WEST POINT — A not-guilty verdict in the trial of one of West Point’s Water and Light Department heads has sparked allegations of favoritism.
Ward 5 Selectman Jasper Pittman says Shasta Plunkett’s trial on a charge of disturbing the peace wasn’t fair because Plunkett is personal friends with Municipal Court Judge Mark Cliett, who presided over the case.
“The decision was unfair. The judge and Shasta is real close friends. I think the judge should have removed himself from this trial given the closeness he and Shasta had,” said Pittman. “It wasn’t honest at all. This is a small town. Everyone knows who’s friends with who. They’re hang-out buddies. Him, the mayor (Scott Ross), the city administrator (Randy Jones), too. All of them.”
Marvin Jefferson, the former West Point Public Works employee who brought the charges against Plunkett, levied the same accusation at Plunkett and Cliett.
“The judge and (Plunkett) know each other pretty good,” said Jefferson. “If it wasn’t for all the buddy-buddy stuff it would have been a lot different.”
Cliett could not be reached by telephone for comment, Monday. Plunkett referred all inquiries to the court report.
“I’m not going to comment on all that stuff. The court system said I’m not guilty,” Plunkett said, when asked about the allegations.
West Point Mayor Scott Ross admitted to being on personal terms with Cliett, Plunkett and his attorney, Rod Ray, and Jefferson.
“I’m friends with everybody that’s involved in it. I purposely stayed away from it,” he said.
The city’s chief administrative officer, Randy Jones, reached on vacation in Arizona, said his relationships with Plunkett, Cliett and Ross are strictly professional.
“We all know each other. We work together. We don’t typically socialize. I don’t think I’ve ever done any socializing at all with Shasta,” offered Jones, who said the accusation amounts to little more than bitterness.
“When you don’t get your way, typically, the first thing you do is cast dispersions,” said Jones.
The charges against Plunkett stem from an incident in the early morning of Oct. 2 at a Soco gas station on Highway 45 Alternate in West Point.
Jefferson was ordering food in the store when Plunkett entered coincidentally. Recognizing Jefferson, Plunkett questioned him regarding an outstanding bill.
According to Jefferson, Plunkett refused to end his line of questioning after Jefferson offered to meet with Plunkett at the Water and Light Department the following Monday. Jefferson said Plunkett raised his voice, but used no profanity or intimidation.
“He was determined. (Plunkett said) ‘Nah, bud, we’re going to sit down and talk about this now,’” said Jefferson.
Jefferson said he then became frustrated and left the store. Plunkett did not follow him or attempt to stop him.
“He knows he broke the law,” said Jefferson of Plunkett. “It’s disturbing the peace and harassment if I tell you to leave me alone and you continue to bother me.”
Jefferson filed an affidavit with the West Point Police Department accusing Plunkett of harassment Oct. 5.
Ray said witness testimony told a different story. Jefferson was flirting with a female server at Soco when Plunkett interrupted him and brought up the issue of the unpaid bill, Ray said. The bill allegedly was in Jefferson’s name at a girlfriend’s house.
According to Ray, Cliett took thorough notes during witness testimony and determined no crime had been committed. Jefferson admitted while on the stand Plunkett never touched him or verbally abused him, but simply “disrespected him,” Ray noted.
West Point City Prosecutor Angela Turner-Lairy confirmed Cliett’s rationale.
“Based on what the judge heard, he did not think Mr. Plunkett’s conduct rose to criminal. He did not get the impression Mr. Plunkett was trying to start a fight,” said Turner-Lairy.
Jones does not plan to pursue punitive action against Plunkett, but the Board of Selectmen may summon Plunkett to explain his behavior.
“I’m not sure, but I would say that’s probably a good possibility,” said Ward 1 Selectman Rod Bobo of Plunkett being questioned by the board.
The timing of Plunkett’s conversation with Jefferson may be an issue. In an Oct. 9 report, Jones said Plunkett would not be punished because the incident did not take place on city time. However, Ward 3 Selectman Charles Collins said, according to a city time sheet, Plunkett was on call for the week of Sept. 25-Oct. 2.
“He received eight (additional) hours of pay that week for being on standby. He was acting as a lineman, not as a debt collector. His job that night would have been to assist in any trouble calls concerning a power outage,” said Collins.
Furthermore, Collins cited the Federal Trade Commission’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as forbidding debt collection after 9 p.m. or at any location “inconvenient to the consumer.”
