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Discrimmination against Pagan Family (fowarded)
My best friend Rhonda Gruber... has been arrested.. on the warrant it said "practicing witch" I need every pagan you know and all paths to KNOW what's going on. We need publicity... and we need it FAST. I have been trying to spread the word as fast as my fingers can work.... TELL EVERYONE.. here's what my best friend posted to her yahoo groups pagansnightout......
This is a more detailed account.
The more attention I can get on this the better! Please pass around to anyone you think might listen.
Thanks. We are unable to go home at the moment because it isn't safe for us there. They are always watching what we are doing and we are afraid of more Police retribution so are staying at my Mother in-law's house, but this isn't home.....so I am trying to get on the computer whenever possible so bear with me....My life is turned inside out right now.
Witch Trials Continue In South Carolina!
My name is Rhonda Gruber AKA Wicked Lil Witch and I am a Proud Witch. I am currently being persecuted as a Witch by a Lt. Kevin Duke of the Horry County Police Dept. My life and the lives of my family and friends are being threatened and destroyed by this man with the backing of countless other officials. I was arrested Monday Sept 10th '07 by Lt Duke for Breach of Peace, Child Endangerment/ Neglect and 1st degree Harrassement.
This all began around the end of May '07 from many false police reports from a neighboring family, The Luisettis, who also seemed to think I deserved to be arrested for my religious beliefs. They stated such in their police reports. When this began to become a pattern of filing false reports, we began seeking Police protection FROM them. We were told numerous times that we had no reason to receive their protection, just to ignore them. Yet they continued to file their reports on us. We were told the only we could do is file a Civil Suit. This wouldn't fix the problem for quite awhile if ever.The Police Dept on numerous occasions, even refused to file any reports for us. We had at one point searched out help from Magistrates in the area. One told us that filing these reports was most definitely something the Police could do something about and that they should but he was fairly certain that they wouldn't. He went on a 10 min rant about it to us. He even took the time to gives us copies of the laws on filing false reports, which we took to this Lt Duke, who after realizing we weren't going to leave his office too easily, Then wrote us report stating that the report from the Luisettis was investigated and the allegations were unfounded and seemed to be stemming from harrassement from the neighbors.
Now Monday, my 16 yr old son was targeted for their harrassment . In the morning the Luisetti's daughter had a young man assualt him at the bus stop. We filed a report that morning. That afternoon another allegation from their daughter that he beat her up Friday on school property which led to his suspension since the school wouldn't investigate it other than her statement and her 2 friend's statements. She would have been getting on the bus at the time while he was on the other side of the building getting a ride from one of his friends. Then as we were sitting in my garage workshop working on getting the suspension investigated by the school board, waiting to see if the death threat my son received was going to take place. The threat came from the Luisetti's daughter getting a young man to "kill" my son due to the beating she received from him. He was supposed to be coming to our house after school. We were then visited by an irrational Lt. Duke as he whipped into our driveway screaming that Spencer was reported to be brandishing and pointing an assault rifle at the Luisettis. Which isn't even close to what he was doing. Duke then stated that is is tired of all this and someone is going to jail. He didn't care to hear anything we had to to say about our side. Anytime I was trying to say something I was told to shut up or be arrested. He was VERY aggressive and yelling. He seemed to trying to provoke an altercation. I freely admit I was upset and a little loud but I was trying to defend my son. I was never violent or out of control. I was just pissed and trying to make some sense out of the situation. When I was told to shut up I did which seemed to further anger Duke. I was only arrested after they put the cuffs on my son. I then told my Husband to find a f...ing attorney and quick. This was when they arrested me.
I was never read my Miranda Rights to this day but the questions they asked me were used in my arrest. Doesn't seem legal to me...
My charges of Child Endangerment were due to the fact that we have several legal weapons around a minor. I must inform you my son is an ROTC member with Marine Boot Camp training in weapons, can disassemble/ reassemble an M16 on the field. He was also on the Rifle Team last year and is Athletics Team Commander. He also knew our weapons, from target shooting and cleaning. He even pointed out to the Police Weapons Expert how to release the clip and open the bolt chamber as they couldn't. He is very safe and well versed in weapons. I must point point that is legally old enough to have a hunting license. He is also looking to join the National Guard on his 17th B-Day, Oct 3rd this yr. Upon his 18th B-Day he was planning a Military career. We are proud of him and is a really good person. We are very upset with all the things being alleged about him.
