SC

Another “Lexington Ring” Murder Connection?

IS CABAL TIED TO ASCOT SLAYINGS, SPORTS BETTING EMPIRE? We’ve reported previously on murderous allegations tied to the “Lexington Ring” – a cabal of crooked cops and corrupt politicians who are allegedly behind a sophisticated illegal video poker operation. But is this redneck mafia also connected to a notorious double…

IS CABAL TIED TO ASCOT SLAYINGS, SPORTS BETTING EMPIRE?

We’ve reported previously on murderous allegations tied to the “Lexington Ring” – a cabal of crooked cops and corrupt politicians who are allegedly behind a sophisticated illegal video poker operation.

But is this redneck mafia also connected to a notorious double homicide that took place earlier this year in a wealthy Midlands, S.C. suburb?

Apparently so.  Sources tell FITS there is a Lexington Ring connection to the infamous “Ascot Murders” that took place in an affluent neighborhood outside of Columbia, S.C. back in April.  In fact, they’re pointing to a recent story from WIS-TV 1o (NBC – Columbia, S.C.) that ties the Ascot slayings to a gambling operation run by an individual named Lanny Ray Gunter II.

According to the WIS report, Gunter is one of three individuals who has reached plea agreements with federal investigators.

What does any of this have to do with the “Lexington Ring?” Several law enforcement sources tells FITS that Gunter and his co-defendants have “intimate knowledge” of the ring’s activities – including the involvement of “prominent law enforcement and political leaders.”

And while it’s not clear whether their plea deals have anything to do with the ongoing grand jury investigation into the ring, we know that federal agents have been crawling all over Lexington and Richland Counties for the last few months probing for linkages.

Is “Lexington Ring” tied to another gambling outfit?

FITS was the first media outlet to report on the gambling connection to the “Ascot Murders.”  Along with WIS, we’ve also been the only local media outlet aggressively pursuing details of the ring’s illicit activities.

Originally exposed by The (Columbia, S.C.) Free Times – which immediately (and mysteriously) stopped reporting on the story – the saga of the ring exploded on the South Carolina political scene two months ago.

Then last month, it seemed to have vanished.

At the heart of the scandal is Danny Frazier – a Lexington, S.C. town councilman (and part-time Lexington County Sheriff’s Department “employee”) who was surreptitiously recorded on three hours of audio tapes.  On these recordings, Frazier and his wife describe the internal operation of the “ring” as well as the politicians and cops who provide it with cover.

Frazier originally denied making these statements, but later changed his tune and said he fabricated them in an effort to make himself appear influential.  Even more incriminating than the Frazier tape?  The names he dropped … including Lexington County Sheriff James Metts, Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin and State Senators Jakie Knotts and Ronnie Cromer.

A former member of the ring – ex-Lexington County magistrate judge Jay Lucas – provided the Frazier recordings to the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) back in March of this year.

Why did it take so long for a real investigation to begin?

Good question …

We don’t believe there will be any indictments prior to the November elections (in which several candidates tied to the ring are seeking reelection), but we do suspect the hammer to fall shortly thereafter.

As we’ve noted from the beginning of our coverage of the “ring,” we continue to believe that all forms of gambling should be legalized in South Carolina.  In fact these scandals have only heightened our resolve to integrate them into the free market – eliminating the current government-run gambling monopoly (as well as all of this backdoor corruption).

***

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91 comments

? October 18, 2012 at 3:31 pm

“For if the bulk of the public were really convinced of the illegitimacy of the State, if it were convinced that the State is nothing more nor less than a bandit gang writ large, then the State would soon collapse to take on no more status or breadth of existence than another Mafia gang. Hence the necessity of the State’s employment of ideologists; and hence the necessity of the State’s age-old alliance with the Court Intellectuals who weave the apologia for State rule.”-Murray Rothbard

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Billy-Bob October 18, 2012 at 3:43 pm

The Spurdog and GA are about piss their pants. Their buddy Spence is going down!!

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marshall October 19, 2012 at 8:26 am

GA was involved in a gambling scandal when he was a player at Florida. He was lucky he didn’t have to serve time.

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you know who October 18, 2012 at 4:12 pm

Who is Spurdog and GA????

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Billy-Bob October 18, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Steve Spurrier and GA Mangus. I bet the Feds have Spence’s phone records.

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Scooter February 16, 2013 at 10:45 pm

Was a former Lt .Governor implicated?

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Scooter February 16, 2013 at 9:45 pm

Was a former Lt .Governor implicated?

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Ken The PI October 18, 2012 at 4:23 pm

Answer to the headline?
YEP!

