In support of Deputy Carlos Lopez

As citizens of Henry County who have been following County Government happenings for the past couple of years, we are writing in support of Deputy Carlos Lopez. Deputy Lopez has served Henry County as a Sheriff’s Deputy and a School Resource Officer. Due to conflicts of interest with the Henry County Attorney’s Office Staff, which include complex personal relationships within and outside of County government offices, it appears that Deputy Lopez and his family have been singled out with some sort of personal vendetta. This is very concerning as any county employee could be subject to this kind of treatment that borders on bullying from those who believe they have power over others. When past or current personal or family relationships cloud judgment and provoke actions that could tarnish a career and a reputation, one must dig further to see that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.

The Brady-Giglio list is meant to be used in extreme cases when law enforcement has crossed the line, committed crimes or indiscretions in a case. There may be a place for a Brady-Giglio List placement, but this particular case is not it. This was confirmed by District Court Judge Thomas Reidel when he issued his ruling on Sept. 29, ordering Deputy Lopez be removed from the Brady-Giglio list. His ruling stated that County Attorney Stater, “abused his discretion” when placing the deputy on it and failed to show Lopez acted dishonestly. He also wrote, “The evidence supports a key inference drawn by the Court: that this matter boils down to interagency dynamics within Henry County law enforcement.”

In several places in Judge Reidel’s ruling, he mentions that the accusations made by County Attorney Stater that Deputy Lopez made “false and misleading statements” are without evidence. Judge Reidel states “poor wordsmithing resulting in a scrivener’s error (aka clerical error) does not constitute deceitfulness or dishonesty.” The County Attorney’s “conclusion to the contrary is an abuse of his discretion.” “The Court finds it necessary to reverse these actions in order to maintain the integrity and purpose of the Brady-Giglio list.” Judge Reidel included, “the evidence before the Court indicates that Deputy Lopez was, and has continued to be, an asset to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.”

Small towns many times involve situations that parallel family dynamics. When relationships end and new relationships form, there can be hard feelings, intense emotions and retaliation. However, professionalism and integrity must rise to the occasion in all parties involved. Emotions must be separated, retribution and retaliation must be avoided and the good of the county that is being served must be the ultimate goal. It is similar to co-parenting. When the parties set aside their differences and rise above the emotion, everyone wins. When the parties remain in petty disagreements and retaliation and vendettas are executed, no one wins.

In this case, Deputy Lopez has been cleared of the accusations and charges that were brought by County Attorney Stater by District Court Judge Reidel. The burden of attorney’s fees that is left in the wake of this unnecessary action of placing Deputy Lopez on the Brady Giglio List should be reimbursed to Deputy Lopez.

This case makes the warning that if you are a county employee or elected official, you have the added stress and concern of being personally and/or financially liable if someone chooses to take their emotions to the next level and try to end your career. The amount of stress, physical, emotional and financial that this places on an individual and their family is shameful. If County employees must live in fear of retribution or unnecessary court proceedings due to a personal issue or a simple clerical error, don’t you think it will be hard to convince qualified candidates to fill these important community jobs for Henry County in the future? Isn’t it time to rise above petty conflict and stand for what is right and just? It’s time for respect, integrity and common sense to prevail here and make Henry County respectable again.

Respectfully,

Melanie Patton, William Crawford

Henry County Watchmen