Jackson Jambalaya

Belvedresi's stupidity going to cost Madison County tax payers.

It helps if your upper brass not only knows the law, but obeys the law.

Now we know why Belvedresi is retiring with Trowbridge!

Word on the street is Mr. T becomes head of MHP or DPS if Phil wins.

Military personnel often times make good employees in the law enforcement field. They are normally punctual and normally adhere better to the command structure utilized by LE agencies. Often times, their training can be used in lieu of contemporary police training. This was a no brainer to hire this guy. What an idiot. This would have been a good deal for the tax payers of Madison County.

So if I read this correctly, the employee confronted the chief deputy with a tape recording and they fired him the next day. What an idiot. Anybody who is in law enforcement and chooses to bend the rules or overlook certain laws because its an inconvenience has no business wearing a badge.

How embarrassing. What a way to thank our servicemen and women. 

Chief Belvedresi has always been a dang good chief for madison county! He has always done what was best for madison county and the sheriffs dept! Now all of you people saying vulgar comments you people need to sit down! its people like you that always want to be in the middle of SHIT!

NAD MICAH GOBER WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!

belvedresi is retiring so he can be at home with his seet beautiful loving wife and his loving family and his beautiful grand kids...

That is a prime example of what is wrong with the good ol boy system we live in. Belvedresi should step down or be fired by the board of supervisors cause we all know Toby won't do a damn thing. This guy has served his country and risked his life and this is how he is rewarded. This is terrible.

Here is what I don't understand, why would Randy Tucker allow Eddie Belvedresi to support him in his quest for Sheriff? Randy Tucker stated at Lake Caroline he was going to "keep things the same." Also, I received a mail out for Randy Tucker for Sheriff with Eddie Belvedresi's signature on it. I am not sure who i will vote for, but I surely will not be voting for Tucker.

I have an issue with Belvedresi..if this is a threat bring it on...

@625pm, I don't know who I will vote for either, but I know it won't be anyone that Chief Belvedresi endorses. He's gotta go.

As a member of the military and a resident of Madison County, I am thoroughly embarrassed and quite frankly, I am afraid for my battle buddies. If this is how Belvedresi and Trowbridge treat servicemembers, combined with their utter contempt for Federal law, their law "enforcement" methods leave much to be desired.

If, hypothetically of course, one had some dirt on a candidate(Repub state wide,for sake of argument) does anyone have any suggestions on which media outlet/representative to contact? I was asked this question today and was not much help. Thanks.

I know Eddie and consider him a friend. He stepped on his crank here, for sure, but it was a total sucker punch.

Didn't realize until today he'd signed that mailer supporting Randy. That won't help Mr. Tucker's campaign.

With Belvedresi taking this kind of attitude toward military personnel - let alone the law - I sure hope he is gone. And since he is supporting Tucker to the degree of being 'the first to sign' a mail piece for Tucker, I damn sure aint voting for Tucker.

Thanks, Eddie, you've made my choice for next week easier. Tucker's out. Jimmy Houston has my vote now.

Anon 5:53, did you listen to the tape? The Chief took a shit on this soldier. Did I mention he was one of *our* soldiers?

J Kev, it was a 'sucker punch' just because he got caught! Belvedresi obviously doesn't give a damn about following federal personnel law, just doing what he wants to do and ignoring common decency.

Yeah, he got punched, but he deserved it after this action. And frankly, to those candidates that are 'bragging' on how good the Madison SO is and therefore we ought to 'promote' one of those that are already there to 'continue the legacy', this tells us a whole lot.

We don't need more of Eddie's command - ergo, we sure don't need Tucker. And Harbour doesn't make any more sense either since he feels that all is well there now.

BTW, Curt - you hit it on the head. Thanks for your comment.

We are asked to leave our families, our homes, and our lives in order to deploy to far away lands all in defense of freedom. We do it for a variety of reasons but first and foremost, we do it for our country and for our fellow citizens. We do it for those who can't and we even do it for those who won't. We do it for people that support us and even those who don't. When we come back to the land that we defend, alive or dead, we don't ask for much. We ask that you respect and honor our fallen. We thank those that thank us. Most importantly, we just ask for respect. But when an O.I.F. vet applies for a job, a job where he can defend those same citizens at home, he should still be given respect. He should still be honored because he will still sacrifice himself for his fellow citizens. But to be discriminated against because he is willing to continue to step up and sacrifice himself for his country is dishonorable. It is disgusting. Whatever good this chief did in the past has been erased by this deed. He should be ashamed. It's no concern of mine if you agree with me or not, but common sense is common sense and I'm calling out this chief. He has discriminated against someone who is willing to lay down his life so that YOU can live yours.

RANDY TUCKERS SON IS IN THE MILITARY!!!!!!

I have been to several of the meet and greets with the candidates. I have heard Randy Tucker say far too often Belvedresi is backing me, and I am keeping everything the same. That doesn't sit well with me now that this has come to light. I know Brad wants to make some changes, that he has a vision, I know Jimmy has a lot of experience, and all I really know about Mark is that he has 8 years in law enforcement. This is definitely something to consider now, and I will not vote for Randy, even if everyone else drops out.

Capt. Tuckers son is serving in the military and the Tucker family as well as LOTS of friends OF RANDY TUCKER and CHIEF BELVEDRESI are VERY proud of him!

Jimmy Houston has done a great job with Ridgeland. It has become an extension of North Jackson. That said, Brad Harbour's son just joined the Air National Guard. I also hear Tucker's son is in the Coast Guard. Still, Tucker has said he wants to keep things the same.

OK, I'm going to put a stop to some of this crap right now. Accusing other candidates of being behind this suit will not get posted unless you can prove it. Period. Personally insulting them as some comments have done will not be posted either. I have no idea about the motivations behind the suit other than someone got screwed out of a job and someone got fired and there is a damning tape involved.

Those of you accusing other candidates of being behind this suit, why don't you first address the allegations? I used to be in the Guard and frankly it makes my blood boil every time I hear that REMF on the tape. That is right, I called him a REMF and I'll say it to his face.

Now as for my thoughts about the race itself, I don't really care as I don't live in Madison County. Mr. Harbour bought an ad on my site and I hope it helps his campaign as I hope the ads bought on my site help those that purchased them. Mr. Harbour sought out this site to purchase advertising after he saw Mr. Whitwell's. Such an option was available to all of the other candidates. The fact that none of them chose to do so was their choice, not mine.

I'm letting y'all discuss the race some on this thread, but its not going ot turn into the Clarion-Ledger forums either.

I know Eddie on a personal level and he has spent his whole life building a good character relationship with the department and Madison county residents. I think if you the people knew the real truth and had any knowledge of the integrity that he has brought to this county, you yourself would question Mr. Hobbs and his tastless tactics.It's obvious that he was trying to gain by trying to destroy Eddie and the service that he has given to this community. "SHAME ON YOU MR.HOBBS" YOU HAVE YOUR FAME NOW, WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH IT?

Here is one that just came across and except for one sentence, it was fine. I thought it deserved posting without the unsupported accusation against another candidate.


Any one who knows josh hobbs and knows chief belvedresi know whats going on. come on people wake up, this happend in march 2009 and he is just now deciding to file a lawsuit a week and half before the election. for those of you who dont know there is an employee of the madison county sheriffs dept who is in the national gaurd and is currently on two week military leave. this deputy has also been deployed twice for over a year while employed by the sheriffs dept. chief belvedresi and the whole sheriffs dept has supported this deputy through out his career. i have not included his name due to privacy issue's but im sure if he was here he would be the first to comment on this bull. and by the way, for those of you who don't know, randy tuckers son is in the military.

@8:46, according to the suit he had applied at the sheriff's office in 09, Belvedresi admitted on tape in 2010, so its been a little over a year. Who knows why he waited to bring the suit out? He will probably get his job back regardless of who wins the sheriff's election (Houston, Tucker, Harbour) its federal law which supercedes any sheriff's decision. Here's the more important question, who else applied there and didn't get a job due to being in the guard?