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Smirks October 18, 2012 at 4:29 pm

It would be far easier to just make this shit legal again, then all we would have to worry about are tax-evading assholes (which ironically Uncle Sam would actually give a crap about). We allow the lottery, video poker is not any worse.

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you know who October 18, 2012 at 5:02 pm

Hearing the Sponseller murder is tied in. Yes, murder.

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MajorC October 19, 2012 at 10:26 pm

You are a sick fuck…

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Eye Spy October 18, 2012 at 6:20 pm

I predict at least 24 members of the State Senate and House combined are going to fall before summer of 2013 (Bobby Harrell included).

The FBI is working a couple of cloak and dagger operations, I bet.

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jimlewis,owb October 18, 2012 at 6:43 pm

Dear Former Friends and Associates

The Feds have me by the short hairs. Quite frankly I do not want to be Big Bubba’s Bitch Boy for my remaining years on this planet.

So, I am talking, singing, writing and spilling my guts to save my ass.

I can’t tell you what to do but if you look at this whole scenario as a Ponzi scheme then you may want to have your attorney contact the Feds soon, real soon. There are only so many deals available. I have mine.

It was fun while it lasted, thanks

LRG

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Turtle October 18, 2012 at 11:16 pm

Richard Breibart? Is this you? I Didn’t know you got internet service in the Lexington County big house. Did Jakie get it for you in return for your not spilling your guts on what you have on him and Queen Jean? We know you are the missing link. Thanks pal. Best of luck.

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Tired and Retired October 18, 2012 at 6:57 pm

To prove that Parker owed money, the prosecution needs the testimony of the people to whom Parker owed money. How to get it? Have them arrested then offer them a way to either get a light sentence or perhaps no sentence at all. To do this, the State prosecutor needs the co-operation of the federal authorities, but you can bet discussions have already been held or are in the works.

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*** October 21, 2012 at 8:13 pm

The 3 turned themselves in.

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Soft Sigh from Hell October 18, 2012 at 8:25 pm

And once again “The Wild Hare” fits in. Just too funny.

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Smythe October 18, 2012 at 9:26 pm

David Spence involved?

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you know who October 18, 2012 at 10:56 pm

How about that Lake Murray Submarine, registered with SC Sec. of State? Sounds like a prime money laundering opp. for Gunter and bro-in-law Chris Kokolis. Gunter and Kokolis co-own Wild Hare locations. Sponseller murder…sad.

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MajorC October 19, 2012 at 10:28 pm

Once again you are a sick fuck

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Phelps@aol.com October 20, 2012 at 8:58 am

There is a submarine in Lake Murray?

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Jeffy01 October 18, 2012 at 11:15 pm

So the Governor knew, Speaker helped covered it up, bodies were moved by wes Hayes and ken ard to Horry county. Got it!

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Turtle October 18, 2012 at 11:17 pm

That’s funny. Thanks.

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Thomas October 18, 2012 at 11:17 pm

What an outrage!!! To have the police involved an illegal gambling rings is the epitome of organized crime. What, no drugs, prostitution, extortion too?

These are sworn to an oath politicians and policeman. How safe can anyone feel in this state and county when these henchman get re-elected and start coming after those who publish and comment on THEIR criminal activities?

These scum will use the real legal authority granted to them by our United States Constitution and South Carolina State Constitution to get even and go after anyone perceived as a threat to them, and run an illegal gambling enterprise?

Should the people take the law into their hands to protect their families and property?

How can anyone possibly believe in their oaths of office, their mission statements, the process of elected representative government when these animals write and manipulate the the laws to suit their personal interests and intimidate or arrest innocent people to protect their criminal activities??

Breach of trust, violation of their sworn oaths at such a breathtaking level is enough for the people of Lexington County to believe that these people can not perform their duties objectively. They hide behind the very laws they manipulate and write? OUTRAGE!!!!

What faith can anyone possibly have of a process of law and order where the sworn protectors of the law routinely break the very laws they are paid to enforce?

Are the people justified to take the law into their own hands if the very officials sworn and paid to enforce them are the worst of the lawbreakers?

There must be a arrests and convictions at all levels of this barbaric criminal activity to prevent a total break down of law and order in Lexington County.

If the people can not turn to and trust the Federal Authorities, most of whom live here and know the operators intimately, are neighbors, share the same lake house subdivisions, who can we trust?

Will the Law Enforcement Community turn a blind eye on the people and use the tittles of the law, the “ambiguity” of the law to let their friends and neighbors walk free?

