Scandal rocks DA's office
Scandal rocks DA's office
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Sat Oct 27, 2007 05:52:48 CDT
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Wed Oct 31, 2007 23:28:02 CDT
Just FYI to "those" ie; skysthelimit, catgirl,elzrccvi, ALS, sureursmart, atticus finch, etc. who feel the need to attempt to disclose information with the intent of harming the VICTIM with misuse of "Official Information":As a public servant, you may have access to information that has not been made public. Chapter 39 of the Penal Code restricts your use of such information in the following ways:A Guide To Ethics Laws For State Officers And EmployeesTexas Ethics Commission Page 7 Revised 01/03/2006
You may not use the information to acquire or help another person to acquire a pecuniary interest in any property, transaction, or enterprise affected by the information. Penal Code § 39.06(a)(1).
You may not speculate or aid another to speculate on the basis of the information. Penal Code § 39.06(a)(2).
You may not disclose or use the information with the intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another. Penal Code § 39.06(b).
Wed Oct 31, 2007 09:53:44 CDT
Betty - I do not mean to exclude the alleged victim from receiving fair treatment! And you are right, regarless of the outcome of this case, the victim will carry this around his heart for a lifetime. I am only saying that if a special prosecutor and change of venue isn't done, no one will receive justice! I hope that the victim will seek therapy and will be able to live a full life.... I can't say put it behind him, because, as a victim, as the mother of a victim, it doesn't work that way! It's always there!
Wed Oct 31, 2007 08:35:02 CDT
COPIED:Comment From: darlins64 Southtexas - we are in agreement on this: There is absolutely no way that Ratcliff will get a fair trial here in Victoria. The jury pool is already tainted and the indictment's not even a week old! In a different thread on the same topic, I stated that I would not want to be in Mr. Tyler's shoes Will the victim get a fair trial? So to speak, NOT!!!He will carry this around the rest of his life!!!Again, I am not saying Ratcliff is guilty, just that the victim should be considered more by you people, he will have to face this in court also, and if he is lying, then he will have to live with that also. But, if he is telling the truth, he is already living a Hell at the hands of a perp.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 16:43:57 CDT
Southtexas - we are in agreement on this: There is absolutely no way that Ratcliff will get a fair trial here in Victoria. The jury pool is already tainted and the indictment's not even a week old! In a different thread on the same topic, I stated that I would not want to be in Mr. Tyler's shoes right now.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 16:37:20 CDT
darlins64: I did not say nor mean to implicate that because Sheriff Ratcliff had done a good job meant that the allegations against him were not true. The fact remains as one reads these comments, there are statements about what a horrible job he did, he was molesting children in the sheriff's office for years and undoubtedly everyone who worked there was covering it up, etc. etc. That is all ridiculous. All I hope is that people will stop the gossip and conjecture and give the man a chance to a fair trial. And as far as the question about whether or not there should be a special prosecutor and a change of venue, I would think that Steve Tyler would want that, however I am not trained in law and I don't know what is involved in such a request. And most assuredly if I was the defense attorney I would be requesting a change of venue since it is easy to see that the Advocate and many people in this town have already tried and convicted Mr. Ratcliff.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 16:25:31 CDT
Yes, justice delayed is justice denied.... under the former DA, my application for a protective order was delayed and then denied and the result was further damage.... I so much want to believe that Mr. Tyler will do what is in the best interest of the citizens of Victoria County. I do not for a moment believe that Mr. Tyler aided or abbetted (sp) in this alleged incident nor did he cover it up. He did not speak publically of it prior to the indictment because that would have hindered the investigation. Yes, he should recuse himself from this case and request a special prosecutor.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:49:51 CDT
I agree that there must be an iota of evidence or he would not be going to court. Can it be proven? That is the factor. Legally, if the i's were not dotted and the t's not crossed, the evidence can be thrown out. Ask OJ Simpson.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:45:58 CDT
Sorry about your daughters experience. It would be terrifying, humiliating, degrading. It takes too long for charges to go to court waiting for evidence, etc. Seems that I read "justice delayed is justice denied". Tyler should execuse himself immediately from this case, investigation, etc.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:22:44 CDT
Very traumatic... and as I've stated before.... there has to be an iota of substance to the allegations, otherwise the Grand Jury would not have returned an indictment. I can also state with personal experience, that even if the alleged incident had recently occurred, the investigation would take anywhere from 18 months to 2 years! My daughter was sexually assaulted in January, and the dna evidence is still at the state crime lab waiting to be processed. The process is long and frustrating, and even after receiving the evidence, the DA can decide there isn't enough compelling evidence to issue an arrest warrant..... and the case evaporates faster than spit on a hot griddle! In this case, as I've stated, there must have been compelling evidence to go to the grand jury and to involve the FBI. My only issue with Mr. Tyler is that he should not prosecute this case! I have to believe that he has done his job by cooperating with the lead investigators and has nothing to hide. (Please don't let me be wrong!)
