Convicted felon Blount County judicial commissioner Dustin Hatcher
THE DRAGONATER WINS IN TRAFFIC COURT AT DEALS GAP, RAISES SPEED LIMIT TO 65 MPH ON THE DRAGON - NOLLE PROSEQUI BY BLOUNT COUNTY ATTORNEY GENERAL. NO TESTIMONY, HEARING NOR TRIAL WHATSOEVER. 60 MPH SPEEDING TICKET DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE, COSTS PAID BY THE STATE, IN BLOUNT COUNTY GENERAL SESSIONS COURT WITH JUDGE BREWER. THP TROOPER RANDALL HUCKEBY ADMITTED ON VIDEOTAPE DURING TRAFFIC STOP THAT ALL SPEEDING TICKETS NORTHBOUND ON US129 AT MILE MARKER 0.5 ARE FEDERAL JURISDICTION, NOT STATE JURISDICTION (VIDEO BY THE DRAGONATER). TDOT ADMITTED IN WRITING THAT THE MANDATORY TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SURVEY SPEED AUDIT WAS NEVER PERFORMED, IN VIOLATION OF TN CODE, THUS THE POSTED 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON THE DRAGON REVERTS TO THE DEFAULT 65 MPH IN TN CODE. THE DRAGONATER ALSO MADE VIDEO OF TROOPER HUCKEBY SPEEDING UP TO 60 MPH ON THE DRAGON IN A 30 MPH ZONE, WITHOUT MANDATORY EMERGENCY LIGHTS NOR SIREN, IN VIOLATION OF TN CODE, AND PERJURY IN HIS PERSONNEL FILE, WHICH SHOWED HIS $100,000+ SALARY. 2007 TDOT SAFETY AUDIT REPORT CONFESSED THAT THP'S JOB IS TO BAN ALL COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES ON THE DRAGON, SO THP TICKETS INCREASED 11,400% IN BLOUNT COUNTY. THP'S STALKER RADAR OPERATOR MANUAL CONFESSED THAT RADAR CANNOT MEASURE THE SPEED OF VEHICLES WITHIN 18 MPH OF ACTUAL SPEED. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FULL EVIDENCE FILE. UPDATE 7 MARCH 2011
UPDATE: The Dragonater has filed a motion in general sessions court for the arrest of Blount County court clerk Tom Hatcher, for felony Official Oppression. See full text of motion at end of post.
Like father like son...
Tennessee Code 39-16-402. Official misconduct.
(a) A public servant commits an offense who, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another, intentionally or knowingly:
(3) Refrains from performing a duty that is imposed by law or that is clearly inherent in the nature of the public servant's office or employment;
(4) Violates a law relating to the public servant's office or employment;
(d) An offense under this section is a Class E felony.
Tennessee Code 39-16-402. Official misconduct.
(a) A public servant acting under color of office or employment commits an offense who:
(2) Intentionally denies or impedes another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity, when the public servant knows the conduct is unlawful.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class E felony.
MARYVILLE, TENN. -- Blount County Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher is a former deputy sheriff in BC, and has no legal education as a licensed attorney. His son, Dustin Hatcher, was a BC judicial commissioner signing arrest warrants, and had no legal education as a licensed attorney -- unless you count car stereo installation academy.
Little Dustin recently pled guilty to felony rape of a little girl inside the BC Justice Center, which included posting photos of that rape on the walls of the court clerk's office. This crime carried a mandatory 5 year prison sentence. (But did little Dustin get to play on Double Secret Probation?)
Today, a deputy clerk in the BC General Sessions Court Traffic Division office refused to issue a subpoena for The Dragonater, and claimed that under no circumstances can anyone besides a deputy sheriff serve a subpoena.
Example 1 of a govt subpoena form in a REAL court in Tennessee, that names pro se defendants and a non-cop non-attorney "witness" to serve a subpoena. (Blount County Circuit Court subpoenas illegally censor those persons.)
Example 2 of a govt subpoena form in a REAL court in Tennessee, that names pro se defendants and a non-cop non-attorney "witness" to serve a subpoena.
"Section 2 of the act repeals and re-writes T.C.A. §§ 16-15-901 through 16-15-905 to establish procedures for service of process in General Sessions Court. The newly enacted section 16-15-901 provides that, upon the filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of general sessions court shall issue the required process and cause it to be delivered to such person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the person filing the papers or such person’s attorney. This means the parties or their lawyers, not the clerks, make the determination of who serves papers. This authorization for private individuals to serve process in general sessions court applies to civil warrants, attachments or other leading process used to initiate an action in general sessions court, and subpoenas or summons."
-County Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee, MAJOR CHANGES MADE IN SHERIFF’S FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT
TN Code 16-15-901. Issuance and service of civil warrants, writs and other papers. —
(a) Upon filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of the general sessions court in which the civil warrants, writs or other papers are filed, shall issue the required process, writs or other papers, and cause it or them, with necessary copies of the civil warrant, writ or papers, to be delivered for service to the person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the party filing the civil warrant, writ or other papers or the party's attorney if represented by counsel.
TN Code 16-15-903.
The plaintiff shall after issuance by the clerk of the general sessions court furnish the persons making the service with all necessary copies. Service shall be made as follows:
(10) Service by mail of a warrant, writ or other papers upon a defendant may be made by the plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney or by any person authorized by statute.
TN Code 40-17-107. Issuance of subpoenas by clerk. —
(a) The clerk of the court in which a criminal cause is pending shall issue subpoenas, at any time, to any part of the state, for witnesses as either the district attorney general or the defendant may require.