I also have friends and family in the military. I don’t think it was right but I also have friends and family in Law enforcement. If you look at it from either side you can relate to both parties involved. He served our country and we love him and thank him daily. We also have law enforcement that serves us daily and if there is a spot not filled that could be back-up for another officer. You have the man that serves your country so we can have out freedom. Then you have a man that serves his county to make sure that your life and property there is protected. I think that as long as he has been Chief Deputy he has done a fine job. He has made sure that you could come home and not have to worry about what you were going to find or "not find" when you open your door. This man treats all of his employees with respect and gets respect back. Then you have Tucker that is being backed by him. Well that only states that he believes that the protection that you currently have in the county will stay the same. Tucker says he will not change anything and everyone looks down because of what happened. By him saying that he will not change anything that says nothing about who he will and will not hire. I don’t believe I ever heard Tucker on the tape at all so how are you going to say that his hiring practices will be the same. Take a hard look at the other candidates and if you can find one that will truly do a better job then what proof do they have. I like to see results of the job that they are capable of not them talking about the job that they are capable of. Tucker is the only candidate that can show that he has kept the county safe and will continue to keep the county that way. If he isn't elected then I see that we will have another Jackson, MS just in a different County. Then it will be too late for people to change there minds when they open the door to there home. Madison County is one of the most sought counties to live in and I would like to keep it that way. So Tucker will be my choice and should be yours.

ok, ill put it another way. all this is an attempt by another canidate or one of his supporters to conteract an endorsement signed by chief belvedresi and the deputies at the madison county sheriffs dept showing their support randy tucker. chief belvedresi has dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the state of mississippi and madison county. i can assure you chief belvedresi has more respect in this community and this state than anyone on this board, me included.

im sure there is more to the story and this is only one side of it. ill wait to hear the response from the sheriffs dept before i take the side of a disgruntled, fired employee.

Randy Tucker's son is in the military and Randy is all for our military veterans. Why would someone base their decision off of another man's choice. I am a strong supporter of all of our veterans, however I am also a Madison County citizen & have my families safety to protect. We fight our own battles right here in our own backyard & knowing that there is someone willing to stand up & say I respect what you do but I need my shifts fully staffed to protect this county. That's Chief Belvedresi's job. He was hired to protect the citizens of Madison County & he did that. It certainly isn't an easy job to do, but someobody has to do it. Both he & Randy Tucker's mission is the safety of this county. Why make this such an issue? Choose the man that will protect you & your family here & now. That's Randy Tucker.

okay so REALLY!!!!! I'm so tired of everyone praising the military all high & mighty!! well here's my opinion. I have family that has fought many wars & are still in the military & I am so proud. I also have family in law enforcement & here's my viewpoint. Law enforcement officers don't get deployed for one year then go back to their regular lives. They do this with complete dedication 24/7 365. They put their lives on the line everyday for the citizens of this county. Look how many incidents have occurred in this county just here recently & who was right there standing by their men. RANDY TUCKER! He didn't run away when shots rang out instead he ran toward the shots because that's where his men were. When someone's busting your door down you call 911 & the cops show up not the military. They all deserve respect but how freakin retarded is it to be making opinions on Randy about this mess!! The Chief made a decision that he thought was best for this county. So next time someone is robbing you & cops don't get there on time because they are all over seas don't go fussing about how law enforcement wasn't there for you. Because the truth is they are there for you everyday & never get the deserved respect. Thank you Chief Belvedresi for protecting this county from turning into our surrounding areas. I applaud you! Good luck Randy Tucker because I know with you running this county my family & friends will continue to live in the most sought after & safe county around!

The fact that he's military doesn't seem to be the problem, it's the fact that he's reserve and would need the time off that would have to be covered by another officer on over-time. Just repeating that Tucker's son is in the military, over and over, doesn't prove anything.
Belvedrisi may be the greatest guy in the world but in this specific instance, he's just wrong. He even says on the tape that he knows he's wrong. He was wrong two years ago when he said it, and he's wrong today.
The timing of the suit is probably political but that doesn't change the fact that it appears to be a legitimate complaint.

What has Randy Tucker got to do with it? I think Belvedresi endorsed Tucker. If I endorse obama tonight and do something people don't agree with tomorrow, will you please throw him out of office? I might like this new system you guys have here...lol

If you listen Chief belvedresi didnt hire him because of him being in the guard but for scheduling perposes. He didn't want the shift to be short handed and that means the citizens of madison county would be the ones suffering for a under man powered dept when that person is gone on drill or sent over seas. Sheriff and Chief are a true blessing to this county and I'm very thankful I leave in Madison. If Sheriff and Chief were to run again in four years I would vote for them. We live in one of the safest counties in the state. That's because of the boys riding around in the black and white crown vics and sheriff takes no BS from anybody. All he wants is his guys to protect Madison county and they do a damn fine jobe of it. Sheriff and Chief you will be missed.

Why all the defenses of Randy Tucker? He wasn't mentioned one time in the post. I see one little mention of Mr. Tucker in a comment asking about his mailer and whammo, here come the multiple long epistles defending Mr. Tucker. As I said, i have nothing for or against him, just wonder if there is some overreacting here. Sometimes just let things go after you say something about it once.

First of all, this is in no way intended to change or sway the feelings that many of you have in regards to the hiring decision that was made by the chief almost two whole years ago. Both of parents served this country for 10 years. With this being said, please do not think I do have a grasp on how this may impact those that are soldiers or have friends or loved ones that serve our country today. However, I do not want anyone to let their feelings towards the chief and the situation at hand stand in the way of them doing what is right. In 2009, Randy Tucker was the captain over the narcotics division at the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. I say this to inform you that Randy or any other candidate would not have been involved in the hiring or screening of potential candidates for employment and had no bearing whatsoever on the final decision. Furthermore, as captain he would have no right to be informed on why Chief Belvedresi or the Sheriff, for that matter, make many of the decisions made in the day to day activities associated with running the department. So, just because the Chief is backing Randy does not mean that Randy agreed with or was even aware of the situation. Furthermore, it should not be assumed that Randy agrees with the decision himself. Since he has a son that is currently training in the United States Coast Guard, I find it hard to believe that Randy would turn his back on ANYONE serving their country. I am not taking sides in this matter; I simply urge everyone to think before they jump to any conclusions about any of the candidates for Sheriff.

sheriff toby trowbridge and chief belvedresi have made this county one of the safest places to live in this state. ive known randy tucker for several years and he has vowed not to change the departments stance on crime that has been initiated by sheriff trowbridge. as stated in an earlier post, chief belvedresi will be retiring with sheriff trowbridge. so his hiring policies have nothing to do with the incoming administration or election.

9:36: That's their problem. I damn sure didn't appreciate it when Doug Anderson tried to get Phil Fisher replaced on the BOS when he was away or when the trial lawyers went after Waller over his military service. Guess, what, every employer has to deal with this oh I forgot, they are government employees, they are special. Just goes to show some Republicans around here are no different than Doug Anderson when they are on the government payroll.

If this suit's timing is political, who stands to gain? Mike Cox, Jimmy Houston, or even Ted Smith? Why didn't he just hire the man and avoid all this, instead of firing someone for standing up for what's right? How can anyone defend his actions?

This is an issue about Belvedresi, not Tucker. But seeing all the Tucker buttboys coming on here trying to save his rear end makes me wonder about Tucker. Frankly, when I heard the tape, I was incensed over Belvedresi's actions AND more importantly over the fact that he stated knowing he was wrong and evidently that it would not stand scrutiny.

I don't know why this comes out now, nor do I care. I do care about the insensitivy to the individual serviceman and his application for employment. I do care about Belvedresi's disregard of the law; and by extension, Toby's disregard since he let's his chief deputy take such an action.

The fact that Belvedresi endorsed Tucker and is supporting him does matter to me to the extent that it shows what kind of Chief Tucker would want around. Doesn't mean that Tucker is against servicemen. I'm sure that he would be glad to give his son a job when he comes home - and that he holds no disrespect for other servicement.

But, Tucker hasn't publically stated his disagreement with Eddie's actions - instead he has accepted Eddie's endorsement.

If Tucker wants to distance himself from this mess, he should do so publically.

As to 9:17, yes Eddie was hired to keep people safe and to enforce the law. That includes the law that he broke (knowingly) with this personnel action.

The problem is - a Sheriff is much more than just a law enforcer. The Sheriff has to run an entire department - including maintaining all aspects of personnel, budgets, equipment, etc. Is Tucker going to maintain this type of management - letting his chief deputy break the personnel laws?

I'm still going back to Houston. Was going to be with Tucker, but realize that Houston has the law enforcement experience as well as the management experience needed. Tucker and Harbour have no management experience. And obviously, from this experience, some more management control is needed in the Madison SO.

Anyone who knows the department and the role Chief Belvedresi plays in it knows that he is 100% about the safety of Mad Co...something of which he has PROVEN to be an effective arbitrator ...and someone rightly pointed out that his issue was with scheduling, not with the man's service. He also said he had a job to do, which was keep the guys he has working weekend shifts now from having to work more overtime than they already work to cover, thus weakening the department. I also think he reiterated (not knowing he was being taped by a traitorous employee) how much he appreciated the service of the military. I realize the law is the law, I realize the Chief knew what the law was, but his motivation was not anti-military, anti-America, anti-safety. In fact, it was more about LOCAL safety, which is what HIS job is all about. He shouldn't be condemned for a lose-lose situation.

