Tempers Flare Between District Attorney and Dothan Police This Morning In Court

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 16763

Posted by: RStokes
Date: Sep 02 2011 12:26 PM

DOTHAN – HOUSTON COUNTY:    Anger, tempers and threats in the Houston County Courthouse this morning.  And during court!

 

And it all involved District Attorney Doug Valeska and Dothan Police Department. DADDY DAYCARE or a court of law?

 

TODAY’S COURT

 

A hearing before District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis. The hearing involved a case against Tabitha Walker for the charges of Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana. Walker has been in the Houston County Jail since August 11, 2011 under a $ 200,000.00 bond set by Judge Brad Mendheim.

 

Walker is represented by Attorney Matt Lamere. A hearing started this morning in reference to a reduction in bond.

 

Lamere represented to the court the Dothan Police Officer, Ray Mock, agreed at one time to a bond reduction. Lamere said he did not know if that was still the position of Mock.

 

District Attorney Doug Valeska, in what some describe a heated passion, demanded Mock to answer on the stand if he agreed to a bond reduction. Mock said yes.

 

The reason was Walker had co-operated with Police. Officer Mock had said if there was co-operation he would agree to a bond reduction. Mock kept his word.

 

According to those in the courtroom Valeska slammed papers down on the desk, in court and while court was in session, and said he moved for the entire cases to be nol prossed ( dismissed ).  Judge Lewis did as Valeska asked and dismissed the cases against Walker.

 

Tempers were flaring. Valeska then called for the companion case and ordered Officer Mock back to the stand. Mock, clearly upset with the way Valeska was treating him in court, asked for a few minutes. Valeska then threatened Officer Mock that he was under subpoena and would get on the stand NOW. Valeska said if Mock did not he would have him taken into custody.

 

Mock got on the stand and handled himself professionally.

 

MEETING

 

Then all the powers were summoned to the Courthouse. Dothan Police Chief Greg Benton, Dothan Police Major Steve Parrish, Dothan Police Captain David Jay, Dothan Vice Lt. Duane Herring. All for a meeting behind closed doors in Doug Valeska’s office.

NOTE -  I am told the powers were not summoned but went on their own when they found out what was happening.

 

The majority of the Vice and Criminal Investigators came to the courthouse. And they were furious over reports of how Valeska was treating Officer Mock. Then Valeska’s prosecutor’s were defending Valeska and being critical of officers. Then some more tempers flared.

 

THREATS RECENTLY

 

Recently some Dothan Officers wanted something done in a case. Valeska refused to co-operate. According to some information the officers said they would just not show up for the hearing.

 

A major power struggle between the Police Officers and District Attorney Doug Valeska.

 

HISTORY OF PROBLEMS

 

There has been a history of problems with bonds. Bail Bond companies in Houston and Henry County can only make bonds to $ 150,000.00.  Police and Sheriff Deputies have a history of asking Judge Mendheim to set bonds higher than $ 150,000.00 in order to keep people in jail.

 

Most all other Judges refuse to do so on a continuous basis. Yet Judge Mendheim, a former Doug Valeska prosecutor, routinely sets bonds out of range for the defendants to be released.

 

In this case, Judge Mendheim set the bond on Walker in the amount of $ 200,000.00. The basis is, the officer called Judge Mendheim and asked him to set the bond. So without a hearing the Judge sets it knowing it is a bond the person can not make. A deliberate action of law enforcement and the Judge to keep the person in jail.

 

At times a person might not need to get out. But like Walker’s case, she was held hostage in the Houston County Jail since August 11. And today, because the children could not play well together, her entre drug trafficking case was dismissed.

 

THEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM

 

Therein lies the issue…have officers been intimidated by Doug Valeska in the past and not testified or made agreements because they were fearful of him.

 

There was a recent case where a child was charged with kidnapping and robbery. What Valeska presented in a youthful offender hearing WAS NOT the true facts. When the officer said they agreed to youthful offender, Valeska hit the roof and made threats against the police. Bu the officers struck to their position.

 

The Judge did grant youthful offender because the facts warranted it

 

AN EXAMPLE OF IT IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SAY

 

You remember the bingo trials. All of the powerful Republican leaders were representing how there was this big case.

 

Remember when it came time for the prosecution to prove their case?

 

We can give examples of problems with the system. Problems where they have held people under bonds that could not be made. The system needs to be gotten under control.

