Grassroots Guardians of Truth

A series of nine articles accounting for an experience with the Sumter County Judicial system.

NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING ONE - PUBLIC DEFENDER/ DISTRICT ATTORNEY
This will be the first of nine articles that will detail an account of nine different agencies of the Judicial System in Sumter County. Since the appointed, elected, hired officials in Americus, Sumter County, GA treat people as though their life is nothing more than a game, then we will in turn organize the exposure of those individuals as just such. Just as in baseball, each player will have a turn. Today we’ll start with the DA, former Public Defender.
After an arrest in Sumter County or the City of Americus or within the Jurisdiction thereof, you will have to appear at a court hearing. The DA and the Public Defender will work together in order to dispose of the case without a trial by jury or bench hearing. In doing so you will be asked to plea guilty, nolo contendere, or first offender. Please be aware of what you are pleading to as each one of these pleas carry different repercussions’.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, make sure that you sign the page with the charge that you are pleading to listed, not just the signature page. That way the DA/ Public Defender/ Probation or Parole Officer/ etc. can’t later switch your documents with a greater charge. “That’s Illegal” you say. No kidding, but it happens more often than you would think. Also, always get a certified copy for yourself.
You want to think that when you are appointed an attorney or even hire an attorney, especially local attorneys, that they have your best interest at hand. This is not always the case. If you do not look out for your best interest, then you can pretty well bet that no one is looking. Once a mistake, whether intentional or accidental, is made… you will not easily get it corrected. It could take years and thousands upon thousands of dollars to fix. It could literally affect you for the rest of your life.
Files can be lost and later found with documentation that you don’t even remember seeing, much less signing. This is exactly the case with one man’s file. A few days before he was released from Parole after serving 4 ½ years incarcerated, he was notified that they found a missing file. He was placed back on Parole for 5 more years. According to the Clerk of Court in Schley County, Chris Hall, the former probation officer found the file. However, Chris Hall denied having anything to with finding the file. He stated something to the effect “at that time he was on Parole so that would have been them…not me.” It seems to me that people do not lie when they have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. There is no account for where, how, or why they file was obtained. No affidavit of Custodian (chain of custody in which the file traveled), it seems to have magically appeared. The file is a mess. It’s covered in white out and signatures seem to be forged or switched with the original document, as he did plea guilty… but to a lesser charge. He has spent many years pondering how this could happen. After approximately3 years, several hundred hours and thousands of dollars… he knows exactly how it happened. He trusted that the people in power were doing their job and doing it correctly. He was wrong. When playing the game of “Lets count the mistakes” there comes a point when you look at it and say “Ok… I’m getting bored, I’ve found enough.. It’s time to fix it.”
Keep in mind, whatever is charged against you, If you are innocent.. Do Not Plead Guilty. There is a difference between committing a crime and committing a moral mistake. They will try to persuade you to accept a guilty plea in one fashion or the other. Even a First Offender will show on your record with all of the agencies and some employers even after you have successfully completed the requirements.
The County Commissioner is the fiduciary for the Public Defenders’ Office and the District Attorney. They are all drinking from the same trough. There comes a time when citizens alike are affected by terrible things happening around us. When the Public Defenders and District Attorneys begin cattle calling, it can’t be blamed on the court or the judge. We have some accountability too. When situations and circumstances arise, such as a criminal conviction, we need to be educated. Unfortunately, you’ll never consider knowing the facts until you are directly involved. The citizens don’t have a law degree… that’s why they require an attorney. People are being deprived of their constitutional rights by the very people placed in a position to protect them.
Not all attorneys are this way. But it is apparent that some are. Some attorneys actually advocate for their client and justice alike. A few might get trapped between having too much to be appointed an attorney and having too little to acquire one. This is a vulnerable position to be in. Good judges won’t likely let you proceed in this manner unless you just absolutely demand it. When they insist that you have an attorney, they are ethically attempting to help you preserve the record for the following events such as an appeal. The judges expect the public defenders and the DA’s to act in the best interest of society. That is, of course, their job and duty.
Beware Citizens…Corruption is among us. Our society as we know it in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit is falling. People are being victimized by the system. This is not about Republicans vs. Democrats or Black vs. White. It’s time that we stand, all together, and demand change in policies and legislation. There are people striving to better the world that we will leave to our children and our grandchildren. Look how bad it has become in a period of 30 years or so. Imagine, if these things are not addressed what will be in another 30 years. STAND UP! RAISE YOUR VOICES.
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING TWO - PROBATION/ PARDONS AND PAROLE
Written By: Jana Underwood
We’re going to continue exposing the truth one inning at the time. The failed system has become an enemy that does justice for no one. The people behind it should be made aware that we know what underhanded task they carry out.
I previously mentioned Probation Officer Chris Hall in inning one. He is a Probation Officer/ Magician that can make paperwork magically appear. Meanwhile, Former Chief Parole Officer of the Americus Parole Office, Jody Dillard, has to be one of the most corrupt people that I have come into contact with. My reason for saying this isn’t reflective of his actions alone, but a devilish grin he gave after what he viewed as an accomplishment. He enjoyed seeing someone incarcerated with a foundation made only of lies and corrupt individuals at play. What’s really in it for them? The authority granted to these types of individuals opens a flood gate for evil.
