home

Zimmerman Investigator felt Peer Pressure to Charge

In Sanford Investigator Chris Serino's 2 page interview with the FBI, he says he felt pressure from three officers to charge Zimmerman, even though he didn't feel there was enough evidence to charge. He didn't believe Zimmerman was motivated by racial bias. The Miami Herald article is here, and Serino's FBI interview is here.

According to Serino, one of the cops pressuring hims was a Sgt. Barns, who Serino said is a friend of Tracy Martin's. Barns even asked Serino for Martin's phone number. Serino says he ended up getting it from somewhere else. My likely suspect: Team Crump.

Serino told the FBI this during a discussion about his concern that officers were leaking information.

Serino also told the FBI that he didn't think George was racist, but that he may have had something of a "hero complex". [More...]

Barns, in his own interview, doesn't mention he's friends with Tracy Martin. His focal point is on the potential racial uprising if no charges are brought.

On March 13, Crump team member Natalie Jackson is quoted in the Orlando Sentinel as saying:

"Racism is too simple. It may have been a factor," said family attorney Natalie Jackson. But also to blame was Zimmerman's "hero complex." He should never have gotten out of his vehicle and confronted Trayvon, she said.

Serino's interview was on March 3. Her comment reported in the Orlando Sentinel was on March 13. Who leaked Serino's statement to Team Crump?

Coincidence? Not in my mind.

< Thursday Night Open Thread | Friday Open Thread >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    I thought so from the start (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by TeresaInPa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:37:26 AM EST
    that once this case became inflamed with charges of racism being thrown, the police would have to cave in and charge GZ.

    Well, maybe so.... (5.00 / 0) (#7)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:39:50 AM EST
    ...but for reason of peer pressure by a cop who knew the victim's father, Tracy Martin?

    Today's headline in the Orlando Sentinel is "FBI interviews: No evidence Zimmerman a racist" found here1. Its reporting considerly less direct for the reverse racism than goes suggested by this "thread" citing The Miami Herald.  

    In part the Sentinel states today:

    Chris Serino, the police detective who interviewed Zimmerman the night of the shooting, told agents he thought Zimmerman had pursued Trayvon "based on his attire" and not "skin color." Zimmerman, he said, has a "little hero complex" but is not a racist.

    Zimmerman's account sounded "scripted" to him, Serino said. Even so, he did not have enough evidence to justify an arrest, he told an FBI agent, even though he was getting pressure from a small number of officers within the department to file charges.

    Personally, I see this as a significant revelaton, maybe even the "bombshell" the Sentinel reported yesterday morning here2 that was not going to be found in the "new" discovery released yesterday. One only has to recall the fodder for shame that a Serino "avoidable" report here3 created for the black community when it was released.

    It will be interesting to watch the Sentinel follow-on reporting for this sort of reverse racism being left unsuggested locally, but reported elsewhere. We now have to wonder also who is more "inconsistent" in his storytelling, Zimmerman or Serino.

    Parent

    Serino's statement... (5.00 / 0) (#26)
    by deanno on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:53:18 AM EST
    about a "lttle hero complex" wouldn't be admissible anyway.  It's an opinion, not a fact.

    Parent
    I wonder (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by lentinel on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:01:17 AM EST
    if anyone felt, as I did, that Barrack Obama's comment
    "You know, if I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

    fed into the general assumption that Zimmermann's actions were motivated by racial bias.

    That should be no surprise (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:45:50 AM EST
    .

    What other reason can there be for a president to inject his office into this case while ignoring countess others.  With the New York Tines falsely describing Zimmerman as a "white Hispanic" the racial narrative was firmly in place.

    The Democrat party has a long history of dealing the race card from the bottom of the deck.  Jim Crow, segregation, Woodrow Wilson, racial quotas, racial preferences in hiring, promotion and school admittance.  Bull Connor was a member of the DNC!

    .

    Parent

    Yup... (none / 0) (#49)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:19:47 AM EST
    ...the old Southern Democrats are now Republicans, thanks impart to your boy Ronny.  So while you may be right in terms of party, currently those types are republicans through and through.

    But it is rather entertaining to hear republicans try and pretend they are the moderators of race issues.  No, it's downright funny.  The inference that Bull Connor and Obama are in the same party mindset, get a life genius.

    Really, Woodrow Wilson, holly smokes man.

    Parent

    The mindset is identical (none / 0) (#51)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:24:51 AM EST
    .

    The mindset is identical, preferences for the constituency.  The mindset is the same only the client constituency has changed.

    .

    Parent

    Ronnie? (none / 0) (#80)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:38:17 PM EST
    Hardly.

    Nixon got there first with his "Southern Strategy".

    Parent

    I thought Obama's comments stemmed from (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by Mary2012 on Tue Jul 17, 2012 at 12:39:15 AM EST
    everyone (i.e., lots of people no matter their race) felt like Trayvon was their son.  I could be wrong but my impression was Obama's words came around that time.  IOW, he was expressing a sentiment that many felt.  It was a calming, heartfelt type sentiment -- something Presidents do from time to time, healing in nature.  Perhaps pro-GZ people didn't see it that way but didn't he do the same for Gabbie Giffords?

    Parent
    lentinel, I didn't get that impression (none / 0) (#58)
    by SuzieTampa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:09:35 PM EST
    I thought he was addressing black and white liberals with the message: "Hey, I'm black, and, of course, I care that justice will be done in this case."

    What he did say is not actually true, by the way. Through the magic of genetics, he could have had a son that looked like his mother.

    Parent

    Or through genetics (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Darby on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:26:18 PM EST
    Since Obama is half white. Couldn't he also have a son that looked like zimmerman?

    Parent
    To be honest, (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by lentinel on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:45:26 PM EST
    I felt it was a calculated appeal to potential black voters to try to show that he cared... which I don't believe he does.

    There was a knee-jerk response to this incident by the "liberal" (racist) media that this was a hate crime: A white guy driven by racism into killing a young black child.

    Obama reinforced the initial frenzy of making this into a textbook case of white hatred.

    "My son", sayeth he.

    I think he, to say the least, prejudged the situation without waiting for any facts.  And he was, so they say, a professor of law. Please.

    Parent

    lentinel, I'm not defending Obama (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by SuzieTampa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:00:36 PM EST
    I also think it was a calculated appeal, but to both African Americans and white liberals.

    I wouldn't call the media racist, but they do love a simplified, sensational story. Because the media is majority white, with whites in positions of power, they usually want to avoid being called racist.

    I was a Hillary supporter; I'm not a fan of Obama.

    Parent

    yes (none / 0) (#90)
    by TeresaInPa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:20:35 PM EST
    and I think it was intentional in that Obama was once again addressing racism, a "teachable moment" if you will.
    For a white house that was supposed to be post racial, they never stop talking about race.  It's divisive.

