"WE SHALL NEVER FORGET THE INJUSTICE INFLICTED UPON OUR COMMUNITY, THE WILLIAMS FAMILY, HIS CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS. WE BELIEVE THAT IN THE END "GOD" WILL REVISIT THIS INTIRE WHITEOUT AND HE WILL RENDER THE JUST VERDICT." (GALATIANS 6:7)
In Memory of Mr. Wille James Williams, and HIS family members! We remember you and we love you forever...."May God forever bless you and those (INMATES) who have died since your death." But ALL seem to believe that their is no GOD among the Just:
COMMENTS: Today (September 4) the Valdosta Daily Times published an article by Dean Poling that read “Murder and Mayhem” an aberration or a sign of the times? He highlighted violent deaths within Valdosta and Lowndes County in the past few months, and asked the question many residents may be wondering. What has happened to our peaceful community?
The article read, “Since late May through this past weekend, Valdosta Police have worked six violent deaths, five cases resulting in murder charges one resulting in a manslaughter charge.” He said that 6 murders were reported in 20 years. The Valdosta Police reported 10 homicides, and 3 were in the county in 1992. The VPD reported that there were 8 per 5,000 (40,000) in 1992, there was 10 reported murders in the city, and 6 were in the county in 1993.
This trend continued for the next couple of years when it started decreasing by the late 1990s into more recent years says the reporter. It is great that VDT is concerned about the seriousness of the crime and domestic violence in our beloved community and those who have conducted several gatherings to address this problem.
However jail inmates in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Jail have been living in inhumane conditions, with extremely poor medical care, and denial of citizens Constitutional Rights as spelled out in Judge Hugh Lawson Court Order and Consent Decree in June 1997 (Civil Action 89-54-VAL).
Since his ruling in June 1997 their have been about 24 more deaths with no end in sight. But were are the meetings to comfort the victims of crime, deceased inmates, inhumane living conditions, or their family members that live every day like the victims of crime without any closure. Moreover, it seems obvious that The Honorable Judge Hugh Lawson Court Order WAS neither worth the paper it was written on nor the original plaintiff’s civil action that were filed in March 1989.
So when will elected officials make an attempt to stop these ill conditions upon Americans Citizens? Our community is leading the state on jail deaths and is much talked about around the State of Georgia on Television and in Newspapers. So where are the Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindu, elected officials, Veterans and others who profess to be followers of that great line of divine on this issue?
If Georgians could stand up for the rights of PIT BULLS in the Michael Vick Case, surely we can stand up for fellow human beings. I will close as the reporter Dean Poling on crime and murder, “Only time will tell if these jail deaths have been a twenty year season aberration (with no help from elected officials for inmates, their families, friends and love ones) or just a sign of the times?
Where is our local news media on this issue since it has been among us since 1988? I believe Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia will not move into the 21st Century until an updated News Media System comes to our area. How Sad?
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lt. Governor Mark Taylor Notified of Valdosta-Lowndes County Inhumane Jail Conditions
George Rhynes
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
The Honorable Mark Taylor
1. In the State of Georgia Is there a requirement for County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual to be kept up to date in County Jails? If so, is this manual available for citizens to checkout and review?
2. Does Georgia require a Staffing Analysis of Jails by the Community Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? If so, where can citizens obtain the results of such reviews?
3. When it is determined in the state of Georgia that Jailed Inmates Constitutional Rights have been violated:
a. Who ensures that corrections are made? And who is held responsible for complying with a U.S. District Court Judge Order and Consent Degree?
b. Is there a requirement for the Federal, State, County or City government to inspect jails within the State of Georgia? If so, how often? And are results available for public review?
5. When complaints of abuse and mistreatment of jail inmates in a Georgia County Jail have been identified. Is it legal to send out surveys within a jailed to pool the jail population? (To insure inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not being violated).
6. If you are notified of an abusive jail situation who would you recommend citizens contact to resolve inmates alleged problems of abuse? (When local citizens cannot get a response from elected officials).
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and each member properly educated/trained on proper guidelines for reviewing Georgia Jails? If not, why are they required to tour the jail and give a report?