I don't care WHAT his motivation was - I am an employer as well and I have to follow all the federal laws as well. It is a disruption to most any business if they have employees entitled to take leave at certain times. IT DOESN"T MATTER. You work around it.

Eddie might have what you or he thinks were good reasons to break the law. Let me tell him that if he arrests me for speading through Madison County. Think my 'good reasons' would help me at all.

Talk all you want to about how good he is, what he is trying to accomplish, etc. Think maybe he should disobey the Civil Rights laws about hiring blacks, females, etc. How about the Wage and Hour laws. Maybe ignore the Work Safety laws?

No, only disobey this simple one that provides a protection for someone serving in the military.

10:03, you "realize the Chief knew what the law was". But you think it was ok for him to disobey it because he knows better than those that wrote the laws. And he was just doing "his job".

Does that apply to all employers in the state/country? Does that apply to any law that makes it hard for other employers to do 'their jobs'?

At 9:59;

Well for the sake of your family I would hope that you wouldn't consider Houston. The department that he has been running for years wouldn't support him. The reason that they are now is because they are afraid if he don't win he will be able to return. If you want to talk about management skills ask Houston about the turn-over that he had while at Ridgeland. Then look at how many people wanted to come back to the department now that he is gone. For the sake of Madison County I pray that Houston doesn't get Sheriff and for the sake of the officers in Ridgeland I hope he don't get to go back there. Or should I say for the sake of the citizens of the county.

10:09....I never said he should not be made to suffer the consequences for what he did. I said he shouldn't be condemned...and I mean as a man. The same way that if you speed and you have a good excuse, you are still going to pay your fine...so will the Chief. I just hate to see this public barrage of attacks on his character when I know he isn't the man he's being made out to be. He totally screwed up and he's going to be held to task, but in my opinion, it doesn't negate the good things he has done for the citizens of Madison County during his time of service.

@10:03, he was taped by a traitorous employee, so in your opinion the employee should side with the man breaking the law? Did the chief make two good decisions by not hiring him, then by firing the employee?

Funny to watch those who vomit. Behavior has a way of bringing to light what is truth through actions. It is appalling to think we would treat our Service Men and Women in this way described - no matter the timing.

@10:03 So does everyone at Madison SO pick and choose which laws they follow and enforce, or just Belvedresi?

It would appear that Madison does not want service members serving in their community. You did elect your representation. And how many of those in Madison have welcomed home as many of service members as the families in Rankin have? With honors!

Now I don't know what to do. I just read the transcrip and see that Belvedrsei says that "Madison and Ridgeland are both hiring" and that "THEY ARE BOTH GOOD DEPARTMENTS".

This was back in 2010 when Jimmy Houston was Chief of Ridgeland. Maybe that means that Eddie Belvedresi is endorsing Jimmy Houston's management ability when he says Ridgeland has a good department.

I was about to decide on Houston as my candidate, but if Belvedresi is endorsing him, I guess I will have to go to Sandridge.

10:27, that's sure what it looks like. Rankin has welcomed home many servicepeople, and thanks to those of you there that have done this. It is absolutely shameful that Madison County Sheriff Office takes this stand, but what is more shameful is those folks on here defending the Sheriff's office - and by implication - Tucker - in this matter. As was said earlier, the only way for Tucker to avoid this stain is for him to public decry this action by Chief Belvedresi and ask the Deputy Chief to remove his endorsement from the Tucker campaign.

It is disgraceful for a law enforcement officer to disregard any law. Any law. But to openly disregard employment laws designed to protect citizens that fight to protect our freedoms (and to do it defiently) is worse than disgraceful.

Toby should fire his Chief Deputy today. And Tucker should publically disavow any support from him.

Then the federal judge in charge of this case should place whatever penalties available on the citizens of Madison County through his ruling, and if possible, make all those on this blog that defend this action pay the fines out of their pocket.

Anon 8:06 --

I'm not condoning or defending anything Eddie said or did. What I said was he messed up, but that I know him and consider him a friend.

I've dealt with him a lot over the years and he's a stand-up guy. I have a lot of friends in that office and he takes care of his men. It's sad that an honorable career -- two of them, in two different agencies -- will be marred by this incident on his way out.

Politically, I don't know what the repurcussions are. The guy I'm supporting I told I'd do so a year ago, IF Toby chose not to run. But I consider Randy a friend, and Mark Sandridge one, too.

This sucks, and Eddie messed up. I promise you he knows it, and nobody regrets it more than he does. And I hate it for him.

Don't know the officer who wired up and ratted out his boss. Regardless of the merits of the case, I guarantee you, Josh Hobbes never wears a badge again, nor should he.

Military Yahoo!
Law Enforcement Yahoo!
Sleeping safe and comfortable in Madison County tonight YAHOO!!!!

J Kev, you may want to check the USERRA laws. Federal government can force the sheriff's department to hire both men back.I'm sure neither will work for, nor will they want to, the current administration.

Please, I beg all of you, My name is Rick and I retired from the Ridgeland Police Department around 3 years ago. Jimmy Houston is the most anti-Guard/Reservist, anti-military person in the state of Mississippi. He was constantly harassing my, my deputy wing commander, and my squadron chief the entire time that I was activated for the Iraq War. I even have a witness at this department that told me houston was trying to come up with a way to fire me. I have notified the American Legion, and The Veterans of Foreign Wars in Madison County ( both of which i am a member of ) not to support this man in any way. This man is that which is worse about our country, and I will ask that none of you support him either. And if any of you need to meet with me or talk to me about this, i will be happy to. msg.rick.miller@gmail.com

11:08, you mean to tell me that the Police Chief was "trying to come up with a way to fire you" and he couldn't. Everybody else on here supporting Tucker talks about his constantly getting rid of employees and the turnover.

I don't believe you. I think Houston has gotten rid of some employees - I would hope so. There is NO department of any kind, law enforcement, banks, manufacturing, anything - that doesn't have employees that need to be let go.

The fact is - Houston has managed a department and has had to hire and fire employees. None of the other candidates for Sheriff has done that.

Houston has managed a Human Resources Department - none of the others has done that.

Houston has had to deal with USERRA - none of the other candidates has done that.

And Belvedersi has had to deal with USERRA and has ignored it - refused to follow it.

And this post is about Belvedresi and the MCSO - not any of the candidates.

So when you can back up what you say with facts rather than allegations, come back with a new post and show us the facts. In the meantime, get back to the illegalities in the MCSO and Belvedresi

What ever Madison County law enforcement is doing is working! Look at the crime statistics. Madison is the safest county in the Jackson metro area. I cannot
"bash" any of our law enforcement because when I go to sleep at night I know that my family is safe.

First consider that none of us have heard the whole story. Yes we have bits and pieces but all of the facts are not in. It's easy to make assumptions having heard one side of the story, Hobb's side. I'm not debating that the USERRA Law issue and what it protects. The allegation by Hobbs is that he was fired for "whistleblowing". What I don't understand is why wasn't the whistle blown in March or April 2009. Is he really concerned or is there an agenda?

As for the Sheriff's election, why be so hasty for some to jump ship? You had a candidate in mind for a reason. The county as a whole must realize that the wrong choice in the Sheriff's election could mean serious changes in crime rates. It makes no sense to completely disregard one candidate who is also a current Sheriff's Dept employee and still consider the rest. Both Randy and Brad have sons that serve and would both tell you they would not violate USERRA. As for Mark or Jimmy, I don't know if there is any military legacy. I do know that it's easy to sign on and say you were voting one way and now another to garner some support for a failing campain.

In short; there is more to this and these comments than what is reported in the news.

OK, I'm going to put a stop to some of this crap right now. Accusing other candidates of being behind this suit will not get posted unless you can prove it. Period. Personally insulting them as some comments have done will not be posted either. I have no idea about the motivations behind the suit other than someone got screwed out of a job and someone got fired and there is a damning tape involved.
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I love how you only block people who support Tucker. And Curt Crowley, you need to get off the computer and go get your mirror and straw! bout time for another line

I think that as far as the election goes, if you want politics to run the Sheriff's office then elect Brad or Jimmy but if you want it run for the good of the entire county then elect Randy, plain and simple.

@ "Rick"... Funny that the sergeant that has an endorsement on Houston's website is a reservist that has been deployed numerous times during his career at Ridgeland PD with no problem whatsoever. Maybe Houston's only problem with reserves are with the ones who played the system to their advantage without regard to the void their absence leaves by continually volunteering for deployment for personal gain.