    Parent
    Coincidence? (5.00 / 0) (#8)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:18:21 AM EST
    Not in my mind either, but I have been accused on this forum of being a sort of conspiracy theorist coming from right-wing forums, so be careful the minefield you are walking!  Actually it is way too "conincidental."

    If this was a NCAA investigation there certainly be sanctions placed on a University's athletic program for such a finding! Funny, how the words for several "pro" Trayvon Martin commenters here and elsewhere this morning seem to have a certain dubious back spin for the accuracy of reports per the Herald reporting.  For instance:

    "Our position has always been that there's something going on in the Sanford Police Department," said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family. "All of this is window dressing. What's important is George Zimmerman's statements, which are inconsistent and factually impossible."

    This quote of Crump is no more that the pot calling the kettle black!

    Should we sit here niavely and never think that leaks may have been coming from Washington all along noting comment (#2) above? Not just this, but I was always disturbed that the first reports of Geroge Zimmerman's arrest in early April were made by The Washington Post. This might have been coincidental to the fact that so called Team Crump factions, I recall, were there that day. So it would be that leaks certainly originate from a source connected to Team Crump.

    heidelja with all due respect (none / 0) (#118)
    by LeaNder on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 12:59:13 PM EST
    When Serino or others interviewed "Georgie" Zimmerman, it seems he was accompanied by the  former SPD police vice chief Mark Osterman. Now that's what I would call well  connected support.

    Poor Serino pressure from above and pressure from below? Plus some internal matters that were not meant to surface in the larger context? That's sitting on the horns of a dilemma. Hard to imagine that a former vice police chief wasn't close to chief Lee. At least to this:

    Mental Team Crumb member, no 1002385784 (short: MTCM 1002385784)

    Coincidence? Conspiracy? No actually Osterman's wife and Zimmerman simply met at work.


    Parent

    What is behind the pressure? (5.00 / 0) (#13)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:43:29 AM EST
    Seems to me that "peer pressure" is always present in a workplace, and that it is perfectly normal for different members to have different points of view, and to come to disparate conclusions.

    A couple things make this report interesting, to me.  One is that the source of the difference is not the evidence.  In other words, something other than what should drive a difference of opinion in a professional work environment (in this case, police work, the strength of the evidence toward finding probable cause that a crime has been committed), was driving the difference of opinion.

    What's behind the pressure seems to be "the potential racial uprising if no charges are brought."

    Taking it to the streets works.

    Barns, in his interview (none / 0) (#33)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:42:26 AM EST
    on April 5 with the FBI (pages 93 and 94) said the AA community "would be in an uproar" if Zimmerman isn't charged and the community would be satisfied with an arrest. He said if Martin's civil rights were violated, it would reflect poorly on the police department and people would think they weren't doing their job.

    He said he didn't believe Zimmerman was motivated by racial bias, but he shot an unarmed kid.

    Parent

    It isn't a similar event (5.00 / 0) (#21)
    by Darby on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:18:57 AM EST
    Because there is no evidence that Zimmerman 'came at'  Martin. All the evidence points at Martin coming at Zimmerman.

    that comment was deleted (none / 0) (#37)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:48:26 AM EST
    for falsely stating a a disputed allegation as an undisputed truth.

    Parent
    Hero complex (5.00 / 0) (#24)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:42:16 AM EST
    I missed it, where did Serino receive his psych degree?

    Same place... (3.67 / 3) (#29)
    by kdog on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:19:25 AM EST
    I got my armchair credentials I guess, cuz the guy struck me as having a Charlie Bronson complex since day one.  Who else drives goes shopping armed that isn't a stick-up man or living in a war zone?  Who else is seemingly always on the look out for "suspicous" characters to confront and/or drop a dime on?

    A Charlie Bronson wannabe...

    Parent

    Who else carries a gun around? (5.00 / 3) (#61)
    by SuzieTampa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:27:45 PM EST
    Lots and lots of people in the South and West.

    I've seen no evidence that GZ has a history of trying to confront "suspicious" people.

    I always crack up when you talk about "dropping a dime" on someone. I think you've watched too much film noir in your armchair. Trying to be a good neighborhood watchman doesn't = Charles Bronson.

    You may not approve of it, but GZ carrying a gun and reporting suspicious activity is not some strange deviation from the norm here in FL.

    Parent

    lots of people (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by TeresaInPa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:40:56 PM EST
    Lots of people are always armed.  Wearing a gun in to the store is safer than leaving it in the car. People have Concealed Weapon permits so they can carry a gun legally not so they can leave it at home.

    Parent
    Might have just been in his car (none / 0) (#31)
    by spectator on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:26:12 AM EST
    but it's not gonna do you any good at home, that's why people get the permit, were not talking Friendlyville, USA.

    Parent
    Ain't that the truth... (none / 0) (#39)
    by kdog on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:55:38 AM EST
    were not talking Friendlyville, USA


    Parent
    Jane Velez Mitchell--a "journalist"... (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by deanno on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:56:17 AM EST
    is already on record as stating several times that GZ was a "liar", "a cop wannabe" and that he "gunned down" TM.

    Piers Morgan of CNN and Dianne Sawyer of ABC Nightly News also used the phrase "gunned down".

    the comment you are replying to (none / 0) (#36)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:46:33 AM EST
    was deleted for containing a character attack  on GZ. No character attacks here on anyone and saying you heard it on TV doesn't change that.

    Parent
    A "hero complex" (5.00 / 2) (#53)
    by Payaso on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 01:13:00 PM EST
    is not malice.

    Corey (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by friendofinnocence on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:32:43 PM EST
    How can the SA, whose probable cause affidavit shows a strong bias towards the defendant, be seen as an authority to assess the bias of the judge?

    Corey is an adverse party (none / 0) (#87)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:19:02 PM EST
    Nobody expects her to be objective in the motion to disqualify, or any other motion, once she's made a decision to bring charges.  Her role is to advocate for the state, and against everything that the defense offers, that she has basis to argue against.

    The judge is supposed to be the objective one, between two non-objective advocates.

    Parent

    Re: Wannabe Cop and Hero Complex (5.00 / 3) (#114)
    by punslinger612 on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 01:30:32 AM EST
    A few quibbles about terms being thrown around.

    It is easy to call Zimmerman a wannabe cop.  Any one can do it.  But I would argue that 99% of cops in this country were wannabe cops before they became cops.  I would argue that all of the cops mentioned above used to be wannabe cops.

    I was a wannabe sailor before I became one.  I was a wannabe electronic technician before I became one.

    Another term tossed around is Hero Complex.  George Washington was a hero.  Did he have a hero complex?  How about Alvin York, Audi Murphie, and all of the cops and firemen who put their own lives in peril to save others?  I always thought it was a good thing to be a hero.

    Another term that irritates me is jingoism, which someone describes as overly patriotic.  Were the above named heros jingoistic?  Would I have to be more patriotic than George Washington to be jingoistic?