TN Code 40-17-122. Subpoenas — Rules of Criminal Procedure. —
The provisions of Rule 17 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure shall govern when a clerk or other authorized officer of the court is required to issue a subpoena in a criminal case in criminal court and the consequences of a person's refusal to appear, testify or produce evidence when subpoenaed shall be governed pursuant to that rule. If any local rule of court conflicts with the provisions of Rule 17, the provisions of Rule 17 shall prevail and the clerk or other authorized officer of the court shall issue subpoenas and the judge shall punish the refusal to respond to subpoenas in accordance with the provisions of the rule.
Subpoena - Knox County General Sessions Court
"Shall" means SHALL.
The clerk claimed a $7 cash fee was required to issue a subpoena, and a fee of $22 was required to be paid for a deputy sheriff to serve a subpoena (payable by check naming whichever county sheriff was required with jurisdiction in the county of the subpoenaed witness).
When asked what section of TN Code mandated these "requirements", the clerk had no idea. Tom Hatcher -- the non-lawyer ex-deputy clerk of court -- was nowhere to be found. I wonder what the grand jury will say about that?
The Dragonater's subpoena decus tecum was for a trooper of the Tennessee Highway Patrol to appear in court and bring certain government documents, including:
(1) Copy of TBI or THP certification of the radar instrument in question; (2) all records of calibration relative to the radar instrument used on the 30 day of August, 2010; (3) all maintenance reports/records from the date the radar instrument was placed in use; (4) the last time the radar instrument was taken into TBI, THP or other for servicing; (5) the warranty for the radar instrument; (6) the FCC license for the radar instrument; (7) the operation manual for the radar instrument; (8) the last date of calibration of the instrument; (9) copy of officer’s radar certification by TBI, THP or other; (9) Contact log for the 30 day of August, 2010; (10) all personal notes made by officer regarding above-styled cause on date of arrest.
This case by the Dragonater will raise the speed limit on the Dragon from 30 mph back to 55 mph, or higher.
The Dragonater has previously served subpoenas in half a dozen counties, in criminal or civil lawsuits, as plaintiff or defendant, totalling settlements or verdicts of millions of dollars, both for attorneys and as a pro se, including subpoeas of police officers.
This is the second time BCGS court clerks have illegally refused to issue subpoenas in "Traffic Court". The Dragonater won dismissal, with costs paid by the State, in that previous battle. The BC clerk declared that the Dragonatoer was the first person in world history to be allowed a subpoena in BC General Sessions Court.
Blount County Grand Jury Notice
Notice of Grand Jury Meeting (T.C.A. 40-12-105)
"It is the duty of your Grand Jurors to investigate any public offense which they know or have reason to believe has been committed and which is triable or indictable in this county. Any person having knowledge or proof that such an offense has been committed may apply to testify before the grand jury subject to the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated. The foreman in this county is presently: Penny Piper."
"The grand jury will next meet on Monday, the 10th day of January, 2011, at the Blount County Justice Center in Maryville, Tennessee at 9:00 a.m. You may be prosecuted for perjury for any oral or written statement which you make under oath to the grand jury, when you know the statement to be false, and when the statement touches on a matter material to the point in question."
BLOUNT COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LOCAL RULES
8. Trial preparation.
(b) Subpoenas for local witnesses must be issued and dated by the Clerk
no later than five (5) days before the date of trial. If the witness
resides out of county, the subpoena must be issued by the Clerk and
mailed or otherwise transmitted to the out of county Sheriff or other
authorized person no later than seven (7) days before the date of trial.
TENNESSEE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
RULE 5
SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS
5.02. Service —How Made. — Whenever under these rules service is required or permitted to be made on a party represented by an attorney, the service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Service shall be made pursuant to the methods set forth in (1) or (2).
(1) Service upon the attorney or upon a party shall be made by delivering to him or her a copy of the document to be served, or by mailing it to such person's last known address, or if no address is known, by leaving the copy with the clerk of the court. Delivery of a copy within this rule means: handing it to the attorney or to the party; or leaving it at such person's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof; or, if there is none in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; or, if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Items which may be filed by facsimile transmission pursuant to Rule 5A may be served by facsimile transmission.
5.03. Service —Proof of. — Whenever any pleading or other paper is served under 5.01 and 5.02, proof of the time and manner of such service shall be filed before action is taken thereon by the court or the parties. Proof may be by certificate of a member of the bar of the court or by affidavit of the person who served the papers, or by any other proof satisfactory to the court.
5.05. Filing. — All papers after the complaint required to be served upon a party shall be filed with the court either before service or within a reasonable time thereafter, but the court may on motion of a party or on its own initiative order that depositions upon oral examination; interrogatories; requests for documents; requests for admission; and answers and responses thereto not be filed unless on order of the court or for use in the proceeding. [As amended by order entered January 31, 1984, effective August 20, 1984.]
5.06. Filing with the Court Defined. — The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with the judge, in which event he or she shall note thereon the filing date and forthwith transmit them to the office of the clerk. The clerk shall endorse upon every pleading and other papers filed with the clerk in an action the date and hour of the filing. Recycled paper with the highest feasible percentage postconsumer waste content is recommended and encouraged for all papers filed with the court.
RULE 45
SUBPOENA
45.01. For Attendance of Witnesses —Form —Issuance. — Every subpoena shall be issued by the clerk, shall state the name of the court and the title of the action, and [shall] command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place and for the party therein specified. The clerk shall issue a subpoena or a subpoena for the production of documentary evidence, signed but otherwise in blank, to a party requesting it, who shall fill it in before service. [As amended by order entered January 26, 1999, effective July 1, 1999 and by order entered January 28, 2000, effective July 1, 2000.]
45.02. For Production of Documents and Things or Inspection of Premises. — A subpoena may command a person to produce and permit inspection, copying, testing, or sampling of designated books, papers, documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things, or inspection of premises with or without commanding the person to appear in person at the place of production or inspection. When appearance is not required, such a subpoena shall also require the person to whom it is directed to swear or affirm that the books, papers, documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things are authentic to the best of that person’s knowledge, information, and belief and to state whether or not all books, papers, documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things responsive to the subpoena have been produced for copying, inspection, testing, or sampling. Copies of the subpoena must be served pursuant to Rule 5 on all parties, and all material produced must be made available for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling by all parties. [As amended by order entered December 14, 2009, effective July 1, 2010.]