9. Is there a minimum requirement of the Federal, State, or County checklist provided for a county Grand Jury?
10. In the State of Georgia who performs oversight review of County Sheriffs Departments? And who insures that inmate complaints are adequately investigated IAW Federal, State, and Local policies if applicable?
11. Are inmates personal Official U.S. Mail within the State of Georgia allowed to be opened outside the inmates presents?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the Georgia Inmate Complaint system?
11. Is Medical Staff at a county Jail inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so, by whom? How often, and where are documentation maintained on file?
12. In the case of a U.S. District Court Order. Who insures that all discrepancies are fixed within a County Jail in the State of Georgia?
13. Can you provide me with the Georgia Manual that is applicable to Georgia jails? And who has authority over a Georgia Sheriff within the state of Georgia?
Thank you for your assistance in this matter!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned and brother of humanity!
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
The Honorable Mark Taylor
1. In the State of Georgia Is there a requirement for County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual to be kept up to date in County Jails? If so, is this manual available for citizens to checkout and review?
2. Does Georgia require a Staffing Analysis of Jails by the Community Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? If so, where can citizens obtain the results of such reviews?
3. When it is determined in the state of Georgia that Jailed Inmates Constitutional Rights have been violated:
a. Who ensures that corrections are made? And who is held responsible for complying with a U.S. District Court Judge Order and Consent Degree?
b. Is there a requirement for the Federal, State, County or City government to inspect jails within the State of Georgia? If so, how often? And are results available for public review?
5. When complaints of abuse and mistreatment of jail inmates in a Georgia County Jail have been identified. Is it legal to send out surveys within a jailed to pool the jail population? (To insure inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not being violated).
6. If you are notified of an abusive jail situation who would you recommend citizens contact to resolve inmates alleged problems of abuse? (When local citizens cannot get a response from elected officials).
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and each member properly educated/trained on proper guidelines for reviewing Georgia Jails? If not, why are they required to tour the jail and give a report?
9. Is there a minimum requirement of the Federal, State, or County checklist provided for a county Grand Jury?
10. In the State of Georgia who performs oversight review of County Sheriffs Departments? And who insures that inmate complaints are adequately investigated IAW Federal, State, and Local policies if applicable?
11. Are inmates personal Official U.S. Mail within the State of Georgia allowed to be opened outside the inmates presents?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the Georgia Inmate Complaint system?
11. Is Medical Staff at a county Jail inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so, by whom? How often, and where are documentation maintained on file?
12. In the case of a U.S. District Court Order. Who insures that all discrepancies are fixed within a County Jail in the State of Georgia?
13. Can you provide me with the Georgia Manual that is applicable to Georgia jails? And who has authority over a Georgia Sheriff within the state of Georgia?
Thank you for your assistance in this matter!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned and brother of humanity!
Jail and Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker (NOTIFIED OF PROBLEMS)
1 August 2003
FROM: George B. Rhynes
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
TO: Georgia Attorney General
Thurbert E. Baker (D)
40 Capitol Square SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Sir,
Capt. J. D. Yeager, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Officer said in the Valdosta Daily Times on 29 July 2003 (Jailhouse blues). “There are major problems at the Lowndes C ounty Jail which resulted in living conditions that are bordering on inhumane and unsanitary levels.”
Finally, after fourteen (14) years of complaining, marches, protests, suits etc., someone finally acknowledged what Lowndes County citizens have known for years. The only question is how many people have been treated inhumane and required to live in these unsanitary conditions. It must be determined who is responsible for allowing these conditions to exist.
Massive problems with the plumbing. Most of the fixtures are so old that replacement parts are no longer available. Water runs nonstop in sections of the jail, creating safety hazards. In some cells, old toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in an attempt to stop leaks. Water fountain refuses to discharge any water.
The Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail, especially the shower areas. There is rusting of shower frames, which inmates are using to make shanks. No air condition leads to sweltering conditions well in excess of 100 degrees. Many of the windows no longer open. Oscillating fans just serve to push hot air around the building.
Cell locks are obsolete and the individual cells in the larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bedsheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement. Control boards, which serve as the jail’s nerve center, operating most of the doors in the building are also fading.