    Thank you Jeralyn, for your thoughtful comments on this case.

    Pun, I'm glad someone pointed this out (none / 0) (#116)
    by SuzieTampa on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 09:48:52 AM EST
    about "cop wannabe" and "hero complex." "Cop wannabe" has usually been used for someone who couldn't become a police officer, but nevertheless acts aggressively like one. GZ was studying law enforcement.

    Carl Jung described the Hero Complex as wanting to help people and do good in the world. Hero syndrome refers to people who cause problems so they can solve them and look like a hero. An example would be someone who sets a big fire and then helps put it out or a health-care professional who puts a patient into an emergency situation and then saves them, in order to be seen as a hero.  

    But I disagree on "jingoism," which is defined as being patriotic, nationalistic, chauvinistic, etc., that a person would advocate violence or the threat of violence against another country to ensure its interests are protected.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#3)
    by spectator on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:15:26 AM EST
    Serino is fibbing about the 3 officers or at the very least was trying to plant a seed.

    Why would Serino do that (none / 0) (#110)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:17:43 PM EST
    In any case Sgt Barnes informed the FBI that

    The AA community would be in an 'uproar' if Zimmerman is not charged.

    Barnes was unsure how the younger AA community would react

    If the FBI found a civil rights violation that would reflect poorly on the Sanford PD

    Pg 93-94 2nd Prosecution Dump.

    Translation? The SPD knows what we have to do.

    Parent

    I'm confused (none / 0) (#4)
    by lawstudent on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:16:53 AM EST
    According to Serino, one of the cops pressuring hims was a Sgt. Barns, who Serino said is a friend of Tracy Martin's. Barns even asked Serino for Martin's phone number.

    These two sentences seem at odds with each other.  If Barns was Martin's friend, which is why he was pressuring Serino to charge Zimmerman, why is it Barns didn't even have Martin's phone number?  Must not have been very good friends.  The report reads "Barns is friendly with Tracy Martin."  I think that's a little different.

    Your right (none / 0) (#6)
    by spectator on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:30:17 AM EST
    couldn't have been too friendly.

    Parent
    Tracy is an active (none / 0) (#25)
    by IgnatiusJDonnely on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:47:31 AM EST
    Mason. Barns may be as well. Many of the players in this story seem to be Masons. Socializing and networking, not an evil cabal.

    Parent
    This is now getting GOOD... (none / 0) (#42)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:11:28 AM EST
    ..beacase we can't have a true conspiracy without there being members of a secret society involved!

    Parent
    Masons aren't enough... (none / 0) (#45)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:33:00 AM EST
    ...any decent, self-respecting conspiracy theory has got to work the Templars and the Illuminati in there somewhere as well.

    Parent
    Now i think he was just planting a seed. (none / 0) (#22)
    by spectator on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:20:12 AM EST
    After doing a little research there appears to be a bit of mixed opinions in the SPD about any charges, one of the 3 officers (Villalona) was also involved in the homeless man incident.

    sorry if i crossed the line.

    Parent

    Was Blood collected from concrete? (none / 0) (#46)
    by WentAway on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:36:04 AM EST
    On a rainy night? (none / 0) (#81)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:41:15 PM EST
    I suspect by the time it occurred to anyone to worry about that particular barn door the horse was long gone.

    Parent
    lawstudent (none / 0) (#59)
    by LeaNder on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:16:49 PM EST
    Not necessarily theoretically they could be old friends, but Barnes could not have e.g. Tracy's current cell phone number or Brandy Green's private number.

    The more interesting question is, so Serino informed on colleagues. Were they his superiors? Private contact with family as not-involved in ongoing investigation? And a little later (?at the same time, before?) you leak to the media yourself? Odd story. Was it an attempt at distraction? Strange.

    What was Serino's exact job rank before he was sent on night shift. What is a major crimes investigator? Are all the other three sergeants? what are there exact jobs? Are they above or below in rank, are they authorized to issue directives?

    Parent

    If Barns is a friend of Tracy Martin's (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:18:56 AM EST
    Why didn't he have his phone number?

    Sgt. Barns (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by IrishGerard on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 01:36:45 PM EST
    I wonder if Barns told Serino he and Tracy Martin were 'friendly' simply to obtain his phone number.

    He may have been trying to reach out Martin. as in, I'm on the inside, I'm doing what I can to help you. so on and so forth.

    Seems like a huge coincidence and somewhat dubious, that they would be friends if Martin was from Miami, some 200 miles from Sanford.

    Obviously some chicanery going on here.

    Parent

    Just a guess (none / 0) (#10)
    by Aghast inFL on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:36:06 AM EST
    but it seems reasonable that Tracy Martin changed his phone number when this became front page news and his phone records were turned over to the media.
    That just seems a likely possibility IMO.

    Parent
    It's March 3 when Sereno... (none / 0) (#14)
    by Gandydancer on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:47:37 AM EST
    ...says Barns "is friendly with" Martin. I don't think this means Barns knew Martin before February 26th.

    Parent
    I think there's a difference between (none / 0) (#23)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:31:12 AM EST
    being "friends" with someone and being "friendly" with someone, and the report clearly says "friendly with;" we all have people we are friendly with, but that doesn't make them friends.  I'm friendly with a number of people I work with, but I don't have their phone numbers.

    I trust Jeralyn will be correcting her post to accurately reflect the report.

    Also from the report, I think this is worth noting (caps per original report):

    Serino explained to agents that the local gangs, referred to in the community as "GOONS," typically dressed in black and wore hoodies.

    How likely is it that this was the term  Zimmerman uttered, and not "punks?"  And provides some rationale for Zimmerman's suspicions?

    Parent

    hardly, Anne (none / 0) (#32)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:31:20 AM EST
    Tracy Martin lives in Miami. He's an occasional visitor to the area. If Barns is "friendly with" Tracy Martin, it's a fair implication they are friends. It's Serino's statement, not mine. You can make of it what you will, but what I wrote is a fair assessmment.

    Parent
    Fair to whom? (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:54:11 AM EST
    Certainly not fair to Tracy Martin, to take one term and change it to another, and thereby change the perception of the degree of the relationship; why is the term in the report not good enough as it stands?  Do you think Serino was downplaying the relationship?  

    I guess the problem that I'm having with this is that, with all due respect, you are such a stickler for accuracy that I can't imagine you agreeing with - or tolerating - someone else using the fair assessment rationale to change language in a police - or any - report, had that change skewed perception against Zimmerman.

    Curious to know, too, if you have any thoughts on why Barns didn't have the phone number for his "friend" Tracy Martin?  