Parole Officer Chris Slocumb stated to me “I don’t know the difference between an Indictment and an accusation. I’m not a lawyer or anything like that.” However as I’m typing this article I am listening to a Parole Revocation Hearing. A hearing in which Chris Slocumb seems to know the difference very well. The hearing included testimony from Sgt. Christopher Janovsky, of the Americus Police Department, who brutality attacked the man at his own home. He perjured himself for approximately 20 minutes. The officer instinctually lies to cover up the horrible violation that he committed against the individual by breaking his arm after tasing him several
times (supported by video/ audio/ documentation/ etc). The Parole Board member Terry Barnard who was conducting the Parole Revocation Hearing stated “I don’t have to see the video, I have the testimony of the officer.” Well….That’s one for the bad guys! But the game is far from over.
The Parole office, DA, and courts are allowing perjury to occur hearing after hearing. They depend on one another to make sure that they get their moment of accomplishment. Or is there more? They’re all constantly pointing fingers at each other. They seem to be having a competition of “Pass The Buck”! Funny…I never heard that phase until I moved to Sumter County. I’m beginning to wonder if they take an Anti-Ethics course? Where do they all learn to lie so well.
I’ve talked with several individuals that claim they have been brutalized by the police. People need to see the entire scope of what is occurring. Their first encounter is with the police. On so many occasions, the individual is hospitalized. The physical hit that these people take is nothing in comparison of the mental anguish that they have left to endure. The entire system is working together against us.
There’s a slight problem in their strategy. There is proof of their wrongdoings. It is changing the face of our community. When enough wrong has been done, people of all kinds stand together and support one another against the threat that they are placing on society with their corrupt behavior. If you don’t recognize their strategy let me clarify. The job of a probation or parole officer is to support re-entry into society after someone has been incarcerated. They are supposed to prevent recidivism. They are simply not doing their jobs. Instead, they are assisting one another to re-incarcerate an individual. The crimes that are being committed by the officials and employees against our Community are punishable by law. Contact us to share your story by email at grassroots-got @ outlook.com
This is how tight the cuffs were placed on this individual after his arm was broken.
Sgt. Christopher Janovsky with both a taser and a smile.
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING THREE- SHERIFF DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Written By: Jana Underwood
In our continued effort to expose the appropriate agencies, policies, and employees, thereof, lead us right to the doorsteps of the Sheriff Department and Police Department alike.
Our elected official/ Sheriff, Pete Smith, has a certain obligation to society. If there are criminal acts being committed by anyone, including his officers or officers of the Police Department, he has an obligation to serve his community.
Our Sheriff has a specialized role as court security and jailers for the county jail and Sumter County CI (Correctional Institution), as it is a private county camp that more than likely draws a per diem for every inmate. If I had to bet, they keep it full. The sheriff supervises inmates. Court security sheriffs maintain order in the courtroom during a trial. The Sheriffs perform civil duties, such as serving warrants or civil papers, and testifying during trials. This in the past has been a problem. We’re back to square numero uno. They make a report to read any which way they want. Then they are allowed to proceed into a courtroom and give opinions as if they are expert witnesses and no matter how much of an untruth it is…it makes it on record of the court.
Now that you know the duties of the agency, lets get to the part where it is soiled with corruption. Everyone seems to know Ralph Stewart. In the 4 years that I have conducted research and spoken with the public, I have never once heard one good descent thing about this man.
This is the public consensus/ opinion: Every no good person that should be in jail has Ralph Stewart on speed dial.
He’s botched two major drug bust
He is notified of methamphetamine cooking in a nice residential neighborhood, he does nothing.
These are not my opinions, mine are much worse. Maybe Ralph Stewart has been given too much power. Who is in control of that Department? It becomes a problem when people don’t trust the agencies that are put in place to assist our community and an even bigger problem when you can’t go out into the public and hear something good.
I will, however, say this…I have met many Sheriff officers that I feel are good and descent people. They have a job to do and they try to do it well. Again, I’m sure the bad apples know who they are. Law Enforcement is always a needed arm of government if they are there to protect and serve us. It is when they are too busy protecting their own behinds and serving their own needs to worry about the protection of the community that it becomes a serious problem. And Sumter County and Americus Georgia have a serious problem.
I have recently spoken out on behalf of others regarding police brutality with APD. I have just a couple of statements to make about that. First and foremost, people that seek employment as an officer be required to be physically fit and posses a desire to help other people. Maybe if these two requirements existed the citizens of Americus citizens wouldn’t be getting assaulted by the officers. I don’t think any situation requires someone to be tased by multiple officers multiple times. Tasing someone numerous times could be deadly. With the right conditions present, tasing them once could. You might as well pull out your pistol and shoot them. If its not a situation that requires deadly force then why are Americus PD officers being allowed to tase someone multiple times. It takes four or more hands on officers to detain one surrendered individual. They don’t read you your rights and I can only figure that is because they don’t feel as though you have any rights. This is where they are mistaken.
I don’t know if the new police chief did his research before accepting a position in Americus, GA ,but I sure hope he doesn’t get the pointed finger like the last couple of chiefs. Time will tell if he follows an oath or if he is another pawn in this corrupt little town. He has a huge job ahead of him. Several officers have devastated the publics confidence in the department. I’m sure it was easier lost than it will be to build again.
Please visit our website grassroots-guardiansoftruth.weebly.com or email your comments, questions or concerns to grassroots-got@outlook.com.
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING FOUR- DFCS/ JUVENILE COURT
Written By: Jana Underwood
I was going to save this article for one of the latter innings, but I’m compelled to proceed now due to recent reports of corrupt activity regarding this agency in other counties. There are so many stories that I’ve heard. CONTINUE READING WITH CAUTION.