The kitchen is close to shutting down and having meals catered because the jail kitchen should be four times its present size. The Jail intake area was designed to handle only 120 people, though it often has to deal with as many as 500. No way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk. Infirmary has negative airflow to handle infectious disease cases, and managing the medical needs of so many inmates has become a logistical nightmare. Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visiting areas.
Sewer lines are also corroded. City has put the Sheriff’s Office on notice that they will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the City Treatment System. Doors jambs are shifting, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced open.
Conditions are bad for inmates and could affect the jails 108 employees. Employees of the Lowndes County jail are being subjected to the same conditions as the inmates. We should have more respect for the well being of our employees than to mandate continued exposure to such conditions. The kitchen feeds six hundred inmates daily and was only designed to feed 80 in 1957.
A person with below average intelligence can see that people must have suffered in our correction facility---use common sense. It is strange how truth works itself to the surface. As Paul Harvey would say---wait for the rest of the story! Peace!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen & brother of humanity
FROM: George B. Rhynes
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
TO: Georgia Attorney General
Thurbert E. Baker (D)
40 Capitol Square SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Sir,
Capt. J. D. Yeager, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Officer said in the Valdosta Daily Times on 29 July 2003 (Jailhouse blues). “There are major problems at the Lowndes C ounty Jail which resulted in living conditions that are bordering on inhumane and unsanitary levels.”
Finally, after fourteen (14) years of complaining, marches, protests, suits etc., someone finally acknowledged what Lowndes County citizens have known for years. The only question is how many people have been treated inhumane and required to live in these unsanitary conditions. It must be determined who is responsible for allowing these conditions to exist.
Massive problems with the plumbing. Most of the fixtures are so old that replacement parts are no longer available. Water runs nonstop in sections of the jail, creating safety hazards. In some cells, old toothpaste tubes are stuffed into showerheads in an attempt to stop leaks. Water fountain refuses to discharge any water.
The Staff has to pour acid down all of the drains to keep leeches and other pests from entering the jail, especially the shower areas. There is rusting of shower frames, which inmates are using to make shanks. No air condition leads to sweltering conditions well in excess of 100 degrees. Many of the windows no longer open. Oscillating fans just serve to push hot air around the building.
Cell locks are obsolete and the individual cells in the larger security pods can be opened with as little as a bedsheet or an identification card, giving the inmates undesired freedom of movement. Control boards, which serve as the jail’s nerve center, operating most of the doors in the building are also fading.
The kitchen is close to shutting down and having meals catered because the jail kitchen should be four times its present size. The Jail intake area was designed to handle only 120 people, though it often has to deal with as many as 500. No way to segregate male and female prisoners at the intake desk. Infirmary has negative airflow to handle infectious disease cases, and managing the medical needs of so many inmates has become a logistical nightmare. Transporting prisoners to court appearances are so inadequate that inmates are stacked in visiting areas.
Sewer lines are also corroded. City has put the Sheriff’s Office on notice that they will soon need its own lift station and grinder to keep solid waste out of the City Treatment System. Doors jambs are shifting, creating unstable doors, which could potentially be forced open.
Conditions are bad for inmates and could affect the jails 108 employees. Employees of the Lowndes County jail are being subjected to the same conditions as the inmates. We should have more respect for the well being of our employees than to mandate continued exposure to such conditions. The kitchen feeds six hundred inmates daily and was only designed to feed 80 in 1957.
A person with below average intelligence can see that people must have suffered in our correction facility---use common sense. It is strange how truth works itself to the surface. As Paul Harvey would say---wait for the rest of the story! Peace!
GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen & brother of humanity
Letter to Lowndes County District Attorney David Miller (NO RESPONSE)
George B. Rhynes 11 May 2004
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
TO: District Attorney David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the “United States of America” incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
“Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.”
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmates statement!
- “On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency – please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.”
QUESTION TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: DAVID MILLER
1. Is “The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual” kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State—if required? Where can citizens checkout this “Manual?”
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old “Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates—and aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! ( I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
TO: District Attorney David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the “United States of America” incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
“Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.”
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmates statement!
- “On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency – please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.”
QUESTION TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: DAVID MILLER
1. Is “The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual” kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State—if required? Where can citizens checkout this “Manual?”
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old “Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates—and aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! ( I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
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