    Parent

    have to disagree (none / 0) (#50)
    by Dadler on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:20:04 AM EST
    If it's fair to now assume these two are "friends" to a conflict-of-interest level, it is just as fair to assume things about GZ's "hero complex," which has now been brought up by acquaintances of his. IOW, it can now be suggested he had no business, with his personality defects, ever packing a gun; that those defects logically made it much more likely he would use that gun in a situation he never should have gotten into in the first place.

    Just playing Devil's Advocate.  Peace.
     

    Parent

    I must have missed it (none / 0) (#121)
    by lousy1 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 03:10:10 PM EST
    it is just as fair to assume things about GZ's "hero complex," which has now been brought up by acquaintances of his.

    Who are these a acquaintances?

    Parent

    I do not agree (none / 0) (#56)
    by LeaNder on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 02:51:16 PM EST
    Jeralyn, when I read it, I understood Tracy Martin had an old friend inside the SPD. I am confident a survey would render a high percentage that interpret it exactly the same way.

    True: I do not know American police routines, I could imagine over here no police officer would ever think of calling a member of a victim family to express his condolences, if he wasn't involved with the case and it wasn't his job. I could ask a friend.

    Nevertheless: this leaves an insipid impression it could be some kind of easily deniable revenge, a stream of consciousness like that left only a tiny trace, but quite enough to get the message over: all the time the Crump camp (or variations on the theme) of babbled about an influence of the Zimmerman family inside the SPD and all the way up into the attorney's office, but what do we have here? Martin had an old friend inside the SPD?

    Parent

    <strike>like</strike> (none / 0) (#57)
    by LeaNder on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 02:59:11 PM EST
    a stream of consciousness <strike>like</strike> that left only a tiny trace, but quite enough to get the message over:

    hmm? no strike tag? that's very sad. :(

    Parent

    Tags (none / 0) (#74)
    by expy on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:43:08 PM EST
    I think you can only use the HTML that is listed as "Allowed" under the comment form.  

    Parent
    Anne (re "friendly") (none / 0) (#91)
    by expy on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:20:56 PM EST
    I think it's very obvious from the context of the police report that the FBI was questioning Serino about the leaks in the case and he was trying to deflect attention towards others in the department.

    The "friendly" reference comes up in the context of the "concerned about leaks" paragraph, and the "asking for a phone number" along with "friendly with" would be a natural way to suggest to the FBI agent that Barns or one of the other police officers were the source of leaks.

    Serino's statement about pressure is inconsistent with his own report recommending manslaughter charges.  

    Within the past several week the claim has been aired on the internet that Serino himself was the source of leaks, and he supposedly voluntarily requested to be reassigned to patrol duties.

    I agree that to characterize the phrase "is friendly with" as being the equivalent to "is friends with" is a distortion of the actual report and the context in which it was made.  

    Police reports are generally after-the-fact summaries of interviews conducted in Q/A fashion, base on the notes made of the interview. So we know that most of the statements attributed to Serino were preceded by specific question -- but as the questions aren't written down, we have to supply them by inference. I assume that the question was probably, "do you have any idea who is the source of the leaks to the media" ....

    Though it is possible, that rather than a question, the FBI investigator had given an admonition about leaks, and Serino responded to the admonition by "offering up" a set of possibilities.

    There is also some obfuscation of issues in that section of the report. Serino refers to not knowing why Tracy Martin "now believes the shooting was racially motivated" -- but the central focus of the public outcry was not the shooting, but the assertion that the police handling of the investigation was influenced by racial bias. The police chief did not get fired because of what Zimmerman did or didn't do -- the community was outraged over the police response. (That is, the sense that if a white kid had been killed under similar circumstances, there would have been a more aggressive police investigation and arrest).

    So again, it looks like Serino was trying to deflect criticism away from his own handling of the case, both as to the links and that allegation  that the investigation was not handled seriously enough because of the race of the deceased shooting victim.

    Parent

    Elaborate.... (none / 0) (#94)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:47:37 PM EST
    Serino's statement about pressure is inconsistent with his own report recommending manslaughter charges.

    My understanding here is that "his own report recommending manslaughter charges" has really comeabout because of peer pressure. Certainly, this may be inconsistent to what we first may have thought was the reason why it cameabout. Actually, who would have thought there was "pressure" among his minority peers? Thinking so out loudly would have been seen as racist until now! Now it cannot be because the FBI investigation has made it be so...in a reverse sense.

    Parent

    Serino's interview (none / 0) (#97)
    by expy on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:32:08 PM EST
    with Zimmerman made it clear that he was skeptical of Z's story. I'm thinking of the one where he was with a female officer, they went over the police dispatch call, & they challenged Z. on his claim that he was not following M, but instead looking for house numbers.

    My personal impression of that interview is that Serino was trying to give Z. the opportunity to clean up his story. So I think that Serino personally was looking for a way to avoid a recommendation for a charge, but had a problem when Z. wouldn't budge from obvious factual errors in his account (other than to say that he couldn't remember details).

    So maybe he was getting "pressure" but the pressure was because of the other officer's view of the law in the face of a story that Serino himself described as "scripted".  In other words, maybe the "pressure" was others urging him to follow the law rather than to try to bend things in favor of a person he sympathized with.  

    But my point is that he filed a report recommending the filing of manslaughter charges, and specifying reasons for that recommendation.

    When he was talking to the FBI later on, I think he then felt under "pressure" to protect himself and his department from a potential civil rights investigation based on the way the shooting was handled. So at that point he would have been mostly interested in explaining and justifying the police handling of the matter.

    Parent

    peer pressure - pressue to protect himself/SPD (none / 0) (#115)
    by LeaNder on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 05:30:29 AM EST
    you are simply the best, expy. I could have saved my breath or finger's labor, that is exactly what it feels to me. Although admittedly I do not get his slightly skeptic look in Lee's direction at the news conference out of my head. Unfortunately photographers never give us the precise context.

    I think he then felt under "pressure" to protect himself and his department from a potential civil right investigation

    Another part missing in the documents, besides the second page of the Serino interview, is the in this case already published document history of the burglary 02/6-7/12 event with the arrest. But we get a bit more data on Burgess or the burglary in Olivia Bertalan's house or Zimmerman's neighbor, that triggered Zimmerman's activities.

    08/03/11 burglary in Olivia Bertalan's house.
    09/08/11 database hit of one set of the fingerprints, Emmanuel Burgess. Burgess is also reported to have been in jail, if I remember correctly, so why did it take that long? Trayvon's were checked immediately.
    10/06/11 lineup
    failed arrests, Burgess not home.

    02/06/12 burglary in Tatjiana V. Demicis home.
    02/07/12 four males, three black and one white reported by roofers and brought into SPD for questioning. Three released, one kept.

    Isn't the one arrested Emmanuel Burgess too?

    Someone talks about him not having changed his clothes.