“We need to revisit the fact that (Plunkett) might have violated federal laws. That might lead to a legal issue at a later date,” said Collins.
help west point | 11/3/2009 1:31:00 PMmark as inappropriate this is so stupid people needs to grow up
southern boy | 11/3/2009 1:52:00 PMmark as inappropriate Shasta should get a raise for making these people accountable for paying their bills. Why do these "so called" innocent people think it's fair for others to have to pay their bills, but when they get caught after years & years of not paying their bills, it becomes personal harrasement. They're lucky they don't get served an arrest warrant for their outright dishonesty & theft. Leave Shasta alone you outlaws!!! He's just doing his job!
concerned citizen | 11/3/2009 8:20:00 PMmark as inappropriate Since Charles Collins is so concerned with violation of laws, and what employees duties consist of for their pay, perhaps the taxpayers would like him to explain his constant phone conversations during city work hours with other selectmen? And campaigning for selectman while on city time? He certainly had no problem collecting his paycheck for over $32,000 per year PART TIME...4 days a week while doing so. It might, or might have not have been illegal. But certainly was unethical. As for Pittman, is he ever satisfied with anything that doesn't go his way? The decision was unfair? What about the former city clerk who was recently let go? Jasper could not wait to make the motion to hire him, even though there were more qualified applicants. It's a well known fact those two were "buddies" Was that fair? We see how that worked out didn't we?
Grammarian | 11/4/2009 12:55:00 AMmark as inappropriate After reading Jasper Pittman's comments, it has become painfully clear to me that command of the English language is not one of the requirments to be a Selectman in West Point. How pathetic!
The citizens of West Point should be embarassed that someone with such poor verbal communication skills represents them and is in a position to make comments to the local media.
Perhaps prospective officeholders should enroll in an English as a Second Language class.
There is a saying that you get the government that you deserve.
The people of West Point, and especially Ward 5, should be so proud.
TDS | 11/4/2009 9:32:00 AMmark as inappropriate Looks like they are on yet another witch hunt. I wonder who will be next? Here's a suggestion, City of West Point Selectmen, how about spending more time trying to fix the obvious glaring problems such as the CLOSED BRIDGE on 50 and stop trying to keep the pot stirred!
Rae | 11/4/2009 10:26:00 AMmark as inappropriate First of all, the ignorant, misuse of the English language by Pittman should disqualify him from commenting on anything ever again. He should just stick to yes and no answers. Second, Collins, Jefferson,and Pittman need hobbies or some kind of extracurricular activities to keep them busy because their obsession with taking Shasta to court and coming up with conspiracy theories about the mayor, Randy, and Shasta being the three amigos is beyond ridiculous. The bottom line is- Shasta was doing his job and never should have been put through any of this nonsense. It seems to me that he should be an example to the "selectmen" because he is working and concentrating on doing what is best for the city and not out pretending to be on Law & Order and wasting the tax payer's money on unnecessary court fees.
Kay | 11/4/2009 11:34:00 AMmark as inappropriate The reporter who wrote this article has succeeded in turning the Commercial Dispatch into a gossip column. This article is based solely on fabrication spread by Jasper Pittman. Had the "reporter" actually gone to the hearing on Oct. 6 or the trial on Oct. 27, he could have reported actual facts. For example, Mrs. Lairy could have stopped this waste of tax payer money if she had accepted the two police reports which showed that Mr. Plunkett never disturbed the peace in the first place. If the court records from the 27th had been consulted, then it could be reported that Mark Cliett, before the trial started, told both Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Plunkett that he had represented both of them as a lawyer and asked them if this fact made either of them want another judge. Both men stated that Mark Cliett was acceptable as the judge in the case. Now, Mr. Jefferson, because the verdict did not agree with his agenda to harass Mr. Plunkett and perhaps even cost him his job, has decided that the decision was unfair. Any truly impartial judge would have had to rule as Mark Cliett did because of the police reports and the testimony given in court by both men involved as well as by the policemen and Mr. Jefferson's girlfriend. In court Mr. Jefferson admitted that he lied because Mr. Plunkett was not yelling. He even admitted in court that he was angry because his prospective new girlfriend apparently broke up with him when she found out about another girlfriend. And, what about his poor wife at home? Well, she is on a "need to know" basis about the assorted girlfriends.
Please explain to me how any judge, after hearing all of this in court, could possibly rule any differently from the way Mark Cliett did? This trial was fair. The only unfairness that was exhibited were the charges made against Mr. Plunkett by Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Pittman.
