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Post by bb on Jan 13, 2008 15:52:29 GMT -4
The more I read about Gary Hilton, the more I want to thank Union County Sheriff's employees. I know they had a helping hand from a lot of othe agencies including the GBI and other sheriff's departments. We know that Mr. Hilton was involved in at least the FL, NC and Meredith's murders. Who knows how many others. Because of the quick response, and good investigation, Hilton is no longer able to prey on any more innocent victims. Thanks for a job well done.
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Post by shortcircuit on Jan 13, 2008 21:50:41 GMT -4
Very well said bb, our law enforcement did a wonderful job with the investigation and search. I can't say the same for our judicial system though. Hopefully if he's convicted of one of the other murders he'll receive the proper punishment for them.
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Post by summerose on Jan 13, 2008 21:55:46 GMT -4
UCPD, y'all are AWESOME!!!
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Post by silverback on Jan 16, 2008 16:20:12 GMT -4
I am an "outsider" but my parents live in Blairsville. I also want to send appreciation's to UCSO and BPD. They are an awesome group of officers and I hope the good folks of Union County continue to support Sheriff Stephens thru the election.
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Post by taylor on Jan 16, 2008 16:25:58 GMT -4
I agree with everyone. It seems the local law enforcement acted swiftly and was able to apprehend this monster and get him off the streets.
Silverback, I hope you'll find in this forum that there are no "outsiders". All of us have our own reasons for being here, and generally, we get along pretty well! I only lived in Blairsville for about 6 months, but had "met" many of the ones here long before I moved there, and now that I live in Brunswick, I still try to keep up with my friends. Glad you have joined us -
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Post by flatfoot on Jan 19, 2008 11:13:20 GMT -4
Silver back: Stick to what you know. And you sure don't know Scott Stephens. The GIB had to take over the investigation because Scott was dropping the ball. He missed handled evidence and failed to process the car for two days. Also failed to shut down the roads. Victims boyfriend and family are very upset with Scott. Boyfriend complained to GIB about Scott's poor investigation. On the Wednesday after she went missing, one of the other Sheriff's Office tried to call the Union County Sheriff's Office all day to offer assistance. They could not get anyone to answer the phone. They finally contacted the Blairsville Police and they told Scott. When this all first went down, the Sheriff's Office could not even find Scott. So please, give me a break, we want Scott out of office now. It's bad enough having a Sheriff with DUI arrest and conviction from White County Georgia, his car repo by Ford Motor Credit in Union County and complaints filed against his Georgia Police Standards and has wrecked two patrol cars while driving drunk. How about we send him to you in Florida and he can run for Sheriff in your county.
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Post by shortcircuit on Jan 19, 2008 16:42:20 GMT -4
So flatfoot, you just joined this site to post that one comment and then leave? Why won't you stay here and defend your opinion? I have a question, what is the GIB? I've never heard of them. I've heard several people talk about Scotts DUI's, first it was supposedly in Forsyth county and now it was in White? I may be wrong but I think court records are public information, if those are posted THEN I will believe it and Scott won't be getting my vote. But until then he has my support. I know that Scott is no angel, but I think that he is a better candidate than the alternative, I don't have a thing against move in's but we don't need a Sheriff who will spend all of his time telling us how he did things back in Florida.
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Post by flatfoot on Jan 19, 2008 17:20:19 GMT -4
Okay, it was White County Sheriff's Office, offense Id: GaDOC0000644766007219910515 offense code:0072 charge DUI. He was given straight probation. Go look at the records yourself. Union County Georgia: civil judgment for $2,854.00, file #19960400, Ford Motor Credit. Would you like more information, the Union County Sheriff's Office received several calls about Gary Hilton treating hikers and did not bother to investigate way before Meredith. I am glad to here you vote, but take the time go to the court house and check these thangs out for your self. I have only heard the other guy talk once and I liked him, but that's me.
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Post by silverback on Jan 22, 2008 12:38:33 GMT -4
Dear Flatfoot, It is the GBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. And I am not from Florida, although I think it's a fine state, I am from Georgia, about an hour away, and my family has owned land in Union County my for 30 years. Now about these small town rumors. Have you ever been stopped, or received a ticket, from an officer in a larger town? Where the officer is pretty much anonymous except for the uniform? Chances are you may have pouted up, but you never had the opportunity to spread rumors or hate about the officer because he is just a number in a large department. Most people in larger cities tend to vote strictly off statistical results. With the growing meth problem in Union Cty, and all other counties, Sheriff Stephens seems to be doing the best he can. It is not a problem that will ever be defeated. You can only try to stay up with it the best you can. Im sure it is hard to work law enforcement in a rural county where everyone that is stopped knows the officer, or knows rumors of the officer. Don't participate in small town rumors. Do something productive for the community. Blairsville is a great place! You guys are fortunate to live there. As for the other gentleman running for Sheriff. I bet he is a great guy. At least he is doing something other than just talking about his dislikes. Come election time vote for him. But don't be a third grader with your rumors. Blairsville has become a hub of interest for people from all over, which Im sure you know, and Stephens has a tough job combining the interests of local, longtime residents, and the growing population, with other backgrounds. It would be tough, but Stephens sure seems to do a pretty good job.
