Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas imprisoned suspended attorney Michael J. Brown at a hearing yesterday. Judge Thomas ruled he committed and fraud and perjury in the guardianship of De Mon McClinton. Bond was set at $250,000. The order is posted below.
Damon McClinton inherited $3 million when his mother, Rebecca Henry, died in 2000. Ms. Henry was the daughter of Mississippi civil rights legend Aaron Henry. Damon McClinton's father, Thomas, hired attorney Mike Brown to establish a guardianship for young McClinton. Then-Chancellor Stuart Robinson established a guardianship and ordered Mr. Brown to deposit the money in a bank account and decreed the money could not be withdrawn without court approval.
Judge Thomas ruled at a February hearing Mr. Brown never deposited the money in an account nor was one ever established. Judge Thomas threw Mr. Brown in jail after he could not account for the money. The attorney also claimed the file (he checked it out in 2006) and bank statements were destroyed when a water pipe burst in his office. Judge Thomas set bond at $100,000 at a later hearing. Mr. Brown made bail and is free. Judge Thomas ordered him to deposit $1.2 million with the court or provide an accounting for all money for the guardianship of De Mon McClinton.
The hearing began after Mike Brown and his attorney Clayton Lockhart arrived 15 minutes late. Judge Thomas called Special Master Paul Rogers to the stand. Mr. Rogers investigated the estate for the court and issued a report (Copy of report). He testified $1.2 million of De Mon McClinton's money went directly into Brown's attorney account at Trustmark and that the overall amount the attorney improperly received was $1.54 million. Mr. Rogers said those funds were used to loan nearly $600,000 to Linus Shackelford. Brown also loaned himself money out of the account. Rogers also took issue with the $398,000 fee Brown charged the estate in 2001 for establishing the guardianship. He said Brown would have had to devote nearly two thousand hours at his $150 per hour rate to earn that fee, which he said was impossible. He also said Brown's fee of $110,00o for an opinion letter was "fraud" as he literally copied an opinion letter from another attorney.
His report states accounts were opened for the money but the bank was never informed of the court restrictions. The report also states Thomas McClinton, Mike Brown, and to a lesser degree Linus Shackelford (through loans) helped themselves to a great deal of money that was supposed to be held in trust for youg De Mon.
McClinton attorney Brent Hazard asked the Special Master if he was "certain he did not deposit all monies into an account until further order of this court?" Mr. Rogers said "as far as I can tell, no money was deposited into such an account. The Trustmark account was not a restricted account." Judge Thomas looked as if he were disgusted. Mr. Rogers said he had established 150- 250 guardianships in his career. He stated if the bank "does its job and follows a court order", there should be no way for a layman to get "that money".
Mr. Rogers said he found a box labeled "McClinton" that contained missing files and documents for the estate. They were the same documents Mr. Brown said were destroyed in a notice to the court filed on February 1, 2012. Mr. Brown said two major water leaks took place in his office since 2007 and the McClinton file and Mr. Brown's old bank records were destroyed. Judge Thomas ruled he committed perjury in his order. However, it must be pointed out Mr. Brown did provide to the court a bundle of checks (estimated to be between 50-75 in number) that were written by the attorney.
Mike Brown assumed the stand. He stated he had no money to deposit with the court because he had provided an accounting for all money for the estate. Attorney Brent Hazard asked how many of the "50-75 checks were authorized by court order." There was a long pause before Mike Brown answered. Mr. Brown said "I think me and the court disagree. The checks to Shackelford were authorized" and that Judge Robinson (the original chancellor when the guardianship was established) authorized his transactions in a conversation in chambers. Mr. Hazard asked if such authorization was mentioned in any order by the court. Mr. Brown replied "yes" when he was asked if he was aware the court said no money could be spent or transferred without its approval.