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:10:47 CDT
Traumatic experience IF it happened.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:08:32 CDT
Had to be a camera in his office. Too many questions if he said "put them everywhere but here in my office". He's not that stupid.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:06:28 CDT
justiceforAll >"What is rotflimbo?"<
R-olling O-n T-he F-loor L-aughing M-y B-utt O-ff
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:04:45 CDT
Do you think there is a camera in Ratcliff's private office? There probably isn't, or wasn't at the time. And it took 10 years because the victim was afraid for his life and probably was dealing with some other issues stemming from this alleged crime. Under the law, the statute of limitations to file a complaint in a childhood sexual molestation case is 10 years after the victim has reached their 18th birthday. Why is it that way? I couldn't begin to answer.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 15:03:31 CDT
Mudslinging,gossip,rumors, are not needed here. Only the facts. Only a few people know what they are. Charges have been filed. Wait and see.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:58:12 CDT
24/7 camera monitoring. It wouldn't just be 1 word against another. There would be proof. Surely the cameras have tape in them.Take the tape to DPS,FBI. Why did it take 10 years?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:52:32 CDT
You say that you would, but in earlier posts, you've expressed doubts that there is any substance to the allegations. Why a cover up? Oh, I don't know... let's look at the allegations:Ratcliff is alleged to have lured a 13/14/15 yr old from his home, performed oral sex on him at gunpoint.... Ratcliff was the sheriff of Victoria county at the time the alleged incidents took place; now, what deputy, who knew what was going on, would tell? Who would they tell? And if the victim was NOT willing to cooperate at the time, the "whistleblower" (for lack of a better word) would be made to look like an idiot... and would be fired. The alleged victim wasn't talking.... he was afraid for his life! So you tell me, who was going to speak out for this child?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:40:48 CDT
He can't talk. Everything would be misconstrued. The truth will come out, but not soon enough. I hate the mudslinging.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:36:39 CDT
I think a new venue and prosecutor is crucial. Most of us don't know who is guilty or innocent, and won't ever unless this is tried the right way. I think all of the frustration is over the shady antics and 'unconventional' actions (such as the release Ratcliff got) of those with power. How come the obvious has been averted? How can anyone expect a fair trial for this guy if he starts off with exceptions that the general public isn't given. If he wants people to have a fair perception of him, why doesn't he speak up and not blame an attorney for not letting him talk? If I were a public official getting indicted and I were innocent and my lawyer told me not to talk to the public, I would get a new lawyer.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:25:53 CDT
Why would people cover up acts against a child. No matter how much I like someone, if they were committing this, I would definately report them. DPS,FBI, etc. I wouldn't stop until something was done about it.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:22:45 CDT
What is rotflimbo?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:21:37 CDT
SHURLEE - rotflmbo!
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:18:39 CDT
Again, I'm not siding with Ratcliff or saying that he's guilty.... but I have to agree with justice on this: Ratcliff is not responsible for every unsolved crime committed over the last 15 years. Nor do I think ANYONE should be judged by their sexual orientation. That has nothing to do with the allegations made against Mr. Ratcliff! In July and August of 2006, there was much speculation and rumor that Ratcliff was involved in Sally Blackwell's death, and in the disappearance of the coach from Bloomington. He came forward, did an interview with the Advocate and denied all of this. Now, with these new allegations, he has been advised by his attorney not to talk to anyone about it. Which is probably good advice. Justice, there has to be some substance to the allegations that something happened between this young boy and Ratcliff, otherwise the Grand Jury would not have voted to return an indictment. He will receive a trial, and a jury will return a verdict.... due process of the law will be attained. However, with all the speculation, rumors and the like, he will not be able to receive a fair trial in Victoria County.
Do I believe there is credibility to the allegations of sexual misconduct? Yes
Do I believe there has been a "cover up" by other high ranking officials? Absolutely
Do I believe "others" will fall too? Probably
Southtexas - you say that Ratcliff performed his duty as sheriff and that is proof of his innocence? No... you can be a "bad person" but still do your job unerringly. It's called living a double life. Of course he was going to present to the public this fine upstanding personna.... what do you think he was going to say to the voters: "Please re-elect me as your Sheriff. Oh by the way, I like to dress up as a woman and perform oral sex on teenage boys."?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:13:47 CDT
I am for an alternative prosecutor and a change of venue.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:11:57 CDT
Southtexas and justforall, are you for or against an alternative prosecutor for this case?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 14:03:56 CDT
Gosh southtexas, how many hands do you think it takes to hold a gun?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 13:54:31 CDT
Thank you southtexas! Some people want to blame Ratcliff for everything on the crime page.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 13:51:30 CDT
dntbah8tr: Stop typing you are showing your ignorance. You have no idea who I am and no, I am not nor have I ever been a part of law enforcement in this city, nor has any of my family. Actually, I am in the healthcare field. What I am is an informed taxpayer and voter instead of a total babbling idiot like some people. Before I vote for anyone, I try to find out as much as I can about them. I happen to believe that the Sheriff in a town Victoria's size is an important position. Wish we could vote for chief of police. Do you really think Mike would have gotten re-elected so many times if he was not doing a good job. The last election was ruled by the power of money rather than qualifications, experience or anything remotely related to what would make a good sheriff. Connecting Sheriff Ratcliff with every crime that has been committed in the last 15 years is what I find ridiculous.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:51:54 CDT
He also still has a good PR (Public Relations and preferential release) department. SouthTexas, since you have been or are still part of the Sheriff's department, you have no credibility. What is Ratcliff hiding for you?