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Post by Flatfoot on Jan 22, 2008 19:17:06 GMT -4
I guess you did not read my last post. This information is not rumors, it's fact which anyone can find on public records. As for the drug problem, I agree, it's going to be hard to beat but we must try, but Scott has done nothing to help. All, and I repeat, all, of the main drug bust cases have been made by the GBI. But as far as this debate goes, well, it is beside the point because I do thank 'the other' guy will be the next Sheriff and thank God. And sorry for assuming you are from Florida because I agree, some of the people from Florida are very nice.
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FAMILYTIESINTHEMOUNTAINS
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Post by FAMILYTIESINTHEMOUNTAINS on Jan 23, 2008 9:50:22 GMT -4
mr. flatfoot - Just curious, but do you have anything positive to post? What are your interests in bringing forth this information about Scott Stephens? Why bring it up now? Is this something recent or is this "old news"? If this is recent, why has it not been posted in the news? If in fact this was "old news" - has it not been a matter of public record the whole time? Has he ever tried to hide it or lied about it? It somewhat seems to amaze me how people can be so judgemental and still call themselves "nice" or reference God. Are we, as Christians not allowed to ANY mistakes? There are many many people that take pride and enjoy slinging mud. Thank God, there are even more people than that who God allows to make mistakes. Are we not entitled to redeem ourselves, recover from mistakes and GROW UP!!!! God allows FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION. Sometimes the hardest lessons learned are those from poor judgement. Good thing you and I are just guests....
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Post by queenbee on Jan 23, 2008 11:20:06 GMT -4
I do believe flatfoot has voiced the same opinions or else has been reading the opinions over in the TOPIX forum.
I do believe that the GBI had to take over when it became a case of missing persons and then it moved from county to county.
I am glad it is being handled in another county, we can't afford to house, provide a lawyer and support a criminal trial.
I would much rather have my money go for a farmer's market.
Flatfoot, I like Scott, he is a good sheriff, maybe he doesn't measure up to what your standards are, but they seem to be a bit beyond folk's reach anyway.
I just can't vote for a person who "ain't from around here" and doesn't know our way's. Why do I want to pay someone to have to hear how wonderful it was elsewhere, if it was so wonderful then why aren't you and those people still there.
Of course in your book I am just an ignorant, uneducated redneck and you are here to save us from ourselves, but, I don't care what other people think, what do you think about that?
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Post by silverback on Jan 23, 2008 14:19:16 GMT -4
As for calling the GBI on methlabs, the cost of cleaning up after a methlab, which is required by law, can be astronomical. If the GBI is not called then the county is required to pay the costs. For a rural county the GBI expects, and wants to be, called on serious crimes. Union County does not have it's own crime lab, such as Dekalb, Cobb, Fulton, or the manpower for a full time crime scene unit. The GBI is there to help on those matters, why would you not use them? If Union SO, or Gilmer, or Fannin, goes to a murder scene you can bet the GBI will be called to process the scene. Same with a bank robbery, although Union and Blairsville did pretty good on their own with the last one. I dont know, I have been around Sheriff Stephens a couple of times, he sure seemed like an approachable kinda guy. He wasnt the townclown handshaker type, but thank goodness for that.
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happynottoliveinblairsville
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Post by happynottoliveinblairsville on Jan 23, 2008 17:58:59 GMT -4
I am so furtunate that I don't live in Blairsville, however, I do live in a small town. I read your blogs to laugh at other small town happenings. I was very impressed with the actions taken during the investigation and arrest of Hilton by Union County SO. It was nice to see a small Applachain town be perceived as professional and responsive rather than the "redneck po-leece". I am very proud of your Sheriff and his department. From an outsiders perspective, it seems that FLATFOOT has a very vested interest in the Union County Sheriffs Office and it's daily operations. It even appears that this person has time in which to "witch hunt"!!! To you....FLATFOOT....I am sorry for your personal unhappiness in life....you should get a job or enjoy your retirement (whichever applies) or else good luck on your campaign. And to all of the people who actually get out there, do the investigations, work the roads to protect the people and safety of Blairsville....a very big HATS OFF TO YOU AND YOUR SHERIFF!!!
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Post by Josie on Feb 13, 2008 18:54:39 GMT -4
Dear Silverback, I must say that you make some very good points. Someone recently directed me to this site, and this is the first time I have responded. Your posts stand out as informative and thought provoking. I have only visited Blairsville with a friend. I did find it to be a nice place, and I often think of moving there when I retire. I hope other readers take your information and suggestions to heart.
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