Mr. Brown then admitted he gave money to Thomas McClinton, De Mon's father, without court approval. He said he thought it was "ok" since Thomas said it was to take care of De Mon. The special master testified earlier Mr. Brown wrote checks for Thomas McClinton to purchase eight cars (including one at Blackwell for a Lottie Campbell), rental properties from Lottie Campbell, and other items purchased by McClinton. Mr. Rogers also testified Mr. Brown wrote checks to himself or to "cash". The attorney said he never kept the money for himself.
Brown then said "I realize I did not do things the way they were supposed to be done and I apologize to this court. " He then said "part of the problem with this case was when De Mon's mother died, he did not have a real relationship with his dad". He claimed when De Mon's mother died, the family would not let Thomas have custody of his son so he helped Thomas get custody of De Mon. He said after the guardianship was established, Thomas came to him and said he needed money for De Mon to buy vehicles to "compete against Aaron (his brother)". He said he told him they couldn't do it that way because Aaron could take custody so they did it "this way". Mr. Brown said "I did it this way to protect De Mon" and then said "I am paying the ultimate price for this because I'm being condemned . I apologize to my family and I apologize to my daughters on this whole thing.
Mike Brown didn't stop with apologies but delved into the investments with Shackelford. He said he thought De Mon would "maximize his return" because the property was worth much more than the loan. He said the properties purchased from Lottie Campbell he thought would be investments for De Mon that would generate a return after they "were developed." The properties are located on streets such as Carnation and Waycaster (Check their location.). He called them a "good investment for De Mon". "He needed time to develop his relationship with De Mon" and that they had one. "Once Shackelford pays the money that is owed by him, De Mon is going to be way ahead in the game. I apologize to the court and realize I have done wrong." Mr. Brown then said "If I had done it the way it was supposed to be done, then De Mon probably would not have became what he became."
Upon questioning by Mr. Lockhart, Mr. Brown said he had discussed the Shackelford investment with Judge Robinson. Judge Thomas finally had enough and said there would be no more references to alleged conversations with judges that did not exist in any record*. He then said "regards to these checks that I wrote, they were written on behalf on Thomas McClinton" for investments... He said I always understood the checks were lost. I did not find the checks. Mr. Rogers tore up my house looking for stuff, he could not find anything. I had a call from a friend of mine in Iraq., I mean Afghanistan, and he had put some of my stuff in his office.." Mr. Hazard interrupted by Judge Thomas allowed him to continue (with a wry smile). "He thought they were in his storage locker. They were not in his storage locker. I went upstairs in my attic, actually fell through my daughter's ceiling, and when I fell through my daughter's ceiling, I put my hand through a box marked "Christmas lights" but it was not Christmas lights, it was these checks. Thats how I found the checks." Mr. Brown then testified again "I did not get any of this money" and that it all went to Thomas, De Mon. Brown again brought up alleged discussions with the previous Judge and claimed he had "approved" the investments. Judge Thomas finally had enough and told the attorney not to mention any alleged conversations with other judges. Mr. Brown also stated upon direct questioning he has not carried any professional liability insurance since the "early 1990's". Mike Brown graduated from law school in 1993.
Mr. Brown Mr. Brown said in documents filed with the court this year the checks were destroyed by water damage when pipes burst in his office. Judge Thomas jailed Mike Brown on contempt of court and perjury. His bond is set at $250,000.
*Mr. Brown claimed the same type of conversations at a recent hearing on another guardianship case in Rankin County. This correspondent witnessed the attorney repeatedly claiming Judge Grant approved in a conversation the parents transferring funds held in a guardianship account for their child. Judge Grant said they never had a conversation and finally sternly admonished Mr. Brown for making such allegations.
Left to right 1) De Mon McClinton (black male), attorney Brent Hazard (white male) 2) Mike Brown (white male),attorney Clayton Lockhart (black male) 3) Linus Shackelford
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Brown in jail. Order posted. (Updated)
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81 comments:
What next? Unless he can bond out, it seems like he can either sit in jail or admit to stealing the money. If he owns up, then the DA will have no trouble convicting him. He had trouble raising the prior $100k bond - wonder if he's going to be able to come up with the $250k?