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:25:44 CDT
angel72....I'm with you. Suposedly Sheriff Ratcliff was holding the gun on the young man while he(Sheriff Ratcliff) was performing oral sex on the young man. The mental picture I am getting.....is that even possible? Another question I have.....The boy made the allegations some 14 months ago....All the agencies got involved to investigate...FBI, DPS, etc. The computer crimes people were involved, Sheriff Ratcliff's computer was monitored. Of course all this was done because the thought was that "If he did it 10 years ago...he's gotta still be doing it." STRANGE.....After 14 months of investigation the only charge that any of the agencies come up with is the original "one individual's word against another" accusation that was originally made. Undoubtedly nothing was found in addition to the original charge during the 14 months. If so, most assuredly those charges would have been made also, since getting a conviction on a recent charge is much more likely than getting a conviction on a charge for something that occurred 10 years ago. Doesn't that seem a bit strange? Maybe nothing was found because the original accusation was not valid? God forbid! The thing I do know about Sheriff Ratcliff is that he was the most knowledgable and fiscally responsible sheriff that Victoria County has ever had....graduating at the top of his FBI class, working his way from dispatcher to Sheriff over many years, knowing the workings of the sheriff's office inside and out, taking advantage of grants for equipment and programs that had never been utilized, encouraging and updating educational requirements for his staff, doing everything possible to be a good steward of taxpayers money. Some people didn't like Sheriff Ratcliff because he didn't "look" like a sheriff....Sheriff's in this day and age must be part attorney, part accountant, and that good ole boy, riding your horse, cowboy hat wearing image is not of an great value other than making for a great picture. Saving tax payor dollars does not appear to be a top priority with our present sheriff....spend, spend, spend. On television recently the present sheriff had the audacity to use an interview regarding the murder of a woman to pitch a bid for more money. It is my opinion that the man basically does not have a clue about real law enforcement...but "playing sheriff" is fun. Let's wait until the courts do their job....I read these comments and am reminded of the Salem Witch hunts. If it were not so serious it would be laughable.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 03:16:08 CDT
Mon Oct 29, 2007 15:31:52 CDT
To Sickandtired....obviously I have too much time on my hands cuz I happened to read an earlier post from you which stated you were going to start documenting license plates of cars in the park. The park is a public space that can be used by every member of the community. If there is illegal activity going on that you witness you should do more than document the license plates but if it is simply people you do not like using the park then you should do NOTHING! I thought the days of witch hunts were gone...but I forgot....Victoria is still a bit of a backwater. This should not be an issue about homosexuals it should be an issue about a crime & the fact that it was possibly committed by a law enforcement official. And to you Woohoo...don't take this opprotunity to start outing all these big important people....I thought you were a Christian.
Mon Oct 29, 2007 10:44:24 CDT
Sickntired,Who are you to tell me that I shouldn't keep up with my hometown? So what if I live in Dallas now? I grew up in Victoria. Get over yourself. You don't run these forums.
You seem to know a lot about the park....maybe you are participating as well. I've never seen anything in the park that you describe. I know that kind of stuff happens but as far as seeing it? I think you are making up stuff. The guys that frequent the park are the married losers like Mike Ratcliff that DONT wanna get caught so why are they going to do stuff like that where people can see them? THEY DONT WANNA GET CAUGHT so they arent going to. You're not so bright are you?
Stop making up stuff
Mon Oct 29, 2007 08:14:22 CDT
Just read all the comments. Woohoo knows what's happening. The earlier remark made by WOOHOO with the other names in it happens to be the truth. So many community leaders know of these attrocious acts and cover them up. Who is protesting the children? Hopefully there will be some link between these sickos that will lead the FBI to more arrests. We must be patient and if we know something we must come forward. WOOHOO, if you know MR is a ped (like I know he is), keep praying for justice. You can't always count on man to do the right thing but God never fails.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 17:35:28 CDT
I think the D.A. hates the spotlight and wishes he weren't in it. His situation is compromised by stating that he knew about the charges all along, making ppl wonder WHY DID YOU HIRE HIM? Guilty or not, those charges were gonna cause some ugly speculation by the public. Sure there was a "cover-up" 10 years ago when that was going on...you can't hide it all by yourself. Or ppl just keeping their mouths shut to keep their jobs. Makes you wonder if others will start coming forward. That's what usually happens.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 16:41:10 CDT
FYI, for sex crimes against minors, it is generally 10 years from the child's 18th birthday.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 16:12:59 CDT
To WOOHOO: You say you know what it is like to be falsely accused. Were you given a chance to defend yourself? It can't be fun--- which is why I want people to wait and see if Ratcliff is guilty or falsely accused.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 16:07:55 CDT
Obviously, you are a friend of Ratcliff, Justiceforall. If I had EVER touched a child, I would have been UNDER the jail with NO BOND. I know what it is like to be falsely accused as a result of being a whistleblower on these lowlifes. THEY WOULD HAVE LOCKED THAT JAIL ON ME AND THROWN AWAY THE KEY. Maybe you should defend ole Ratcliff in court. Obviously, you are a friend. These charges are only the tip of the iceberg. Thank God it's coming out about our "respected leaders". May the ax fall on some other respected leaders' heads as well.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 13:48:02 CDT