We are talking nothing less than the preservation of The Process, The System if there is nothing to come of these investigations. What an insult to throw it all on Gunter and let the others walk free because YOU, the Federal Authorities play god with peoples lives and the laws you are sworn to uphold.

Is it in the PUBLIC INTEREST to let these people go when you use the very PUBLIC INTEREST ploy to arrest people on minor infractions because they have NO public standing? OUTRAGE!

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same ol' same ol' October 19, 2012 at 8:25 am

When corruption gets to that level, a non-involved force must deal with it. Who can be trusted?
The best those of us with no public standing can hope for is to stay out of the way. You can certainly bet if you get in the way, there will be swift retribution.
I hope there is some level of protection for the news outlets that would take on a story of this nature. These things can be quite health limiting.

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lawmeister October 19, 2012 at 11:24 am

Lets give the DOJ until 12/21/2012 to do their job. The evidence has been submitted by several parties in the last nine months so there is no reason for indictments/warrants not to be executed. If not then lets consider ourselves on our own and rid our community of this scurge. We must retain our faith in justice or we are no better than these criminals. WE MUST FIRST VOTE THEM OUT IN NOVEMBER.

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TruthBeTold December 15, 2012 at 11:48 pm

Um, Jimmy. Who the hell in their right mind would trust any of them? Since when has it not been common knowledge that any portion of government,”law enforcement” and the judiciary are corrupt. It’s been that way for 5000 years and with the “Godly” and “honorable” USA as the nastiest.They don’t call us “The Great Satan” for no reason.

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you know who October 19, 2012 at 12:40 am

Jimmy may be the subject of a 2cd movie.

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Thomas October 19, 2012 at 7:53 am

Let us get a few facts straight, shall we?

Lanny Gunter I opened RAH RAH SALES, INC. at 1821 Lake Murray Blvd Irmo, SC 29063 in 1981 according to Dunn and Bradstreet.

http://www.dandb.com/businessdirectory/rahrahsalesinc-irmo-sc-14112010.html

Lanny Ray Gunter II is son of Lanny R Gunter I.

Lanny R Gunter I is SR
Lanny Ray Gunter II is JR

more later

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hmmm October 19, 2012 at 10:24 am

What’s your point? Who has gotten the two mixed up?

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Ken The PI October 19, 2012 at 10:41 am

And his father was the biggest bookie in the state before him.
Wonder if he is gonna squeal on Jakie too???

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Thomas October 19, 2012 at 1:10 pm

Thanks PI, I was wondering how a 42yo with 60ish accomplices can corner the market. Lots of experience there in the last 20 years. Naw, looks like he was taught the trade? The apple does not fall far from the tree?

Assets—it is all about asset forfeiture to the US Marshals.

How can you be a crime boss and not forfeit assets from illegal profits from an illegal gambling enterprise? When does the RICO statutes kick in?

Cell phones, cars, homes, art work, boats, business all should be confiscated by the US Marshals.

What are we looking at here…a plea deal for a few names, a 100k fine and NO assets forfeited? What a deal!

How in the modern world can these people walk away with 10’s maybe 100’s of thousands of illegal profits and not forfeit ANY property or businesses gained from them?

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Thomas October 19, 2012 at 2:11 pm

Another thing, how do you launder the illegal profits from an illegal gambling enterprise?

Are we to think that you just walk up to BBT and deposit cash proceeds from illegal gambling? What business did he launder the money from? How much money are we talking here? Over the years, one million dollars?

How does this compare to the allegedly reported one time brown paper bag collected by a Lexington County Deputy with 50,000.00 in cash collected from various amusement companies and hand delivered to Sheriff Metts?

https://www.fitsnews.com/2012/09/03/sources-metts-failed-to-report-cash-contributions/

How does this compare to Sheriff Metts returning campaign contributions from EAST COAST VENDING DISTRIBUTORS INC 441 BURTON ROAD, LEXINGTON, SC 29072 Owned by BRETT BLANKS

when we see Sen John Knotts accepting 1000.00 from East Coast Vending owned by the same Mr. Blanks, one of the companies implicated in the illegal gambling enterprise in Lexington County?

East Coast Vending Dist. 03/19/2012 1,000.00

http://apps.sc.gov/PublicReporting/Contributions/Candidate/CandidateFinalResults.aspx

http://apps.sc.gov/PublicReporting/Contributions/Candidate/SearchCandidate.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Where did the money go to? Property, cars, jewelry, sports bars, small businesses? How was the money laundered?

Lexington County citizens without public standing deserve to know!