That Linus looks like a swindler.
I just gave a loud clap.
I hope Linus Shackelford doesn't get away with his part and gets thrown in jail on April 3rd.
One down, two to go! What will Beown have to pay? What do you think Shakelford is thInking now?
April 3rd Court date. I wonder if the Churchman will be in jail Easter weekend?
The reputation of the cemetery is ruined.
Don't forget the pool man he is with mi,e brown thick
This is one of the biggest criminal plots we have had here.
So, the most corrupt of the bunch, Mr. Shackelford, got a few more days of freedom? Glad to see Mr. Brown go back to where he belongs!
Just remember, whatever Linus says it is just the opposite.
6:38 should note that this criminal plot is not nearly as big as the Steadivest Ponzi Scheme, but this scam has garnered the attention of a judge that is taking action. The Steadivest Ponzi has been three years with no action. What gives?
If you ever talk to Brown he will put his hand on your shoulder.
The better put Brown in a Fred Flinstone suit at the jail.
Your facts are wrong once again. Mike Brown is who produced the checks he had always said were destroyed. Also, a hearing has not yet been formally set for Shackleford. Too many people read this blog for you to be so careless in your reporting.
Really? See pages 3-4 of the order posted below:
"However, during the execution of a search warrant on brown's home, the special master found an entire banker's box containing brown's files and documentation in this guardianship. In fact, the box was labeled "McClinton". This court finds that Brown committed intentional perjury by lying to this court under oath with regard to his possession of files and documentation in this matter."
I'll assume you mean canceled checks are not "documentation".
They both should sit down with the DA and confess the whole true story and ask for a reasonable jail sentence.
This has been awesome investigative reporting. Your reporting has, without a doubt, saved others from an investment scam.
Shackelford and Brown will likely go to a restitution center where they work to pay the debt. They will likely be there The rest of their life due to their age.
Why do some of you characterize this as a grande scheme of sleuth magnitude with an intricate plot, the likes of which are unequaled? Sounds to me like pure bumbling stupidity at every turn.
K'Fish, is that you again at 9:49?
Excellent reporting KF!
We appreciate you.
The more Brown talks, the more comical it gets!!!! I just love his story of how he found those checks! If 50-75 checks were written, who on earth were ALL of those checks made out to??
Shadowfax, if you truly understood the magnitude of the thievery of these men, you wouldn't call it unequal! There are millions and millions of dollars that these men have stolen from not only DeMon, but many others!
9:16......not sure where you're getting your info, but Shackelford's hearing is set for April 3. I'm sure Shackelford will try for ANOTHER continuance but I don't see Judge Thomas falling for that again! Read the documents before you comment next time so you don't look so ignorant!
Ditto, here KF!!!
The longer Shackelford goes with holding a press conference the guilty side shows.
If Shackelford sold as much as a lot every day of the week at fair value he could not even pay the interest on the bank, IRS, and McClinton. The only way to get the cash is to jail him and let the relatives come to the rescue.
Yes Brown is real comical, but I truly know now the joke is on him. Can they get to their assets? For sure you know Brown's family is going to run out of Rankin!
You people that keep writing behind "Anonymous" need to know the facts. Linus Shackelford is a very honest man. He needed a loan and was offered one. He did nothing illegal. Like any other business his went bad when the economy went bad. People started doing cremations and it hurt the cemetary business. Mr. McClinton and his dad supported the loan. It is not a crime for a loan to go bad. He said he will pay it back and he will. He just needs time to get things going. I wish everyone would not slander him.
Is this land Shakelford owns was it good land, before he put a cemetery on it?
Yeah, 17 year old kids are capable of lending $500,000. Nice try. The judge was supposed to approve ALL transactions. THIS is why you have that in the law, to protect minors from being stupid and dumbass fathers who take their money.
