I declare, I just don’t understand Jerry Mitchell’s approach to informing the public.
In his story today, Group: Bench Hinds judge, he says, “Neither [Judge Bobby] DeLaughter nor his attorney could be reached for comment.” On down, after explaining that Vicki Slater and Bill Kirksey complained of Ed Peters’ effect on DeLaughter’s handling of Wilson v. Scruggs, he reports that Eric Stracener also complained of a similar phenomenon in Kirk v. Pope:
… Two days before Thanksgiving in 2003, Peters reached DeLaughter at home at night.
Although not listed as an attorney of record, Peters discussed the case with DeLaughter, who “essentially acted as an advocate for the defense by imparting advice to Peters (and defense counsel) as to the proper procedure in the case,” Brantley wrote.
The next day, DeLaughter granted a stay to prevent Kirk from executing the judgment[.]
In 2005, DeLaughter ruled in Pope’s favor, vacating his judgment from more than two years earlier and finding Kirk had intended to conceal the jury award from the bankruptcy court.
Kirk insisted he had informed the bankruptcy court. On appeal, the state Supreme Court sent the matter back for a new trial on how much Kirk was due in damages. …
Okay, last night NMC linked to the JPC’s motion to suspend DeLaughter. I commend to your re-attention, Jerry, Count One of the second complaint — the Kirk v. Pope part — in particular point 6, page 18, through point 10, page 20.
Your story names all the names there but one, doesn’t it? “Cynthia Stewart” — the other “defense counsel” Pope hired with Ed Peters (and, according to the JPC motion, up to her eyeballs in what happened then) — is the one you omit. What, don’t you think your readers deserve notice of her alleged role in this? Or to learn that she’s long shared an office with the incommunicado lawyer-for-DeLaughter “Cynthia Speetjens”?
C’mon, Jerry. What is it about “The Two Cynthias” (as they’re known around town in Legal Jackson) that so sticks in your throat? Their names are out here in Blogovia — what, don’t you think C-L readers have just as much right to them as we do?
Thank you Lotus.
I just finished reading the obituaries which is the only reason I subscribe to the CL.
The ghost attorney that Mitchell refers to is certainly Cynthia Speetjens correct? I am being told she will be representing Delaughter from here on out.
Do we know who will be on Peters team yet?
DH
You’re welcome, duckhead. Dunno about Peters’ lawyer now; recent word was that Stewart was at least “advising” him. But she may need her own “advisor” these days, don’t you bet?
Off topic, but today is THURSDAY. Any bets on Shelton? What’s the over under?
Tapping in for updates
Sailor, I tellya, at this point I’ll be surprised if they hit a lick this year. Be nice if they did WHILE WE’RE STILL YOUNG, and I’ll be on watch, but I ain’t expecting a thang.
C Stewart has certainly gotten some SWEET deals for her clients lately…and I’m under the impression it’s because she’s currently Peters’ atty…
Sailor, I doubt we will see anything about Shelton. It’s not 2010 yet….
Maybe he’s laying off Attorney Speetjens because she’s one of the original Sweet Potato Queens.
The Original Bushel of Sweet Potato’s…
Cynthia Sppetjens is an excellent attorney, and although she worked with DeLaughter iin the DA’s Office, I can assure you that she will review any and all evidence against him and advise him accordingly. She will certainly not be a part of any tactics that would bring shame to the legal profession.
That’s good to know as I was not sure how to interpret her role in these matters.
What irate said, nancy and Jane. Thanks for this info.
“… on Speetjens” noted, Jane.
Tapping in.