 

GOOD JOB OFFICER MOCK

 

Good job to Officer Mock. Under pressure, Officer Mock stuck to his commitments in this case.

 

SOME JUSTIFICATION

 

There is some justification. Had the officers not abused the bond process in intentionally setting bonds to keep the person in jail, this situation would not have existed.

 

 

Doc_-_Sep_2,_2011_11-35

Doc_-_Sep_2,_2011_11-34

Doc_-_Sep_2,_2011_11-33

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Ok, so the girl helped the mpolice and in many cases they will offer something in exchange for help or a confession of some sort. In this case the policeman said if you help, I'll suggest a lower bond. Which mean, yes she would get out if she made bail but will still have to go to court on her charge. Now since Valeska got pissed off about what happened just dismissed the case which means he put the drug dealer back on the streets not the police. So if the bond was lowered and and she did bond out, she would have had to go to court and get whatever punishment was set. Now she's free and nothing happened and its all The D.A fault? How is that something good?
Ok, so the girl helped the mpolice and in many cases they will offer something in exchange for help or a confession of some sort. In this case the policeman said if you help, I'll suggest a lower bond. Which mean, yes she would get out if she made bail but will still have to go to court on her charge. Now since Valeska got pissed off about what happened just dismissed the case which means he put the drug dealer back on the streets not the police. So if the bond was lowered and and she did bond out, she would have had to go to court and get whatever punishment was set. Now she's free and nothing happened and its all The D.A fault? How is that something good?
All you people who "can't stand Valeska" or "Think it's time for him to go" are just mad because you or a family member was prosecuted by valeska or his office and he didnt make you any deals. boo hoo get over it. And to MYVOTECOUNTS, well apparently it doesn't because low down Medley lost. "I voted for Arthur and you see why" well too bad nobody cares who u voted for. Valeska keeps you streets safe you idiot. And to the supposed sherrif deputy for 8 years you are a real law enforcement officer for the city of Dothan now arent you? what a joke, you dont know squat about politics or anything about the legal system. Why arent u working their now????Get prosecuted, fired? or just decided to quit?
All you people who "can't stand Valeska" or "Think it's time for him to go" are just mad because you or a family member was prosecuted by valeska or his office and he didnt make you any deals. boo hoo get over it. And to MYVOTECOUNTS, well apparently it doesn't because low down Medley lost. "I voted for Arthur and you see why" well too bad nobody cares who u voted for. Valeska keeps you streets safe you idiot. And to the supposed sherrif deputy for 8 years you are a real law enforcement officer for the city of Dothan now arent you? what a joke, you dont know squat about politics or anything about the legal system. Why arent u working their now????Get prosecuted, fired? or just decided to quit?
To MyVoteCounts, you were on the Grand Jury about the time my case was presented. And, I have it confirmed, from one source, that Valeska lied or misled the Grand Jury about the facts concerning my case. And, all done for political reasons. Would you be willing to talk about it.
so valeska had to claim he would take mock into custody if he didnt come back in the court room to testify BC THE JUDGE ORDERED HIM BACK IN!!!! get you facts straight before you start bashing. And Im sure u wont print this now rickey but you are just mad bc valeska dropped it and you didnt get your hands on the reduced bond money. Sorry go pay to have another criminal get out of jail. Go pay to have another menace to society put out on bond. Just like u did with Andrew OSborne the WIFE BEATER, right rickey????? BUT EVERYONE DONT WORRY VALESKA WILL FULLY PROSECUTE THIS TRAFFICKER!!!
he dropped the charges so he wouldn't have to worry about all the nonsense going on with it, like the PD backing the defense and all he is going to do is RE-INDITE the girl on the exact same charge. You people have no clue about the law nor about how valeska knows what hes doing.He's been doing this for 26 years and pretty dang good at it. He will be trying this case and handling it personally. A tantrum? Who was reporting this desc ription of his attitude??? Nobody that was their but hey catchy phrase rickey. Didnt tell you Ray Mock was crying bc he didnt get his was did you? A police officer bawling his eyes out bc valeska dropped the charges. O and it was the judge who said valeska you better get Mock in here or were moving on. SO Valeska HAD TO make him come back in all teary eyed
Yeah the D.A asked for the case of a trafficker to be dismissed b/c the POLICE DEPT. NARC RAY MOCK met with defense attorney matt lamere and promised him he would tell the judge he wanted the bond reduced!!! Your police department is meeting and making deals with defense attorneys???!!! Wow lets all pause and think about that. Police are suppose to enforce the law and keep convicts esp. traffickers behind bars not work with the defense. Mock told Valeska one thing then pretty much lied to his face while he already made a deal with matt lamere. Mock told Valeska he would "not oppose the bond being lowered" but said he would "NOT SAY he wanted the bond lowered." So when Valeska asked him on the stand what he wanted and he said I WANT THE BOND LOWERED, valeska said fine I dismiss your case...
Yeah the D.A asked for the case of a trafficker to be dismissed b/c the POLICE DEPT. NARC RAY MOCK met with defense attorney matt lamere and promised him he would tell the judge he wanted the bond reduced!!! Your police department is meeting and making deals with defense attorneys???!!! Wow lets all pause and think about that. Police are suppose to enforce the law and keep convicts esp. traffickers behind bars not work with the defense. Mock told Valeska one thing then pretty much lied to his face while he already made a deal with matt lamere. Mock told Valeska he would "not oppose the bond being lowered" but said he would "NOT SAY he wanted the bond lowered." So when Valeska asked him on the stand what he wanted and he said I WANT THE BOND LOWERED, valeska said fine I dismiss your case...