A party serving a subpoena requiring production of electronically stored information shall take reasonable steps to avoid imposing undue burden or expense on a person subject to the subpoena.
An order of the court requiring compliance with a subpoena issued under this rule must provide protection to a person that is neither a party nor a party's officer from undue burden or expense resulting from compliance.
A command to permit inspection, copying, testing, or sampling may be joined with a command to appear at trial or hearing, or at a deposition, or may be issued separately. A subpoena may specify the form or forms in which electronically stored information is to be produced.
45.03. Service. — A subpoena may be served by any person authorized to serve process, or the witness may acknowledge service in writing on the subpoena. Service of the subpoena shall be made by delivering or offering to deliver a copy thereof to the person to whom it is directed.
45.06. Contempt. — Disobedience or a refusal to be sworn or to answer as a witness may be punished as a contempt of the court in which the action is pending.
45.07. Requirement of Trial, Hearing or Deposition. — –With respect to any subpoena issued under this rule the Court, upon motion made promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, may: (1) quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive; or (2) condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable costs of producing the books, papers, documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things.
45.08. Duties in Responding to Subpoena. -- (1) (A) A person responding to a subpoena to produce documents shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize and label them to correspond with the categories in the demand.
(B) If a subpoena does not specify the form or forms for producing electronically stored information, a person responding to a subpoena must produce the information in a form or forms in which the person ordinarily maintains it or in a form or forms that are reasonably usable.
(C) A person responding to a subpoena need not produce the same electronically stored information in more than one form.
(D) A person responding to a subpoena need not provide discovery of electronically stored information from sources that the person identifies as not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or cost. On motion to compel discovery or to quash, the person from whom discovery is sought must show that the information sought is not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or cost. If that showing is made, the court may nonetheless order discovery from such sources if the requesting party shows good cause. The court may specify conditions for the discovery including, but not limited to the allocation of costs pursuant to the guidelines in Rule 26.06.
(2) (A) When information subject to a subpoena is withheld on a claim that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial-preparation materials, the claim shall be made expressly and shall be supported by a description of the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced that is sufficient to enable the demanding party to contest the claim.
(B) If information is produced in response to a subpoena that is subject to a claim of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation material, the person making the claim may notify any party that received the information of the claim and the basis for it. After being notified, a party must promptly return, sequester, or destroy the specified information and any copies it has and may not use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved. A receiving party may promptly present the information to the court under seal for a determination of the claim. If the receiving party disclosed the information before being notified, it must take reasonable steps to retrieve it. The person who produced the information must preserve the information until the claim is resolved.
[As enacted by order entered January 29, 1987, effective August 1, 1987. Amended by order effective July 1, 2005, and by order entered January 8, 2009 and effective July 1, 2009.]
Advisory Commission Comments [2005]. Under prior Rules 45.02 and 45.07, a party seeking the production of books, papers, documents, or tangible things, or inspection of premises, was required to issue a subpoena for the testimony of the custodian. The amendment to Rule 45.02 allows a subpoena for production of documentary evidence without requiring the custodian’s attendance at a deposition. The rule also requires the person responding to provide an affidavit authenticating the documentary evidence produced pursuant to the subpoena and stating whether or not all responsive material has been produced. The rule requires that all parties have access to the material produced pursuant to subpoena. The procedures in this Rule compel the production of documents for review, but do not necessarily authenticate documents pursuant to Rule 902 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. This Rule also provides that a subpoena may command the inspection of a premises.
Advisory Commission Comments [2009]. The amendment to Rule 45.04(1) restates settled law. A deposition subpoena, like a trial subpoena, may be served anywhere in Tennessee.
Rule 45 is amended to conform the provisions for subpoenas to changes in other discovery rules, largely related to discovery of electronically stored information. Rule 45.02 is amended to recognize that electronically stored information can also be sought by subpoena. Rule 45.02 is amended to provide that the subpoena can designate a form or forms for production of electronic data.
Rule 45.02 is also amended to provide that a subpoena is available to permit testing and sampling, as well as inspection and copying. This change recognizes that on occasion the opportunity to perform testing or sampling may be important, both for documents and for electronically stored information.
Inspection or testing of certain types of electronically stored information or of a person's electronic information system may raise issues of confidentiality or privacy. The addition of sampling and testing to Rule 45.02 with regard to documents and electronically stored information is not meant to create a routine right of direct access to a person's electronic information system, although such access might be justified in some circumstances. Courts should guard against undue intrusiveness resulting from inspecting or testing such systems.
Rule 45.02, paragraphs 2 and 3 have been adopted from Rule 10(c) and (d) of the Uniform Rules Relating to Discovery of Electronically Stored Information, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (2007).
New Rule 45.08 authorizes the person served with a subpoena to object to the requested form or forms. In addition, Rule 45.08 provides that if the subpoena does not specify the form or forms for electronically stored information, the person served with the subpoena must produce electronically stored information in a form or forms in which it is usually maintained or in a form or forms that are reasonably usable. Rule 45.08 also provides that the person producing electronically stored information should not have to produce the same information in more than one form unless so ordered by the court for good cause.
Rule 45.08(2), like amended Rule 26.02(5), adds a procedure for assertion of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation materials after production. The receiving party may submit the information to the court for resolution of the privilege claim, as under Rule 26.02(5).
With reference to Rule 45.08(1)(C), Guideline 6 of the Guidelines for State Trial Courts Regarding Discovery of Electronically-Stored Information, Conference of Chief Justices (2006), states: "In the absence of agreement among the parties, a judge should ordinarily require electronically-stored information to be produced in no more than one format and should select the form of production in which the information is ordinarily maintained or in a form that is reasonably usable."