To summarize:
We are being persecuted because of my spiritual choices, not being Christian. Lt. Duke has a web page stating his religious beliefs and infertility and adoption problems which leads us to the belief that he can no longer separate his personal feelings from his ability to do his job in an objective manner. He seems to have appointed himself as a personal victim's advocate for allegedly neglected and abused children. The fact that I am a practicing witch is being noted in complaints and warrants against me and my family. It has even been voiced in court along with allegations stating I have cast spells on 2 cops and the luisetti family by the solicitor during proceedings. My familiar pyewacket seems to have been mishandled during the search of our home. She was running and flinching from us the day after. I am very hurt by this. Though this can't be proven, I know my animal and this is not her normal behavior.
We have always tried to help others and be good people, so this is very hard for us to deal with. I am lucky to have a very strong supportive circle of friends and family or we would still be in jail. My in-laws had to take the majority of their retirement fund for some 20 thousand dollars to hire a powerful law firm to help us. Though I will never be ashamed of being a witch, I am so very sorry for all the trouble and loss of money it has cost them to stand up for us.
The reason for this letter is that we need all the help we can find to fight this. Whether it is positive protective energy, advice, or donations to help pay for this. I will not rest until I have made a difference for all that believe in freedom of religion. I don't want this to just disappear, I want to make a stand for all free thinkers against persecution. We all know the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
For all that believe in freedom of choice, please stand behind me or even beside me in court while I fight. I am not a quitter and I have a loud voice. I always stand up for what I believe in, all I ask is to not have to stand alone in this. It's time to fight for what we all believe in, not just lie down and take it. I have enclosed the papers that are in my possession to prove my claims. I will include more as they come into my possession. I am not easily scared although they are trying to intimidate us. Threatening phone calls have been made to family and friends even now. In supporting us, you are also supporting yourselves.
We are looking to get this story out to as many places as possible. The more people who are aware the harder it will be for them to get aware with it!
We NEED your help!!!
Blessed be.
Rhonda Gruber
AKA wickedlilwitch@ gmail.com (happy to answer questions)
WE NEED THIS TO SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE PLEASE HELP RALLY SUPPORT FOR RHONDA GRUBERS CASE.. THIS WILL MOST LIKELY BE A MAJOR LANDMARK CASE... INCLUDING THE ACLU MOST LIKELY
It is well and good that the Pagan community knows about this, but what can we do to help?
AU's people could always take a look at it and see if they can get involved.
let me bring it up to someone next week.
and/or this person can send their story to the link provided on the AU website for the 'report a violation' link.
www.au.org
Also I would start recording everything you do. That way you have evidence to back up any claims.
Document Document Document.
I hope things get better, and I wish you luck and safety.
Be sure to document that website of Lt. Duke. Print out the pages and see about getting an electronic copy saved because as soon as the lawsuits start, his webpage (and therefore proof of his prejudices) will disappear.
(Anonymous)
Please be cautious
With Love And Blessings
Sarah Beth ( Red Wolf )
(Anonymous)
I would like to spread this
Please feel free to email me at kjsmom3@gmail.com if you can provide any source. Thanks and blessings!
(Anonymous)
Re: I would like to spread this
http://www.horrycounty.org/depts/detenti
(Anonymous)
Re: I would like to spread this
(Anonymous)
I cant find prove
Let me know if any one find a link with more prove.
(Anonymous)
Finding Lt Kevin Duke
http://bikeweek.mgnetwork.com/index.cfm?S
He is mentioned and gives a comment. It isn't to do with this subject but does at least prove he exists....
(Anonymous)
this is serious business, and shouldn't be taken lightly.
the pagans everywhere need to come up with a plan of action, before we start burning at the stake again.
(Anonymous)
Interesting This Post
(Anonymous)
Kevin Duke
http://www.horrycounty.org/publicindex/P
(Anonymous)
Choose your battles carefully
(Anonymous)
about rhonda gruber
(Anonymous)
Re: Choose your battles carefully
I am replying to the above post. The author of this post above is Stacy Parata. Stacy Parata of Birmingham Alabama has been spreading her little Anti Gruber campaign. To learn more of how Ms. Stacy has chosen to "speak on behalf of the entire pagan community" to stop people from helping Rhonda Gruber go here http://people.tribe.net/5d0dfa6f-8235-4f
(Anonymous)
Re: Choose your battles carefully
What is ‘defamation’?
Defamation, sometimes called "defamation of character", is spoken or written words that falsely and negatively reflect on a living person's reputation.
If a person or the news media says or writes something about you that is understood to lower your reputation, or that keeps people from associating with you, defamation has occurred. Slander and libel are two forms of defamation.