    Now my question is the term beanie a synonym for bomber hat in the US? (Zimmerman's 02/02/12 call, corrected to Taafee's house in a second call) Did George Zimmerman feel Trayvon could be the second male watched and reported at the initial event in Bertalan's house? I knew police already had his finger prints. He may have been aware that only one of these two was arrested. Which page is the Demicis interview, didn't she say he contacted her when he couldn't find out more at the SPD? Demacis may have informed him about the prints taken and the earlier lineup.

    The most interesting thing would be to get into Zimmerman's mind, at the point he realized the search of the database resulted in no hits. Every black teenager about Trayvon's age would have been deeply suspect for Zimmerman. Is that the second guy? I guess by now he realized.

    What I also thought from the very start. The community was concerned that some kids used the "un-gated" entrance, don't remember the precise term, as a short cut. I guess I would, if it would save me time and I am no kid.

    Parent

    If thats the case (none / 0) (#123)
    by lousy1 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 03:14:45 PM EST
    My personal impression of that interview is that Serino was trying to give Z. the opportunity to clean up his story.

    Wonder why Zimmerman didn't jump at the opportunity?

    I can think of a probable reason... it wasn't correct.

    Parent

    I have several (none / 0) (#28)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:00:04 AM EST
    acquaintances whom I consider friends.  However, we don't do play dates, thus don't have each others' phone numbers.

    Parent
    Question (none / 0) (#11)
    by leftwig on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:37:29 AM EST
    If no capias request is ever issued, could the prosecutor still have brought charges in this case?  Or maybe another way to ask it, would the process had to have been carried out differently if no capias existed?

    The special prosecutor... (none / 0) (#17)
    by Gandydancer on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:01:39 AM EST
    ...requested the capias. The Clerk of the Court issued it. It's not clear to me what judge, if any, directed the Clerk to do so. I'm not aware of any barrier to the SA charging Zimmerman without arresting him, which arrest is what the capias is for, though it would certainly be highly unusual. The caselaw was that the SA can bring Z to trial even if a judge rules that there is no probable cause to arrest him, before the SYG law. Even doing so before the same judge who made an adverse Arthur ruling might be (Fla.) constitutionally permissable, albeit pointless.

    Parent
    There is more than one Capias request (5.00 / 0) (#18)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:03:31 AM EST
    One ran from SPD to Wolfinger.

    One ran from Corey to the Clerk of the Court.

    Parent

    Wolfinger (none / 0) (#52)
    by friendofinnocence on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:40:44 AM EST
    Wolfinger was the original SA who did not act on the capias sent to him by Serino.  But, Wolfinger could have brought charges on his own, even without a capias from Sanford P.D., but that didn't happen, either.  That is when Wolfinger took himself off the case to eliminate any appearance of a conflict of interest - which has never been further explained - and the Walker and Bondi then gave it to Corey.

    I think it is impossible, given Corey's notoriety in Florida, for Walker and Bondi not to have known exactly what would happen when the case went to Corey.

    Parent

    Wolfinger took himself off of the case? (none / 0) (#82)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:45:43 PM EST
    Wolfinger announced he's sending the case to the grand jury and 2 days later he's out and the governor puts Corey in, and you really think he voluntarily recused himself?

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#95)
    by friendofinnocence on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:48:04 PM EST
    No, I just said what happened, not why it happened.  That is being kept secret.

    Parent
    Full Serino Statement (none / 0) (#12)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:40:00 AM EST
    Only the first page was in the evidence dump I downloaded yesterday.  Somebody at the forum thread on the new evidence posted a link to the entire 2 page report.

    I now see Jeralyn has posted it (none / 0) (#16)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:59:34 AM EST
    Check the dates on this report! (none / 0) (#35)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:46:19 AM EST
    How can something be "investigated" on March 3-5 about a police report dated March 12?

    Parent
    date differences (none / 0) (#43)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:11:43 AM EST
    Yes, the bottom of the report says the investigation (interview) was on March 3 and dictated March 5, but they ask him about a report he wrote on March 12. He may have been interviewed twice since the first page of the report says it was transcribed on April 5. Maybe the transcriber combined two interviews into one report? And his report was dated March 13, not March 12. Sloppy in any event.

    Parent
    I would be more interested to know the (none / 0) (#15)
    by DebFrmHell on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:57:15 AM EST
    relationship between Barns and the officer whose son was involved with the beating of that homeless man.  I believe his name was Collision. (?)

    IIRC, Zimmerman created and distributed flyers condemning the actions of the son among the black community.  

    Zimmerman also had a negative report after his "ride-along" with officers.  I don't doubt there are a couple of persons on the force that would have a bone to pick with George Zimmerman and they had the race card to play that out with.

    It also could be part of the reason that Serino is now a beat cop on the midnight shift...not so much that he was a leak to that ABC reporter whose name escapes me...

    All IMO, of course, but it is a little hinky.

    Fleeting name... (none / 0) (#40)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:00:49 AM EST
    is that of Matt Gutman....in case you are serious.  See here for alittle more;>

    Parent
    Doesn't this discredit (none / 0) (#20)
    by Darby on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:13:31 AM EST
    Cheryl browns testimony that serino supposedly told her there was racism involved in the case.

    Stereotyping (none / 0) (#55)
    by IgnatiusJDonnely on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 01:51:32 PM EST
    is what he said, if I'm not mistaken

    Parent
    The Missing Page (none / 0) (#41)
    by Cylinder on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:01:14 AM EST
    Was page 2 of Serino's FBI interview in the state's documents? Was the Sentinel that left it out purely by accident?

    It was missing from the intial 283 pages (none / 0) (#44)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:21:14 AM EST
    and the state's attorney's office put the two page statement on the media website a few hours later and also added the second page to the initial batch making it 284 pages. They note when a file has been revised by adding a "R" (for revised) to the file name. The first version was "Documents Given to Defendant" and the second is "Documents Given to Defendant-R"

    Parent
    February 26, 2012... (none / 0) (#47)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:37:03 AM EST
    ...was not going to be Serino's lucky day, no matter what he did.

    As a matter of fact, I don't think he has a lucky day this year.

    Motion to Disqualify Lester (none / 0) (#63)
    by friendofinnocence on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:46:10 PM EST
    Looks legitimate to me (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:55:48 PM EST
    Looks like it's not a hoax, or some sort of phony pleading.

    Parent
    It s on zimmermans legal website (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Darby on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:06:26 PM EST
    Maybe Lester wanted off the case when eh wrote that scathing bail order

    Parent
    No, it is (none / 0) (#67)
    by bmaz on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:05:50 PM EST
    legitimate.  I just downloaded it off of the GZ Legal site.  Just reading it now. I said from the second Lester issued that last order that he should be removed.  I think I would have filed this motion too, although I need to read it instead of just skimming it. I will say this though, it takes balls to file it; a lot of lawyers would not have those.

    Parent
    It's all over the news, too (none / 0) (#69)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:09:32 PM EST
    Sounds as though O'Mara has the law and facts on his side, in this one.  I bet Lester is steaming right now - unless his written order and previous actions were designed to obtain disqualification for cause.

