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Special prosecutor not assigned to Ratcliff case
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Tue Oct 30, 2007 02:36:31 CDT
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Comment From: woohoo  (Report this comment as a violation)

Attorney General Greg Abbott reserved a table for about 20 people on Monday or Tuesday at the Olive Garden. He was down. I don't know more than that, but I thought I would share. Why he didn't tell us more, I don't know. Obviously, they were here for the Ratcliff case.
Comment From: justMOanyway  (Report this comment as a violation)

You all are assuming that the 25 year old arrested in September is the alledged victim. Need to remember that the investigation started 14 months ago...was this same person that was arrested in September in custody then or just decided to go for counseling 14 months ago and has ended up back in jail this year. We don't know who the alledged victim is and won't know until the trail when he must testify since he is now an adult and came forward with the allegations. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

To: justmyopinion31 - I believe that the report stated that if the first charge wasn't able to stick then the rest of the charges would be dropped. That makes sense in that the alleged victim is claiming that the alleged incident and subsequent incidents are all related... I think... Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

yes,that's what they said and something else about all charges being dropped if the accuser ...???Darlins did u happen to catch that part? Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Good sharing opinions with you. Later. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Yes, normally that is correct (except when someone turns you in to CPS) I guess this is a different case because the alleged victim waited so long to come forward.... As far as physical evidence, no, there wouldn't be any... That's what makes this such a difficult case. Man!

Well, I'm going to go to bed now! Later Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

Did they really say there was no physical evidence? I wonder what evidence they have. Guess we have to wait and see. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Missed it on the news. But it is my understanding that the accused has a right to face his accuser. Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

I heard it.There's also No physical evidence.... Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Thanks for your understanding.... thankfully the Advocate removed the comment where the alleged defendant's name was mentioned... That's not fair to him!

I just heard something on the news.... I'm not sure I understood it: the victim will have to testify if this goes to court. Since he actually didn't come forward as a child.... maybe I misunderstood. Did you hear it? Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Someone was trying to tell me more gossip today but I told them I didn't want to hear it. About either the victim or Ratcliff. I just wish it were over. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: I don't know why the charges won't be read in court. Maybe somebody else can fill us in.
Your daughter is off limits as of right now. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

LOL justice on the bobbitt comment.... I took some of my earlier posts off in regards to my dtr. Someone went on to myspace and found some information and as it is an ongoing investigation, and my dtr is a minor, I deleted the myspace information as well. (it was posted prior to the alleged incident)

I wonder why the charges won't be read.... maybe because everyone knows.... who knows what's going on.... I've heard even more rumors today about Ratcliff, but they are so incredulous I don't even listen... Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Justice, I understand that the alleged victim in this case has a long list of convictions... but those occurred AFTER the alleged assault took place. But I can understand how that would cause someone to take a jaded view of his claim... Honestly, regardless of the outcome of this case, it will never be over. There are those who, if Ratcliff is aquitted will state that he "bought" or "bribed" his way out. If Tyler prosecutes and gets an aquittal, people will say that he didn't do his job and it was a set up.... If Ratcliff is found guilty, there are those who will say he was the fall guy, and that the victim was paid by political foes of Ratcliff to make it up just to take him down.... There's no way, no matter what, there will be a good ending to this. It's really sad, for all the victims... Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: I agree that Ratcliff cannot get a fair trial in Victoria. He has alredy been found guilty by way too many people who have pre-judge him. And the victim.
Good luck in your daughters case. I didn't realize she was a minor. If the guy is found guilty, maybe we can do a "bobbitt" on him. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: From what I read in todays paper, the charges are not going to be read in court. I don't know why. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: The alleged victim has a long criminal record with proven convictions. He has made innocent people victims of his crimes. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he is crying that he is a victim. Was he crying when he was committing his crimes, evading arrest, violating probation, etc? That's proven crimes (according to what I have read here on the forum). He may truly be the victim this time, but his past actions make me doubt his credibility. I am not saying he is not a victim, but time will time...Again Mr. Ratcliff is"innocent until proven guilty " Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Justice : If I understand the way the court system works, At the arraignment next week, Ratcliff and his attorney will appear before the judge and the charges are formerly read. Mr. Ratcliff, through his attorney will enter a plea: my instincts tell me that he will plead NOT GUILTY. The judge will then set a date for filing pre-trial motions, etc. I believe that the defense attorney will file for a change of venue.....More than likely he will get the venue transfer. Unfortunately, many, many people already have Mr. Ratcliff tried and convicted, which is unfair. He won't get a fair trial in Victoria, and that is what the Justice system is supposed to be about... Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Steve Tyler should step down and a change of venue should be given. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

The following is an edited reprint of an earlier comment.

