Jackson County Courthouse, north Entrance, photo by G. Morgan
January 15, 2021 Judge Brent Benson Swearing-In Ceremony
Judge Brent Benson (left) Sworn In by Judge Jennifer Holt (right), Mrs Benson holds Bible (center)
Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. Photo capture from Jackson County Commission video of event, linked below.
The Guffey Affair - Part 3 - A County Commission Soap Opera,
"As the Worm Turns"
Previous Jackson County Commission Chair Tim Guffey whose resignation brings forth several questions regarding ethics, dereliction of duty and allegations of criminal conduct.
January 19, 2021 - WHNT - TV NEWS Release: Jackson County Courthouse swept for eavesdropping devices, audio-video. Jackson County Sheriff Sheriff Chuck Phillips quote: "I think we are ok, I'm pretty sure we have found all of them that were here, but we wanted to do the scan just to be on the safe side." Investigation is ongoing by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA.
***UPDATE***
UPDATE- February 5, 2021 - Court House Security Sweep for Video and Audio Devices Result from The Clarion - Acting Commissioner Jason Venable stated: "“Based on the examinations, the writer is of the opinion that no video evidence or active covert video/audio/collection evidence was identified in the area examined during the time of these examinations.”" https://www.theclarion.org/?p=4244
"In the Boro" Interviews
Several Jackson County Employees have reported alleged sexual harassment claims and harassing communications from political officials. Investigations by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, are ongoing and employees are acquiring legal representation regarding sexual harassment and creation of a hostile workplace per reports. Information has been received that photographs and/or video evidence of alleged sexual harassment. has been received by ALEA and other agencies.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION - HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT
"It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person's sex. Harassment can include "sexual harassment" or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person's sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general.
Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.
Although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer." https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment
How to File A Charge of Discrimination - There is a Time Limit, Please Review This Information if You are Considering Filing a Complaint. https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination -- Info At The Link Provided
!!REMEMBER--TIME IS IMPORTANT!!
Photographs/video surveillance in the workplace - sexual harassment and hostile work environment.
Undisclosed release, unknown photographer - fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.
(reduced detail to protect identity)
Undisclosed release, unknown photographer - fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.
(reduced detail to protect identity)
THE BIG QUESTION
Why doesn't Governor Ivey go ahead and appoint a new Chair of the Jackson County Commission?
There have been Attorney Generals Opinions regarding this issue. Guffey has resigned, it is out of his hands. Because he is requesting a free ride on the tax payers dime for 4 months should not matter.
Appoint a new Chair of the Jackson County Commission Governor.