    Parent
    Sworn statement by Zimmerman (none / 0) (#70)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:12:53 PM EST
    An example of a sworn motion - which is the same thing I think Zimmerman can use in a Motion for Immunity in order to avoid taking the stand.

    This is a surprising move, but I think it is quite appropriate, and I am glad to see it.

    Parent

    Yes, the defendant's motion incorporates (none / 0) (#71)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:33:03 PM EST
    the thinking and analysis of many of the TL commenters.  And, the request for the recusal of Judge Lester, even though it is the second time around for judicial disqualification , was my view  (or, perhaps, a change of venue) since the bond hearing contaminated a fair hearing by the judge in the next steps in the criminal justice system.

    Parent
    The Orlando Sentinel reports... (none / 0) (#101)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:19:34 PM EST
    ...here (in part):

    The request comes one week after Lester raised Zimmerman's bail to $1 million and wrote a scathing order, describing the Neighborhood Watch volunteer as a manipulator who knew the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and appeared to be preparing to flee the country with $130,000 in hidden money.

    That order, wrote Zimmerman attorneysMark O'Maraand Don West, "makes gratuitous, disparaging remarks about Zimmerman's character."

    They allege it also suggests Zimmerman should be charged with lying about his ability to raise bail money, and could face future contempt proceedings.

    Lester's order, the defense argues, "created a reasonable fear in Mr. Zimmerman that this court is biased against him."

    ...

    Under state law, a judge is generally required to step aside if one of the parties demonstrates that, based on a judge's actions, words or background, a reasonably prudent person would fear he could not get a fair trial. Lester will rule on the motion. Prosecutors said they will object to his disqualification.

    Zimmerman's attorneys say that Lester went too far when he wrote, "Under any definition, the defendant has flouted the system," a reference to Zimmerman making no effort to correct statements by his wife, Shellie, at an April 20 bond hearing that the couple was broke.



    Parent
    Miami Herald names GZ's friend (none / 0) (#64)
    by SuzieTampa on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 03:51:04 PM EST
    Comforting to learn DHS hired him. [snk.] (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by oculus on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 11:22:54 AM EST
    Where's Robert Ludlum when you need him? (none / 0) (#84)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:50:18 PM EST
    The friend, with whom George stayed for a month, is named Mark Osterman.

    There could have been a sequel, "The Osterman Weekends".

    Parent

    What's Next? (none / 0) (#72)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:35:17 PM EST
    Maybe I should first say where we are.  I think at just about the same point Serino was in March.  We have a homicide where the perpetrator claims self defense and there are no witnesses to directly contradict that claim.  The perp's story has a number of exaggerations, omissions and self contradictions but seemingly there is not enough to overcome the burden of showing, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the shooter was doing something illegal, like trying to detain the victim, or had options of surviving without serious harm if he didn't shoot.  The injuries, witness statements, forensics, timelines, etc are consistent with both self defense and possible  manslaughter scenarios but that doesn't come close to satisfying the burden of proof of the prosecution.

    Serino's betters have decided to go ahead with a charge of Murder 2 where it seems they don't have anything essentially more than he did. Apparently in Florida, overcharging with Murder 2 instead of Manslaughter has few dangers for the prosecution.

    So was the charging nothing more than a political stunt or does the prosecution have a chance for victory?  The only thing I can imagine them having, waiting in the wings, are character witnesses for Martin: teachers, teammates, friends, clergyman, employers, etc, who would testify that the behavior attributed to Martin by Zimmerman is in their view, impossible.  So maybe in the future there will be another evidence dump with their affidavits.

    perp?? (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by lily on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 04:39:01 PM EST
    try another term since no crime was committed

    Parent
    Didn't realize perpetrator's are always guilty (none / 0) (#75)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:06:14 PM EST
    If I substituted killer or shooter for each usage of perp or perpetrator, would that be OK?  Unfortunately, unlike the forums, there doesn't seem to be an edit ability available.

    Parent
    victim or perpetrator? (none / 0) (#77)
    by lily on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:24:45 PM EST
    Seems this is the central conflict in this case.

    TM was the perpetrator and then the victim and the opposite is true of GZ.

    Shooter or killer does seem more accurate.

    Parent

    Is there any question that Zimmerman (none / 0) (#79)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:37:43 PM EST
    shot Martin?  

    Zimmerman may not be guilty of the crime with which he is charged, but there is no question that he committed the act - the shooting.

    You can't call him a suspect - because he's admitted to the shooting.

    He perpetrated the act; whether he is a criminal is the question.

    Parent

    Zimmerman (none / 0) (#83)
    by friendofinnocence on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:48:23 PM EST
    Zimmerman is presumed innocent, and shooting someone who attacked him in self-defense is not a crime.  It is hard to find a perfect word in this case, so "Zimmerman" is probably a good choice.

    Parent
    Too bad GZ called Trayvon Martin (none / 0) (#88)
    by Angel on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:23:36 PM EST
    "the suspect" in his written statement to the police.  

    Parent
    Which is how I refer to him - there's (none / 0) (#89)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:30:45 PM EST
    zero emotional or other bias built in to using someone's name.

    While Zimmerman is expected to make an affirmative claim of self-defense, that is not a finding that has been made as of this point - nor has the state's case been proven.

    We have a defendant who is presumed innocent, yes; but there is no question that Zimmerman shot Trayvon.  He has not been proven to have perpetrated a crime, but he did perpetrate the act of shooting Martin.

    Parent

    Technically (none / 0) (#92)
    by expy on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 07:25:33 PM EST
    at this point he can be referred to as "the defendant".

    Parent
    To be more neutral... (none / 0) (#85)
    by unitron on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:03:18 PM EST
    ...you can always call him Zimmerman, or George, or GZ.

    Everyone will know of whom you speak but it won't have the partisan feel it does now, and if you're strictly arguing evidence and logic, you don't need appeal to emotion anyway.

    Parent

    All these comments (none / 0) (#86)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 06:17:55 PM EST
    on the usage of a word, when it was clear that there was no bias intended, and not one comment on the content.  Grrrr!

    Parent
    Seemed like a good summary to me. (none / 0) (#132)
    by Gandydancer on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 07:16:30 PM EST
    Of course the prosecution has a chance, but I haven't seen Slim recently and he may have left town.

    "Shooter" would have been better than perp. As a matter of semantics, a perp is a criminal, not merely a perpetrator. See how the semantics of the word "profiling" function in this case. As to the excessive excitement that distinction drew, this site IS called TalkLEFT...

    Parent

    If the state is hoping to (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:42:35 PM EST
    convict based on Martins good character the Martin family should be braced for the unfortunate counter evidence that the defense will provide.