James,
I was activated by the military when he was speaking to someone else at the ridgeland police about how he could come up with a way to fire me. And his hands were tied, and he could not because the J.A.G. would have eaten his lunch. If I have to, I can always use this person as a witness.But since I have retired from there ( under state retirement ), Im only letting people know ( especially other military veterans ) know what a piece of work he is so that hopefully they will not vote for this man.
Dont get me wrong, I am not supporting any of the others who running for running for this position, but I am trying to get the word out how anti-military this man is so that the voters wil know.
Now, you want proof ? I have several ESGR case numbers that were documented and on record each time he called the Air Base raising hell about me being on military service. Also, there was a female officer on military orders at the department that he was harassing so much that a marine corps J.A.G. had to come to the department to have a little chat with him and remind him of federal law.
So, I have the female officer that he was harassing, the Marine Corp. J.A.G officer, several E.S.G.R. case numbers, the employee that he was speaking with when he told him that they needed to find a way to terminateme, the Thompson Field Air National Guard Base Deputy Wing Commander, my Squadron Chief Master Sgt, ( 183 A.S. ) and the Madison County Veterans Service Officer ( Ret. Col Tom Logue ) who the harrassment was reported to when it was happening
So James, how much more proof do you want ?
But listen James, as I said before, I am retired from the Ridgeland Police Department now, and also retired from the military. I get both a State Retirement, and a Military Retirement ( which comes with 100% medical care ), and this year I will be moving to asia and living in a house on a white sandy beach.
So the only thing that I am doing is letting the citizens of madison county, and the law-enforcement personnel of the county what they will be dealing with if he gets elected, because i really do not have a dog in this hunt. But I do care greatly about veterans and veterans rights, and I will have family that I am leaving behind in gluckstadt, so because of the way that this man treated me and other veterams, he is a disgrace to the badge and he soils the uniform that he wears.
I do know that there are 2 officers at the Ridgeland Police Department who are campaigning hard for houston, but they have their own self agenda in mind if he is elected.
And believe me, I am constantly in contact with every political organization in Madison County informing them how Jimmy Houston really is. And if you dont believe me, just ask one of the many Deputies that left the Ridgeland P.D. why they left Ridgeland and came to the the S.O.
Anyway james, I am, and always will be pro-law enforcement, and pro-military veteran.
So, yall be careful out there and dont let any skumbags get the jump on you. And if any law-enforcement officer wants to speak to me in person about the hell that houston put me through, you already have my e-mail address. and my name is Rick Miller. And if houston tries to say that any of this is not true, I will look at him straight in the eyes, and tell him that he is nothing but a liar.

Randy Tucker was brought into the conversation by the comment at 6:25pm. I, too, am a bit confused about what Randy has to do with this.

It was Belvedresi showing his ass on that tape, not Randy Tucker. In the complaint, Randy Tucker's name was not mentioned a single time. This is about Belvedresi's deplorable conduct. It has nothing to do with Randy Tucker.

The only "connection" here is that Belvedresi is allegedly supporting Tucker. To hold Tucker responsible for something a supporter did is grossly unfair.

How can volunteering to serve your country in time of war be for my own gain ?
How can volunteering to go into harms way be for personal gain ?
Your up late tonight Kenbob. Cant sleep or covering another shift ?

If you are considering Jimmy Houston for Sheriff, you may also want to consider the fact that he has had a turn over of 21 employees in the past year....Great management skills huh?

This has nothing to do with Randy Tucker! He is by far the best man for this position. RANDY TUCKER FOR SHERIFF!!!!!!!!!!!

I was not aware Sheriff Trowbridge had endorsed anyone.

It is indeed a shame that a man's career will be tarnished by a single incident. Chief Belvedresi is a fine man and has always done his best for the citizens of Madison County. The Department evolved from one to two deputies per shift to over 10 per shift under his and Sheriff Trowbridge's watch. Modernization was embraced and the Department was brought out of the dark ages. Hobbs was fired before this situation ever came to light and the timing seems suspect. The Chief made a mistake, no doubt about it, but to put that blame on another candidate is ridiculous. Tucker has led the narcotics division since 2001 and has done a great job. He has supervised numerous employees and has dealt with the human resouce issues within the unit. He has completed budgets and managed that budget with no problems. He has gone through countless audits and has no descrepencies. In short, he has the management background so those points are moot. Obviously, vote for who you think is the best candidate but Tucker has all the qualities and experience and certainly deserves consideration. Don't blacklist a man based on anothers actions.

No one has imputed any of this to Randy Tucker or claimed any knowledge of it. Nice try at reverse psychology. By offering a defense of him you are making it appear other candidates are falsely accusing him of being involved of this.

Not other candidates King......other voters.....a lot of posts on here were tying Tucker to the current administration and their actions which he had nothing to do with.

@628- No just pointing out that some in earlier posts are capitalizing on the suit by making the link and implying that because Tucker has been endorsed by the Chief then he would make the same decision. Politics is a dangerous game. The suit it self may or may not be politically motivated, the "spin' put on it is certainly politically motivated

I see my comment was not posted, the truth hurts! The whole truth and nothing but the truth, the whole story, both sides of the story period the end!

I've made it clear what flies and what doesn't. Just because you throw something out there doesn't mean its true and will get posted. Maybe we should chug on up to namby pamby land, crybaby.

I'm stunned that anyone would defend an officer of the law violating the law! I'm especially appalled when it involves discrimination against our military VOLUNTEERS!

It is far too often that our " buddies" get excused for bad behavior but if it's someone we don't know, it's " fry 'em". What hypocrisy! Not ONE person who defended these guys would defend them if it happened elsewhere.

I think the comments related to Tucker are completely relevant. Tucker's whole campaign strategy is to ride on Belvedresi's coattails. I don't know if Tucker knew about this situation or had anything to do with it. Regardless, this does not bode well for the Tucker campaign.

As for the comments saying the deputy is a traitor, he chose to stand up for his friend rather than sit back while Belvedresi blatantly broke federal law. And he ultimately lost his job for it. The deputy did not force Belvedresi to make those stupid comments out loud. Belvedresi could have told Hobbs that Thompson was not being hired for any variety of reasons - or have stated no reason at all - seeing that hiring decisions aren't really any of Hobbs' business anyway.

If you listen to the recording, this was not the first conversation they had where Belvedresi admitted he was breaking the law. It's so unbelievable that Belvedresi would be so dumb I'd want it on tape too so he couldn't deny it later.

I am proud to live in Madison and proud of our sheriff's department. This is one isolated incident. It should reflect poorly on Belvedresi, not the whole department.

What I find interesting is that this conversation took place twice. Why he admitted either tinme is beyond me, but if the employee was only discipline one time in over four years, what reason other than whistleblowing did they fire him for? If it was something substantial why did Belvedresi not make more of a comment than we fired that employee? If he fired him because of a confrontation with the audio, then he brought this on himself.

Maybe many of the posters here would come to a very quick decision to confront their employer and put their personal income, reputation, etc. on the line for the benefit of others. Maybe you'd try to take proper recourse and work within the system to get the right thing done, even if it took a little time, only finally come to the conclusion that you had to either boldly stand up for what is right, or just let it slide. Suppose you had seen enough other things "slide" and were finally fed up to the point of risking your family's income to take a hard stand and your worst fears were confirmed; your boss really didn't want to do what is right and in fact he'd rather fire you than listen to someone who brings up the little issue of it being against the law. Even worse if you happen to be in charge of enforcing the law. I live in Madison County. It is pretty safe. That doesn't mean that it can't be safe WITH people of integrity in charge. I shudder to think of the possibilities of abuse of power that come along with an attitude of being above the law, particularly when you get to carry the gun, stick and badge...

I guess all of your friends are a will remain perfect.

I am amazed at the people on here referring to Mr. Hobbs as "traitorous". Isn't that the kind of person you WANT working in law enforcement - one who will risk his own reputation, career, and income in the face of his bosses to right a wrong or see that the law is followed? Y'all can keep your "Good ol' Boy" politics if you want, but I'd like to commend Mr. Hobbs for taking what had to be a VERY courageous stand.

What's amazing is the assumption of who is the good guy and bad guy based on little information. This is one decision made by both Chief and Hobbs. This could be one bad decision in a string of good decisions for the Chief and one good decision in a string of bad decisions by Hobbs. Some of you have picked sides and don't know either of them, AMAZING!!

I didn't say he's a traitor. I said he wired up and ratted out his boss, which is an objective fact.

And on a personal level, I hope he never wears a badge again.

11:19 it was two bad decisions made by the chief, admitting he didn't hire guardsmen, and firing someone over it. Can you vouch personally that Hobbs was a bad employee? Written up once in 2008, worked there over four years? Yeah, he sounds really bad.