And I will make a prediction, before this is over, that father is going to be in trouble. Damn well should be.
Shadow, with all the undesirable behavior out there, it is amazing that anything is fully investigated, followed and concluded (in this day and age of instant gratfication). While the media and sheeple may pshaw this story, KF put it out there for the public to see the reality of day to day wrongs that actually touch us - I drive by that cemetery often. I have to believe that Pine Laker's (no relation to the basketball team) know about it too. There are a lot of Pine Laker's (no relation again). Your simple brush stroke fails the test of confidence in reporting is right and working in this world.
The story, while of no particular interest to the likes of your opinion, is of interest and is a testament to what is working.
Sorry "what is right and working..." yada yada yada...
Linus knew exactly what he was doing and Mike Brown knew too. Any idiot knows that an upstart cemetery is not a money maker-maybe at best it could be compared to a 2% bond over 30 years-in a good economy. They both are liars, they both are crooks and no matter what the justice system decides the community knows the truth.
This is starting to look like a loan backed and approved by his father. Mr. McClinton and Linus are not guilty of anything.
6:42 - If your father and Mike Brown got together and decided to loan me $500,000 of your money without approval from anyone else (including the court, who's supposed to be protecting your interests), how would you feel about that? If that happened, you'd know how De Mon feels. Linus knew what was going on still took the money. I liken that to taking money from children who can't defend themselves. If he's so all-fired innocent, then he needs to make an earnest effort to pay it all back with interest as soon as possible.
BS. It WAS NOT MCCLINTON'S MONEY TO LOAN!!!!!!!! Period.
KF - my point exactly at 10:13. Those guys all knew what they were doing was wrong and they should all pay.
These three grown men knew exactly what there were doing. What is sad is that they think after living all these lies for years that it has merit. Brown tried to make what all he did was for the best for Da Mon. Was Brown's wife at court? She acts so innocent but she too knew, I guess she has all the money hid out. She will need it for her and the three girls to live the life they have for the last ten or more.
OK...obviously you do not know the Browns personally. Lets not insult innocent people just for the sake of insult. None of the ladies in Browns life (wife or daughters) have ever lived the high life.
Mr Brown has many many victims. His family, clients who have paid him and have no representation and most of all DeMon
And when will DeMons father be held accountable for the money that he spent? In reading court papers sounds like he lived pretty comfy..when is it OK for a parent to steal from a child?? Seems to me like the line of theives is long in this case.
10:50 pm
You are correct that Browns family was not directly connected. The only family connection exposed in court were checks made out to Shackelfords wife.
3/21, 7:45:
'to all you people who write behind 'anonymous'...
like you?
nice try linus...
I don't know Brown's family, but I'll assume they're nice and innocent unless I learn otherwise. I do know Mike Brown, though, and it wouldn't surprise me if he kept his family totally snowed about all of his escapades. He's a total sleeze and that's the kind of thing people like that do.
Just on interest payment alone Shackelford owes $301 per day. Working it off on the Hinds County Farm he only gets $58 per day to work.
Anyone who knows Mike Brown or has been around him for 2 seconds knows that it is all about the wheel and deal for him. I can assure you that his family did not benefit from any monies embezzled. Brown lives in his own reality and is crazy as heck....I fell through my daughters ceiling LOL....that just scratches the surface of this crazy SOB.
I am quiet sure this Linus fella approached Brown with the deal of a lifetime and dumbass Brown was sucked in.
He is certainly not going to bode well in prison (if he even ends up staying very long)
11:54
That's a car payment every day. He's Done!
In general I think Shackelford means well and he fears the Lord. However, he battles the sins of lying and deception. A good place for him will be incarceration. For the most part it is needed for prevention, it is just the place for him to save his soul. Better for him to die there than to die free. It is eternal life that counts.
Linus Shackelford is still at it, huh?