RE: To Darlins: The victim appears to have a track record a mile long. It will come out in court. The victim will be on trial too, since his credibilty is on the line. Is he trustworthy? The victims life history will be gone over with a fine tooth comb to see what kind of person he is. That's a fact.

I don't think that what the alleged victim IN THIS CASE did AFTER the alleged incident will have any bearing on the case. And honestly, I believe that UNLESS Mr. Tyler steps down and Mr. Ratcliff's attorney files and is granted a change in venue, Mr. Ratcliff will be found guilty.... AND I'M NOT SAYING HE IS.... too many people have formed their opinions based on speculation and rumor and heresay.... there is no way that Victoria County can seat 12 impartial jurors.

As for the victim... It makes me sick to think that you and sureursmart are labeling him a liar based on his alleged criminal record! and posting it in here in an attempt to discredit him! Ya'll may personally know Mr. Ratcliff and think him incapable of doing such a thing.... that's what I thought about the man who molested me! For YEARS! And yes, I made a BUNCH of mistakes and made horrible choices after that... People who molest children usually hide it very well that even their families are shocked when it finally comes out....

YES! MIKE RATCLIFF IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY! He deserves a fair trial.... But so does the alleged victim...In other posts I have stated this same premise and have even come to Mr. Ratcliff's defense in regards to the Blackwell case and the missing Bloomington Man! I also stated in another thread that Ratcliff's divorce had no bearing on the case at hand! So I'm not judging either Ratcliff or the alleged victim. You shouldn't either! Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

Judge. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Betty : That is a sad case. The girls did get to see the man in handcuffs and know that the criminal justice system works. Who gave him the 10 years? The judge or a jury? Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

Sorry Darlins I didn't make myself clear. The defendants attorney will probably question your daughter about her life to descredit her. That's what they do. The DA will represent your daughter. He probably won't be able to keep her off the stand. Hopefully, it won't go that far and the defendant will plea bargain.
Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

COPIED:......Comment From: justiceforAllNo one deserves to be molested. They had their day in court and the accused pleaded guilty. 10 years in prison and on the sexual offenders list. He is a convicted felon. What do you think he should have gotten Betty? I think he should have at least gotten ten years for each count of rape, this would have been justice!!!Ten years was not justice, these girls will carry this around all their lives, not just for ten years!!!One girl was in there for Truancy only, yes, it was wrong, but what kid has not skipped school? And, that is a hell of a price to pay for skipping school: being raped by the very person who was supposed to help her. Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

By the way after I caught this man "red handed" in the act, he started calling me, and trying to talk me out of testifying. When I refused, then his friends began to make threats against me, but I stood my ground, and at least he got ten years. So, I know how friends will stand up for the accused, even when they know they are guilty. And, again I don't know if Ratcliff is guilty or not, but the victim did not ask for this. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

No one deserves to be molested. They had their day in court and the accused pleaded guilty. 10 years in prison and on the sexual offenders list. He is a convicted felon. What do you think he should have gotten Betty? Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Yes, everything your daughter has ever done will probably be brought out in court.If your attorney hasn't told you that, then he is lying to you. Again, I am sorry that she and you were molested. I wish you two the best of luck in your case, but it could get ugly. Be ready. Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

Like I said before, I work with sexually abused children, so I will have to see the innocent verdict before I believe it. I caught a "well respected" employee of the county who was raping girls in the Juvenile Detention Center for six years. And, everyone said "He would not do that, and if he did, those girls are just criminals anyways". They did not deserve what he did to them. I just an thankful for the great detectives who worked the case. He took a deal and confessed, and only got ten years for raping four girls, and of course he is on the sex offender site, whopteedo! Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

Fine tooth combs will be used on each. Mr. Ratcliff has lead a life of public service protecting you and me from thugs. The accuser has led a life in jail. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

When the facts come out, we will know who the victim really is. The honorable Mike Ratcliff or some kid making charges to possibly reduce his time in prison. What was he offered to make these charges against Ratcliff. His freedom? Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