The court has found Mr. Plunkett not guilty. The matter should now be dropped. And, our board of selectmen would be well advised to support our city workers who are only trying to "keep the lights on" in West Point.
Fred | 11/4/2009 12:16:00 PMmark as inappropriate Anyone missing Kenny and Dewel yet?
H. Smith | 11/4/2009 12:53:00 PMmark as inappropriate What a monumental waste of money to bring such a silly issue to a court hearing! I thought West Point was in such financial straits that a bridge couldn't be repaired, but now find that they can have meaningless cases? What gives? Why can't Mr. Jefferson not foot the bill for this charade??? Sounds like a good idea to me. It would discourage others from pulling such silly stunts! Way to go, Mr. Plunkett!
camilla | 11/4/2009 5:52:00 PMmark as inappropriate I ditto all of the above comments. Has Pittman no pride? Well never mind, he doesn't care that the entire city knows he doesn't pay his bills or that he is unfaithful to his wife. Is he a man? Does he go to church? Not manly or Christian behavior! Just shut your mouth, respect the feelings of your wife, pay your bill and leave Shasta alone.
Pay Your Way | 11/5/2009 7:29:00 AMmark as inappropriate Wow... Tell a man who owes money to pay and you're harrassing him. I guess half the people in West Point need to be harrassed. If you want something for nothing, move to West Point. Half the population there lives off of our tax dollars anyway.
help wp | 11/5/2009 9:17:00 AMmark as inappropriate what a shame that this is all you folks have to talk about... what a BUNCH OF IDIOTS...
Good Life | 11/6/2009 12:59:00 AMmark as inappropriate I do not understand why some people do not have a life of their own. I have not heard one PERSON talking about how Shasta was out at 1:12 a.m. in the morning talking about a bill in the first place. HELLO!!! Marvin Jefferson had every right to take action on Shasta or whatever his name maybe. Supposely a West Ponit city employee of the city come up to each of you and confront you all about a bill you would take action to. Keep in mind it was another situation like this back a few months ago with another West Point citizen. Talking down on the colored, but guess what things are about to change in the city of West Point. The main people that are commenting on this case are LIARS. You all just make sure that your bills are getting payed, but I doubt that seriouly. I guarenteed that everyone of you owe some type of creditor. How you like those apples. I COMMEND Marvin Jefferson for standing up for his rights. And whom ever wrote about him having a wife that was wondering what was going on needs a LIFE quick and in a hurry. Further more where did we get off by getting into Jefferson personal business anyway. This case is about Shasta not doing his job in an orderly manner way. I wish our people will wake up. If you do not have anything GOOD to say about Jefferson, Pittman, and others that are with Jefferson on this matter I suggest you get a LIFE. Now comment on that PLAYER HATERS
TDS | 11/6/2009 8:31:00 AMmark as inappropriate Good Life - Interesting comment. I was hoping you might be a bit more detailed about upcoming "change in West Point." Also, to refer to the above as LIARS is rather bold. Would you care to elaborate on exactly what it is that these people are LYING about?
bad day | 11/6/2009 8:48:00 AMmark as inappropriate what changes are all the white people to be fired just grow up get an get to the facts if pittman has been unfaithful to his wife what kind of a man is that shame on you mr pittman time to clean house in west point
just me | 11/6/2009 9:17:00 AMmark as inappropriate how many outside kids does mr pittman have an where did he go to school what bad grammer he has feel sorry for his ward
hopeful | 11/6/2009 12:41:00 PMmark as inappropriate It would be a welcome change if our city board of selectmen would try to encourage the few good employees they have left, instead of always finding fault with them. Or to concentrate on bringing industry and jobs into our town. This beautiful city we live in is going to crap and it it mainly because several, but not all the board members have personal issues with some of the employees. That is so unprofessional and not at all good leadership. A good leader sets an example for their employees. All I see is a bunch of disgruntled men upsetting the city employees, causing tension in all the departments and causing the general population to stress and worry about the state of the city. When are we goig to see some POSITIVE actions from our board members? Instead of fighting useless battles. A good leader should always fight for ...and not against... If your employees are not working up to your standards, give them the support and tools they need to do their job. But get off everybody's tail and let them get back to work. Quit wasting our taxpayers hard earned money and do something useful.