Betty: It happens all the time. Just because someone has been accused, doesn't mean they are guilty. The number of accusations has nothing to do with it. They can be guilty if it's 1 accusation or innocent if its a 100 accusations.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 13:38:43 CDT
Copied:Comment From: justiceforAll What if these charges are false? That could happen! Everyone wants to hang Ratcliff right now...what if he is found innocent and the charges are false. Who will apologize to him for all the mean ugly things they have said to hurt him and his family ? Who will apologize? Will you? :et's be fair and hear all the evidence from everyone.)......I would not apologize, because I would then feel the justice system let us down. I do not know if he is guilty, but how could so many charges be false. I am afraid there will be a cover up if they are true.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:24:07 CDT
What if these charges are false? That could happen! Everyone wants to hang Ratcliff right now...what if he is found innocent and the charges are false. Who will apologize to him for all the mean ugly things they have said to hurt him and his family ? Who will apologize? Will you? :et's be fair and hear all the evidence from everyone.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:19:24 CDT
to Angel72:I read that also..the defendant performed oral sex on the victim. Still illegal...doesn't change anything. Defendant is still innocent until proven guilty.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:08:50 CDT
sureursmart..you sure sound like one of Racliff's butties-oops sorry, i meant to say BUDDY.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:42:58 CDT
to allfiredup : if anyone knew of ratcliff's goings on 10+ years ago when all these alleged crimes took place and did nothing about it, then that equals to a coverup. it is publicized now because it is going to court and the media is all over it, but he!! they don't even have all the information at this point.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:38:55 CDT
apelila - i am not 100% sure on this, but i do believe the statute of limitations on sex crimes against minors is 10 years in the state of texas. i know under jessica's law they are trying to double that to 20. if this case has been under investigation for 14 months now ( i believe that is what the articles said) then they probably waited right up until the time was up om it to bring it forward. as far as what brought the victim to the point of bringing it up now would be purely speculation...only he knows for sure i guess.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:34:16 CDT
To Sickandtired, I agree with you about why 10 years later. I think the DA is a Drama Queen and when he lost a case he decided to attack someone else. Over the past few months, the DA has stated that cases have been overturned because of the lack of sufficient evidence. So is there enough evidence now? Or is the DA liking the spot light? In his head, it is like he has to put himself back up on top. Instead of believing in the justice system and the people of Victoria, he wants to control everything and everyone. Isn't there a statute of limitations on sex crimes?
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:15:46 CDT
For all of you who believe this is a "cover up"...it's the most openly publicized cover up I've ever seen. Only the deaf, mute and blind, living in a vacuum on another planet are not aware of what is now going on. And some of you seem to think you know more than the investigating entities. Dang, I wish you were working as the lead investigators...You'd really show them a thang or 2...ummmmm ummmmm ummmmm
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:10:10 CDT
skysthelimit...your math is fuzzy. The victim was 14 at the time of the "first" encounter not 17. Oh, and that bit about pinpointing a "glitch in his (Ratcliff) system", they say Ted Bundy was a most personable and well liked guy. And if you think you know everything your children do...well you are indeed a fool.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:54:28 CDT
From skysthelimit :Wouldn't you think that someone could pinpoint a glitch in his system over the years? I would hope so with our so called outstanding Victoria Leadership!!!!! Of course someone can pinpoint a glitch in his system. When you say "he" I am assuming you mean Ratcliff. This is known as a coverup though. In an article I read here somewhere (maybe the one on his peers looking up to him) one guy said he kept his personal life for the most part personal. If he was into luring teenage boys via the internet posing as a woman for oral sex, I'm sure he would have done his best to keep that as secret as possible. If anyone was aware of his actions, there are always such things as payoffs, hush money and threats...especially if it was someone within his office that knew. It will be very interesting to watch this case unfold and see what all the FBI and DPS has collected on this case when it all becomes public knowledge. There is still alot unknown about this case.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 09:46:48 CDT
Bcat and Tstorm5: I am sorry that you both feel this way in stating that I am a sick individual. I do have children and I monitor every thing they do, not in a controlling way, but now that we have been blessed with internet monitoring I make sure that they are not introduced to predetors that have caused a situation such as this.In 1997 this was not availabe and I am aware that we don't know everything our children do, but a 16-17 year old does have some sort of right mind, I am not taking up for Ratcliff,nor am I taking up for the victim either, My statement might have been crude but you have to sit back and be open to all opinions and know what the story is about. We don't know what happens behind closed doors, so we don't really know what happend when that kid entered the car. Ratcliff for all we know could be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, But still the man has been a leader for Victoria for years and he has been up close with alot of other leaders in our little big town. Wouldn't you think that someone could pinpoint a glitch in his system over the years? I would hope so with our so called outstanding Victoria Leadership!!!!!