COPIED:....Comment From: justiceforAll To Darlins: The victim appears to have a track record a mile long. It will come out in court. The victim will be on trial too, since his credibilty is on the line. Is he trustworthy? The victims life history will be gone over with a fine tooth comb to see what kind of person he is. That's a fact. Well, I hope they use that same fine tooth comb to go over Ratcliff's life history also! Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: Get all the facts out before making a decision...thank you! That is all I have been saying. Glad you finally agreed with me. Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

The only one that I will ever protect is the victim and the victim sure and the he** is not Ratcliff.You and your little friend have done nothing but belittle this victim to try an make Ratcliff look good.Shame on you for victimizing this person over and over again..I'd never be so Dumb to protect this man over a child(at the time). Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Darlins: The victim appears to have a track record a mile long. It will come out in court. The victim will be on trial too, since his credibilty is on the line. Is he trustworthy? The victims life history will be gone over with a fine tooth comb to see what kind of person he is. That's a fact. Comment From: sureursmart  (Report this comment as a violation)

STILL HERE. The Advocate does not fear my little account as they are aware the things I have posted are within the public domain. The police report $3.00 dollars. The indictment about the same. The complainant age 25 within the site itself police beat for September the 27th. Sorry-- I appreciate the cloak and dagger stuff. No Ninjas falling from the ceiling to take me away to reeducation camp- YET. Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

Oh hush...lol...I don't agree with you and never will. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

To Justmyopinion: Ever heard the verdict "not guilty" How can you say you will never be charged with a crime because you live your life crime free. Have you never heard of vindictive people using lies, distorted truths, rumors, etc. Have you never heard of anyone being charged with a crime who was found not guilty? Yeah, we need people demanding their basic rights. All except for you, you would never need them. Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

Comment From: justiceforAll (
Thu Nov 1, 2007 15:55:59 CDT
TO: Justmyopinion and darlins65
I am not an insider..just a concerned citizen. You two had better hope and pray that if you are ever accused of a crime that you have people like me defending your basic rights. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. Why is that so hard to understand?

We better What?Demanding aren't you. For one I would never be charged with a crime because I choose to live my life crime-free.

To you he is Innocent until proven Guilty.To me,he is Guilty until proven Innocent.

Why is that so hard for you to swallow?

I never called you an Insider but hey whom ever did hit the nail right on the head.
Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Well, justiceforall-except the victim -- it doesn't chap my hide that you believe in INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY... I do to. In no way or on any forum have I stated that I FIRMLY believe that Ratcliff is guilty of these charges. If you read any of my posts in this regard you will see how I have used the word "ALLEGED CRIME, ALLEGED INCIDENT, ALLEGED VICTIM".... I have also stated that I believe there exists CREDIBLE evidence in this matter for it to involve the FBI, DPS, OAG-CYBER CRIMES unit as well as to have the Grand Jury return an indictment. No, what chaps my ***, is the fact that you are pounding your fist, demanding that we be fair to Ratcliff and not ASSUME he's guilty until found so by a jury of his peers, yet you read the garbage that sureursmart posts in here, and automatically judge the ALLEGED victim as scumbag, liar, criminal, drug pushing lowlife.... NOW HOW IS THAT FAIR? It's okay to believe the worst of the accuser but not the accused??? We don't know that the post by sureursmart were factual, and hmmmm isn't funny how the Advocate removed the alledged criminal record of the alleged victim! Wonder why they did that? Could it be that he is tainting the investigation???? Why don't you read the post by silentlamb and get a little insight on that! And if I were accused of a crime, such as the one Ratcliff has been accused of, then I would certainly expect the citizens of Victoria to be acting the SAME way as they are in this case! I would definitely have a good attorney to increase my chances of getting an aquittal! I'd be doing EXACTLY what Mike Ratcliff is doing today.... staying quiet! Letting my attorney do his job

If you really stand for "JUSTICE FOR ALL" as your handle suggests, then for goodness sake MEAN IT! Don't judge the ACCUSED nor the ACCUSOR in this case until all the facts are laid out on the table....

Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

TO: Justmyopinion and darlins65
I am not an insider..just a concerned citizen. You two had better hope and pray that if you are ever accused of a crime that you have people like me defending your basic rights. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. Why is that so hard to understand? Comment From: ShureleeUJest  (Report this comment as a violation)

Justiceforall,

Oh for Pete's sake, quit whining and get on with posting whatever it is you want to say. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

Banish me from the forum for standing up for OUR basic RIGHTS! You gotta be kidding me. You would take away my freedom of speech wouldn't you if you had the choice. We don't agree so you would ban my voice. It's easy to see how people get railroaded with people like you around. Comment From: justiceforAll  (Report this comment as a violation)

Sorry you missed me. Had other committments. I'm back and still firmly on the side of "innocent until proven guilty". Doesn't that just chap you that someone wants to hear both sides of the story.... Comment From: catgirl  (Report this comment as a violation)

One does not have to be "an insider" or "privy" to confidential information. Remember that the news showed the victim's name ... from there, one can find out alot. I can go to a few online sites, some public, some subsribed to and find out all the past on the victim. So don't assume someone is "leaking" information. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

I sent Mr. Abbott an email, and I hope everyone in Victoria does as well.

From all the information those two had been "dropping" in the forum, I am apt to agree that this is coming from an "insider" at the DA's office or someone in Ratcliff's camp. Comment From: silentlamb  (Report this comment as a violation)

RE: "Possibly they are the same person... my hope is that the Advocate has banished them from the forum". Though I am not privy to whether he/they have been banned by the Advocate, I do believe he/they are are on the "inside", either from the DA's office or maybe it is our grand and egotistical DA, himself. That of course is pure speculation.

Again, I resubmit this e-mail address for those who would like to contact the AG concerning Tyler's misuse or abuse of power.

greg.abbott@oag.state.texas.us

Switchboard number at AG's office: 1-512-463-2100

And, for sure,  "sureursmart" has been reported.

Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

LOL! I'm sure that there is more than one person who reported those 2... I will say that I reported sureursmart for posting the alleged criminal record of the alleged victim! I probably wasn't the only one tho... And I do know that sureursmart posted the NAME of the alleged victim in one post and he was reported for that! Comment From: justmyopinion31  (Report this comment as a violation)

I give who ever reported those two bullies to the advocate my upmost respect. Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

Goliad - I am sure we were watching the same 2 posters on this subject.... sureursmart and justiceforall... I find it interesting that since yesterday after the Advocate removed the post by sureursmart, allegedly containing the criminal record of the alleged victim, neither of these two have been heard from again. Possibly they are the same person... my hope is that the Advocate has banished them from the forum! Comment From: GoliadChica  (Report this comment as a violation)

silentlamb - I've been watching certain bloggers who seem privy to confidential information as well. It seemed as if there was definitely some unethical, if not downright illegal activity going on by somebody who has access to confidential records. When a victim's arrest record is posted online, that has to be a punishable offense, verdad?

Wouldn't it be great if those bloggers committing these deeds were tracked down by their IP addresses and *gasp* prosecuted? Think they would be blaming the victim then? Comment From: silentlamb  (Report this comment as a violation)

Just  FYI to "those"  ie;  ALS, sureursmart, atticus finch, etc. that 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).

Comment From: ANonyMouse2  (Report this comment as a violation)

I would imagine serving on a grand jury would be much like serving on a regular jury where the individual members are questioned as to any personal knowledge of the persons or incidents in question. Correct? I would imagine this comes up before them hearing each case and that if someone does have prior knowledge, then one of the alternates would be brought in?

Yes, attorneys out there - we know you are lurking. Please chime in on this as it can be an educational experience for us all.

Comment From: nunofmybeeswax  (Report this comment as a violation)

What if a member or members of the Grand Jury are aquaintances of Tyler or Ratcliff? Does that disqualify them from being a member of the GJ? Help me here ... Also, WHO questions the DA before the GJ since he is the one that questions all the GJ witnesses? After all, Ratcliff worked 10 months for Tyler. I think this stinks. Tyler should step aside and allow an outsider, possibly someone from the Attorney General's office to prosecute this case. This can't be ethically correct! Local attorneys, someone answer these legal questions. Comment From: Jack  (Report this comment as a violation)

All this talk about rumors. Interestingly enough I used to work with a member of the gay community who used to tell me that I would be shocked and surprised by some of the people who are gay or bi-sexual.

I'm assuming Ratcliff forcing a kid to suck it at gun point may just be the tip of the alternative-lifestyle iceberg in Victoria that could all come crashing down during testimony.

This thing may never go to trial and if it gets close it wouldn't surprise me if Jack Ruby got involved. Comment From: Jack  (Report this comment as a violation)

Don't forget the former DA George Filley is involved in this case as Ratcliff's defence attorney. He was DA when Ratcliff was first elected. This will end up as one big cover up.
Comment From: ANonyMouse2  (Report this comment as a violation)

Gee. They meet at the DA's office? That has to be awkward considering this case. I wonder if there is a provision for the grand jury to meet in alternate quarters when doing so may jeopardize their proceedings? Comment From: allfiredup  (Report this comment as a violation)

So where does it say members of a grand jury are kept confidential?

