The media archive I compiled covering the case hasn't been updated for quite a while, but it's time to write a post just to explain some rather interesting developments. I've kept in contact with Glenn M. Katon, lead counsel on the ongoing ACLU vs. Dixie County lawsuit to remove the Decalogue from in front of the County Courthouse, and spoke with him some this summer. Things were going well in the case, but it isn't a guaranteed win by any means, and requires a lot of work. By random chance today, I found out that every one of the major players in getting the monument posted in front of the courthouse have been convicted of various crimes, including Joey Lander, the attorney appearing opposite me on the Hannity and Colmes interview.
From Gainesville.com:
In early August, former Dixie County commissioners John Lee "Big John" Driggers and Alton James Land, and former inspector Willie Dewey "Billy" Keen Jr., were each convicted of conspiracy, soliciting bribes and lying to federal agents about the money they accepted in exchange for promising favorable decisions by the County Commission on specific development issues.
All three men face up to 20 years in prison and were scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Stephan P. Mickle on Nov. 9.
Earlier this week, Mickle agreed to delay sentencing for Driggers and Land until Jan. 4. The two men remain free under special conditions and the delay will allow them to spend the holidays with their families.
Recognize the names? Read the minutes from the Jan 19 2006 meeting of the Board of Commissioners and what do you see?
Commissioner Driggers had a call from a resident who would like to see the Ten Commandments on the steps of the Courthouse. He wanted to know if the Board is bold enough to do this.
All members agreed that they would like to see this accomplished.
Attorney Lander stated that he will defend any law suits for free.
Motion by Commissioner Land, seconded by Commissioner Valentine and carried to go ahead with having the Ten Commandments placed on the front of the courthouse steps.
And what about the County Attorney and my interlocuter on Faux News?
Before:
After:
Joey Lander was indicted Dec 2008 and convicted in Oct 2009 of:
...five counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering, in connection with his involvement in an investment fraud scheme and a separate scheme to defraud the citizens of Dixie County.Unbelievable. Every one of the Dixie County officials involved with this case has been found guilty of serious crimes. You can't make this stuff up!
Evidence introduced at trial established that between the fall of 2005 and July 2009, Lander executed a scheme to defraud and to deprive the citizens of Dixie County and others of the intangible right to his honest services. Specifically, while acting as County Attorney, Lander fraudulently demanded and received payment of an $820,000 performance bond from developers having business before Dixie County. At the time Lander demanded payment of the performance bond, he knew that no bond was required and had no authority to personally accept payment of the bond, which was deposited into Lander’s law firm account. Lander then spent more than $300,000 of the money on luxury items and other personal expenses.
In addition, evidence at trial established that Lander also defrauded private investors of more than $400,000 that he fraudulently induced them to invest in a retail vitamin and health supplement venture.
Following forfeiture proceedings conducted at the conclusion of the case, the jury also issued a special verdict forfeiting Lander’s ownership interest in the Dixie County Advocate newspaper in Cross City, Florida.
Lander faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the mail fraud convictions, and a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the money laundering convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2010.
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