Sun Oct 28, 2007 06:09:48 CDT
sureursmart...if the name you published is indeed the victim in this case I'm sure the FBI and Cyber Crimes Unit would be interested in how you would know this. I will ensure they have the oppurtunity to investigate you. If you think you are completely "anonymous" you truly must be one of the dumbest people to walk the face of the earth. What a sorry excuse for a human being.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 03:34:48 CDT
Am I the only one seeing this? The way that I read the court documents, Mr. Ratcliff is the one that was performing oral sex on the victim and the one with the gun. That really doesn't seem threatening to me...seems like he would have been a little busy to do anything with the gun....hhhhmmmm...something to think about. And someone mentioned that he was dressed as a woman, where did that come in at? I read that he posed as a woman online but nothing about dressing as a woman, do your newspapers say more than mine does? If so, maybe I am not getting what I have paid for.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 02:07:37 CDT
I truly believe that the DAs from both Victoria and Jackson Counties are corrupt and should be investigated and that the police department in Victoria County have double standards. The only way to clean it up is in the voting booth. Get rid of both DAs to return fairness to both counties.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 01:04:01 CDT
shysthelimit- Your comment makes me nauseas. The victim was lured. He thought he was meeting a woman. He was a kid. Kid's make mistakes. Adults are supposed to be protectors not molesters. People like you, who blame the victim and think they are out to make a buck, are what is wrong with this country. You blame the innocent and protect the guilty. I don't pity Mr. Ratcliff; if he is innocent the truth will come out, if he is guilty I hope they throw the book at him. I however pity people who are small town and closed minded; kind of like yourself. Maybe you and Catgirl should get together and start a group.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 00:24:44 CDT
you know catgirl - to essentially blame the victim here for falling into the trap of what happened is just sad. the kid was a minor at the time..albeit an aged minor, almost an adult. however, ratcliff was a legal adult, and a law enforcement officer...he KNEW better..period. and i believe the article unless i misread said he posed as a woman via the internet while luring this kid. you tell me what 17 year old male isn't interested in relations with a person of the opposite sex. was the kid old enough to know better? sure he was. should his parents have kept a sharper eye out for what their son was doing on the computer? sure they should have. let's face it though - we are talking about a 17 year old at the time. kids that age have quite a bit more freedom at that age...and kids are good at keeping things hidden from parents...no matter how sharp of an eye they watch with. the point is...ratcliff knew better...he knew it was against the law as well. he probably thought (if this all proves true) he was higher up in the food chain and could keep it all under wraps. and to those again who keep trying to explain "innocent until proven guilty" point well taken but, like the one poster said, there is much more that isn't being shared at this time. if it were all so innocent it would probably not have gotten as far as it has. it will all come out in the wash and guilt or innocence will be proven. all i can say...if he is guilty, i hope he gets due justice because the charges are nothing more than disgusting and the games of a very sick mind. not only that, games played by an evil man who thought he was above the law and could get away with it by use of his office. maybe he never thought he'd be beat and he could keep the cover up going before the statute of limitations passed. of course, that is based on whehter or not he is found guilty.
Sun Oct 28, 2007 00:18:07 CDT
Catgirl maybe you better read and re-read. Below is a direct quote from the Advocate.
"Aggravated Sexual Assault - On Aug. 4, 1997, Ratcliff showed a gun, threatened him and forced the boy to engage in oral sex. The boy feared death, injury or kidnapping."
Sun Oct 28, 2007 00:11:02 CDT
shysthelimit,Thats about the most ridiculous post I've seen in this thread. "The victim knew what he was doing"??? He's a 16 - 17 year old boy. If you don't understand what that means then you need help. I can't even imagine that if you have or had kids that you knew 100% of the time what they were doing. If you did, then I feel sorry for your kids. You must have been the most overbearing parent on the planet.
The victim is the victim for a reason. He was taken advantage of by an coniving, liar and was tricked into the mess he was in. Based on your post the kid is at fault here, not Ratcliff. I think I'm going to baaarf
Sat Oct 27, 2007 22:51:57 CDT
catgirl:From Article on Ratcliff accused of having sex with boy: Criminal Solicitation of a Minor - Ratcliff had an online correspondence with a minor younger than 17. On the night of Aug. 4, 1997, the boy "snuck out of his home" and got into Ratcliff's vehicle where he was forced at gunpoint to engage in oral sex.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 22:43:11 CDT
Betty007 in your first post you stated "I have always taught my children to go to a police officier if they got lost, or if they think someone is following them, for a while now I tell them, JUST RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN. If they will allow this type of arrested person to get out on his own recognizance!!!And, this just proves why I feel this way, and I know a lot of other parents who feel the same. WHY trust an officier of the law, they can do a crime, and they know how to cover it up. I am speaking of the whole justice system." You are judging all of law enforcement on the actions of a few. Look at all the teachers who have inappropriate relationships with students does this make all teachers bad of course not. Or what about the priest who have been convicted of molesting children does this make all priest pedophiles of course not but you state “why trust an officer of the law”. Not all of us are bad we take an oath to uphold the law and protect the citizens of this county and most of us take it very serious and are very proud of the job that we do. It is a sad day when a fellow law enforcement officer crosses the line and is charged with a crime such as this or any crime for that matter. But to judge us as a whole by the actions of a few is just as sad.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 22:01:45 CDT
(reply to regular Jane and comment) The victim obviously knew what he was doing. First of all he chats on the internet with supposedly Mr. Ratcliff, the victim thinks, hmmmm I think I will go have sex with this online person. Where were the parents if he was underaged? Why was he chatting like this on the internet? And when he approached the car with Ratcliff in the driver seat, dressed like a woman ( an ugly woman) would you not think that first off he looked like a weird woman? Or was this just a sick victim? Again we all could raise alot of questions, but you have to be open about all evidence, The victim was not kidnapped nor lured, he chose to get in that car, whether or not a gun was used on this poor innocent victim, that will evetually get a large settlement, we don't know, So please people, I kinda think we all pitty Ratcliff in some way, because after all we are commenting, it is obviously affecting us.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 21:45:37 CDT
To Watcher: Definitely we do no know all the facts. Obviously there is "evidence" out there that brought this to where it is today. BUT is it true evidence or fabricated by someone else that knows the law very, very well ???To Betty007: Did you not read who or why “arrested" people get out on PR bonds... flight risk ... not because who they are.