Here is how a grand jury works:

Judges empanel new grand juries every six months.
Each grand jury has 12 members and two alternates, but can convene with as few as nine members.
Judges decide how to pick the grand juries, district clerk Cathy Stuart said. In Victoria, Judge Joseph P. Kelly selects a commission to name a pool of grand jury candidates, Stuart said. Cheshire uses the computer system that generates lists of candidates for regular jury duty to create a grand jury pool, he said.
Once selected, Victoria's grand juries both have the same assignment, Stuart said. Members meet about once a month at district attorney's office and listen to witness testimony about criminal cases, Stuart said. After hearing the testimony, the members deliberate. No one else can be in the room.

"Everything that happens in there is secret," Stuart said.

If the case is strong enough, the grand jury returns an indictment, Cheshire said. The grand jury also can dismiss the case or tell prosecutors they must find more evidence.
Grand juries usually hear cases from the district attorney, but any prosecutor may present evidence, Cheshire said. Comment From: Austinite  (Report this comment as a violation)

IDEASRUS

1. Members of the grand jury are kept confidential.
2. It will have to be an agency outside of the DA's office. Most likely the attorney general's office. Comment From: IDEASRUS  (Report this comment as a violation)

2 questions--1. Who currently sits on the grand jury?
2. Who has the athority to overrule Tyler
assign a special prosecuter? Comment From: ANonyMouse2  (Report this comment as a violation)

Mark my words, just like everything else in this town, someone is going to pay someone off in some form or fashion and this time next year, it will be nothing but a memory. Everyone is going to walk away from this....Victorian "justice" will prevail. Comment From: Austinite  (Report this comment as a violation)

Of course there SHOULD be a special prosecutor but this is Victoria (a cesspool of corrupt and incompetent public officials). I moved to Texas in high school and came to Victoria 12 years later. Having lived in Austin I expected the same friendly, fun loving Texas attitude. I slowly realized that although Victoria and Austin are only120 miles apart, the attitudes are radically different.

I worked to inform Victorians of the corruption and incompetence of city and county officials. Of course I was punished by city officials.

Lesson to all: GET OUT NOW!!!!! There is not a single city or county official that is honest. Do your job competently and get fired (see Tim Bratton and Gary Moses). There are some good people who are trying to change things but they are outnumbered. Most residents, plant workers, teachers etc. are good people too.

My hope in this is that the FBI comes in and discovers just how bad things are. Every one else inside the system has something to hide. Only an outsider can get to the facts. There are other places to live where this kind of thing doesn't happen. Lets hope someone from one of those places takes charge.
Comment From: tstorm5  (Report this comment as a violation)

Shurlee,

I know we haven't always agreed on everything, but that last post was one of the best I've read in a while. Still LMAO. Comment From: sassafrass  (Report this comment as a violation)

Without a doubt there should be a special prosecutor assigned to this case. There has been no cooperation between the VPD and the DA over the past few months - only mudslinging. What a shame it would be for the rift between these two entities to interfere with justice being served in this case.

What concerns me is this: if the grand jury was able to hear enough evidence in this case to indict and charge Ratcliff, how can Tyler continue to cry "foul" and say there hasn't been enough evidence for him to bring other cases to trial? Is it Tyler's decision or the grand jury's decision over whether or not enough evidence exists to go to trial? I'm asking from a purely inquisitive nature, so please no flame-throwing yet. I just don't understand why all of a sudden there's enough evidence to indict in this case but not enough evidence in other cases? Maybe someone with expertise in law could provide an explanation. Comment From: ravenmad  (Report this comment as a violation)

Good one, ShureleeUJest, ‘though I was thinking it would be a little more like the sound of a toilet flushing…you know, with the water circling the bowl…taking Tyler's career (such as it was) down with it. Comment From: ShureleeUJest  (Report this comment as a violation)

 

nimlhach,  you asked (>"I'd really like to know what's going through Tyler's mind right now."<)

May I suggest it sounds something like this:

Rinnggg! Clunk! Toot toot! Bzzttt! Clank! Wooka wooka! Snyrgle! TILT!!! @**&>%<#!!! "Why oh why didn't I listen to my momma and take piano lessons instead of watching all those Ironsides episodes!"