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The Dude in the Next Cell October 19, 2012 at 9:21 am

Hey Jimmy! You gotta purty mouth………

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lawmeister October 19, 2012 at 10:42 am

The placement of Randy Martin in the Lexington county coroner’s office was a move by Joe Owens and Jakie Knotts to have someone there to cover up such incidences. looks like he wasn’t quite thorough enough. Martin was fired from the west columbia pd for having a poor character for truthfullness. Sled later confirmed this in an adminstrative law decision and yet he is allowed to be the chief deputy coroner for Lexington county. THIS IS HOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Martin runs this office due to the fact Harry is unable to conduct investigations in any capacity. It is sure strange how many of the “rings” players have ties with the West Columbia pd from the eighties.

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NC Cock October 19, 2012 at 11:31 pm

This explains a lot……what’s Frank Barron up to? This is the big “I told you so.” Heard somewhere that Martin and Harmon certified suicides as accidental deaths so beneficiaries could get insurance money they then split with Martin and coroner cronies. Grand Jury should put Barron under oath and root out all the corruption and Lexington Ring ties in the coroners office. Randy Martin already found in legal proceeding to have no credibility so why is he at coroners office? Lawmeister seems to have the answer.

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Pelion Peanut October 19, 2012 at 11:35 pm

Crooks Jake Knotts, Timmy James, Danny Frazier and his second wife Cynthia all have west cola ties.

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Rudy October 20, 2012 at 9:15 am

Frank ain’t making this stuff up. I’ve seen some of his evidence. There’s a local old Lexington biz man whose relative committed suicide and coroners office ruled it accidental so survivors could get insurance benefits. I hear frank even has evidence where coroners office declared someone dead who is still alive. If the Ring is trying to hide murder and funnel money thru fictitious people they have succeeded until they got sloppy and Danny got greedy.

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TruthBeTold December 15, 2012 at 11:51 pm

WC from the 80’s?…They’re back. Guess who is running it this time?

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Rastus October 19, 2012 at 11:08 am

The State of America!

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you know who October 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm

According to SC Sec. of State, there must be over 30 companies which show Lanny R Gunter as the registered agent. Huge red flags. Gotta to find a place for all that cash.

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hmmm October 19, 2012 at 3:22 pm

Lanny Gunter has always had and continues to have legitimate businesses. Just because he was involved in sports betting does not mean his other businesses were a front…they weren’t/aren’t. He is a business man and when he has or sees a good business idea, he executes.

You people are making him sound like the Godfather or something. I guess that’s to be expected with the way our media reports stories. Anyone who knows Lanny knows that’s not the case. And anyone who knows Lanny has likely been on the receiving end of his generosity, and I don’t mean just financially. I just think all this disdain is misdirected.

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shock October 19, 2012 at 4:03 pm Reply
Carpe Jugulum October 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm

Write in Frank Barron for Sheriff. He’s a human monkey wrench just waiting to be thrown into the machine.

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lawmeister October 19, 2012 at 6:13 pm

Thats about the only honorable person mentioned on this entire thread!

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Revelation October 20, 2012 at 4:45 am

Wish I had followed friends advice and voted for Frank. Maybe when Metts is indicted Haley will appoint Frank to clean up the place. He’d probably do a decent job. People seem to think it will be Tim James but can’t imagine that after trashing Haley inside and outside LMC and his connections to Knotts and Frazier.

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Buds Wiser October 19, 2012 at 6:11 pm

If I didn’t know better, I’d think that this script was written by Kurt Sutter, Executive Producer of the Sons of Anarchy and The Shield. Real life is stranger than fiction, or so it seems. Stay tuned for the next episode of “As The Ring Turns”.

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Gonzolo October 20, 2012 at 9:47 am

Randy Martin one nasty ugly dude. Wouldn’t surprise me he’s involved with this shit. He even looks like Danny. Rumor is that if you want something fixed in Coroners office Randy will do it for a price. Same as Danny. Face it, if you stand to lose a few mil in insurance and Randy can call it accidental why not cut him in for half. You get half a mil or nothing. Even dumb rednecks can figure this out. Barron knows their dirt. It’s why they were so afraid of him getting elected and exposing this corruption. Hell, one of Franks old girlfriends was a ho of Knotts whose husband mysteriously died and Barron knows the sordid details of theft and other exploitation of this woman. Hope the grand jury is adding Barron to their list of folks to get information from. It seems these guys will kill to cover their tracks. Watch out Frank, by talking about the underworld in old Lexington one of the lives you may have to save is your own.

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Carpe Jugulum October 20, 2012 at 9:35 am

Tim James? Somebody hide the glue.