To skysthelimit: Mr. Racliff ISN’Tt so bad after all!! Thank you so much :) Three terms .., that should say something about him.
To RegularJane: No where does it state that the victim was FORCED at gunpoint ... please read and re-read the charge.
I mentioned in an earlier comment on the "speculations" ... that we should not speculate .. but I am pushed to it … so how about this one ... Could it be ever so possible that the personal vendetta with the current Sheriff and Ratcliff has "caused" this entire drama?
Ten years ago I used the computer to “chat” with people. You had a choice of who you wanted to chat with and on what topic (you still have that choice today). A male that is 14, 15 or 16 knows what a sexually content conversation is about. He chose to have them. He obviously must have been curious. He then snuck out of the house and willingly got into a vehicle to explore his curiosity.
To every parent ... maybe parents these days should watch their children more closely, instead of "letting them express themselves" and never reprimanding them or punishing them. Showing up at sports events does not constitute being the "parent of the year". Oops, sorry for that sarcastic remark.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 21:31:57 CDT
First of all, I don't know whether this man is guilty or not, but I'm astounded that someone would excuse this man's behavior if he is found to be guilty simply because this all occurred about 10 years ago. He is accused of forcing a teenage boy AT GUNPOINT to perform oral sex on him! I think that is utterly disgusting. He has been indicted...obviously there was some sort of evidence presented to bring these charges against him. If he is found guilty, then he is a sick and disgusting human being. And he was in law enforcement?? As far as the attitude of "who cares" I bet whoever feels like that would be singing a totally different tune if it was your kid.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 21:28:30 CDT
In case ya'll haven't noticed, mccofland is from the big city. I think she has only mentioned that a time, or 2, or a 100. Who cares!!!!! And to the contrary, Ratcliff was with the County of Victoria, not the city. Even with the D.A.'s office, his pay check comes from the county.As for the topic, my only question is why 10 years later? Was it not a concern prior to when the investigation supposedly began last year? I'm curious to know what evidence of this was dug up. Obviously any DNA evidence is long gone. The sad thing is this, most people involved in sexual cases like this do one of two things....if they are somebody, like Mike is, and they are guilty, they commit suicide. Or if they are innocent, they fight till the end. Please don't misquote me, I DO NOT want to see Mr. Ratcliff hurt himself. He has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion which really isn't fair. The man was always nice to me when I saw him and I really have nothing negative to say about him to this point. As for his boss Tyler, when he slammed the law book down at the press conference and scolded the media kind of peturbs me. I always thought he was cocky, now I know he is. Finally, where is that Mike and Tom go or always bat for him? Cat got their tongues?
Sat Oct 27, 2007 20:53:42 CDT
Boring, Boring, Boring, Boring, Victoria needs to get a life, this scandel is full of @#$%, I think that the victim in this case has gotten the attention that he wanted, and Victoria has a story they can spread rumors about. We need to focus on our community as a whole and worry about issues that can improve our surroundings. Also from reading the article about Peers looking up to Mr. Ratcliff, sounds like the guy wasn't so bad afterall, why publish an article that is providing positivity then following it with articles damning him. Get REAL!!
Sat Oct 27, 2007 20:33:17 CDT
Comment From: catgirl (Reply to betty007: I actually do speak from experience ... but from the other side, my family was the VICTIM of a horrible (permanent) crime. But I still remain open-minded.)I have never said that Ratcliff is guilty. I just cannot agree with the fact that he is walking around on a personal recognizance bond, as I have said over and over! I just feel that is wrong, and no matter who he is or was, he should be treated as a lot of you put it a"Regular Joe". That is all I have ever said, it has nothing to do with an open mind, I just don't feel it is justice to allow a man accused of these type of crimes to walking the streets UNTIL he is proven innocent, I don't give a hoot who he is!!!