    The only thing I can imagine them having, waiting in the wings, are character witnesses for Martin: teachers, teammates, friends, clergyman, employers, etc, who would testify that the behavior attributed to Martin by Zimmerman is in their view, impossible.  So maybe in the future there will be another evidence dump with their affidavits.

    Of course we have not seen a defense dump yet. But they have the ability to compel the states witnesses to respond to the defenses questions under oath. It could be brutal. IMO some of TM's supporters have already committed perjuries that are relatively easy to prove.

    As I remember, during the first bail hearing MOM mentioned his intentions to make TM's character a part of the trial.

    If the state plays the "Why would little Trayvon attack anybody?" game they should be prepared for a vigorous response. I hope it doesn't have to transpire that way; but its really the states call.
     

    Parent

    Given what has been published (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Darby on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:00:11 PM EST
    and is now known about Trayvon Martin, I don't think it possible he can be portrayed as some kind of alter boy. So not a likely strategy, IMO.

    Parent
    I agree not a good strategy (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:19:33 PM EST
    But what else do they have?

    Parent
    While watching shows about trials, (none / 0) (#120)
    by friendofinnocence on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 08:31:33 PM EST
    it seems that if one side broaches the subject of character, the other side is free to bring into evidence anything they have dug up as a counter argument.  So, it is a double edged sword.

    Parent
    Licking your chops much? (3.67 / 3) (#105)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:45:33 PM EST
    Oh, happy day, huh?

    Jeezus.

    Parent

    Oh, yeah (3.00 / 2) (#113)
    by NYShooter on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 12:15:48 AM EST
    "Little Trayvon Martin" hasn't paid enough of a price. They want to exhume his body and show you what they could have done.......if they were racists, that is.


    Parent
    The suggestion was that... (none / 0) (#133)
    by Gandydancer on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 07:23:28 PM EST
    ...the -prosecution- might exhume the body and put it on display. Blaming "racists" for the result is -your- mindset.

    Parent
    I'm sure they're petrified (3.00 / 2) (#104)
    by Yman on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:43:32 PM EST
    Of course we have not seen a defense dump yet. But they have the ability to compel the states witnesses to respond to the defenses questions under oath. It could be brutal. IMO some of TM's supporters have already committed perjuries that are relatively easy to prove.

    Heh.

    As I remember, during the first bail hearing MOM mentioned his intentions to make TM's character a part of the trial.

    If the state plays the "Why would little Trayvon attack anybody?" game they should be prepared for a vigorous response. I hope it doesn't have to transpire that way; but its really the states call.

    Yeah, ... I'm sure you hope "it doesn't have to transpire that way".

    Parent

    I notice that the local race baiters (2.33 / 3) (#106)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:52:54 PM EST
    seem to be taking the FBI reports with little grace

    Parent
    State's Response to Disqualification Motion (none / 0) (#76)
    by cboldt on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 05:18:26 PM EST
    The state plans to object to the motion for disqualification.  From a Reuters article:

    A spokeswoman for the state attorney's office said in an email Friday that prosecutors object to the defense motion and will file a formal response early next week.

    A spokeswoman for the judge said he wouldn't comment Friday but would address the matter later.



    Lester's Revenge (none / 0) (#96)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 08:03:37 PM EST
    In a separate development, Lester ordered the release of statements made by a person identified as "witness 9." In already released statements, the witness suggests that George Zimmerman is prejudiced and has a racial bias.

    See here.

    If there is any justice in Florida (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 09:15:09 PM EST
    Lester should be preparing for a meeting with the Bar.

    What a small, vicious, petty tyrant!

    When the public accepted that Zimmerman was or could be a racist they emotionally sided with the prosecution even though the evidence concerning the incident was rumored to vindicate Zimmerman.

    An independent FBI investigation is held in high esteem. I began to notice a shift in perspective  in much of the MSM today. I expect the majority of the public believe or will come to believe they were duped by certain highly visible co enablers including the prosecution about this case.

    As public moods change political tides ebb. There are a lot of elected officials that will be starting to look for a hole.


    Parent

    Because (none / 0) (#100)
    by NYShooter on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:14:34 PM EST
    "little" Trayvon Martin should have run home faster

    Parent
    What ???? (none / 0) (#107)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:56:02 PM EST
    "little" Trayvon Martin should have run home faster

    What are you talking about?

    Parent

    Ridiculous, baseless accusation (none / 0) (#102)
    by Yman on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:40:51 PM EST
    If there is any justice in Florida Lester should be preparing for a meeting with the Bar.

    What Florida ethics rule has Lester violated?

    Parent

    Are you telling me (none / 0) (#108)
    by lousy1 on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:58:36 PM EST
    the Florida has no mechanism for dealing with Judges that have run amok.

    Parent
    Of course hey do (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by Yman on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 11:20:56 PM EST
    What I'm saying is that your suggestion that Lester violated some rule of ethics/conduct ("If there is any justice in Florida Lester should be preparing for a meeting with the Bar") is baseless, specious, groundless, imaginary, etc., etc.

    But if you think he did, file a complaint.

    I'm sure the Florida JQC could use a good chuckle.

    Parent

    I can't find the rule now... (none / 0) (#122)
    by Jello333 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 03:10:51 PM EST
    ... but earlier someone posted about what happens when a judge is asked to step down. One major point is that the second the recusal motion is filed, the judge MUST take NO FURTHER ACTIONS in the case, until the recusal matter is resolved. And so by ordering the release of the documents, and giving that order AFTER the recusal motion was filed... yes, it looks very much like the judge violated some kind of rule/law.

    Parent
    And if (IF) that's true, ... (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by Yman on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 04:47:21 PM EST
    ... O'Mara could very quickly have the Order vacated.

    Either way, it's not a basis for Lester to be "preparing for a meeting with the Bar".

    Parent

    The Order was completed the day before (none / 0) (#127)
    by cboldt on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 05:16:28 PM EST
    Lester's order denying closure was signed and issued on July 12th, a day before O'Mara filed his Motion for disqualification.

    I don't think Lester has done anything that merits anything more than disqualification from this case.  I do think his June 1 no-bond order, followed by the June 11 opinion that supposedly justified holding Zimmerman on a no bond status, would have been reversed if it had been appealed, but being reversed on appeal (without more) is not enough to merit more than the reversal.

    Parent

    Yeah, after I made that comment.... (none / 0) (#128)
    by Jello333 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 05:28:59 PM EST
    ... I've seen other reports that the judge ruled on the 12th, and that it was the "filing" that happened on the 13th (and after the motion to remove the judge). So if that's the case, the judge is in the clear on that one.... legally at least. I still think it's dead wrong for him to allow the release of all the jail calls. That just seems to be done out of spite (if not on the judge's part, at least on Corey's).

    Parent
    He's too busy to handle it (none / 0) (#131)
    by cboldt on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 06:04:43 PM EST
    I think O'Mara advanced good arguments against release, and Lester gently admonished the state, going forward, to limit its discovery disclosures to relevant or potentially relevant materials.