Shackelford has his day in court on April 3.
I heard he made bail. Can anyone verify?
I know the Brown family and he has not made bail.
He was still on the jail docket this morning. I think they update it late afternoons, so unless he was able to come up with $15000 late on a Sunday afternoon, he's still there.
Yea, Shackelford is the talk of the town in Houma La.
When did the loan originate? When did it mature? Has Shagglefrd paid a payment?
2:32. I believe Shackelford got the money in 2003 or thereabouts. I've read everything written about this situation and I don't remember any mention of there ever having been a note. Shackelford was order by the court to repay the balance with interest immediately, and to my knowledge he hasn't. He's due in court 4/3 to either pay the money back or give the judge a reason why he shouldn't be thrown in jail. There is supposedly a note that Mike Brown signed for some of the money he "loaned" himself, but I haven't seen any terms, if any.
None of this would have ever been brought to court if Shackelford paid his note. Everything else would have been forgiven or dismissed by McClinton. It looks like Brown and Shackelford conned each other and Shackelford won. I think.
Shackelford always, always cons and wins! That's why he is viciously out of control with his deceptions. He is dangerous!!
Looks like Brown made bail and is out of jail. He's not listed on the Hinds County jail docket this morning.
We're is he getting all this money to bail out if his assets are frozen. The pool man or Shackleford
Brown is still in jail. He has NOT bonded out.
Can't wait for the mug shot next Tuesday!
We're is he getting all that bail money if his assets are frozen from the pool man or Shackleford?.....????
Why is brown not on docket?????? What's next for mike brown if he bails out or no bail?????
I called the jail and confirmed. He is still there. Calm down.
8:47 - I think young McClinton was the one that got conned and the other two were in cahoots. Brown was well aware of the fact that the Hinds County Chancery Court wouldn't follow up on the guardianship and he and his buddy Linus just helped themselves to the money.
I think his dad was in on the helping as well. If Brown is prosecuted, I think the dad will be right there next to him.
Mike is at home. His wife made bail yesterday. As for where the money came from... She has a lot of jewelry.
Nope. called the jail at 9:45 this morning. They said he was still there and had not bonded out.
Maybe there is more than one person named Mike Brown...?
Please let us know for sure if ex atty mike j brown is still in jail I hope he is still there
Next Tuesday there will be an art showing at Hinds County chancery court featuring Linus Shagglefurd. On display will be the work of one of the areas premier con-artist. His show piece will be "how to get out of paying a million"
If Shackelford pays it will be borrowed money. The lender should not expect any payment in return. If the farm is sold to save his hide, don't expect him to repay. Give it as a gift.
You all need to watch your back. Linus Shackelford is an honest man and has never made a dishonest deal. His attorney is fully responsible for the mishap. His legal representative informed his everything was on the up and up. In no way would this man do anything intentionally wrong or hurt anyone. He is off the hook because the Judge ordered Brown to pay Shackelfords portion back.
Since when did u believe Shackleford atty or any other
When did the judge order brown to pay Shacklefords bill
Is mike brown still in jail
According to Mike Brown's wife, he has been home since about 10:30 Wednesday night.
There's another Michael Brown listed on the jail docket. I bet the person KF spoke with just got confused. I'm surprised the wife hasn't seen through his BS and will still have him back.
Husband is the bread and butter and sure all the money is hid out so he has to be around to get her hands on any of it!
In 48 hrs he will finally be in jail!
30 days are up! Did he file an appeal? Will a copy be posted?
I know this happened back in 2012, but I am just now seeing this article. I was also a victim of Mike Brown!! I actually turned him into the the Mississippi Bar Association after my case had been decided! I lost custody of my 6 year old son, all because of Mike Brown. I spent 6 years going to court to try and fix something that he messed up. This happened in 2001 and I prayed that I never ran into on the streets. I have since forgiving him. He has taken advantage of a lot of people. Praying for his victims!
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