, killed Nov. 2003 by hit and run)
Even the law students at UT have been conned by the slick wording of Propostion 4, co-authored by former State Senator Todd Staples (R, Palestine) and the Cherokee County District Attorney.
The UT Daily Texan reporter cited above erroneously reports that before Prop. 4 was voted in, a district judge could not revoke a defendant's bail:   "Previously, a judge could only deny bail to a defendant if he or she has violated specific conditions of bail: the accused has at least two prior felony convictions, the felony was committed while the accused was on bail, or a lethal weapon was involved in the felony."
This is has never been the case; a defendant could have his bail revoked and placed in custody for spitting on the sidewalk. After the third offense; Cherokee County never bothered to charge Michael Harris for his consecutive bond violations.
That is what the biggest lie that has been told by the sponsors. It is a complete fabrication, design to get support from the weak-kneed legislature. The lies are easy to swallow when they are based on emotion. And the lies are even easier to repeat.
The fact is not one finger was lifted to keep Michael Harris from killing his wife. Michael Harris was in Cherokee County custody while he sought drug treatment at the Rusk State Hospital. Faye Harris was ignored. The fact is Cherokee County orchestrated the murder of this women by deliberately not revoking her drug addict husband's bond, the first time he threatened to kill her AND definitely not the third time. The Texas Constitution did not tie the hands of Cherokee County. The Texas Constitution only ties the hands of the patently corrupt.
It appears to the outsider that the only way these people gain respect within their peer group is to concoct a lie, and the most people to repeat it, no matter how ludicrous and retarded.
Cherokee County's "narcotics" officers can pull over vehicles with broken tail lights and the district courts can confiscate the contents of the car with one phone call---
but they can't revoke a drug addict's bond to prevent a pending homicide.
The family of Jennifer Hester has placed a touching on line memorial in her honor.