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Tammy October 20, 2012 at 9:55 am

They call him the Gigolo behind his back at LMC. If it moves he’s after it. Not discriminating at all. Guess the hospital is more lucrative than shaking down citizens as Cayce cop.

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Ivy Malone October 20, 2012 at 11:56 am

What does that mean? I don’t understand the glue comment.

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RN Republican October 21, 2012 at 11:09 am

You let the cat out of the bag! James is the laughingstock of the LMC staff who do indeed call him The Gigolo. He has no credibility with the LMC staff who think of him as nothing more than a political hack of Biedigers (and since I’ve been there 9 years I know) who does nothing but take credit for work of others and suck money out of grieving families. Thinks he’s hot with the tight pants appearance which is unbecoming for a hospital. Someday people will wise up that all he does is troll for nurses to bed and donors to fuck. Biediger is so lost he has no idea what’s going on in the place but what qualifications does an ex cop and SLED guy have running a hospital foundation except if he is a crony of Biedigers to use his law enforcement influence to cover up dirty deeds at LMC or by it’s people. One day LMC needs to be investigated for the shady stuff that happens there that the staff can’t report on for fear of retribution.

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LPN October 21, 2012 at 2:24 pm

LMC makes a big deal out of ethics and reporting. If we do report we get reprimanded, transferred, demoted or harassed. Certification is everything. The LMC and Foundation boards are carefully selected to keep information in and punish and coverup everything negative. If you want to reduce health care costs just ask nurses about all the waste and lavish spending by LMC. Their spending has no limits since the government will just foot the bill. All this happy horseshit about everybody being happy at LMC is just fabricated since most at LMC know the spending and perks spent at the top and the deplorable stuff that the staff has to deal with. LMC wastes more money than they let on and want people to think everything all rosy. All these cabal guys cycle in and out of LMC and it’s a convenient meeting place. Want to find more dirt then LMC is a good place to start.

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LPN October 21, 2012 at 2:31 pm

…and yes, RN is right…..The Gigolo is one of the LMC staff nicknames for Tim James. Some others can’t be repeated. Beats me why people contribute to LMC Foundation since their (his) overhead is astronomical.

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RetiredRN October 21, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Why don’t you malcontents go to work elsewhere? You would probably be happier at Providence! You idiots don’t have a clue! What bills are paid by the government? I doubt either of you, RN or LPN, work at LMC.

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RN October 21, 2012 at 11:36 pm

I have 9 years of service at LMC. Typical response when we try and bring unscrupulous matters to the attention of administrators–accuse us of being malcontents or threaten us with termination. Don’t know when you retired but it’s different now. If YOU worked for LMC you would be familiar with the rates and reimbursements schedules. federal government pays a considerable portion of expenses as does state and Lexington also chips in. I see another person, LPN, agreed with me. People like you are the problem.

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Tammy October 21, 2012 at 11:44 pm

Pay no attention…..Retired RN is just Timmy James. They’re all out on this site seeing if their secrets and lies are being exposed.

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RetiredRN October 22, 2012 at 6:46 am

No, I’m not Timmy. But since neither of you are identified, on this site, I will not be. 9 years of “service” to LMC is a pathetic statement! GO TO WORK SOMEWHERE, WHERE YOU WILL BE HAPPY!!! The Feds reimburse for PATIENT CARE!!! The hospital gets nothing from Lexington County! Where in the hell did you get your misinformation? “Unscrupulous matters”, seriously? You must be a damn whore to work somewhere that you feel is so unsavory!
So VERY glad you are in the SLIM minority at LMC!!! Most of the staff is very happy to be at such a fine institution. If you don’t believe me, ask the people at Richland or better yet, the agency staff at that shit-hole on Forest Drive!
Yeah, I’m the problem alright! That’s why nurses and patients from “across the river” are coming over to LMC, IN DROVES!

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Pelion Peanut October 22, 2012 at 9:21 pm

You’re an annoying asshole. You make their case that LMC is maybe not what the spinmeisters and public relations people at LMC want you to think.

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RetiredRN October 23, 2012 at 6:59 am

GO TO WORK SOMEWHERE ELSE IF YOU THINK LMC IS SO AWFUL!!! Oh, but maybe you all have! Maybe you are all just a bunch of disgruntled ex-employees. Couldn’t measure-up to LMC’s high standards and got your worthless asses FIRED! Either way, good riddance!

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Soft Sigh from Hell October 20, 2012 at 9:51 am

I notice on the WIS site that Metts is at least pretending that SLED is investigating Danny Boy.

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Carolyn R. October 20, 2012 at 10:01 am

He should know from grand jury testimony.