J kev, here's hoping you never wear a badge either, since standing up for what's right doesn't seem to be a priority for you.

J. Kev, I wasn't referring to you specifically with the "traitorous" comment. I was referring to "Anonymous" at 10:03 PM last night, who wrote "I also think he reiterated (not knowing he was being taped by a traitorous employee) how much he appreciated the service of the military."

I don't know either the Chief Deputy or Mr. Hobbs. The Chief Deputy may well be a very good man who made one bad decision and followed it up with one bad conversation, which just happened to be recorded. Maybe it was one stupid decision and conversation within a lifetime of exemplary service. I don't know. But I absolutely do not understand the hostility towards a "whistleblower" who seeks to have Federal law followed by a governmental LAW ENFORCEMENT agency for the sake of a friend.

Maybe I am just missing something here.

@ 10:57 no, you do not want a "traitorous" guy in law enforcement. i would not want that kind of person as MY back up. i would want somebody i could rely on,AND TRUST. i hope Sheriffs and Chiefs from other agencies around the state realize what Mr. Hobbs has done and take that into consideration IF he ever applies at their agency.
As far as Chief Belvedresi, his reason for not hiring him was not because he is in the Gaurd, but because Chief was considering the safety of Madison County, WHICH IS HIS JOB!! not taking ANYTHING away from our service men and women, but as a citizen of Madison County, i dont want there to be and area that is not covered or would take longer for a deputy to get there because they are short a man on shift. i think Chief Belvedresi did what was BEST for Madison County and i thank him for that!!
and as far as Randy Tucker goes, what he meant by "keeping things the same" was that he is going to keep the people (deputies) that work there. they are the ones out on the streets protecting us, AND THEY DO A DANG GOOD JOB AT IT!
in my opinion this county will either rise to another level, or fall apart with this election. there is only one man that can take us to the next level, RANDY TUCKER!

Here's something to consider, that many smaller departments in this state employ several guardsmen, even though it may put them in a bind. Belvedresi has one working there, and its a close friend of his, and former deputy's son. Y'all need to quit defending him. Ever consider twelve hour shifts which allow people weekends off?

I'm noticing a pattern here. Everyone who condones the law breaking activity, who think that a man standing up for what's right can't be trusted (to hide the truth) they all say RANDY TUCKER at the end.

12:01 is so full of fail I don't know where to start. I'll try, though:

1) So if your police officer was one who murdered civilians under, say, the Danzinger Bridge in New Orleans, you'd rather his fellow officers look the other way than uphold the law? Better that than them be "traitorous", I guess?

2) "As far as Chief Belvedresi, his reason for not hiring him was not because he is in the Gaurd, but because Chief was considering the safety of Madison County, WHICH IS HIS JOB!!" Actually, his JOB is to UPHOLD THE LAW, if I understand the role of "law enforcement" correctly. I do not believe his job description includes knowingly breaking federal law. Belvedresi gets an "F" in this instance, as do you.

3) The off-topic campaigning for Tucker is way past old in these comments. You guys are going to do more harm than good by pimping him every time you comment. Unless that is your goal, I'd take a break from the tireless campaigning.

I think the Madison county sheriff's race is full of qualified canidates. I also think this information being revealed is a dirty political tactic. I am not here to point the finger at anyone, however each candidate has certain qualifications that make them standout. Some have more time in law enforcement, some have worked narcotics the bulk of there career. One candidate stands out! Not only does Mark Sandridge have 8-9 years of law enforcement experience, but he also has 8 years of business experience. Not only does the sheriff need law enforcement experience he must also posses business qualities. The sheriff has a multi million dollar budget. Sandridge has the knowledge and experience to run a successful sheriff's department. His qualification certainly out shine the rest!

12:01pm states: "no, you do not want a "traitorous" guy in law enforcement. i would not want that kind of person as MY back up. i would want somebody i could rely on,AND TRUST. i hope Sheriffs and Chiefs from other agencies... realize what Mr. Hobbs has done...if he ever applies at their agency."

Wow. Just wow. You want someone you can trust as your backup? Trust to do what? Not record you breaking the law? Look the other way while you violate somebody's rights? Lie to internal affairs and say you didn't do anything? Perjure himself for you?

It is astounding that you would make such a statement. Surely you did not mean this the way it sounds.

Chief Belvedresi has done nothing but support his men throughout his career at that department. Having worked in law enforcement, i know some people try to do anything they can to make an officer, deputy, chief etc. look bad. Now do i think this Gaurdsman would be a good deputy? Of course i do. He would be a great one.
I also think Chief made the best decision for Madison County. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved

ALRIGHT LOOK AT IT THIS WAY SAY THERE ARE 8 GUYS ON A SHIFT 4 OF THEM ARE MILTARY WHICH EVERYBODY IS PROUD OF AND SUPPORTS BUT 4 OF THEM GET DEPLOYED YOU CALL 911 AND NEED THE SHERIFFS OFFICE BUT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE ARE 4 MEN SHORT AND YOUR SON OR PARTNER GET IN TROUBLE AND NEED BACK UP BUT THE SHIFT IS SHORT?????????

whiney babies boo hoo i didnt get what i want so im gonna sue!! you get what you put in ten fole!!!!

ITS ABOUT RESPECT AND OBVIOUSLY MR HOBBS DONT KNOW A THING ABOUT RESPECT!

CHIEF BELVEDRESI HAS BUSTED HIS REAR TO SUPPORT HIS MEN JUST ASK THEM! CHIEF BELVEDRESI HAS BACKED HIS MEN 190 % HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR MADISON COUNTY AND HIS MEN WHEN ANY OTHER PERSON WOULD HAVE JUST WALKED OUT! I AM BEHIND CHIEF BELVEDRESI 300 %!! I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE MET A MAN THAT HAS SO MUCH RESPECT AND INTEGRITY!

HAVE YOU EVER MADE A COMMENT IN YOUR LIFE?? HAVE YOU? THATS WHAT I THOUGHT!

CHIEF BELVEDRESI MADISON COUNTY IS WONDERFUL AND SAFE BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR GUYS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CHIEF! SOME PEOPLE NEED TO MOVE TO JACKSON AND THEN COME TELL US HOW IT IS THERE! SEE IF THE CHIEF AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT THERE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU IN ANY WAY!!

I noticed someone on here taking up for the sheriff's department because they employ one guard member. ONE?! What a joke. My office has a fraction of the employees the sheriff's department does and we have four.

There’s no reason any shift would be short if the schedules were planned ahead - or if the department worked 12-hour shifts which would mean that all the deputies would have off every other weekend anyway. Plenty of companies that operate seven days a week hire members of the national guard. They figure it out, and the sheriff’s department could too. They just didn’t want to be bothered with it.

I'm sure there are numerous qualified law enforcement officers who are also in the guard - I also have no doubt a lot choose to join the guard to supplement the low pay that comes along with being in law enforcement. So why is it that the sheriff's office only has one? Could it be that this practice of discrimination has been going on for years? This would be a good opportunity for anyone in the guard who has been turned down for a job to come forward.

Anon 11:41 --

Doubtful I'll ever wear a badge. I'm a criminal defense lawyer.

As I said, I don't know Josh Hobbes. I know plenty of his former colleagues, and in retrospect none whom I've talked to are surprised he'd wire up.

As far as I'm concerned, he's a slimey rat bastard Judas piece of filth.

I'm not sure what is more scary, the unintelligible ALL CAPS rants or the complete butchering of the English language, however, anyone who stands up for the person in the wrong over the person who risked everything and lost it just to do what is right, probably just to quiet the nagging feeling that he couldn't let someone knowingly break the law and be a part of it. At the point that the chief made it clear that he was willfully breaking the law, he put the officer in a position to decide what side he was on. He chose right and a disappointing number of people on this board find fault in that...makes perfect sense...

I don't agree with J. Kev often, but he's right about the capitalization issues. Here's an e-mail I received today.

For those of you who have long forgottent the art of capitalization, please note... Capitalization is the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse and helping your uncle jack off a horse.

Is everybody clear on that? :-)

Hobbs wouldn't have been hired if it wasn't for the Chief. He gave him a job and trusted him to do it. I am sure he never thought the guy would wire up on him. It is my understanding from talking with several of his former co-workers, Hobbs was a hot head and not trusted by many who he worked with. The guy was fired for insubordination way before this came out. He even went to the Chief and dared him to fire him. What nerve. I am quite sure the bleeding hearts on here would do the same. The Chief messed up and I am quite sure he regrets it. He will handle the situation with dignity and be just fine in the long run. I am quite sure Hobbs will never wear a badge again and if he does those around him will be very careful and steer clear of him.