Comment From: nimlhach  (Report this comment as a violation)

This decision makes no sense. Why wouldn't you ask for a special prosecutor? And might I ask who will be trying this case? Or more importantly, will Tyler be giving a friend a hand, or will he be out for blood because Ratcliff "deceived" him and got him tangled up in this mess? I'd really like to know what's going through Tyler's mind right now. Comment From: dntbah8tr  (Report this comment as a violation)

The current elected officials in Victoria with any pull are trash if they are not doing their best to get a special prosecutor for this case. The guy that hired the guy who is being indicted (for molesting someone) is actually going to be the one to try and prove he did it? Steve Tyler, I believe that you are a crook and your friend is guilty if you are the prosecutor for this case. What other reason is there for you to be involved? Hopefully Ron Paul (I am calling his office today and emailing), the representative of this congressional district will stand up for something here. Please email Ron Paul, mail@ronpaul2008.com , if you are angry too and want something done. At least if he does nothing to solve this situation, there is an election ahead and we can do something about it. The reason we are here in the first place, is because we failed ourselves by not electing the right people. Comment From: wethepeople  (Report this comment as a violation)

Let's not forget that Ratcliff WORKED for Tyler for almost a year. Tyler thought enough of Ratcliff to hire him because Tyler hires people based on their ability and not rumors he's heard around town (pretty much admitting in that statement that he had indeed heard things about Ratcliff).

Would that be considered a conflict of interest? How on earth can Tyler even imagine that he could try that case?

I have to say that I'm truly scared for our family and our residents so much so that we are looking into transfers to other cities. Comment From: Barry  (Report this comment as a violation)

First a PR bond, and now his buddy is going to handle the prosecution. What is next...an acquittal? Comment From: betty007  (Report this comment as a violation)

COPIED:Comment From: walktheshoesTue Oct 30, 2007 07:06:32 CDTTyler needs to step down and the state needs to bring in an attorney for the victim. Everyone knows each other and needs to protect the image. The proverbial: you scratch my back and I’ll scratch your back starts, so who will protect the victim. Why is the public so talkative about this well we’ve gone to school with him, been neighbors, voted for or against, and what other things one may know. Talk has always been around just getting someone to investigate has been the problem.)I agree with you on this. And, I surely do not support this man. His name has come up concerning too many violent crimes in past years, and nothing is ever proved or done about it. And then, again, I totally disagree with allowing this man who was accused of such horrendous crimes to roam the streets on a personal recognizance bond!!!I DO NOT HAVE ANY TRUST IN THE VICTORIA JUSTICE SYYSTEM, I really never have had much trust in them. Comment From: ShureleeUJest  (Report this comment as a violation)

Of course it would! (>"wouldn't it be in the county's best interest for Tyler to ask for a special prosecutor, and a change of venue?"<)However, the question is whether or not Tyler's ego is going to get in the way of true justice being carried out(what ever the facts are or the jury's decision is)!

Don't expect much tho' - new motto for  election time. - "Remember the Ego!"

Comment From: darlins64  (Report this comment as a violation)

I would really hate to be in Stephen Tylers shoes right now! On the one hand, he is the elected county prosecutor and it SHOULD be his job to investigate and try this case. On the other hand, the alleged defendant was an employee of the prosecutor's office for the past 10 months and worked with Mr. Tyler. I can foresee the following: If Tyler prosecutes this case, and Ratcliff is aquitted, the entire county will raise such a hue and cry, that he will be forced out of office...many others will go down with him.... (Those left standing after all of the initial fall-out, that is)On the other side of this coin, if Tyler gets a conviction, those in Ratcliff's camp will cry foul, demand an appeal, and probably get one, stating that it wasn't a fair trial; the jury pool was tainted; etc.... I'm no attorney or scholar, but wouldn't it be in the county's best interest for Tyler to ask for a special prosecutor, and a change of venue? Comment From: walktheshoes  (Report this comment as a violation)

Tyler needs to step down and the state needs to bring in an attorney for the victim. Everyone knows each other and needs to protect the image. The proverbial: you scratch my back and I’ll scratch your back starts, so who will protect the victim. Why is the public so talkative about this well we’ve gone to school with him, been neighbors, voted for or against, and what other things one may know. Talk has always been around just getting someone to investigate has been the problem.