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Soft Sigh from Hell October 20, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Lord, I’ll bet they hate WIS and Fits.

Beautiful fall weather, the fair, football, soon the leaf colors, their normally easy elections, then the holidays that are coming . . . and a great big reeking albatross is hung around their necks. And so many are rejoicing at the sight of it–at long last–and won’t stop gloating and talking about it and pointing to it. An albatross about the neck is even better than a chicken come home to roost.

Lord, I’ll bet they hate Danny now too.

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Arigato October 20, 2012 at 7:26 pm

The landscape is going to look a lot different this time next year. Will either be total chaos with lawsuits, lawyers and chaos in our government, or we will see a lot of fresh air and swift movement past all this. While I hope for the latter the former is probably what we will see. Looks like Katrina is in one way or another. To earlier posters, Barron would be a good choice for interim sheriff, coroner, or other office that becomes open. He’s an annoying guy but diligent and wanting to serve. Metts should just resign and go away. I hope county council will rename all the stuff that is named after him and Jake Knotts. This should be a lesson that public places shouldn’t be named after people until they areceither deceased or out of office several years. How ironic the James R Metts Law Enforcement Center is named after a guy who thwarts the law and covers for crooks. And maybe Jake will go jump off his bridge.

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Chapin Buzz October 20, 2012 at 7:33 pm

Jump Jake Jump!! He, Frazier and Metts gonna need some preparation H after Bubba and the gang get their asses in the pen. That’s the real justice. Fuck with us and you’ll get fucked in the end. Literally. Can’t wait to see all these guys in orange jumpsuits and cuffs.

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shifty henry October 20, 2012 at 8:36 pm

….. perp walk?

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you know who October 20, 2012 at 11:05 pm

Would that be like the 90 degree walk. Sure wouldn’t want to be a law-maker going to prison.

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Haleysux October 21, 2012 at 9:22 am

This practice of naming public property after elected officials must stop. Especially while they are still serving. There are police officers who perished in the line of duty who gave more to law enforcement than crook Jimmy Metts and they name the law enforcement complex after him. Maybe they can name just the jail after him since hopefully he will be spending a lot of time there. They can put the plaque on the door of his cell. The Jimmy Metts Landing, Jake Knotts Bridge, Johnny Jeffcoat Walkway, John Hardee Expressway are all examples of unashamed, disgraceful self promotion by greedy self serving officials sticking their names on things the taxpayers paid for. Disgusting.

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Sail Club Sam October 21, 2012 at 9:28 am

What was fallout from the grand jury testimony last two weeks?

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Thomas October 21, 2012 at 9:30 am

What is Sheriff Metts is indicted?

SECTION 23-11-40. Vacancies in office.

(A) If any vacancy occurs in the office of sheriff in any county of this State less than one year prior to the next general election for county sheriffs, the Governor may appoint some suitable person who must be an elector of the county and who, upon qualifying, according to law, is entitled to enter upon and hold the office until a sheriff is elected and qualifies in the election and is subject to all the duties and liabilities incident to the officer during the term of his service in the office.

(B) If any vacancy occurs in the office more than one year prior to the next general election for county sheriffs, the Governor shall appoint some suitable person as provided in subsection (A) until a special election is held to elect a sheriff to hold the office until a sheriff is elected and qualifies in the next general election for county sheriffs.

(C) If any vacancy occurs in the office at any time and is created by suspension by the Governor upon any sheriff’s indictment, the Governor shall appoint some suitable person, as provided for in subsection (A), to hold the office until the suspended sheriff is acquitted, or the indictment is otherwise disposed of, or until a sheriff is elected and qualifies in the next general election for county sheriffs, whichever event occurs first.

(D) The chief deputy or second-in-command of the sheriff’s office shall act as sheriff until the vacancy is filled, except in the case when a vacancy occurs as a result of an indictment, where the vacancy will be filled as provided in Section 23-11-50. While acting as sheriff, the chief deputy or second-in-command is subject to the duties and liabilities incident to the office of sheriff.

SECTION 23-11-50. Coroner shall act as sheriff during vacancy.

The coroner, during the continuance of any such vacancy occurring as a result of the indictment of the sheriff and until the office is filled by appointment or election, shall assume the office, discharge its duties, incur its liabilities and be entitled to its fees and emoluments. He shall, for such purpose, take charge of the books and papers of the office and occupy the apartment allowed to the sheriff for transacting the business of his office.

SECTION 23-11-110. Qualifications.