I have spoken up about police brutality and failures in the system and well...even named some names. The truth of the matter is that we haven't even scratched the surface. You have to wonder when did things get so bad, what led it to this point. Let's begin to travel down a road that no Christian caring and nurturing mother should ever be taken down. Mistakes happen in life. They are taking children that have never been abused
away from mothers. What is really going on? Have they actually put that many laws into effect while no one was paying attention. I can't blame you for not paying attention, its a busy life that we live these days. When you wake at 5 am get 2 kids dressed and safely delivered.. then its off to work, then ballet, dinner, baths, bedtime. By the time you get time to yourself, you're probably not checking out the latest news on DFCS and the Juvenile Court System or any Judicial System. We elect people to appoint others who are going to be responsible and follow the oaths that they are bound to. However, we the people have been blind to what is going on. Each and everyday, there are more cases coming public. This has been going on for years now. The system is out of control. The best defense for citizens is to be knowledgeable. If this gruesome situation called DFCS approaches you or your children, know your rights. January 2012 my entire world changed due to an angry relative. She never doubted that I was a good mother, but she was upset that I remained with someone after a few relationship problems. Her idea was that she could call DFCS and they would scare me and I would leave him. This idea was not hers alone. Although, not given to her in a direct fashion, ignorance is easily played upon. As an ex methamphetamine user and current prescribed adderall addict she can’t be credited with having it all together. Having her make a call wasn’t difficult for the people at play. My story is not the only one to be told. I've met a wonderful couple whose child was taken from the hospital after a simple accident. The child was not taken due to the burn he sustained, but the fact that he was not immunized. Their children are home schooled and not required by law to receive immunizations. But the Juvenile Judge Lisa Jones Rambo ordered the child to be taken from a hospital in Augusta. They were able to get their child back, but the trauma they suffered will forever affect them. I've heard of other cases that have gone before the same judge and the children were left with their mothers... these mothers, however, had arrest records as long as my arm, partied and drugged out on a weekly basis, and kept filthy homes, and the children had truancy issues. But they get to keep their children. I do none of these things! I have photos on the website of this judge vacationing with her best friend, which happens to be my ex-boss' wife. They are the reason that I am in Americus. I worked for him in Thomasville, GA. He notified me that he was purchasing the agency here in Americus, and I agreed to move and help him with his dream. His wife on the other the other hand, not so happy about it. I worked very hard for him, but when I met my husband, he didn't like it. After a while, things didn't seem to be working out, so I quit. I cried all the way home. It hurt me to have to do it, but I didn't deserve the treatment that I was receiving from him and his family. I was once told "If you grab on to a sinking ship, we'll see you go down with it. So during the final months of my employment there, I began to research a case were the individual was given an additional 5 years of Parole out of the blue. The Juvenile Judge Lisa Jones sentenced an adult during a Felony Revocation Hearing without an order from the appointed judge to preside over the case. I hadn’t yet figured out what I needed to but I contacted an attorney and I emailed the information to him on my computer at work. So when I quit... don't you think the best friend of the judge would let her know that someone is looking. Six months later my children were non-reunified with me. DFCS opened a case and within 22 days I was in court without an attorney, my children were not there, but they were also unrepresented. I sat on a stand looking at a crowded courtroom full of attorneys, case workers, and a judge. Of course, at the time I didn't recognize these individuals, so I didn't know who they were that day. I was literally in tears and very confused as to what is expected of me. I had never been to court before and did not have a clue that I would even need an attorney. Judge Lisa Jones only had one question for me “Why
did you quit your job?” It was a CIRCUS… A horrible nightmare full of CLOWNS! I knew I had done my very best and I am a good mother who has always cared for and nurtured my children. What did I have to be afraid of? The devil on the bench and that room of devil's advocates that sat looking upon me. I was a sheep in a room full of wolves. Non-Reunification Non Reunification should only be granted where DFCS can show by clear and convincing evidence that reunification services would be detrimental to the child; NR is NOT a matter of convenience for DFCS not to have to work with a non complying parent. Of course, I seemed non compliant. Have you ever tried to attack a mother bear and her cubs. This is a natural reaction. NR DOES NOT end the child / parent right to visit & for DFCS to facilitate those visits, but the moment court was over DFCS was out. The coordination of completing the lengthy case plan that they set forth was on me. NR is necessary to some relative placement funding Well this makes more sense.... So for the Relative that the child is placed with to receive certain funds the child must be Non Reunified with the mother. Hmmmm! The investigation was held by several DFCS workers... Kristen, Angelique Ludlam, September Wiggins come to mind. Before I go any further, I would like to say. I was somewhat hostile from the beginning. When they arrived at my home, I thought they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. I opened the door with a smile to find out that they were DFCS workers who had received a call. I instructed them to come inside and wait a moment while I retrieved my cell phone and called my aunt. I hit the nail on the head. I knew who contacted them, who else would do such a thing. She is an ex methamphetamine user who will never be the same and she lost her two kids due to her drug abuse and stay in rehab. Needless to say, she's an idiot. Well... the investigation began. I was honest with them, although a little hostile, because when I asked about my rights, I was advised that I really didn't have any. I was told that if I asked them to leave, they would call the cops and they would stay on scene until they interviewed my children. I didn't ask them to leave, but they called the cops anyway. *** KNOW YOUR RIGHTS... THEY (DFCS OR SHERIFF DEPT.) HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE IN YOUR HOME WITHOUT A COURT ORDER. THEY LIE TO YOU TO SCARE YOU. YOU CAN MAKE THEM LEAVE. I was forced to go into a safe house. I stayed one night and realized that I wasn't going to let them force me to traumatize my children, so I left. I didn't know that doing this would mean that I was on the run with my children. I took the girls to my ex husband for a visit while I went to the DFCS office to get things straightened out. I was forced under duress to sign what is called a Safety Plan. It took Kristen, Angelique, and another worker an hour and a half to get me to sign. If you are an educated person, how seriously would you take a white woman who talks like a black girl. I'm not prejudice at all. I have many black friends and they speak proper and professionally. I will script in my best Ebonics what Angelique Ludlum stated to me. " We will take yo children and ya won't know where they be, do you understand me? We will pick them up from yo ex husband and we'll put em in foster care. We can do that!" I was told, "we're not forcing you to sign this, we're not holding a gun to you or anything, but if you don't sign it your children are going into foster care." When I still refused Angelique said “Just go get a protective order”. Since I thought that meant I wouldn’t get any contact with my children, I finally signed this illegal document after an hour and half. I thought this would be in effect for a maximum of 30 days. I didn't know that this was literally signing my children away. In their petition they stated in Black and White that I left my children with no explanation. So in other words, I
abandoned my children with their father. What a lie. But guess what... They’ve got it on paper and that is all that matters. These people might as well have cut my legs out from underneath me and asked me to walk. After doing this to a mother they then expect you to undergo a mental evaluation. Beware: they claimed that Dawn James was an employee of Middle Flint contracted by DFCS. This too was a lie. She was actually a DFCS employee contracted be Middle Flint and is no longer contracted by Middle Flint.