Sat Oct 27, 2007 19:18:17 CDT
Okay. I've sat back and watched this blog since it started and finally feel compelled to "chime in". Could it be possible that we, the public, do not know all of the facts of the case? There must be evidence that is not being discussed or revealed in public. I do know that prosecutors cannot risk commenting on pending trials due to the possiblity of tainting potential jurors, even if the case is granted a change of venue. This would provide the defense a chance for a mis-trial and cost the taxpayers even more for another trial. I appreciate everyone's opinion and hope that if I am ever in any trouble many of you are not on my jury! I too have my opinion about the matter but I am going to wait until I can obtain all of the facts before I make my final conclusion.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 17:17:33 CDT
Also, could someone direct me to where they have purchased their crystal ball? Seems as though Ratcliff has been tried, found guilty and got no punishment according to y'all!!!! Give it a rest, stop the speculating ... wait for the trial (provided he doesn't plea), wait for the verdict and wait for the punishment. Wherever the trial is held, (once again, provided he doesn't plea), since everyone is so set on damning him to hell, why don't you take vacation time (provided you work, which keeps your mind busy) and go to the trial. I plan on attending a few days. One learns a lot being exposed to different experiences.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 17:04:29 CDT
Reply to betty007: I actually do speak from experience ... but from the other side, my family was the VICTIM of a horrible (permanent) crime. But I still remain open-minded.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 17:03:39 CDT
I agree everyones life is important--the Regular Joe's and the elected Public Official. Let's face it, we would not be having these comments if it were a regular joe that was arrested. It happens all the time. Because of his previous job, everyone wants to hang him the minute the charges are revealed. He is not better or worse than the rest of us. He just has a higher profile. Let's treat all people like we want to be treated. Give the criminal JUSTICE system a change to work. That's what it's all about.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:55:20 CDT
i never said the charges were true. everyone deserves their day in court. the fbi and dps got involved for many reasons, mainly being tyler surely couldn't investigate him i am sure. however, if there was nothing amiss, then there is a good chance it wouldn't have gotten this far?! just a thought.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:54:52 CDT
Comment From: catgirl AMEN for justiceforAll for his comment:These charges are 10 years old and unproven. Yes they are serious charges. He got a PR bond because he is not a Regular Joe. Everyone knows Mike Ratcliff due to his being an elected public official. Regular Joe's are Regular Joe's and no one knows who they are. That's why they are Regular Joe's.) May be true, but I bet you would be singing a different tune if you or your family was that Regular Joe. And, before you say it, no I do not speak from experience. I just think that his life is not worth more than anyone's elses. That everyone's life is just important as the next, no matter his position in the community.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:51:23 CDT
And I will add---we don't KNOW that these charges are TRUE. That's the reason we have the court system. The arresting officers are not the same people who get to find us guilty or innocent. We have a totally different set of people who decide if there is truth to these charges.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:51:13 CDT
catgirl...i live in houston and have for over 10 years now. trust me when i say i couldn't wait to get the he** out of victoria. you are right,this stuff happens daily in large cities, but do i cry about it? no, move on. it's a part of life. the thing about victoria is this - people who live there, and i mainly refer to the ones that have never realized there is a whole big wide world outside of those city limits somehow think they do live in a bog city. it's a farce..victoria is small town, always has been and always will be. having a gap, old navy and a best buy doesn't make it big city. the victorians are the ones crying about this whole big mess, not i. however, i do have a right to post on this forum as it is public one and being in america and an american i have the right to free speech =) and as far as the lesbians and gays...power to them. while i am a happily married heterosexual mother of three, i don't deny the right for anyone to be happy in whatever type of relationship they want. that's the thing - i can make it in a big city...like i said, i got out, went to college and only go back now to see family. it's the people that actually live there that couldn't take it in a big city - they can't take the little scandal that has now hit the streets of pristine victoria. we deal with it here in the big city on a daily basis as do you apparently living in a city yourself. government is corrupt everywhere - hell our hoa is corrupt! LOL however, when stuff like this hits victoria - the town goes nuts unable to handle it.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:44:39 CDT
If Mike Ratcliff is found guilty then I will not longer be able to defend him. I will support whatever the court decides should happen. There is a difference between Mr. Ratcliff and a Regular Joe. Sorry but that is true everywhere people are. And no, we don't really know anybody. We only know what people want us to know.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:43:47 CDT
AMEN for justiceforAll for his comment:These charges are 10 years old and unproven. Yes they are serious charges. He got a PR bond because he is not a Regular Joe. Everyone knows Mike Ratcliff due to his being an elected public official. Regular Joe's are Regular Joe's and no one knows who they are. That's why they are Regular Joe's.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:41:42 CDT
mcoffland and all you people that complain about the corrupt government in Victoria and how it has always been that way, and always will be, then why don't you move to someplace you think the government isn't corrupt ... good luck finding that place! I am straight, but I am not going to judge, bi-sexuals, gays or lesbians ... they are who they are. Just because they fall into that category, does not make them a child molester. There are married preachers that are child molesters and murderers. Do you think gays kissing each other in the park is any different than a straight couple feeling each other up in the park? My gosh, the way some females (and very young ones) dress these days, you would think they are getting ready to dance the pole! Then they wonder why men grope them! Open your minds. Stop the gossip. Note: Those of you that think the government is corrupt would never make it in a big city, you'd be crying all the time. I grew up in a big city, lived in Victoria for a long time and moved back to the big city. I like it, it's versatile, but you closed-minded, small town, gossip when someone craps, wouldn't make it.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:38:47 CDT
It doesn't matter how old the charges are. They are being brought up now either way. And I guess you mean to say unless you are a "someone" in Victoria then you are really just a "nobody". The same old mentality that makes Victoria what it is. Apparently, some didn't know Ratcliff as well as they thought they did, now did they?
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:34:05 CDT
These charges are 10 years old and unproven. Yes they are serious charges. He got a PR bond because he is not a Regular Joe. Everyone knows Mike Ratcliff due to his being an elected public official. Regular Joe's are Regular Joe's and no one knows who they are. That's why they are Regular Joe's.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:29:24 CDT
Oh and one other thing Justice - Mr. Ratcliff WAS a servant for the City of Victoria for 30 years...right now he is indicted on some serious charges and under serious investigation. right now he is a man waiting for his day in court. His 30 years of service doesn't make him special...if he is proven to be guilty of these crimes, then he is a sick, sick man. Will you be defending him so if the charges are proven?