There is MUCH MORE to the Josh Hobbes story than the allegations in the complaint. I won't throw out an allegation I can't prove, but I've spoken to three of his former colleagues.

He was NOT fired for being a whistle blower. Should this case proceed through some portion of the discovery process, that will become crystal clear.

And I defy anyone to show me where I've condoned Eddie's actions. They were wrong, and he'll pay the price.

But I consider him a friend, and I know him to be a good man.

That's not defending him. I call it loyalty.

At first, I thought, I was reading the Jackson Free Press or the Clarion Ledger then it dawned on me, it was Jackson Jambalaya.

Very True J.Kev..........

Anon 4:08 --

I heard the very same thing not two hours ago.

J. Kev, do tell. What are the three colleagues saying, since supposedly Hobbs confronted the chief about the issue alone? Could it be they are making assumptions? What broughton this?

I am quite troubled by the fact that it appears several people condone a man sworn to uphold the law ignoring it. However, with the exception of one or two, I suspect these people are co-workers of Chief Belvedresi. Its alarming that they condone or support his attitude, and these are the people that have authority to enforce laws. Some even go so far to say you can't trust Hobbs because he wore a wire and taped a conversation, not withstanding that he approached the man with it, and was fired the next day. Someone is lying here, and I'm not sure who it is, but this just isn't adding up. Regardless, if the people of the sheriff's department defend illegal actions, I hope they are removed when a new sheriff takes office. Those are the people who do not deserve to wear a badge.

Anon 4:39 --

I tried.

I find it interesting and coincidental that a criminal defense attorney abhors "ratting someone out", and people who are "wiring up". You must like Carmelo Anthony's "Stop Snitchin'" video.

It must be tough to earn a living from people you generally despise, yet then have to bend your ideological framework to also dislike those who testify against them.

Andrew M. Newcomb

WHY haven't I heard anybody comment on the fact that it's NOT EVEN LEGAL to (secretly) tape-record a face-to-face meeting/conversation with someone - in Mississippi!!!

Because Mississippi is a single party recording state, along with several other states.

Mr. Newcomb --

I don't see an inconsistency. I have a client right now that cops left sitting in a cell for 3 months because their snitch got it wrong. Gave them the wrong name. They had freaking NOTHING but the word of a dope-dealing snitch.

My client lost his job and could have had his parole violated because cops took the word of a filthy rotten snitch who was trying to dime out somebody else to save his own skin. The snitch in question was a crack dealer.

As to your comments about my personal ideology, I don't think we know each other. If I'm wrong, tell me where we've met. Beyond that, you don't have a clue.

I think that when the dust settles on this case, Hobbes will be shown to be a hot-headed malcontent. It was a set-up job, and freaking gutless.

As I recall Mr Newcomb would know a thing or two about dealing with crackheads.

JKev 439's comments sound like a recent "Recording Artist" I am unfortunate enough to know. All the facts aren't out but Hobbs wasn't fired because of the recording incident. He was a cancer- why would you hire anyone who ASSociates with him.

Wow! People are surprised that some people in a department that appears to be standing up for an admitted law breaker are against a person with integrity (Hobbs) who reported it. I guess none of you have ever been the guy trying to do the right thing in a job setting that wasn't conducive to doing right. It's not hard to get people against you.

To top it off we have a fine criminal defense lawyer on this forum (Kfed or JKev or something or other) siding with the law breaker.

Shocking...my view of our criminal justice system has been forever altered.

-Pollyanna

What Justice system? Baiting a Witness- Hobbs and integrity shouldn't be used in the same sentence. I might would/could consider what Hobbs did ok if he would have been a victim but he created every bit of his undoing. He actually asked to be fired. He and his co-conspirator should have to pay all court costs, attorney fees and be banned from any L/E job for life! Belvedresi blew Hobbs off in his office using what Hobbs said was the reason the friend was not hired. this was not a decision making meeting it was a get this idiot out of my office meeting. Hobbs will lose and co-conspirator will lose. Maybe Waste Management has a couple of openings for them. Stand tall Belvedresi and continue your watch WE are beside you- not crawling on the floor around your feet.

Co-conspirator? Sounds like Hobbs and Thompson are the ones who stand to gain everything. Regardless of anyone's opinion of Belvedresi, what he did was blatantly wrong and illegal. He knew he was breaking the law, yet he did it anyway. On the surface it sounds as if he was doing what was right for the people who worked under him, but then one must take into account federal laws. I doubt Belvedresi can hardly stand tall. Sure, people in his field will tell him he did the right thing, and he was looking out for the citizens of Madison County. However, he will forever be remembered as the guy who discriminated against a NATIONAL GUARDSMAN.

Here is my take. Hobbs approached Belvedresi about hiring his friend, Thompson. Belvedresi said he couldn't because Thompson was in the National Guard. Hobbs went back again later, with a digital recorder, and asked again. Belvedresi, again, stated he "could not" hire the man. Lastly, Hobbs approached Belvedresi WITH AN AUDIO RECORDING and gave him an "out" so to speak. Belvedresi STILL DID NOT HIRE THE MAN and on top of this, terminates Hobbs. How can anyone take up or defend that man's actions? He is a moron of immeasureable proportions. From what I can tell, Belvedresi is the one who is dishonest. Instead of saying Hobbs was terminated for other reasons, state the specifics. Was he written up numerous times? Was he found to have perjured himself in court? Was he a liar or otherwise immoral law enforcement officer? When asked, Belvedresi could only state he wouldn't have fired Hobbs if he were a good employee. Is the measure of a man his ability to look the other way when he knows wrong is being done? I surely hope not. If that IS the case, what does this say about the honesty of a (hopefully) few at the Madison County Sheriff's Office?

I cannot say if Hobbs was or was not a good or bad employee, however I can go on the facts of what I know to be true and what is in the audio tape I've heard. Belvedresi messed up more than once and was finally found out about. I fail to see how Hobbs did anything "wrong" by taping him. Is that any different from law enforcement officers who are recording traffic stops and trying to get violators to admitting their guilt?

So, as I understand this it is okay for Belvedresi and what appears to be employees of the Madison County Sheriff's Office to enforce the laws they see fit and NOT all of the laws? I don't want law enforcement for a few, I want it for all. Including the cops themselves. How is Belvedresi or anyone who condones this any better than the criminals locked away in the jail adjacent Belvedresi's office?

SimplyMe

@ 11:46, you are mistaken. MCSO will be forced to rehire Hobbs. Not saying I would want to work for a department who knowingly violates the law. Hobbs/Thompson will not pay all court costs, the county will settle out of court. He has Belvedresi by the balls and anyone with any sense knows this. Please Belvedresi, stand tall in breaking the laws. As far as Waste Management, research USERRA laws, the federal government WILL FORCE THE MSCO TO REHIRE HOBBS IF THAT IS WHAT HOBBS WANTS. How can Belvedresi/MCSO win? THERE IS A DAMNING AUDIO OF THE INCIDENT AND BELVEDRESI'S CREDIBILITY IS LOST IN THE EYES OF THE COURT!!! Anyone who defends this is a blind moron and has mistaken their enthusiasm for ability.

Will and Pleasure

11:46pm is apparently having trouble hearing the audio. Either that or he's just another corrupt Madison County Deputy Sheriff testilying about "facts" that aren't true.

11:46 don't be down talking Waste Management. They do a good job picking up your crap you left beside the road.

Hobbs obviously tried to blackmail them with the recording for his reasons. And I seriously doubt he gives a shit about the hiring. He held onto this recording for years. Did he have amnesia for 2 years? give me a break..

@8:52 You comment about Hobbs waiting 2 years... If you pay attention to the story you can see that he was giving Belvedresi a chance to rectify the situation before having to resort to a lawsuit. Belvedresi repeatedly chose to ignore him. According to the news, Hobbs was fired in June. This is July. He didn't wait any time to file a suit.

Also, if he was such a bad employee he would have already been fired. Instead, he was fired the day after warning the chief a suit would be filed. Belvedresi's supporters seem like angry sheriff's department employees who condone breaking the law. Hopefully whoever the new sheriff is will take this into account and clean house.

Earlier this year, the sheriff's department fired a female detention officer the same day she filed a discrimination suit. Do we assume she is a bad employee too or maybe notice a pattern starting to develop?

Call me simple, but can someone please draw me a picture of how all the people mentioned here fit together?

The entire thread is absolutely confusing. The Randy whoever troll made it worse carrying on a delusional conversation I didn't see taking place.

From what I took from the post is Belvedresi, as Curt so aptly put it, took a dump on a service man and knew it was wrong. Poor form.