    Lester is avoiding getting into the balancing and other analytical maneuvering involved in applying closure to irrelevant material stuck into the "discovery" pile, by the state.  An easier route is to point to "discovery means public," and slam the door.

    The stakes aren't very high, at least in foresight.  Maybe everybody would feel differently if a friend of Zimmerman's is targeted for revenge and has their lives substantially disrupted (or worse) based on association with Zimmerman.  But as a general privacy matter, I speculate that the contents of the calls is inconsequential chatter.  While the people involved might be annoyed or embarrassed, that's the likely extent of harm.

    Parent

    Oh, I agree (none / 0) (#138)
    by Jello333 on Mon Jul 16, 2012 at 01:12:18 AM EST
    I doubt very much there's anything harmful (to George) in the calls. It's more just the idea that it might in some way give away the identity of friends of George. Now they'll probably be at least a little bit worried about what this release is gonna mean as far as privacy (from the media) and safety (from people like NBPP).

    Parent
    I a not about to go searching through (none / 0) (#124)
    by lousy1 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 03:19:12 PM EST
    the rules of the Florida bar.

    Did you initially believe that Mike Nifong  was guilty of ethical violations that would lead to his disbarment?

    Parent

    Of course you're not (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by Yman on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 04:40:50 PM EST
    Despite the fact that it would take all of 10 seconds on Google, making things up is just so much easier.

    BTW - No matter how often some people try to draw the same, lame analogies, Mike Nifong has nothing to do with Lester or this case.

    Parent

    The question (2.00 / 1) (#129)
    by lousy1 on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 05:38:06 PM EST
    "Did you initially believe that Mike Nifong  was guilty of ethical violations that would lead to his disbarment? "

    Was not about Nifong, it was question about your being able to show a history supporting the accuracy your pronouncement and judgments.

    I think you realized that, I am also not surprised you will not answer.

     You probably have posts on TL sites during that period.

    IMO Arrogance is only (slightly) palatable when it is justified.

    Parent

    OMara's revenge? (none / 0) (#103)
    by heidelja on Fri Jul 13, 2012 at 10:41:03 PM EST
    Per your USA Today citation:

    O'Mara argues that Lester, in his prior statements about the strength of the prosecution's case, showed bias toward convicting Zimmerman. "The court spent a lot of time and a lot of words crafting an order that was harsh and morally indignant in tone yet wholly fails to address one of the most important criteria in fashioning reasonable bail ... the compelling evidence showing that the defendant has a viable, credible claim of self defense.

    "Mr. Zimmerman fears that the court has already decided that he is not worthy of belief regardless of the type of proceeding or the corroborating evidence that would support his testimony," O'Mara wrote.



    Parent
    The FBI interviewed Serino on March 3rd? (none / 0) (#119)
    by Nettles18 on Sat Jul 14, 2012 at 01:17:08 PM EST
    6 days after the incident, the lead detective was interviewed by FBI?  That date can't be right.  Isn't this also the page that wasn't initially released when the discovery came out.  Strange.

    Sorry, Jeralyn, this is not... (none / 0) (#135)
    by Gandydancer on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 07:43:57 PM EST
    ...up to your standards for accuracy:
    According to Serino, one of the cops pressuring hims was a Sgt. Barns, who Serino SAID IS A FRIEND of Tracy Martin's.(emphasis added)

    I respectfully suggest an addendum quoting what Sereno actually said, even if your mind is unchanged by the responses on this point.

    I agree comments are petty much exclusively snark (none / 0) (#137)
    by Darby on Sun Jul 15, 2012 at 11:26:41 PM EST
    Ive only been on this blog onky a few months and it has been nonstop

    Matt Gutman Serino leak was a plant? (none / 0) (#139)
    by Stan25 on Mon Jul 16, 2012 at 01:37:09 AM EST
    It is now clear that Serino accepted Zimmerman's self-defense claim from the onset, at least to the extent of not having a basis to arrest Zimmerman.

    So what was really going on with the Serino demotion? Being the cynic that I am:

    1. Serino is a very positive witness for Zimmerman because he was against even arresting Zimmerman after conducting his investigation.

    2. So, I believe Gutman released Serino's name on purpose.

    3. The reason Gutman was put up to this (by Crump and crew?) was so there would then be enormous pressure on Serino to "play ball" at trial after he was "demoted."

    4. At worst, Serino's positive testimony for Zimmerman is now partially discredited because of his "demotion." And Serino now is facing the further ruination of his career if he refuses to "play ball."

    5. Strong proof of this is that no action was taken against Barns, who clearly played the "potted plant" with the FBI by not disclosing his relationship and contacts with Tracy Martin or whether he was the source of the leaks to Crump.

    6. Ask yourself why there is no investigation of Barns? We know the answer to that already.


    Pure comedy gold. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Angel on Mon Jul 16, 2012 at 07:19:31 AM EST
    More like tragedy (5.00 / 1) (#141)
    by Stan25 on Mon Jul 16, 2012 at 02:38:42 PM EST
    It was no coincidence that Gutman "accidentally" releases to the world, Serino's name. This was done just prior to an evidence dump that contained Serino's allegations that Sgt. Barns was leaking information to Crump, who's associate then made a press statement disclosing Serino's statement about Zimmerman's possible "hero complex".

    The upcoming evidence dump showed that Serino believed Zimmerman had a strong enough self-defense claim to precluded arrest.. Crump would already have known this key information.

    It is clear that Sgt. Barns, and therefore likely his friend Tracy Martin and thereby Crump, already had the information about how damaging Serino was to the case against Zimmerman.

    Does anyone seriously believe that Crump, armed with this information about Serino, would not try to preempt any upcoming evidence dump to undermine Serino? What easier way to undermine Serino then to suggest to the Crump tout, Gutman, he "let slip" Serino's name?

    No reporter would ever release the name of a valuable source, unless he had an ulterior motive; particularly when he knows the source will immediately be "burned." It just never happens except for a reason.

    Gutman's orchestrated, concocted "Dee Dee" interviews were a disgrace to journalism. So he is very capable of yet more sleazy conduct.

    Parent

    How can Barns and Tracy Martin have been (none / 0) (#145)
    by Mary2012 on Tue Jul 17, 2012 at 12:40:45 AM EST
    friends if Officer Barns had to ask around for Tracy Martin's phone number?  Wouldn't he already have it?

    Barns should be asked (under oath) that question (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by Stan25 on Tue Jul 17, 2012 at 02:09:55 AM EST
    The way to get to the bottom is not speculating about whether or not Barns misplaced the number or hadn't spoken to Martin for a while. This is because the issue is whether or not Barns was leaking information to Crump, no matter how he reached Crump, directly or indirectly through Tracy Martin after he contacted him.

    Parent