Advisory Commission Comments [2010]. The title of Rule 45.02 is expanded to conform to the language in the rule.
TENNESSEE RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
RULE 17. SUBPOENA
(a) Issuance. A subpoena shall be issued by a clerk or other authorized court officer, who shall sign it but otherwise leave it blank. The party requesting the subpoena shall fill in the blanks before the subpoena is served.
(b) Defendants Unable to Pay. On a defendant’s ex parte application, the court shall order that a subpoena be issued for a named witness if the defendant shows an inability to pay the witness fees and that the presence of the witness is necessary for an adequate defense. If the court orders the subpoena to be issued, the process costs and witness fees shall be paid in the same manner as those paid for state witnesses.
(c) Witnesses. A subpoena shall state the court’s name and the title of the proceeding and command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place and for the party the subpoena specifies.
(d) Documents and Objects. A subpoena may order a person to produce the books, papers, documents, or other objects the subpoena designates.
(1) Production to Permit Inspection. The court may direct that the designated items be produced in court before trial or before they are to be offered in evidence. When the items arrive, the court may permit the parties and their attorneys to inspect all or part of them.
(2) Compliance Unreasonable. On motion made promptly and in any event by the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, the court may quash or modify the subpoena if compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive. The court may condition denial of the motion on the advancement by the party in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents, or other objects.
(f) Service.
(1) Method of Service. A subpoena may be served by any person authorized to serve process, or the witness may acknowledge service in writing on the subpoena. The server shall deliver or offer to deliver a copy of the subpoena to the person to whom it is directed or leave a copy with an adult occupant of the person's usual residence.
(2) Service Within State. A subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a hearing or trial may be served any place within Tennessee.
(g) Contempt. When a subpoena is served on a person, the court issuing the subpoena may deem the person’s refusal to obey the subpoena to be contempt of court unless the person has an adequate excuse.
(h) Information not Subject to Subpoena. Statements by witnesses or prospective witnesses may not be subpoenaed from the state or the defendant under this rule, but are subject to production only in accordance with the provisions of Rule 26.2.
Advisory Commission Comment. This rule is an adaptation of the federal rule. The first provision of section (e)(2) is taken from the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 45.04(2). Rule 17(h) is similar to its federal counterpart. This provision only makes it clear that the proper method to secure witness statements from the opposing side–either at trial or at a pretrial hearing under Rule 12(b)–is as set forth in Rule 26.2.
TENNESSEE CODE
Title 16 Courts
Chapter 15 Courts of General Sessions
Part 9 Service of Process
16-15-901. Issuance and service of civil warrants, writs and other papers. —
(a) Upon filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of the general sessions court in which the civil warrants, writs or other papers are filed, shall issue the required process, writs or other papers, and cause it or them, with necessary copies of the civil warrant, writ or papers, to be delivered for service to the person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the party filing the civil warrant, writ or other papers or the party's attorney if represented by counsel. The authorized person shall serve the civil warrant, writ or other papers, and the return endorsed on the warrant, writ or other papers shall be proof of the time and manner of service. A civil warrant, writ or other papers may be issued for service in any county, against any defendant or additional defendants.
(b) A civil warrant, attachment or any other leading process used to initiate an action in general sessions court and subpoenas or summons may be served by any person designated by the party or the party's attorney, if represented by counsel, who is not a party to the action and is not less than eighteen (18) years of age. Service of other process and orders of the courts of this state shall be by sheriffs, constables or as provided by law. The process server must be identified by name and address on the return.
(c) Nothing in this section shall affect existing laws with respect to venue.
[Acts 2002, ch. 794, § 2.]
16-15-902. Return.
(a) Any person serving the process from the general sessions court shall promptly and within the time during which the person is served must respond, make proof of service to the court and shall identify the person served and shall describe the manner of service.
(b) Process shall be served within sixty (60) days of issuance.
(c) When process is served by mail, the original warrant, writ or other papers shall be endorsed by manner of service. In addition, an affidavit of the person making service setting forth the personal compliance of this section and the return receipt shall be sent to and filed with the clerk of the court. The person making service in this manner shall endorse over the signature on the original warrant, writ or other papers the date of mailing a certified copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the defendant and the date of receipt of return receipt from the defendant. If the return receipt is signed by the defendant or any person designated by this section or by statute, service on the defendant is complete. If not, service by mail may be attempted or any other methods authorized by this section or by statute may be used.
[Acts 2002, ch. 794, § 2; 2008, ch. 608, § 1.]
16-15-903. Service upon defendants in this state.