However, I have every conversation that I had with them recorded. Can you say CAUGHT IN THE ACT? I kept better or at very least more accurate records than they have. The facts will come out and I'm sure their criminal acts will be acknowledged by the appropriate people They follow no protocol, guidelines or procedures, in spite of their claims. They simply did whatever they wanted to or maybe it was whatever they were being instructed to do.
I spoke to two women today that have suffered at the hands of these corrupt individuals. They are suffering a stigma that too many are becoming aware of. The problem is the imposed trauma that is created by these Godless people is devastating society one family at a time. People are being targeted in Sumter County. I have fought for three years and can’t even get a reasonable visitation schedule with my two daughters. Judge Lisa Jones Rambo has made her point. She doesn’t intend to even acknowledge the facts. She has been too busy trying to destroy me in an effort to keep me weak so that I couldn’t pursue her original wrong doing. For the record…. It didn’t work. I have been strengthened by the grace of God. I have endured every oppression that has been imposed upon me and I will continue to do my very best in all aspects of my life. Just as I did before they ever heard my name. I didn’t get this far by being weak and fearful. I have followed rules that were placed upon me just to break me. Unfortunately, my children have to suffer this too and for that I will fight to the very end.
Stay tuned…there are several agencies that will be covered from this point forward. The facts will come out and this includes all that Judge Lisa Coogle Jones Rambo has done to so many. Let’s not forget James Hurt the Attorney that works on behalf of DFCS. They do things as they want to do them. It doesn’t have to be by law, it doesn’t have to be based on fact, and can be nothing more than a lie, but that will end soon enough. DFCS is an agency that the Judge and the attorney’s use as a tool. This is a well oiled machine that is growing in power daily. A child was recently taken from her parents in Texas due to the parents smoking marijuana at night after the child was in bed. The child was placed in a foster home where the Foster Father stated on the application that he was a recovering crack addict. That child is deceased. Does this make sense to you? They have relied on the stigma to keep people silenced. Due to the calls that I’ve received recently, this isn’t working for them any longer. People are not taking it laying down. Know your rights. Know the rights of your children. If you do this alone, they are at a disadvantage. Simply because they rely on our lack of knowledge to continue their tyranny.
Feel free to contact us at grassroots-got @ outlook.com and visit our website at
grassroots-guardiansoftruth.weebly.com
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING FIVE- LAWYERS
Written By: Jana Underwood
The last inning described a situation in which you appear in the Juvenile Court System unrepresented by an attorney and the judge proceeds in just that way. With the juvenile system the laws have recently been amended to ensure that children cannot proceed unrepresented. However, it was recognized as best practice not to let a parent or child proceed without representation years ago. I’ve contacted other jurisdictions and spoken with appointed attorneys and court representatives who stated that in their jurisdiction no one is allowed to proceed without representation. Keep in mind our jurisdiction includes
Lee, Macon, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, and Webster Counties.
Before I proceed, I would like to notify everyone of an excerpt that I found in the Model Courts Project 2002- 2003 Annual Report. Judge Alicia “Lisa” Coogle Jones Rambo attended the conference in St. Simons in 2003. Quote “An Opportunity For
excellence through court improvement in policy, procedure and management”
(full report available @ http://www.georgiacourts.org/councils/cjcj/2003%20MCP%20Annual%20Report.pdfStakeholders )
Stakeholders consist of representatives from the following agencies/departments: DFACS, SAAGS, GALs, CASAs, Judicial Citizen Panel Review, mediation, mental health, law enforcement, court staff, and others as needed.
This would include Court Appointed and Hired Attorneys as stakeholders. For those of you who don’t know the exact definition of a stakeholder, here goes..
stakeholder
noun
1. the holder of the stakes of a wager.
2. a person or group that has an investment, share, or interest in something, as a business or industry.
3. Law. a person holding money or property to which two or more persons make rival claims.
What I find peculiar about this is the children and family are not recognized as the GREATEST STAKEHOLDER. It is after all affecting the children and family more so than anyone. I wonder how many tears fell from the face of Judge Lisa Jones, the DFCS workers, the SAAG James Hurt, the mental health evaluator, and the law enforcement involved. This is a money game to them as they are clearly defined as the stakeholders and our children as their jackpot. Ante up!
We’ll get to the other agencies such as CASA and SAAG in a later inning, but lets address the attorneys. Through these articles you’ll see how a business has been derived from tearing apart families and “legally” kidnapping children.