Maybe there will be some kind of underhanded shade tree lawyer/photographer/mechanic/policeofficer plea bargin in this case. Surely some apt council will introduce some sort of reasonable doubt. Maybe it will be tried in the media and then there is no chance of getting a guilty verdict.

I believe many people reading this have sat in meetings where the chief said "do what you have to do, if they want to sue us, tell them to bring it on". His attitude seems to be one of I am untouchable. Why would any boss in their right mind fire a man who had that on tape? Arrogance. I bet he lied to the sheriff on what really happened, and obviously honesty isn't his policy.

Oddly enough, the C-L still hasn't reported on the issue.

Wow, the conversation that was taped took place in April 2010. His friend applied in 2009. This is July 2011 for those wondering Simple math would show he has known about it for a year. Wonder how many people the Chief hired during that time? Some people have poor reading comprehension. There is a lot of unknowns, maybe we should stop decrying people until it goes to trial.

Here's an interesting thought for somebody with awesome investigative skills. I dunno, a correspondent or researcher or some such.

Would it be significant that Plaintiff Thompson never actually APPLIED for a job with MCSO?

(For purposes of the litigation, I don't know the answer to that question.)

But I would imagine a public records request to the MCSO could determine whether the Plaintiff actually applied for a job.

And if he didn't, there's probably some egg on his attorney's face.

J. Kev - In the recording they played on the news, Belvedresi said he had reviewed Thompson's resume. I would assume this means he actually applied.

I would imagine a public records request would substantiate that.

§ 25-1-100. Certain personnel records exempt from public access requirements; exceptions
(1) Personnel records and applications for employment in the possession of a public body, as defined by paragraph (a) of Section 25-61-3, except those which may be released to the person who made the application or with the prior written consent of the person who made the application, shall be exempt from the provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983.

JKev, I would tend to agree with you about the public records request, had I not read the comments from some of the deputies in response to this story.

It would be really easy to drop the application in the shredder and say "he never applied." And not much of a leap to assume one of these degenerates would do it.

or Curt you could ask the co-conspirator if he ever filled one out or do you trust him but be careful what you say in your pretrail conversations because he maybe recording you.

So the honest man is now the "co-conspirator", while the one who repeatedly refused to follow the law and then followed through with a retaliatory firing is what? Interesting how far some will take the shoot the messenger philosophy.

If the Chief had done what is right from the beginning, no story here.

If the Chief had done what is right after initially asked about it by Hobbs, no story here.

If the Chief had down what is right when he realized that Hobbs was going to stand up for what is right, no story here.

If, however, the Chief chose to follow a wrong with another wrong, with another wrong, until it cost one man his job and another man his opportunity, then you get what we have here...

-

It makes you wonder, so does Hobbs keep a file system of recordings through the years and use them when things don't go his way! Really...

I am sick and tired of hearing some of you people support the gutless, spineless piece of @&$# Hobbs! Hobbs could give a $&@% less if any law was broke! If he was so concerned with doing what is right, he would have come forward when he obtained the audio a year ago. Yes, Belvedresi made a mistake, but the malice was not there! Belvedresi was looking out for the residents and employees of Madison County! I am proud to be a resident of Madison County! Hobbs could care less about right from wrong! He is only doing this to ruin Belvedresi! It is so obvious hobbs is only doing this to retaliate against Belvedresi.

Randy should come out now and explain his position vis a vis the resignation reported here. This is not the end of the story folks. Why else would someone be on here defending some not even remotely involved? Share please oh great Randy supporter.

I feel sorry for Mr. Hobbs for doing the right thing that might not be so popular. You people on here just assassinated his character. The man helping his friend Rodney Thompson to get a job with the sheriff's dept. There is a three year time limit for someone to file a discrimination lawsuit. Mr. Hobbs, and Mr. Thompson had that right even Eddie Belvedresi admitted he was in the wrong. People on here are siding with Eddie Belvedresi. I wonder how some of you people can look into the mirror know an injustice occured. I bet if the shoe was on the other foot you would feel different.

I believe this would called "you reap what you sow" Some of you need to remember that.

As for the Sheriffs Department we shouldn't let one mans action judge an entire department. Yes, The Sheriff and his officers do a good job keeping crime down to a dull.

I'm not gonna sit here and defend Belvedresi because he should have never said what he did, BUT there is another side to this story. I personally know 2 police officers that are on active duty holding up a spot at the PD and are staying on active duty permanently only because they don't like their job at the PD or maybe don't like their bosses. They just have their Commanders send in a letter to the PD for more "orders" to stay away. The departments can't fire them because it's against the law, they can't hire anyone to replace them because it isn't in the budget to pay for an extra spot. If they keep hiring soliders then who is gonna work the streets when everyone get called away? It's not like Madison SO doesn't already have people in the military. So if they don't want another military person taking up a spot then they shouldn't be chastised for it. Anyway, all this shouldn't reflect on anyone's vote in the Madison Sheriff's election anyway because anyone who had actually looked at all of the candidates would know the most experienced and qualified person is Jimmy Houston, hands down! look at his credentials folks.

Are These two Police officers employed with Ridgeland PD.

yes...forget the fact that Jimmy Houston IGNORED the Hatch Act....was found in violation and had to RESIGN his post! So if Jimmy is SO experienced how did he not know he was in violation? So he is either stupid or knew what he was doing and hoped no one would find out! Thats the kinda sheriff Madison County needs!!!! By the way...if he hadn't been caught and had won the race the MCSO would have been punished and not been eligable for any federal funding for some time! Seems like it is a common theme that certain LE officails ignore certain laws to suit there agenda!!!!

you are reaching for that one man, no one knows what a hatch act is...

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7 KJV

Oh yeah, that is right! Maybe Jimmy Houston should pull out of the race! To all you Jimmy supporters that are bashing Belvedresi and the present sheriff's office maybe you should rethink! Is he really that qualified if he was unable to recognize he was violating the Hatch act!

communism= democracy + politics

Guardsmen... some of them are true patriots who go where they are told when they are told. Others volunteer for a slot over and over again because they don't like where they are working in civilian life and they make more money when on active duty. The latter doesn't care that they are holding a slot at whatever PD/SO that cannot be filled by law and they have that "cushion" of the civilian jobs to fall back on when no deployments are available. Most of these guys are not "grunts" in the thick of the fight but they are REMFs facing little or no danger. Kudos to those that are fighting and shame on those that are using the guard to their advantage because they don't want to work for someone who holds them accountable.

One simple question I haven't seen addressed on this thread: Did Hobbs follow the chain of command and report the instance to the Sheriff at the time it occured? If not, why the delay in failing to report the crime? If he did report it, what was the response and follow-up?

Seems that I've heard that *sometimes good men have done the wrong thing for the right reason and bad men have done the right thing for the wrong reason.* Is there a difference? IMO, plenty.

Wow...so you want to continue down the "Saint Jimmy" trail. OK...lets rock-n-roll!!! Lets look at Officer Soto. A Jimmy Houston EMPLOYEE!!!! He falsly acuused Dwight Whitfield of a crime. Tried many times to hide evidence that would prove Mr. Whitfields innocence,(video tape), lied on the stand. Mr. whitfield tried repeatedly to get that tape but the "Saintly" JImmy Houston said he couldnt find one. Finally a subpoena was issued ordering "Saint" Jimmy to produce that tape. "HERE IT IS YOUR HONOR....I JUST NOW FOUND IT!!!" So we have Soto with false arrest, tampering with evidence, lied in court under oath! So what does "Saint Jimmy do with this wonerful employee of his? Does he have him prosecuted? Does make a statement to the public announcing that this BEHAVIOR is UNEXCEPTABLE of one of his officers and he," Saint Jimmy" is firing this employee! No...."Saint Jimmy" didnt do any of those things....he just let the guy quit so he could go get another job in LE! Wasnt that great of "Saint Jimmy" now some other poor bastard has to deal with Soto somehwere else. Please feel free to keep expalining how Good Ole JImmy is SO well qualified...i got tons of these stories....and so do other people!

One more question? Why did he not report it at the time it happened? I'd think if he was really concerned about a possible federal crime at that time it could have been easily rememedied by the Chief interviewing the Guardsman and there would have resolution at that time.

Not reporting it until it was advantageous to him personally he appears, at least to me, to have lost out on the Courageous Saint Award some of you are trying to give him.

I'm thinking more along the lines of *misprison of a felony* and not *whistleblower* with the available information.

8:38 I would NEVER support Houston for the reasons you so eloquently laid out. He supported and covered up for a perjurer (Soto was convicted, right?). This character defect is sufficient by itself to keep him out of any law enforcement job - if Houston doesn't respect the law he shouldn't be sheriff. Period.