The plaintiff shall after issuance by the clerk of the general sessions court furnish the persons making the service with all necessary copies. Service shall be made as follows:
(1) Upon an individual other than an unmarried infant incompetent person, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the individual personally, or if the individual evades or attempts to evade service, by leaving copies of the warrant, writ or other papers at the individual's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing in the dwelling house or usual place of abode, whose name shall appear on the proof of service, or by delivering the copies to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service on behalf of the individual served;
(2) Upon an unmarried infant or an incompetent person, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the person's residence guardian or conservator if there is one known to the plaintiff, by delivering the copies to the individual's parent having custody within this state; or if no such parent is within this state, then by delivering the copies to the person within this state having control of the individual. If none of the persons defined and enumerated in this subdivision (2) exists, the court shall appoint a practicing attorney as guardian ad litem to whom the copies shall be delivered. If any of the persons directed by this subdivision (2) to be served is a plaintiff, then the person who is not a plaintiff who stands next in the order named in this subdivision (2) shall be served. In addition to the service provided in this subdivision (2), service shall also be made on an unmarried minor who is fourteen (14) years of age or more and who is not otherwise incompetent;
(3) Upon a partnership or unincorporated association, including a limited liability company, that is named defendant under a common name, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to a partner or managing agent of the partnership, to an officer or managing agent of the association or to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service on behalf of the partnership or association;
(4) Upon a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation doing business in this state, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to an officer or managing agent of the corporation, to the chief agent in the county in which the action is brought, or by delivering the copies to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service on behalf of the corporation;
(5) Upon a nonresident individual who transacts business through an office or agency in this state, or a resident individual who transacts business through an office or agency in a county other than the county in which the resident individual resides, in any action growing out of or connected with the business of that office or agency, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the person in charge of the office or agency;
(6) Upon the state of Tennessee or any agency of the state, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the attorney general of the state or to any assistant attorney general and reporter;
(7) Upon a county, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the county mayor, or if absent from the county, to the county attorney if there is one designated; if not, by delivering the copies to the county court clerk;
(8) Upon a municipality, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the chief executive officer or to the city attorney;
(9) Upon any governmental or any quasi-government entity, by delivering a copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to any officer or managing agent of the entity; and
(10) Service by mail of a warrant, writ or other papers upon a defendant may be made by the plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney or by any person authorized by statute. After the complaint, warrant, writ or other papers are filed, the clerk shall, upon request, furnish the original warrant, writ or other papers, a certified copy of the original warrant, writ or other paper and a copy of the filed warrant, writ or other papers to the plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney or other authorized person for service by mail. Such person shall send, postage prepaid, a certified copy of the warrant, writ or other papers by registered return receipt or certified return receipt mail to the defendant. The original warrant, writ or other papers shall be used for return of service of process. Service by mail shall not be the basis for the entry of a judgment by default unless the record contains a return receipt showing personal acceptance by the defendant or by persons designated by this section. If service by mail is unsuccessful, it may be attempted again or other methods authorized by this title or by statute may be used.
[Acts 2002, ch. 794, § 2; 2003, ch. 90, § 2.]
23-2-105. Service of subpoenas.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule of court to the contrary, an attorney licensed to practice law in this state or the attorney's agent shall be authorized to serve subpoenas on witnesses in any civil or criminal case if such service is effectuated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) and if such attorney or any member of the attorney's firm is involved in the case for which such subpoenas are issued.
(b) In order for service under the provisions of this section to be effective, the name of both the attorney and the attorney's agent, if any, shall be written on the subpoena and both such persons shall sign the subpoena. Such subpoena shall be served in person by either the attorney or the agent whose names appear on the subpoena, and the person effectuating service shall file with the issuing clerk an affidavit of return stating that the subpoena was served, the identity of the person served, and the date, place and manner of service. An agent may serve a subpoena under the provisions of this section only if such agent is eighteen (18) years of age or older. The attorney shall be responsible for the actions of the attorney's agent serving the subpoena in accordance with generally accepted principles of agency law.
[Acts 1982, ch. 650, §§ 1, 2; 1984, ch. 711, §§ 1, 2.]
SERVING LEGAL PROCESS IN TENNESSEE
by Southeast Tennessee Legal Services
What is Service?
Service of process is making sure the defendant gets a copy of the papers you are
filing. When you are starting a case, your case cannot go forward until the other side is served. Someone who is legally authorized to serve process must physically give a copy of all necessary forms to the defendant against whom you filed a Complaint.
The clerk of the court will issue a Summons when you file your Complaint.
Attach the original copy of the Summons to one copy of all of the forms that you filed with the court (Complaint, Civil Case Cover Sheet, etc.). You must make sure that the Summons is attached to a copy of the Complaint. These papers must be served on the defendant.
Uncontested Cases
If the case is uncontested, and the other side gives you a signed Answer to the
Complaint or a signed Marital Dissolution Agreement (in a divorce case) which you
file at the time you file your Complaint, you do not have to serve process. Just file the Answer or Marital Dissolution Agreement. This can save at least 30 days and expedite the date for a hearing.
Methods of Service
Service can be made in one of several ways. You need to choose the method:
by a deputy sheriff in your county or another Tennessee county (the
preferred method),
by private process in Tennessee or outside the state, using a friend or
relative or other adult,
by the Secretary of State when the defendant lives out of state,
by certified mail, in Tennessee or outside the state, or
by publication in a newspaper.
Whichever method you choose, proof that the defendant was served must be filed with
the clerk of the court. A person can be served at home, at work, or anywhere else the person happens to be.
Service by a Deputy Sheriff
You can have a deputy sheriff serve the defendant with the necessary papers for a
fee. The fee for this service is usually about $20.00. (It may be a different amount if the defendant is located in another state. Be sure that the sheriff’s office in the out-of-state county knows you want it to serve process, will do so, gives you the fee schedule, and tells you how to make payment.) If you decide to pay for this service, you can ask the clerk of court what the cost for the service is. It is your responsibility to find out whether or not the defendant has been served. The deputy sheriff will send the clerk a "return of service" to prove he or she served the papers. You may have to call the clerk several times before the defendant is served.
Service by Private Process
This is an inexpensive way to serve someone inside your county, elsewhere in
Tennessee, or outside the state. YOU CANNOT SERVE THE DEFENDANT YOURSELF. The adult serving the papers must give them directly to the defendant. The adult serving the papers may NOT leave the package on the defendant’s doorstep; however, you can leave it at the opposing party's home WITH A ROOMMATE OR WITH A RELATIVE IF THEY ARE OVER 18 AND RESIDE IN THAT HOME. Use discretion, its better to serve someone who is close to the opposing party than someone who is not, even if they live in the same residence.
If serving the opposing party directly, THE SERVICE PACKAGE NEED NOT
BE PLACED IN THE OTHER SIDE’S HANDS. The defendant just needs to be given
notice that he or she is being served and given the documents. Not holding the
documents or dropping them is not a defense to service. The server can leave the
documents at the defendant’s feet. The person who served the other party person must
complete an Affidavit of Service that is usually a part of the Summons. If it is separate, uou must file a separate affidavit of service along with a copy of the Summons with the clerk of the court.