I think its time to reveal what I know about the people up to bat, and from there you will more than likely come to the same conclusion that I have. I’ll let you make that determination on your own. Local Attorneys Patrick and Kathleen Calcutt, Tim Lewis and partner Executive Director of Sowega CASA Brad Ray, and Lisa Coogle Jones Rambo attended Florida State University. At some point their paths had to cross, because I can’t imagine why all former Florida residents Patrick, Kathleen, Tim, and Brad would want to move to Americus, GA. Something else that should be known, Kathleen Calcutt owns AmericanKidz Adoption Agency. This agency has two branches, one in St. Petersburg, FL and the other right here in Americus, GA. Patrick Calcutt is still to the best of my knowledge, a Juvenile Court Appointed Attorney. I haven’t spoken with one person who he has prevailed for. Everyone that I’ve spoken with said they end up with a long lengthy process and still do not have their children. I believe Tim Lewis is or was another appointed attorney for the Juvenile Court System. I say this because he and Patrick were sitting to my left against the wall the day that I lost my girls in a Lee County Courtroom. This looks to be a conflict of Interest.
Let’s look at a scenario. Patrick Calcutt assigned as attorney presents a case in court. Of course, he loses. The children are placed into the system and later adopted. Are they being adopted through the AmericanKidz Adoption Agency in Florida or Georgia? If so, then he has not gained once, but twice. An the poor parent has essentially had her children “legally” kidnapped. But why would Patrick worry. The parent is too stupid to figure it out or to tired from fighting for several years and financially exhausted to do anything about it.
Another Scenario, Tim Lewis is assigned a case and presents it in court. Again, only to lose. His Partner Brad Ray then is assigned the child with CASA. Funds flow into Brads Agency for that child. Or the child has already been assigned to CASA. Are we supposed to assume that pillow talk isn’t considered on both sides?
I didn’t know who these people were at the time of my hearing and I still can’t figure out why Judge Lisa Jones allowed so many people the privilege of viewing and hearing all of the details. There wasn’t an empty seat in the court room and I didn’t know any of them. Juvenile cases are private and even as the mother, the attorneys were privileged to more information than I.
It was much later suggested to me to contact Patrick Calcutt. I did and he stated that he could help and he very clearly remembered that day and had a hard time with it afterwards. He stated that we would be in court in about three months which would have been June of 2013. It all sounded like music to my ears, so I wrote him a check for $2000 and gave him my entire file. A year later, I insisted on proceeding to court. He seemed upset with me and the petition he wrote sounded ridiculous. I had to question whether this man was working for or against me. I made him change the non-sense that he put on black and white and he seemed to become angry with me. I later released him as counsel and requested my file. In over a year he had done nothing more than make copies of the original file that I provided him. He did however return approximately $130 of my non-refundable deposit without me asking for it. I didn’t expect anything from this corrupt individual. I just didn’t want to be represented by someone who was working for the other side. Win or Lose… I was better off by myself.
Another Fact for you…
Our rights were founded on fundamental logic. Our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit to happiness has become theirs with a few slide of hands. It happened so quickly and now I am compelled to stand firm. I’ve heard many stories. I listened through their tears. I’ve been able to understand the pain that they’ve felt. They are all in different phases. It is a traumatic experience that some can’t overcome. What about them? Who will have a voice. My children’s voice has been silenced for three years. I was silenced for a while. I cried daily and studied so much that my dearest mother-in-law would make sure that I was fed and consoled. (Ruth 1:16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.) I can’t explain the despair that was felt .Some may not be so lucky as to have a family support unit like mine. Resilience has evolved in my children, myself, and my family despite the emotional and financial devastation imposed by the Sumter County Judicial System.
No matter how you view the facts or my opinions, it should be clear that we are dealing with at very least, a conflict of interest. I continue to question why these prior residents of Florida, all who graduated from FSU have transplanted themselves in Americus. They are the STAKEHOLDERS of my family. Be Aware. Be Understanding. If you get mad at your neighbor and relative, don’t be vicious and invite a monster into their home. There are children who need to be saved. They’re still out there. The Juvenile court system and the agencies involved are too busy destroying kids who never would have known any pain if this Juvenile System had not come into play. Far too often, the Southwestern Juvenile Court System is hurting more than they are helping. Feel free to contact us at grassroots-got@outlook.com or
visit our website at grassroots-guardiansoftruth.weebly.com.
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING SIX- NON-PROFITS AND COLLABORATIVE AGENCIES
Written By: Jana Underwood
SOWEGA CASA was founded by Judge Lisa Jones Rambo in 2002 to serve the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. In 2006 she appointed Brad Ray as the executive director. The same year South Central CASA located in Cordele, was founded and serves Ben Hill, Crisp, Dooly and Wilcox counties. In 2009 South Central CASA merged with SOWEGA CASA. In 2010 SOWEGA CASA begins serving two northernmost Pataula Circuit Counties (I assume this to be Randolph and Terrell). In 2012 SOWEGA CASA created Lighthouse CAC. In 2013, SOWEGA CASA merged with Visions for Sumter to manage the circuit's Truancy and Family Connections Programs. Finally in 2014, SOWEGA CASA becomes the umbrella organization of Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance and adds a CHINS program Southwestern Judicial Circuit Children and Families in Need of Services. Latoya Ross is the Coordinator for Southwestern Judicial Circuit Children and Families in Need of Services after attending the Advancing Sumter Leadership Training. For $50 and twelve training sessions with meals provided, SOWEGA CASA has created another program.