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:25:30 CDT
Yes, a bond is set higher for those who are a flight risk. However, the charges he was brought up on make him a threat don't you think? Let me ask something...if it were anyone else. just a plain old citizen of the big Vic brought up on these charges and they were let out on PR, the people would be livid and fighthing to have them put back in for the safety of the children. Of course someone brought up on these charges aren't going to go right back out and do it again while waiting for their day in court. There is more to it than whether or not the person is a flight risk. You think they would have let a regular Joe out on PR with the same charges or someone who was brought up murder charges on PR. They didn't want "one of their own" sitting behind bars.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 16:19:53 CDT
The purpose of a bond is to insure that the accused shows up for court. It is not punishment. Mr. Ratcliff was a public figure for almost 30 years and is not a threat to leave town before this matter is resolved. Therefore he gets a PR bond.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 15:57:20 CDT
Sat Oct 27, 2007 07:44:51 CDTPersonal recognizance bond? Are you freaking kidding me? NOBODY gets a PR bond anymore, especially someone accused of crimes as serious and numerous mas these. We need to find out which judge issued the bond, and vote his/her behind out of office!
The good ole boy system is in full swing! I think the citizens of Victoria need to bombard the AG's office and the FBI with phone calls to have this case prosecuted elsewhere.
Bundy - you bring up an excellent point. With charges like this, anyone else would have had an insane bond to post. Victoria always has been and always will be corrupt. Perhaps the citizens can make changes through voting, but it seems nothing ever changes in that town. Old money and the "good ol' boys" will continually rule that place and make it what they want. And to the poster who said "It's never a good idea to mess with VPD" or whatever the exact quote was...I'd like to know your reasoning on that one. Other than the fact they are all corrupt as well and if you aren't on the payroll or in their pockets, they will cross your path with an unpleasant visit. The thing that makes melaugh is stuff like this happens daily here in Houston and other big cities across the country. Low and behold though, when it happens to a town like the big Vic everyone is shocked it can happen there.
Hopefully now that the FBI is involved in the case, favoritism will not be an issue and the guilty will be brought to justice. I'm sure Tyler has changed his panties a hundred times since the FBI has gotten there. They are all floating in a big potty full of poo and it's about time someone pulls the flusher on them all.
To those that believe Victoria is some sort of town with virtues and there is no way homosexuals share the streets with you - wake up and take a reality pill...they are everywhere in every town and every city throughout the planet. You people can't really be that naive can you?
Sat Oct 27, 2007 15:17:03 CDT
As for the large amount of gays in Victoria, has anyone gone to Riverside Park lately? The gay's, most of which are perverts, are running rampant down there. I do recall VPD on the news earlier this year making arrests of these individuals down there. There is nothing wrong with being gay, however, do it in private. When you make the public park a stage for your gay tendencies, you have crossed the line into being a pervert. My girfriends and I run in the park on a regualr basis and have seen cross dressing men, men kissing other men, and even had one guy shake his genitalia at us. You guys are sick and it's behavior like this that leads to the molestation of minors. Now is the time for VPD to do another cleanup of pervs from the park. I think the next time I go jog down there, I will write down the gay "regulars" vehicle color, make, model and license plater and post it online. The park is a family place where CHILDREN frequent. Makes you wonder why these homos chose the park for their sexual activities. Let's wake up, who is to say they aren't preying on children down there? P.S. Don't use the restroom near the zoo, you may get groped.....applies only to men though ;)
Sat Oct 27, 2007 15:10:51 CDT
RedRage, why don't you worry about what's going on in Dallas. Or are your GAY friends keeping in touch with you over this? Reading your comments then seeing your picture explains it all. Instead of holding up 4 fingers, put a "L" on your forehead.
Sat Oct 27, 2007 14:23:02 CDT
Some of you Victoria people are so clueless. Woohoo is right. There are a lot of homosexuals on the "downlow" in Victoria that have "high" jobs. People in Victoria just don't like to talk about it. They wanna keep everything HUSH HUSH so that it doesn't make their little town look bad. When are you people going to realize that homosexuality exist EVERYWHERE?? Even in places like Victoria, Cuero, Edna, Goliad and on and on. My gay friends in Victoria are mad because this makes them look like they are all child molesters. He should be happy in prison. He'll get all the gay sex he wants being surrounded by nothing but men!
Sat Oct 27, 2007 13:44:37 CDT
If you remember Kemper Williams, Jr's Radio program, perhaps you remember "Dora". Jo Lange, I miss you!!! I'm glad we got together and spilled the beans over the radio as "Dora". Thanks for believing in me, Jo. I'm glad the Pastor told you about Jesus' plan of salvation, you accepted the Lord as your savior, and you are there right now, in heaven, fighting for the good in Victoria. Thank you Jo, Thank you Kemper, I'm over and OUT!!!
Sat Oct 27, 2007 13:38:27 CDT
What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? It looks like the media has already convicted Mr. Ratcliff. If he is a pedophile, don't you think there would be more than one person accusing him of something. As of now, there is only one person (with a criminal record) saying anything. Mr. Ratcliff has always been an upstanding respected man in the community but here in the last year it looks like someone has something against him. Remember the stories about he was the one that murdered two people then killed himself? That was all false. Give him a break, let the law enforcement do their job. And...the media was so quick to name Mr. Ratcliff on this and the other stories, what about naming the accuser? He is not a child now, why hide his identity? Instead of crusading to wreck this man's life, why not work to find out facts first?