(A) All sheriffs in this State must have the following qualifications:

(1) be a citizen of the United States;

(2) be a resident of the county in which he seeks the office of sheriff for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the election for sheriff;

(3) be a registered voter;

(4) have attained the age of at least twenty-one years prior to the date of his qualifying for election to the office;

(5) have:

(a) obtained a high school diploma, its recognized equivalent in educational training as established by the State Department of Education, and have at least five years experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or

(b) obtained a two-year associate degree and three years experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or

(c) obtained a four-year baccalaureate degree and one years experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or

(d) served as a summary court judge for at least ten years.

For purposes of this section, a “certified law enforcement officer” is a person who has been issued a certificate as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Section 23-23-10.

(6) have not been convicted of or pled guilty to a violation of Section 56-1-460 or 56-5-2930, or both, within the past ten years or a felony in this State or another state; and

(7) be fingerprinted and have the State Law Enforcement Division make a search of local, state, and federal fingerprint files for any criminal record. Fingerprints are to be taken under the direction of any law enforcement agency and must be made available to SLED no later than one hundred thirty days prior to the general election. The results of the records search are to be filed with the county executive committee of the person’s political party. A person seeking nomination by petition must file the records search with the county election commission in the county of his residence.

(B)(1) A person offering his candidacy for the office of sheriff, shall file a sworn affidavit, no later than the close of filing, with the county executive committee of the person’s political party. The county executive committee of any political party with whom a person has filed his affidavit must file a copy of the affidavit with the appropriate county election commission by noon on the tenth day following the deadline for filing affidavits by candidates. If the tenth day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, the affidavits must be filed by noon the following day. A person seeking nomination by petition must file a sworn affidavit with the county election commission in the county of his residence.

(2) The affidavit must contain the following information:

(a) the date and place of the person’s birth;

(b) the date the person graduated from high school or the date the person obtained the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma;

(c) the date the person received any associate or baccalaureate degrees when applicable;

(d) the number of years’ experience the person has had as a certified law enforcement officer when applicable;

(e) the number of years the person has served as a summary court judge when applicable; and

(f) an affirmation that the person meets all of the qualification requirements of subsection (A).

(C) Every newly-elected sheriff in his first term is required to complete a training session to be determined pursuant to Chapter 23, Title 23 to be conducted by the Criminal Justice Academy or an otherwise approved academy or as may be selected by the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. This training must be completed during the first calendar year of the first term of the newly-elected sheriff’s term of office. A newly-elected sheriff who is unable to attend this training course when offered because of emergency or extenuating circumstances, within one year from the date the disability or cause terminates, shall complete the standard basic course of instruction required of newly-elected sheriffs. A newly-elected sheriff who does not fulfill the obligations of this subsection is subject to suspension by the Governor until the sheriff completes the course of instruction.

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Yikes! October 21, 2012 at 10:23 am

OMG….does this mean old Harry Harman is sheriff if Metts is indicted?? no disrespect to the honorable Harry but he is way too old to serve as coroner AND Sheriff and that would mean Randy Martin and the shady characters that exert undue influence over Harry due to his ongoing medical issues and advanced age are going to have even more power to engage and further their corrupt activities. Oh my…maybe Metts isn’t so bad after all and we need to be careful for what we wish for.

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Tammy October 21, 2012 at 10:27 am

Harry Harmon as sheriff?? He’s a nice decent guy but clearly not able tackle that beast.

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Thomas October 21, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Harmon will be Sheriff until Gov appoints a new Sheriff. Now, if Romney wins and asks Haley to be a cabinet member, then McConnell will be Gov and he will appoint a new Sheriff. The investigators all new this last March when Lucas provided his testimony and tape recordings of Frazier.

Regardless, any Sheriff must meet the qualifications to be an effective appointment.

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Raspy October 21, 2012 at 7:28 pm

Didja ever notice how funny it is that the landing named after Jimmy Metts is a hangout and meeting spot for male homos? I wonder if Jimmy, Jake, Danny, and the boys meet there for a circle jerk sometimes.