I contacted CASA asking for services for my children as they were removed from the only nurturer they knew and kept from me for such a long period of time. Never mind the despair that I was enduring, my precious girls were/are suffering too. They have never been provided counseling services, they had never had a CASA volunteer to hear their voice, CASA never did an objective evaluation of my home or their father's home. I spoke with Brad Ray and I explained the events and documentation in the case file. He stated that it didn't sound right, that's not how it works. No kidding Brad. I faxed the documentation to him and never heard back from him. Several months later I petitioned the court for modified visitation. At that point.. over two years after the non-reunification hearing... CASA became involved per the instruction of the Judge Lisa Rambo due to the new laws. They were also assigned an attorney who never spoke to my daughters. It was just smoke and mirrors and a little white out of a serious error.
Brad Ray has also been directly involved with the Southwestern Family Violence Council as the Secretary/Treasurer. Tammy Peavy-Owen, an attorney, is now the Executive Director of the grant-funded council. She assist domestic violence victims in our circuit. She is also an appointed attorney for alleged abused and neglected children. According to the Americus Times Recorder, our local legal organ, she said the council serves about 60 children annually through legal and non-legal advocacy, group meetings and referrals of clients to other organizations and agencies. On average, 25 domestic violence clients annually receive free legal services.
My experience with the Southwestern Family Violence Council is full of mixed emotion. I do believe that some people involved work to help others, however I know that the system is being manipulated to increase prosecutions. If a woman seeks help, she will only get it if black and white reads a certain way, and then someone else's words have to become your own by a signature. The system has become exploited.
Most of the bold printed groups above are grant funded. This being said... can you imagine the revenue as a whole. Do you think our community is benefiting? One thing we know for sure are the people receiving salaries are. And with another 12 session class of Advancing Sumter coming soon, I imagine another organization will develop. The following 2013 Victim Assistance Subgrants were Approved by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council: Southwestern Judicial Circuit Family Violence Council, Inc. Domestic Violence $51,800 SOWEGA CASA, Inc. Court Appointed Special Advocates $31,500. I'd like to see how much of these funds the victims actually receive. My guess would be 0.
Per the National CASA website I saw where Juvenile Judge Lisa Jones, stated "I rely on CASA volunteers to provide the court with an independent recommendation specific to each child. It is comforting to know the volunteers are meeting with these children, their families, their doctors and teachers—with all those who impact the children’s lives—and compiling all of this information in a report to the court."
The reports are going to read the way they need to so that a child can be labeled deprived or abused. Reports would be fine if the children's voice were actually heard and the agencies involved were truly objective. But the game plan has been laid out before you even become a player. Once they have you in the game you are nothing more than the black and white that they use to build a foundation against you. Analogy: DFCS pitches...not to the batting plate, but to left field. STRIKE! yells Lisa. Your Confused, standing there with your bat ready to swing. They pitch another.. to right field this time. STRIKE! yells Lisa. You call for a time out stating that you are not familiar with these rules. Your instantly notified that you have been drafted and you have no choice but to play the game by their rules. So you run to Second anticipating the pitch... and they pitch to third. STRIKE THREE...YOUR OUT! Yells Lisa as the opposing team giggles. The Major League Team just beat the Pee-Wee League and collected your children as a trophy.
ARE YOU AWAKE YET SUMTER COUNTY? Look around you... Our jurisdiction is one of the poorest. Its going to remain that way if we continue to allow certain power players to continue doing what they're doing.With SO MANY organizations and agencies in place to handle all of the abused children, more and more are going to be targeted. As our numbers of deprived children increase, keep a watch for the number of organizations to increase as well. All of these resources are supposedly available, but none are aimed at truly solidifying the family, all were developed to remove the children. At the top sits Judge Lisa Coogle Jones Rambo and with every new appointment comes a new salary to support and more grants to receive, and more children needed to support the application for grants.
Contact us at grassroots-got@outlook.com or visit our website at grassrootsguardiansoftruth.weebly.com
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING SEVEN- THE UNHEARD VOICE OF THE CHILDREN
Written By: Jana Underwood
First and foremost, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. As I sit, writing this article, I have no choice but to reflect over my holiday. My immediate family, which includes my husband and my two daughters and my bouncy boy, have more distance than we could have ever imagined. While I get to see my children for six hours on Sunday, I did not get to see them for Christmas or thru their school break. Judge Lisa Rambo feels that it is more appropriate for a 13 year old boy to babysit my two daughters age 5 and 7 than for their mother and their grandmother to tend to them during school breaks. I'm sure you have questions as to why I lost my children. Let me clarify... according to Lisa Jones Rambo and DFCS they Substantiated Emotional Neglect and this is why I have no Holiday or Overnight Visitation with my children.
Emotional neglect is a type of abuse that can be thought of as a lack of something that should be present in a normal relationship. Thats very broad and very perspective rather than objective. However, its all Lisa Rambo needs to take your children. Well Judge Lisa Coogle Jones Rambo... I ask "Did it ever occur to you that seperating the children from a mother who loves and cares for them like no other might be devistating to the childrens' overall emotional well-being and cause lasting affects on their sense of self?"
It's ironic. I am proud of who I am and the foundation that I was given as a child, but I've been ostracized by the Juvenile Court aka Lisa Rambo. My parents aren't perfect. They've made mistakes, but they had the right to raise me as to how they saw fit. I love them, not only because they are my parents but because of the relationship that we developed through the good times and the bad. Even though I come from a divorced family, my family unit was strong and I gained multitudes of knowledge from all of the people that were examples to me. Every family has arguments or so called bad days. It's a FAMILY. I've read in a transcript where Lisa Rambo makes a statement about "Common Sense". It's time the Juvenile Court operates with a little Common Sense.