Can I sue someone who says or writes something defamatory about me?
In order to prove defamation, you have to be able to prove that what was said or written about you was false. If the information is true, or if you consented to publication of the material, you will not have a case. However, you may bring an defamatory action if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.
Don't I have a right to express my opinion?
Yes, so long as your statement of opinion is just an opinion, not containing specific facts that can be proved untrue.
What are the defenses to a libel claim?
There are three main defenses to a libel claim (other than asserting that it never happened or that you were never involved):
The first is claiming, and proving, that the statement was privileged (and thus not public). Only certain professions (doctors, lawyers, psychologists), or individuals (chiefly your spouse) can maintain that privilege; and if any non-privileged third party was part of the communication, the privilege is broken. (Employees of a professional are only partially covered, to the extent that you needed to use them to contact the professional. Don't expect to tell your deepest, darkest secret to your attorney's secretary, and maintain that privilege.)
The second defense is claiming, and proving, that the statement is true, for "truth is an absolute defense".
The third defense is claiming, and proving, that the statement was an opinion, not an assertion of a fact. Since this last defense is only as good as the weakest or worst, but still reasonable, misinterpretation, it's not one you really want to rely on. There's a world of difference between saying "I think he's a crook," and "he's a crook". Especially if a third party might inadvertently leave out the first two words when passing your message on.
What damages are available for slander or libel?
If you have been defamed you may seek both actual damages, to recover the harm that you have suffered, and punitive damages to punish the person who made the remark (and serve as an example to deter others).
If the defamation improperly accused you of a crime or reflected on your profession, the Court or jury can assess the damages. For other types of defamation you must prove some actual damage to be able to recover.
A recent case showed how powerful Defamation laws, applied online, can be. In November 2006, a Florida woman, Sue Scheff, was awarded $11.3 million in damages in Broward County Circuit Court, in one of the biggest awards ever tolled. The suit was filed for Internet defamation, and the jury found a Louisiana woman had posted caustic messages against the Scheff and her company, claiming she was a "con artist" and "fraud". The jury found the charges were completely false, so the Louisiana woman had no defense. Interestingly, Scheff's attorney had offered to settle the case for $35,000 before it went before the jury.
(Anonymous)
Re: Choose your battles carefully
The transcript from the son's trial clearly has an Horry County Cop stating "No, there was never any allegation of pointing the gun."
pg.14 of transcript.
"No allegation of pointing a weapon."
pg. 16
The officer also stated at several different spots that there were conflicting reports from the 4 witnesses who alledgedly drove by in the same car at the same time and all looking at the same scene.
One stated that he was waving the gun over his head outside in the driveway, another stated the weapon was laying across his lap as he was sitting in the garage, another stated the weapon was standing straight up between his legs as he was sitting in a chair in the garage and yet another claims he picks it up and down...
My question is, if the witnesses, all in the same vehicle, all at the same time, all see different things, can they Really be considered viable trustworthy witnesses. And these so called "witnesses" statements are by which the whole crux of the case is based on.
And I quote the Solicitor Caroline Fox as to why she wanted the child to stay detained "...The mother's web space, website on Myspace, which deals with her being a Witch, having an ability to cast spells, her sexual lifestyle of that and her husband. It mentions marijuana in there as well. According to the officer, she has placed a spell on the officer, placed a spell on the victims."
**NOTE - I wonder how this is proven? And is this woman serious????? She used this to prove the mother unfit to the court? Where is substantial, Tangible proof of her being unfit??? This Fox makes a living prosecuting people based on stuff like this??? HELLO....doesn't this bother anyone else???
As of to date I have seen documents from the defendent, Rhonda Gruber, but nothing but heresay from the detractors and accusers...If the woman is guilty then where is the proof?
To my knowledge their illegal search warrant(by illegal I mean it wasn't worth the paper it was written on. They are missing the witness statement. Where there was a witness to something in the warrant to give them a reason to search. And the witness statement must be within 72 hours of the search being conducted. And all the allegations that he can't prove about her son's drug positive test, her Pagan's Motorcycle Membership, and on and on.) turned up Nothing....hmmmmmm...where is the proof of her guilt?
Why don't any of the people stating she is guilty prove it?
I'M WAITING TO SEE PROOF OF HER GUILT NOT OPINIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE FACT ONE.
I believe someone is innocent til proven guilty. I realize I am one of the few who doesn't believe everything they hear.
So go ahead and prove her guilt to me. I dare you!