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Janet October 21, 2012 at 10:41 am

Agree Harry Harman is honorable man who has served with distinction as coroner….unless the allegations surrounding the bad apples in his office turn out to be true…but having this guy as sheriff would finally kill the old man off. Anything that gives Harman’s dirty assistant(s) Martin and Caughman more influence is just insane and someone has to have a serious talk with Haley before she stumbles into this mess. Problem with Lexington is that it is corrupt from top to bottom and taking out the top ringleaders doesn’t mean the problem’s solved. These old Lexington families and Cayce/West Columbia goons have quietly taken over the establishment, elected their friends and cohorts to offices to keep an eye on things, appointed their allies, and created a corrupt cabal that is not limited just to video poker but shake downs and influence peddling of massive proportions. Having Harman and the dirty goons at coroners office running the Sheriffs department is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

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Aardvark October 21, 2012 at 10:51 am

Wish I had now voted for Frank Baron. Live and learn.
Randy Martin and S Caughman having more influence is a big FU to Lexington if Metts indicted. Answer is hopefully the Feds or SLED will weed out the known for too long corruption in the coroners office as part of Operation Lost Lexington! Harman needs to do the right thing and jettison those crooks who will tarnish his legacy before it’s too late.

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Rascalism October 21, 2012 at 2:04 pm

Anybody keeping a list of all the potential or actual crooks? Or better yet, who’s left? Let’s not forget ALL on Lexington town council who were all close to Danny. Now that Danny’s returned to council will be fight with McDougal to rule the lucrative catering biz. Mark my word, the next town event where there’s food McDougal will be there. And don’t think there isn’t something in it for him and his bastard BBQ bosses who hide behind the scenes lying and scheming.

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Thomas October 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm

If sic would allow us to post embed videos and upload images and charts, maybe we could get a perp chart and flowline up here just like they do…need to upgrade the options on posting here

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lawmeister October 21, 2012 at 10:41 am

Exactly!!! That’s what Randy Martin is waiting on but he will be included in the indictments as well. Metts is a criminal and shall be dealt with appropriately.

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Jay October 21, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Hope you are right about Martin. Caughman is another one who has politicized the office for personal gain. We all know who he is a PAWN for. With all the grand juries, SLED investigations, if we have credible information on wrongdoing who can we go to that we can trust? Who exactly is behind the grand jury? Alan Wilson? FBI? Is there a tip line?

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Reizarf Elohssa October 21, 2012 at 2:10 pm

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. Read the main article. These people eat their own.

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Soft Sigh from Hell October 21, 2012 at 3:20 pm

Has anyone seen “Braggin’ Big Shot” Danny out drinking with any of the others since the tape came out? Is he now a complete outcast or is he still one of the now-beleagured gang, with “gang” being pretty much the correct term?

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Thomas October 21, 2012 at 6:20 pm

They are nothing less than racketeers running an illegal gambling enterprise. They appoint Magistrate, influence them extort them, use county vehicles and deputies for cash pick ups and wild sex parties, insert language in state house bills, block legislation that does not suit their criminal activities, on and on and on.

They need to be indicted under the RICO Statutes and serve federal time for their criminal activity.

BTW, anyone who lost money on the gambling devices can sue the perps in a civil lawsuit under RICO and get their money back!

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Terry October 21, 2012 at 8:05 pm

IS CABAL TIED TO ASCOT SLAYINGS, SPORTS BETTING EMPIRE?

Answer: yes.

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lewis October 22, 2012 at 11:13 am

Amazing

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Jean Ht October 22, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Being a LPN then RN for 26 years I’ve never heard a professional refer to another as a whore or with such vitriol as Retired RN which leads me to believe Retired RN is not a nurse at all. Nurses are professionals who often work under difficult conditions, dictatorial staff and with limited equipment and inadequate supplies. LMC is not perfect and all hospitals I have worked in have issues. Patient care is always first priority and it is at LMC. That is unquestioned. However, what RN Republican and LPN says is generally true at LMC. However, it is a great place for patient care even if the management is aloof and spending is out of control at times especially by the Foundation.

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RetiredRN October 23, 2012 at 6:52 am

I, indeed am an RN, Jean Ht!! Therefore, you should agree that when miserable staff can do nothing but complain about THE BEST HOSPITAL IN THE STATE, they need to change jobs, if not they must be WHORES! Besides, who gives a shit what people say they are on the anonymous blog! The point is, BE SPECIFIC! They just spew generalizations about management and they DO NOT have any basis! “Out of control spending”, what the hell are any of you morons talking about? Saying that Timmy just trolls for nurses is just bullshit! RN Republican, RN and LPN are just pissed because Timmy wouldn’t give their fat, ugly asses, the time of day!

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Lead Pipe October 24, 2012 at 3:54 am

I llllove trolls. You’re a good one, retired assbag.

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RetiredRN October 24, 2012 at 9:48 am

You are the loser that’s writing on this disgusting blog at 3:54 IN THE MORNING!

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Wondering October 31, 2012 at 11:13 am

I just want to know who the two ho’s are that Brett Parker was banging.

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LEX SC December 28, 2012 at 11:41 pm

did miles kill kay?

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