Service by the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State has published a separate booklet on how to serve process
through that office. Please consult it.
Service by Certified Mail
This is an acceptable method of service, whether or not the defendant lives far
from you, in Tennessee or another state. But it can be unsuccessful because it requires that the defendant accept the papers and personally sign the receipt (green card). This is a major disadvantage.
The adult serving the papers (someone other than you) should take the papers to
the Post Office and follow the instructions for mailing by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. The adult must fill out an Affidavit of Service indicating that he or she mailed the papers and the other party received them. If the defendant receives the papers, the receipt (green card) will be returned to you with the defendant's signature. Attach the receipt (green card) and a copy of the Summons to the completed Affidavit, and file the Affidavit with the clerk.
There are, however, problems with this type of service. Opposing parties may
refuse to sign for the letters or simply not go to the post office to pick them up. In these cases, other service types such as by deputy sheriff, by private service or by the Secretary of State would be preferable.
If the receipt (green card) is returned with the wrong signature or if the entire
envelope comes back undelivered, you will have to make another attempt at service.
If you have problems serving a defendant by certified mail, you should try one of
the other methods discussed in this booklet.
Service by Publication in a Newspaper
Service by publication is only used when the person who has filed the Complaint
has shown by affidavit that the defendant is a nonresident or the whereabouts of the defendant are unknown. Additionally, the person who has filed should show that
reasonable efforts have been made in good faith to locate the opposing party. After those criteria have been satisfied, the court may order service by publishing the notice at least once a week in each of four successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation published in the county in which the action is pending
Serving a Person in Jail
If the person you are serving is currently incarcerated, you may need his or her
inmate number. You can obtain this by calling the jail or prison. You should not serve an inmate by certified mail. The inmate will not be able to sign for the package and the court may find that the service was not valid. You should serve by a sheriff or private process server. Use service by the Secretary of State if the defendant is a nonresident of Tennessee.
After the Summons is Served
The person served has 30 days to respond to the Complaint.
MAJOR CHANGES MADE IN SHERIFF’S FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT
County Technical Advisory Service
University of Tennessee
On May 29, 2002, the Governor signed Senate Bill 2413/House Bill 2570, sponsored by Senator Joe Haynes and Representative Frank Buck. The bill was subsequently enacted as 2002 Public Chapter 794 and becomes effective on July 1 of this year. The act completely revises the sheriffs’ fee statute found in 8-21-901. It combines many specific individual fees into fewer major categories and provides generally for fee increases.
The act also amends Title 16 to establish new procedures for service of process in General Sessions Court and allows service of process by private individuals.
These changes are designed for the most part to mirror the Rules of Civil Procedure that apply in Circuit and Chancery Court. As this act is a comprehensive re-write of the entire fee statute and the statutes governing service of process for general sessions courts, it is not possible to summarize all the changes in this brief spotlight. A copy of the full text of the act can be obtained through the state legislature’s website or by contacting CTAS.
Section by Section Summary:
Section 1 of the act repeals the existing statute T.C.A. § 8-21-901 (the Sheriff’s fees statute) and re-writes it, simplifying the fee structure, eliminating population classifications which makes the fees the same in all counties, modernizing the language of the fees and providing for increases in the new fee structure. New language in the act provides that, for the purpose of the service of process fee, all garnishments are considered original garnishments and the sheriff is entitled to the new fee for each garnishment served. Prior law limited the amount of fees that could be charged on subsequent garnishments. Language was also added to clarify that fees for service of process apply separately per each person served. The act also earmarks the revenue from the sheriff’s data processing fee for computerization of the sheriff’s office.
Section 2 of the act repeals and re-writes T.C.A. §§ 16-15-901 through 16-15-905 to establish procedures for service of process in General Sessions Court. The newly enacted section 16-15-901 provides that, upon the filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of general sessions court shall issue the required process and cause it to be delivered to such person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the person filing the papers or such person’s attorney.
This means the parties or their lawyers, not the clerks, make the determination of who serves papers.
The person designated to serve process must be at least 18 years of age and can not be a party to the litigation.
This authorization for private individuals to serve process in general sessions court applies to civil warrants, attachments or other leading process used to initiate an action in general sessions court, and subpoenas or summons.
Other forms of process would still be served by the sheriff or constable. The sheriff or constable would also still serve process on those items that could be served by a private individual if no one is designated by the litigant or his or her attorney. Where private process servers are used, the act provides that a court, in its discretion, may award recovery of fees for service of process as a part of the judgement rendered in the case but such fees cannot exceed the fees authorized for sheriffs or constables.
The newly revised section 16-15-902 establishes procedures for return of process. The new section 16-15-903 establishes procedures for service of process upon defendants in this state while 16-15-904 sets the procedures for service upon defendants outside of the state. Section 16-15-905 allows for constructive service in those cases where statutes permit such service. For the most part, these rules regarding service of process follow the procedures currently in place in circuit and chancery courts under the rules of civil procedure.
Section 3 of the act establishes the effective date for the new law as July 1, 2002. Therefore, after that date, clerks for general sessions court should begin collecting the sheriff’s fees in accordance with the new statute. At that time, the new statutes regarding service of process in general sessions court take effect as well.
As a final note, although this summary has discussed fees for sheriffs and constables, the law provides that officers of the highway patrol or other law enforcement personnel that may serve criminal process are entitled to the same fees listed in T.C.A. § 8-21-901 for sheriffs and constables and such officers will receive the increased fees as well. See T.C.A. §§ 40-25-103 and 55-5-114.
Case citations in TN re proper service of process - Red-light camera tickets and radar camera tickets can be ignored, and no default judgement can be rendered, without hand delivery of the ticket.