My oldest daughter is in the 98% percentile per her IQ test. She didn't become advanced overnight. I made time to work with her everyday from the time that she was born until I was forced to sign a safety plan. She listened to classical music as a baby, she spoke in a whole sentence on her 1st birthday, and by two she was capable of playing approximately 50 different computer games. Let me explain the trauma that occurred in my children. I was told that she couldn't even write her name when they seized her. She had been writing her name for a year prior to that. She was traumatized by the occurence. My original point... She stated to me the other day that she wished I had a magic wand that would make all of the problems go away and we could be happy again. I explained to her that God allows us to have problems so that we may learn a lesson and use that knowledge to help others. I gave her an example: You're riding your bike and your chain falls off. You watch an adult fix it, but you pay attention and learn for yourself. Later, you and your friend are riding and her chain falls off. You payed attention and learned how to fix the problem, so you fix it. Your friend is grateful and you were able to help. She is a beautiful child with a beautiful mind. "Do you help others, Mama?" she asked. I could only repond with "I try baby" The truth of the matter be known, I would give anything for this to
just go away, but sweeping it under the rug does nothing but suppress knowledge and allow these traumatic events to continue occurring in families. My children are not exposed to my talents, my qualities, or my affection because of a broken and corrupt system with a vindictive Judge sitting at the top.
My two girls have asked me, "Why?" I can't answer them yet. They are told that little girls are to worry about little girl problems and Mama will deal with the big girl problems. One day that won't be enough to tell them. When that day comes I will tell them the truth and I will support their emotional needs that have truly been neglected since the day that disgraceful judge crossed my path. I don't believe Lisa Rambo has ever met my daughters. Are we to assume she and her husband don't have arguments.. maybe her daughters need a voice.
I've been to juvenile court and watched a mother who had clearly been on drugs exit the courtroom and her child held her tight but had to let her go. I understand that children and families sometimes need intervention. But there is a significant difference in intervention and what is going on in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. People have to want to help themselves to be helped. However, the lengthy case plans and cost imposed on parents is just another link to the breakdown of society. I complied and completed my case plan... but Judge Lisa Jones said it wasn't her job to open the file and view the certificates fowarded to her by the Superior Court. Help is not what they are offering or implementing. For lack of a better scenario: "Off with her head" is basically what Lisa Rambo is shouting from her bench as her Guillotine/ Gavel smashes the life out of you and severes the bonds between you and your children.
For a Judge to claim to be a Republican who can't stand Democrats, Lisa Rambo certainly has a lot of Democratic tendencies. She is feeding the system with our children...Children who's voices are never truly heard. DFCS conducts initial investigations and creates petitions. The children are then represented by attorney's who never speak to them. For those of you who care.. your county tax dollars are paying for the child appointed attorneys who are not doing anything but perpertrating a role. CASA creates swift reports to satify the court. Everyone involved is gainful except the family and the children who suffer at the expense of a broken system.
Feel free to visit our website grassroots-guardiansoftruth.weebly.com or contact us by email at grassroots-got@outlook.com
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING EIGHT- DCSS DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Written By: Jana Underwood
The following child support statistics are provided by the United States Census Bureau as of 2007.
 About 13.7 million single parents have custody of 21.8 million children under 21 while the other parent lived somewhere else
 26.3% percent of all children in America live with one parent while the other parent lives elsewhere
 82.6% of custodial parents are mothers, 17.4% are fathers
 Nearly 25% of custodial parents had incomes below the poverty level
 18.2% of custodial parents who received child support were below the poverty level
 Child support due nationally totals $34.1 billion
These numbers have significantly increased over the last few years as this information was from almost a decade ago.
Child Support Collection Tools
Since 1996, the US Congress gradually provided state child support officials with a battery of legal and administrative tools that allow them to take extraordinary measures to collect a burgeoning past due child support debt. Several of the measures enacted gave child support agencies the administrative powers to:
 Obtain information through administrative subpoena
 To suspend professional, occupational and drivers licenses
 To suspend hunting and fishing licenses
 To suspend motor vehicle registrations
 To intercept bank accounts, insurance settlements and stock funds with administrative liens and levies
 To intercept both federal and state tax refunds, as well as lottery prizes
 To implement immediate income withholding orders for support payments from wages paid by employers
 To require all employers to report every employee hired to a state directory of new hires
In 2006 Georgia joined the The Child Support Lien Network (CSLN). This private/publicly owned partnership. The CSLN program has grown to 31 states with 3.7 million cases owing more than $80 Billion in past due support. Today over 1,500 insurers participate in CSLN resulting in over $140 million dollars collected annually.
Now that you know some of the facts, lets get to the rest of the story. Any parent for any reason can request that their private action court order can be handled by this agency, even spite. If you receive TANF, child support enforcement is mandatory. On top of receiving a grant for every enforcement order they also receive fees. Their job is to enforce orders, not help you. With child support you have the right to file a private action through the court to modify orders every two years, or if your case is already tied into DCSS you can modify every three years. If you need a modification prior to that because of loss of income, good luck. This system is designed to smother the life out of every person involved. This is another business for the state.