So another drug dealer back on the streets. Why did the officer offer a drug dealer lower bail? I thought they were suppose to KEEP them off the streets. I'd probably get mad, too.
When you cannot maintain a degree of professionalism, then you need to let someone else give it a shot. I really think this DA's time has long since come and gone. It is time for him to hang it up. That's the reason I did not vote for him last election. Sometimes you start to think you are untouchable and no matter what you say or do you are justified.
All I have to say is I voted for Arthur Medley. Now you see why.
Doug has always been like this and now that his power has gone to his head people are starting to see it.
I would like to clarify something on the bonds. Every felony charge has a maximum bond. The maximum bond for Trafficking any illegal drug is 1.5 million dollars for each charge. So 200,000 is not unreasonable for trafficking.
Most important point: a drug dealer is back on the streets. Who wins? We don't.

He hasn't changed a bit in the last 30 years, yet he keeps getting reelected
Why not let us comment on the dr. Osborne story? The one case where Valeska is completely justified in doing anything in his power to put that disgusting human being back in to a real prison where he belongs. what do you care about this Osborne character? he beat his wife within an inch of her life only to be pampered and excused by Judge Larry Anderson. let me make that last point clear. Judge Larry Anderson let a doctor buddy of his who was convicted of felony assault on his petite little wife, Off with a slap on the wrist. Judge Larry Anderson thinks it's just fine for women to get savagely beaten unconscious by their husbands. Judge Larry Anderson is a small pathetic excuse for a human being.
I was a deputy sheriff for 8 years and I saw the same thing going on. I was the court laision officer of over a year and witnessed people that was not in anyway a flight risk or a danger to the public and their bond was set way beyond the statues allowed by the code of alabama, just because the officers (Houston Co. and Dothan P.D.) or the District Attorneys wanted them in jail to start their punishment before they was tried and convicted of there crime. I thought before I went in law enforcement that you had to be found guilty in court before you were sentenced, but not in Houston Co. AL. It is all ba sed on how much you piss off the police or the District Attorney. Too much POLITICS in the system, if you are rich or know the right folks, you can play the system!!!
I was a deputy sheriff for 8 years and I saw the same thing going on. I was the court laision officer of over a year and witnessed people that was not in anyway a flight risk or a danger to the public and their bond was set way beyond the statues allowed by the code of alabama, just because the officers (Houston Co. and Dothan P.D.) or the District Attorneys wanted them in jail to start their punishment before they was tried and convicted of there crime. I thought before I went in law enforcement that you had to be found guilty in court before you were sentenced, but not in Houston Co. AL. It is all ba sed on how much you piss off the police or the District Attorney. Too much POLITICS in the system, if you are rich or know the right folks, you can play the system!!!
Typical Doug Valeska. He has always been arrogant but still, I used to be a supporter of him. I no longer am. Not because of this situation but because of combined ridiculousness over the last decade, specifically the last 5 yrs. It's almost as though he has had a mental breakdown, he isnt the same man he once was. I would gladly support a retirement decision from him. I would help him if I could, but it is time for him to go.
I for one agree that there is way to much bullying going on with the Houston County District Attorny's Office. I myself have recently been intimidated into "agreeing" to a plea. This office is in dire need of an enima. Thanks Rickey for keeping us informed. Love the site, keep it up.
Typical Doug Valeska. He has always been arrogant but still, I used to be a supporter of him. I no longer am. Not because of this situation but because of combined ridiculousness over the last decade, specifically the last 5 yrs. It's almost as though he has had a mental breakdown, he isnt the same man he once was. I would gladly support a retirement decision from him. I would help him if I could, but it is time for him to go.
So the DA, supposedly the protector of our community asked for a drug trafficker to be released because he didnt get his way and had a tantrum? Im not sure if I can believe that.
So the DA, supposedly the protector of our community asked for a drug trafficker to be released because he didnt get his way and had a tantrum? Im not sure if I can believe that.