State v. Morgan 825 SW2d 113 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1991)
Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14 (1967)
TENNESSEE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
§ 9. Rights of accused
That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath the right to be heard by himself and his counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, and to have a copy thereof, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and in prosecutions by indictment or presentment, a speedy public trial, by an impartial jury of the County in which the crime shall have been committed, and shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself.
STATE OF TENNESSEE
SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM
STATE OF TENNESSEE, Plaintiff
v. Docket No. T844442
John Davis Lee II, Defendant
________________________________________________________________________
Issued: ____________________________, ____________
Clerk of the General Sessions Court
by: ____________________________________
Deputy Clerk
on behalf of the State _______ Defendant ________
To the Sheriff of _________ County — Greeting:
We command you to summon:
Sgt Randall Huckaby, Badge No. 181, Tennessee Highway Patrol, District 1
7601 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919
to appear in the BLOUNT COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER
personally to appear before the Judge of our Criminal Division, Court of General Sessions, for the County of Blount, on 7 February, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., in the City of Maryville, then and there to testify, and the truth to say in behalf of the defendant in the case of the State vs. John Davis Lee II, and to bring with you records evidencing:
(1) Copy of TBI or THP certification of the radar instrument in question; (2) all records of calibration relative to the radar instrument used on the 30 day of August, 2010; (3) all maintenance reports/records from the date the radar instrument was placed in use; (4) the last time the radar instrument was taken into TBI, THP or other for servicing; (5) the warranty for the radar instrument; (6) the FCC license for the radar instrument; (7) the operation manual for the radar instrument; (8) the last date of calibration of the instrument; (9) copy of officer’s radar certification by TBI, THP or other; (9) Contact log for the 30 day of August, 2010; (10) all personal notes made by officer regarding above-styled cause on date of arrest.
NOTICE: If you fail to appear in court, you will be in contempt of court. The punishment for contempt may be by a fine or by imprisonment not to exceed ten (10) days, or both.
Contact _________________________________________________________
SHERIFF’S RETURN: Came hand this date and executed by: ____________________________________
‰ Delivering the within subpoena to the witness named herein
‰ Unable to serve because ________________________________________________________________
Date ________________ Title ________________________
ATTORNEY'S RETURN OF SERVICE:
Attorney’s Name, Address and Telephone Number Designee’s Name, Address and Telephone Number
____________________________________ ________________________________________
____________________________________ ________________________________________
____________________________________ ________________________________________
I certify that on the date indicated below I served a copy of this subpoena on the witness ______________,
by _________________________________
Date:_______________________________
___________________________________
Signature of Attorney/Designee
Sworn to and subscribed before me on _________________________
Notary Public/Deputy Clerk __________________________________
Commission Expires: _____________________________________
IN THE GENERAL SESSIONS COURT FOR BLOUNT COUNTY, TENNESSEE
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
)
v. ) CASE NO. T0061165
)
John D. Lee II )
_________________________________________
DEFENSE MOTION #7
MOTION FOR SUBPOENAS BY PRIVATE PROCESS SERVER
AND/OR MOTION FOR BENCH WARRANT
______________________________________________
COMES THE DEFENDANT and moves this Honorable Court for an Order, for the Blount County Clerk of Court to issue subpoenas for pro se Defendant John Lee to be served by private process servers, and/or, in the alternative, John Lee moves for an arrest warrant issued for Tom Hatcher for Official Oppression in violation of Tennessee Code.
On January 26, 2011, Defendant John Lee filed relevant motions and exhibits with the clerk of general sessions, and applied for issuance of a prepared subpoena decus tecum. The court clerks refused to allow Defendant to serve the subpoena via private process server, and demanded a $27 fee, with $7 in cash for the clerk, and $22 check payable to Knox County Sheriff Office for service of civil process. Defendant could not afford to pay that fee. See attached Motion Exhibit #3 Affidavit.
The clerks' denial of subpoena power violated Tennessee Code, and violated Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 5 SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS, and violated Rule 45 SUBPOENA.
Defendant requires subpoena power of witnesses for due process.
BLOUNT COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LOCAL RULES
8. Trial preparation.
(b) Subpoenas for local witnesses must be issued and dated by the Clerk no later than five (5) days before the date of trial. If the witness resides out of county, the subpoena must be issued by the Clerk and mailed or otherwise transmitted to the out of county Sheriff or other authorized person no later than seven (7) days before the date of trial.
Tennessee Code 16-15-901. Issuance and service of civil warrants, writs and other papers.
(a) Upon filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of the general sessions court in which the civil warrants, writs or other papers are filed, shall issue the required process, writs or other papers, and cause it or them, with necessary copies of the civil warrant, writ or papers, to be delivered for service to the person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the party filing the civil warrant, writ or other papers or the party's attorney if represented by counsel. The authorized person shall serve the civil warrant, writ or other papers, and the return endorsed on the warrant, writ or other papers shall be proof of the time and manner of service. A civil warrant, writ or other papers may be issued for service in any county, against any defendant or additional defendants.
(b) A civil warrant, attachment or any other leading process used to initiate an action in general sessions court and subpoenas or summons may be served by any person designated by the party or the party's attorney, if represented by counsel, who is not a party to the action and is not less than eighteen (18) years of age. Service of other process and orders of the courts of this state shall be by sheriffs, constables or as provided by law. The process server must be identified by name and address on the return.
Tennessee Code 16-15-902. Return.
(a) Any person serving the process from the general sessions court shall promptly and within the time during which the person is served must respond, make proof of service to the court and shall identify the person served and shall describe the manner of service.