Be careful, if you are on the opposing side. If you have multiple children and one becomes eighteen, the order will stay the same. Well, that’s not right, you say. However, the court orders state per order not per child. You will have to file a modification to get the order reduced. Any money that you give to your child or the other parent will not count towards child support rendered. Only what goes through the DCSS system. So if you buy your daughter a $300 dress for prom… you still have to pay the entire amount due for that month. If you fall short, LOOK OUT. If you start to fall short then you can attend a Fatherhood Program that is held mid-morning for those of you who have absolutely nothing to do…. like work. If you drop what you are doing and attend.. You can avoid all of the severe punishments that can be inflicted of you. Mothers can attend the FATHERHOOD program as well. Shouldn’t it be called the PARENTHOOD program. Just an idea! And I will say it…. Why are they suspending drivers license and preventing people from getting to a job where we are sitting at the top of the unemployment rate? Of course people are having a hard time…look at what’s creating it. Our local society is definitely under pressure. It’s one phase after another. They have layered government on top of government and agency upon agency. Maybe they should start over. It is not working for anyone but the ones at the top. Its OPPRESSIVE and continual. I remember as a child my father would hand my mother cash or a check, and that was that. This all began with my ex handing me a check (half of what DCSS would have ordered) and sometimes late, but my children had what they needed and we all made it. I refused to have it enforced by DCSS, because I didn’t believe it was necessary, now I KNOW… the government shouldn’t have the power they’ve somehow obtained over the last 20 years.
NINE INNINGS WITH THE SUMTER COUNTY JUDICIAL SYSTEM
INNING NINE- JUVENILE COURT
Written By: Jana Underwood
So here we are in the final inning, and although the nine innings have been played, the affect that this has had on the lives of those involved proceeds into the series. It is a challenge that has awakened many in our country. The Juvenile Court is an Administrative Branch of our government as well as the Agencies named in the previous innings. I feel for anyone who has crossed paths with our Juvenile Court Judge, Lisa Jones Rambo or the Judicial System in Sumter County. My eyes have been opened to a degree that cannot be measured. As a child I dreamed of what my life might be like. As an adult, I have had accomplishments and failures. When I decided to have a planned pregnancy and start a family, I never knew that it could lead to the heartache that I have had to endure. There is no education system that can teach you more than the life experiences that are experienced.
I moved to Sumter County for an opportunity… the opportunity that I’ve found wasn’t what I expected but I am a child of God and I take the lessons to heart and have been motivated to speak about the inefficiencies in the system. I have been threatened and warned that I am being watched, I am not hiding. What I do, I do in the light. My honesty has been and probably will be used against me. What a shame!
Lisa Coogle Jones Rambo graduated FSU 1990 with a communications degree per an article from the Times Recorder and then received her JD from Mercer. She then practiced in her private firm for 5 years before working as a ADA for three years. She was then was appointed as our Juvenile Court Judge in 2001. She created CASA in 2002 and appointed Brad Ray from Florida and transplanted his significant other Tim Lewis and himself, both FSU grads, here in Sumter County to assist with removing children from their parents. Patrick Calcutt, FSU grad of 1990, and Kathleen Calcutt, FSU grad of 1991, the appointed attorneys/ Adoption Agency were also brought here by Lisa Rambo in the following year. They purchased their home on 09/12/2003.
I am not trying to prove a conspiracy. The look of impropriety has been recognized by others. The system is being exploited by these individuals, who have worked vigorously to establish a network of non-profits, agencies, and strategies all aimed at removing our children and fluffing their pockets. They may have campaigns that state how they are trying to save children… but how else would they deceive the public.
2 Corinthians 11:14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
My daughters were able to visit with me at my home after Christmas.. My oldest daughter who is 7 began crying when she was told that it is getting time for her to leave. Through her tears she asked me “How could a Judge do this to me? Why hasn’t anyone asked me what I want? No one has ever asked me.” I had just previously written the article about the unheard voice of the children. Her concern was a confirmation to me that I am telling it like it is. I tell her that I am fighting the best way that I know how and she wants to know how much longer. I can’t answer that, but I always try to encourage her and I don’t want her to feel any pain. She is my first born and I am in a position where I can’t even protect my own child because of a corrupt system covered by the COLOR OF LAW. They bring devastation and heartache to children and families so that they can obtain more and more grants. What happened to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Matthew 7:15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
LISA COOGLE JONES RAMBO…. I heard you were adopted. Do you have resentment in your heart
and aim to make everyone suffer for the burden placed on you? Or did you and your cohorts’ simply scheme up a way to get rich by exploiting the system? You have devastated our lives with nothing more than malicious intent. I feel sorry for you. What is done in the dark will come to light, you too will be judged. You sit on a bench and look down on people as they come before you at their most vulnerable times. Prior to reaching your courtroom they have endured torture and lies by your agencies. They are clouded by confusion due to the lies and threats, only to be ostracized by you . I can’t believe that I’ve lived through this torture. I am here today only because of my belief in a higher power. I will continue to fight for the rights of my family and my daughters. I pray that one day I will be reunited with them. My love is deep and cannot be explained by words alone. I am, and have always been, a Good Mother. The first day I walked in your courtroom, you cut my legs off and expected me to walk. How dare you call yourself Honorable. My world has forever been changed and I have paid tremendously for a moral mistake, but you yourself and your current husband are not faultless. I admit that I’ve made mistakes. I am accountable. My biggest mistake was not knowing my rights or the rights of my children. My ignorance was taken advantage of. My children were given to corruption. Senator Nancy Schaeffer was murdered because she was speaking against DFCS and the system that is overwhelming our State and our Country. It is a tragedy. Lies, Deceit, Corruption, Money. Point blank….end of story.
Revelation 2:2 - I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars
Feel free to contact us at grassroots-guardiansoftruth.weebly.com or by email at grassroots-got@outlook.com.

Chris Janovsky

History of Misconduct

Rene Loizou claims to have lost her entire hardrive.

*NOTE THE WHITEOUT ON THE COURT DOCUMENT

Surveillance and Harassment

- Picture to be obtained.