On a related note, has any lawyer tried drumming up business by soliciting fopr people who got convicted based on Soto's testimony? Sounds like grounds for a retrial to me, maybe dozens (100s?) of them. At a great expense to, and disastrous outcome for, the city of Ridgeland.

MIchelle Tuckers attempt to spin this in favor of her husband, Randy, is as transparent as can be. She should really stop playing that game.
From what I can tell, there are two candidates that are left in this race with some integrity.
Tucker hooked his wagon to Belvedresi's star hoping it would shoot him into the sheriff's spot. Well, what Eddie did was completely against Federal law. It's plain and simple. Now where he got stupid was firing the deputy that taped him. I mean you gotta know what's gonna happen next when you do that.
The Jimmy Houston/Soto thing speaks for itself and he should have been fired from Ridgeland for that.
There isn't too much known about Mark Sandrige. Everything I can find is that he is a stand-up guy and has been with the dept for about 8 years. His commercials pissed some people off, but were kinda effective.
Harbour has about as much experience as Randy, but obviously has more sense than to get endorsements from the soon-to-be previous administration. To me that says maybe being an employee with the S.O. he knows there have been things that could come out that makes him not desire their endorsement. Yeah, it's speculation, but he has a solid long-time running mate it seems.

I love Leebo!!!!!!!!

One more question for the defenders of Hobbs' actions. Has it occured to you that due to his not reporting the potential crime that he could be potentially charged with misprison of a felony? That appears to tarnish the *whistleblower* status you are attempting to bestow upon him? All he had to do was report it to the Sheriff at the time and it could have potentially been remedied at that time and not attempt to use it to his advantage some considerable time later. Not the actions typically associated with honorable people of integrity, IMO.

18 U.S.C. § 4:

Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

Just sayin' he could have some 'splaning to do for keeping that tape for so long and not reporting it.

Randy Tucker for sheriff!!! all the way...

621, You would be correct, if a felony had occurred. Discrimination against a national guardsmen is a civil action, not a crime.

I love Leebo too!!!!

Leebo is very loveable!!!!

What a back stab!!! Look you can't trust anybody!!! Sounds like to me the patroman was suit hunting...

Hobbs was trying to climb the ladder without doing his time. In law enforcement 4 years to us your still a rookie. My guess is Hobb's will run for sheriff next go around like Mark O. did.

Really? A man serves our County for the last 12 years, keeps our families safe, is a friend, neighbor,father & Grandad that made a decision based on keeping his men and community safe. I wonder how Josh Hobbs would have felt when he is calling for back-up and no one showed b/c they were short handed. I have the utmost respect for our troops overseas and I know there is a law, but I think in a situation to protect our citizens and community Eddie made a decision based on just that. I can see it now, "Belvedresi hires deployed soldier on a short-handed S.O. causing a deputy to be killed in line of duty." You people need to wake up. You have to understand that place is not like your normal business office!!! People's lives are at stake, your well-being is at stake!!!! Your Life!!! As far as all of you saying you aren't voting for Randy Tucker b/c of this are just showing your ignorance. Grow up use your head and choose the best candidate not based on, in my "opinion", what was a planned out political assasination against Randy Tucker, but based on integrity, character and experience like Randy Tucker possesses.You people are real quick to attack a man that has helped build a dept that has given you one of the safest and best county's in this state to live in. I like how all of you are Anonymous, shows you are a chickensh*t like Josh Hobbs!!! I back Belvedresi!!!!
------------William Tickner

REMF.

Well said Tick! While I don't agree with what Chief said, can any of you bashing him say with confidence that you have never broken the law? Do you always use your blinker when changing lanes or turning? Do you always come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign? Have you always driven the exact speed limit …not 1 MPH over? If not, then maybe you be stoned and cast aside.
Yes, it was wrong and I don't think any of his supporters are denying that. They are standing up and supporting their friend who made a bad decision. But I guess most of you would turn your back on your friends.

First of all I don't have dog in the hunt and will support who ever wins the job for the next 4 years. I also like reading the post, that is the ones that use there names, if you going to talk smack don't hide, use you name.

MCSO needs Marc Ocain back!!!

LEEBO FOR SHERIFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All of you are right, Randy supporters have certainly engaged in character assassination of this soldier... What a shame.

We have some wonderful Law Enforcement Personnel running for sheriff, With the exception of Jimmy Houston.
When the former Chief of the Ridgeland Police Department ( Chief Charles Newell ) was sick and dying of cancer, he showed up at the department for work more than Jimmy Houston ever has.
Im telling you, houston has a few select buddies at this department who kiss his ass, and therefore, he rewards them. He does not give a damn about this department and most of the people who work there. He will not stand up to the politicians when it comes to helping his people.
And to the persons on this site trying to defend Houston, we know who you are. One of his cronies who kiss his ass to stay in his favor. Ant to dare accuse a military person ( yes, I know that you are speaking about me ) of staying on active duty military service for my own benefit, just because I make more money or I dont like where I work, just shows how little you know about the defense of this great nation. Some of you do not realize it, but the ridgeland police department is one small speck on the map, compared to the rest of the nation.
I was asked to stay on active duty military service during the war because my career field is considered technical, and there are not that many people who can meet the qualifications to do this job.
And never being in danger ? have you ever had a rocket fired at your aircraft, or have you ever had to haul ass to a bomb shelter because you are under morter attack ? No, you have not, and do you know why? Because the people on this site supporting houston, who are talking negatively about military personnel, have never had the balls to even try and enlist in the military. Most Law Enforcement officers support and respect military personnel, just as military personnel support and respect them. Military people know that Law Enforcement are risking their lives every day, keeping them and their families safe, (especially when they are deployed
overseas). But you Houston cronies know nothing about the military, or national defense.
Houston is not a leader, he is nothing but a politacal pawn ( yes man ) who supervises by fear and intimidation.
But the ones that I feel most sorry for if he gets elected are the current deputies at the Madison County Sheriffs Office.
I know that Houston has sent his cronies from the R.N.C. ( RED NECK CLUB ) to speak to the deputies at the S.O. , and tell them that he will not fire anyone if he gets elected, so that they might support him. But believe me, anyone who is in a supervisory position at the S.O. will eventually be replaced by houstons buddies ( mostly from rankin county ). You will most likely not be fired, but his technique will be to take you from your current position, and put you on the midnight shift in the jail or somewhere, so that you eventually become so miserable that you quit.
Believe me deputies, I have had the un-pleasure of working for the man, so I know And as I have told you before, we have great law-enforcement personnel running for sheriff, so please pass the word on to your fellow deputis, your families, your friends, and all of their friends not to support houston, for it will be your doom if he is elected. He has totally screwed the Ridgeland Police Department up, and it will take years to correct. So please do not let him do the same to our Sheriffs Office.
And guess what, if he is elected, be prepared to have Victor Mason as undersheriff ( Chief Dupty ), and other retired J.P.D. officers taking over chief supervisory positions.

And when someone is activated by the military, the city board of aldermen, or Madison County board of Supervisors, ( whoever is affected ) would most likely appoint additional funds for overtime, or funds to hire a temporary employee until the guardsman/reservist returns from active duty. The request from the Sheriff or chief of police ( whoever is affected )must be made public, and the county veterans service officer needs to be present during the request. This way, no politican wants the general public to feel that he or she does not support the military or military veteran, because they know that this would be political suicide.
So you see, everything can be worked out during this time, if everyone sacrifices a little bit.
So I do not want to hear anything else stupid about a veterans absence causing a hardship.

Yes, you are right about Jimmy Houston. A lot of the old retired officers from J.P.D. have said that he moved up through the ranks of J.P.D. by brown-nosing and kissing ass.
He was made a Sgt. over the motorcyle division at one time,but he would never ride a motorcycle, claiming that he had " dry eye ".
He is quick to tell you where he got his masters degree, but he will never mention where he got his bachlors degree ( Jackson State University ), as if he is ashamed and trying to hide it.
I feel very sorry for the citizens for Madison County if he is elected to this position.
Just remember, the Jackson Police Department did not become so screwed up overnight. It took years for this to happen. So remember that jimmy Houston was one of the ones who retired from this agency.
So, please do not be in a hurry to hire or vote for these things that will screw up your agency as well.

All these guys have such serious flaws. I am voting for the person who is honest, decent, straight as an arrow. I am voting for Mark Sandridge. I believe my kids deserve to grow up in a county where law enforcement is to be admired and respected.
If any of you out there remain undecided, I would ask that you learn more about Mark and decide for yourself. Thank you!