(c) When process is served by mail, the original warrant, writ or other papers shall be endorsed by manner of service. In addition, an affidavit of the person making service setting forth the personal compliance of this section and the return receipt shall be sent to and filed with the clerk of the court. The person making service in this manner shall endorse over the signature on the original warrant, writ or other papers the date of mailing a certified copy of the warrant, writ or other papers to the defendant and the date of receipt of return receipt from the defendant. If the return receipt is signed by the defendant or any person designated by this section or by statute, service on the defendant is complete. If not, service by mail may be attempted or any other methods authorized by this section or by statute may be used.
Tennessee Code 16-15-903.
The plaintiff shall after issuance by the clerk of the general sessions court furnish the persons making the service with all necessary copies. Service shall be made as follows:
(10) Service by mail of a warrant, writ or other papers upon a defendant may be made by the plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney or by any person authorized by statute.
"Section 2 of the act repeals and re-writes T.C.A. §§ 16-15-901 through 16-15-905 to establish procedures for service of process in General Sessions Court. The newly enacted section 16-15-901 provides that, upon the filing of civil warrants, writs and other papers, the clerk of general sessions court shall issue the required process and cause it to be delivered to such person authorized to serve process as may be designated by the person filing the papers or such person’s attorney. This means the parties or their lawyers, not the clerks, make the determination of who serves papers. This authorization for private individuals to serve process in general sessions court applies to civil warrants, attachments or other leading process used to initiate an action in general sessions court, and subpoenas or summons." County Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee, "MAJOR CHANGES MADE IN SHERIFF’S FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT"
Tennessee Code 40-17-107. Issuance of subpoenas by clerk. —
(a) The clerk of the court in which a criminal cause is pending shall issue subpoenas, at any time, to any part of the state, for witnesses as either the district attorney general or the defendant may require.
Tennessee Code 40-17-122. Subpoenas — Rules of Criminal Procedure. —
The provisions of Rule 17 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure shall govern when a clerk or other authorized officer of the court is required to issue a subpoena in a criminal case in criminal court and the consequences of a person's refusal to appear, testify or produce evidence when subpoenaed shall be governed pursuant to that rule. If any local rule of court conflicts with the provisions of Rule 17, the provisions of Rule 17 shall prevail and the clerk or other authorized officer of the court shall issue subpoenas and the judge shall punish the refusal to respond to subpoenas in accordance with the provisions of the rule.
Tennessee Code 39-16-402. Official misconduct.
(a) A public servant commits an offense who, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another, intentionally or knowingly:
(3) Refrains from performing a duty that is imposed by law or that is clearly inherent in the nature of the public servant's office or employment;
(4) Violates a law relating to the public servant's office or employment;
(d) An offense under this section is a Class E felony.
Tennessee Code 39-16-402. Official misconduct.
(a) A public servant acting under color of office or employment commits an offense who:
(2) Intentionally denies or impedes another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity, when the public servant knows the conduct is unlawful.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class E felony.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
John D. Lee II, pro se
MOTION EXHIBIT #3
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR
SUBPOENAS BY PRIVATE PROCESS SERVER
AND/OR MOTION FOR BENCH WARRANT
__________________________________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE
COUNTY OF KNOX
I, John D. Lee II, do solemnly swear that I am a resident of the State of Tennessee, and that I have personal knowledge of the facts included herein.
On January 26, 2011, I filed relevant motions and exhibits with the clerk of general sessions in Blount County, and applied for issuance of a prepared subpoena decus tecum for witness/complainant Randall Huckaby. The court clerks refused to allow Defendant to serve the subpoena via private process server, and demanded a $27 fee, with $7 in cash for the clerk, and $22 check payable to Knox County Sheriff Office for service of civil process. I paid the $7 cash fee to the clerk, but could not afford to pay the $22, so I left without the subpoena.
I did return several days later and paid the remainder for the subpoena.
Further the Affiant sayeth not.
______________________
John D. Lee II
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day________ day of _______________, _____.
____________________________
Notary
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing was forwarded by U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or by hand-delivery, to Mike Flynn at the Office of the District Attorney General, Blount County Justice Center, 942 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804-5002, phone (865) 273-5600.
on this ____ day of _______________, ______.
______________________
John Davis Lee II, pro se
Morgan clerk Hamby resigns, ordered to repay missing money
18 Feb 2011
WARTBURG, TENN. - Carol Hamby resigned as Morgan County Clerk today immediately after pleading guilty to official misconduct and not depositing public money on a timely basis.
The 40-year-old Coalfield resident received a two-year prison sentence but was placed on supervised probation and granted judicial diversion.
That status will enable her to wipe the criminal conviction off her record should she follow guidelines.
Hamby was also ordered to repay the more than $7,400 found missing from her office and to also pay for the cost of a special state audit in December that uncovered the shortfall.
A theft charge leveled against her by a Morgan County grand jury last month was dismissed.
District Attorney General Russell Johnson said Hamby has already repaid $6,500.
Johnson today expressed regret, both for Morgan County residents and for Hamby.
He said it was clear to him "she became overwhelmed by the responsibilities of her office…"
Still, he said, "her action clearly constitutes official misconduct," Johnson stated.
After concerns about her office's finances arose, the state came in and found a cash shortfall of $54,611.33 in mid-December during its special audit.
The financial checkup also revealed Hamby sometimes waited more than two months before depositing public money. State law requires such funds be deposited within three days.
A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was launched and during that probe, Hamby deposited $47,200.71, leaving unpaid $7,410.62.
Hamby told auditors she sometimes cashed personal checks from office cash and forgot to reimburse the office.
With Hamby's resignation, Johnson said he wouldn't have to pursue an ouster lawsuit to force her from office.
It'll be up to the 18-member Morgan County Commission to elect someone to fill the interim clerk's position until the next general election in August 2012.
Morgan County Executive Don Edwards said today a special commission meeting would likely be called to start that procedure.
"We will get that vacancy filled as soon as we possibly can," he said.
"We're just sick over the situation," he said. "We just hate that it happened."