Good Life | 11/6/2009 1:51:00 PMmark as inappropriate TDS- Why would I go into details about the changes that need to be made in West Point that is not my job to detail about the changes in West Point? Jefferson had an unfair trial, and that is all I am concerned about. I am more interested in setting the record straight about Jefferson unfair trial. Everything that KAY wrote about Jefferson is a LIE. The next person is RAE you need some type of extracurricular activities to do because you of all people do not know what you are talking about. If you do not know what is going on in this case I suggest you keep your opinions and comments to yourself.
TDS | 11/6/2009 9:14:00 PMmark as inappropriate Good Life, to quote your earlier comment..."Talking down on the colored, but guess what things are about to change in the city of West Point." To make such a statement, one would ASSUME that you must know something of such change. As far as KAY & RAE's comments are concerend, they sound like pretty factual information. If your only rebuttal is that KAY and RAE are liars, it sounds like YOU are the one that needs to keep your opinion to yourself! The FACT is, West Point is in need of jobs, street improvements & crime prevention. City Selectmen need to occupy their time discovering ways to solve these problems instead of wasting their time trying to oust those they deem as the "good ol' boys!"
GoodLife | 11/7/2009 10:07:00 PMmark as inappropriate TDS whomever you are I see you are in with them. HMMM!!!!!!!!!! It's been a long time coming but I know a change is going to come. That's right. I know for a fact BABY that they are liars. Get your facts together. Were you in court? I know what went on. Why bring Jefferson personal business into this. That's because Shasta is GUILTY. Are you a little off the rock (SLOW). I bet they cannot prove that Jefferson has a wife at home wondering what is going on. BeCause guess what he is SEPARATED!! Who are you anyways? I guess you do not have nothing better do with your spare time. And what "good ol boys" (Whatever). More like a bunch of clowns. FYI I know what I am talking about. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and we are going to take it. You better believe it. And just let it go because GOD See everything and he knows everything.
Felicia jefferson-harris | 11/8/2009 11:11:00 PMmark as inappropriate For what I have to say mr. jefferson need to get the judge and mr.shasta becuz it is not fair that a judge is best friend with mr. shasta and he handle the case and put mr. jefferson down like that in a newspaper. mr. jefferson keep your head up and pray and for that smart ass person that made that comment make sure u have a opening for mr.shasta and his low down friend ( the judge) now have a bless day
bad day | 11/9/2009 12:44:00 PMmark as inappropriate LOOKS LIKE MS FELICIA GRAMMER IS JUST LIKE MR PITTMAN WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS PUT SHASTA DOWN FOR DOING A GOOD JOB THE JUDGE ASK JEFFERSON & SHASTA IF THEY WANTED A NEW JUDGE BOTH MEN SAID NO SOUNDS LIKE JEFFERSON IS JUST LIKE PITTMAN A CRY BABY BECAUSE THINGS DIDNT GO HIS WAY SO GET A LIFE THE JUDGE HAS RULED HA HA CRY BABY
G | 11/9/2009 12:58:00 PMmark as inappropriate Check that keyboard "bad day". It appears your Caps Lock key is stuck and the apostrophe, period, question mark, and comma keys are not working at all!
bad day | 11/9/2009 1:35:00 PMmark as inappropriate Just wanted to make sure ignorant people like you could read it.How's that for you ?
jefferson1 | 11/10/2009 12:04:00 AMmark as inappropriate bad day u need to get a life and when did this became a online english class ANYWAY. Is this shasta r the judge. Seen to me you have a problem with black people. By the way u must went to a school where they taught u how to type nothing but captial letters. what good job did shasta the judge do so young man r young woman you get a life and you stop been a cry baby. dont get mad about what i said about your friends. love you!
bad day | 11/10/2009 8:53:00 AMmark as inappropriate I donthave any problem with black people but judge has ruled live with an stop your crying again the judge asked both men if they wanted another judge both men said no.I know if he had ruled the other way Shasta would not be crying because he is a real man now take that cry baby
Your writing reflects your thinking. If your writing is loaded with errors then it is much less likely anyone will take your thinking seriously.
Leeroy | 11/10/2009 10:39:00 AMmark as inappropriate All this talk about Shasta is making me thirsty. I like Grape Shasta.
elvis2 | 11/11/2009 3:57:00 PMmark as inappropriate OH YEA..SHASTA ROOTBEER!!!!! bunch of cry babies
amazed | 11/13/2009 10:41:00 AMmark as inappropriate Sure hope i am never late on anything sounds like all of West Point will know.I am amazed that some people think that anything about this store scenario was correct,i would completely ignore anyone asking about my bills in this setting,totally unprofessional!!Any training involved in customer service would prove this.
