Justice Court Election - who decides? Voters or MBI?

We are aware of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation report concerning potential voter fraud in the Justice Court election (southern district).  We appreciate the investigation that has taken place.  However, the citizens of Tunica County and the State of Mississippi should be outraged by this investigative report.  Here are the primary issues that we believe should raise serious concern:

First, criminal investigations should be confidential until a formal charge has been made.  There are some exceptions to this, but how often do you see investigative reports released when no arrest or charges have been made.  This leads us to question the intent and integrity of the report.  As reported, the first page of the investigative report states that no suspect has been arrested or charged – AND that the matter is “Pending Completion of investigation and Attorney General Office’s review.”  An incomplete investigative report with no charges and no arrest which the Attorney General’s office has not reviewed is being released to the public?  Sounds like politics to us.  Very dangerous politics.

Second & MUCH more important:  In the report, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (the police agency of the State of Mississippi) recommends that one candidate be “REMOVED” from the ballot and that another candidate be “added” to the ballot.  In a democracy, should the police be telling us who can be on the ballot and who can NOT be on the ballot?  If the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation decides who can be on the ballot and who cannot be on the ballot, we do not need a court system.  The Court system ultimately decides election issues and makes the determination of who can run for office – not the police.  The Court ruled in this case.  As the proper procedure was not followed, the appeal is over and the court order is final. 

Third & AS important:  In the report, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has independently determined that Judge Lackey’s order is illegal.  Also, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has determined that Judge Lackey’s order had “no lawful standing.”  If the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation can decide this, then why does the State of Mississippi spend money on a Supreme Court?  Again, these are issues for the court system – NOT the police.  Sheriff Hamp has never issued reports about who can be on the ballot.   Sheriff Hamp understands the role he is obligated to fulfill and he understands the role of the Court system.  Maybe Sheriff Hamp could give some pointers to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

The police do not need to decide who can run for office and who can NOT run for office.  The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation needs to stick to the task at hand and keep its personal commentary about the election to itself.  If you would like to live where the police decide who can run for office – we recommend moving to Russia.

It looks more like incompetent election officials.  The Democratic Executive Committee would have the public believe that they did not hire Mr. Willie Griffin as their attorney.  Were they not in the courtroom the day Mr. Griffin was there along with Judge Lackey and a host of Tunica County citizens?  Or, did Willie Griffin just happen to wander in the Courtroom, hide under the table, sneak up and sign the order along with Mr. Graves and Judge Lackey and then sneak out?  Has the Democratic Executive Committee or the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation filed charges against Mr. Griffin?  What does the American Bar Association think of this?

We request that everyone call the Public Integrity Division of the Attorney General’s office to request an investigation into the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation trying to decide elections in Tunica County.  The voters – not the police - get to decide elections.