I have been told by a number of people that they think good old Doug is slipping mentaly and today dosent help the way this little problem is seen by the public.He is out of control and has been for quite a long time, I dont think he is competent enough to have the job of top cop but it would seem that most people are eather to afraid to confront him or they are corrupt just like him.....His day will come and he will be caught for the lies and dirty tricks that has cost many people alot of money and time....Holman has a place for you to Douglas
So the DA, supposedly the protector of our community asked for a drug trafficker to be released because he didnt get his way and had a tantrum? Im not sure if I can believe that.
I spent time on the Grand Jury a couple of years ago and remember Doug commenting on select cases and trying to persuade the Grand Jury to rule certain ways on different cases whether the evidence proved a case or not. We questioned him and his motives and he started threatening that we would be coming in nights and weekends to get through the case files if he had to bring us before the judge and for every case he talked to us about to make sure he wasn't breaking any laws. Later, he came in saying he had spoken with the Judge and was told he could make any comments he wanted and continued to waste our time. At the time, Arthur was working for Doug and anytime Doug came and left you could tell that not only the jurors thought he was out of line but also Arthur. Wish he would have won...
We need people in our court system to be honest. So for we have not been able to put no one in there that is willing to be fair to all lets clean house and try to find people to put in our court system that is willing to be fair to all if thats possible.
I spent time on the Grand Jury a couple of years ago and remember Doug commenting on select cases and trying to persuade the Grand Jury to rule certain ways on different cases whether the evidence proved a case or not. We questioned him and his motives and he started threatening that we would be coming in nights and weekends to get through the case files if he had to bring us before the judge and for every case he talked to us about to make sure he wasn't breaking any laws. Later, he came in saying he had spoken with the Judge and was told he could make any comments he wanted and continued to waste our time. At the time, Arthur was working for Doug and anytime Doug came and left you could tell that not only the jurors thought he was out of line but also Arthur. Wish he would have won...
I spent time on the Grand Jury a couple of years ago and remember Doug commenting on select cases and trying to persuade the Grand Jury to rule certain ways on different cases whether the evidence proved a case or not. We questioned him and his motives and he started threatening that we would be coming in nights and weekends to get through the case files if he had to bring us before the judge and for every case he talked to us about to make sure he wasn't breaking any laws. Later, he came in saying he had spoken with the Judge and was told he could make any comments he wanted and continued to waste our time. At the time, Arthur was working for Doug and anytime Doug came and left you could tell that not only the jurors thought he was out of line but also Arthur. Wish he would have won...

Will Be Interesting to see if Valeska still takes the case to a grand jury for an indictment in the case and To the officer shows he is a man of his word and thats hard to come by these days sure hope we dont see the FEDS down here now looking into some District Attorneys doings after all they got their nose in everything else why not this.
We all know that there is alot of thangs go on in dothan, when will we learn to tie our shoes befor we kick someone, doing there job. used to be said, in god we trust, when will it say in men we trust,to do there jobs by what they say and keep there words to the officer good job sir
Everyone knows how Valeska is. He has the emotional maturity of John Steensland. Doug Valeska has a reputation throughout the entire NATION as being unfair, unjust and downright nasty. He is simply not a very good prosecutor. He likes big, softball cases that grab headlines, but when it comes down to actually prosecuting the majority of crimes that occur around the county, he fails miserably. His work ethic is one of laziness, and his personality is reminiscent of a concrete block, only less charming. He isn't cut out for private practice because he's not that good, and he's not fit for a judgeship because he's not that smart. Sure hope the voters of this county will soon recognize these glaring facts, but i won't hold my breath.