FBI Should Spend More Time In Bessemer

This is not a gossip blog, and I am not here to bring anyone down, but this is news and it is in the public domain, so I am sharing it.

Remember this , in April of this year, when I reported the South Highland Baptist Church had been sold, and how good it was for the city that the historic church was being restored and used.

Then remember this, when I reported that the Western Tribune was reporting that pastor Donald Moulton had a suit filed against him by a Homewood man over a breach of contract.

Now the FBI is involved, and he has been indicted over identity theft, mail fraud and other charges in U. S. District Court in Birmingham. U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, Martin Phanco, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Special Agent in Charge and Carmen S. Adams, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge announced the indictment in this FBI Press Release .

You never really know about anybody, but remember this, from the press release:

"Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial."

While I hate to imagine someone violating the trust of others, my main concern still is the church itself. As someone reminded me yesterday, the building is positioned overlooking the city, and has been prominent throughout most of the 20th century. Because of it's history and stature, it deserves to be used only for the most worthy causes.

There are so many questions regarding the church and what might happen to it, that will be answered over the next few (or many) weeks and months. My understanding is that for now, church activities will continue as before and the Bessemer Neighborhood Association will continue to meet there as well (next meeting is Monday, October 8).

I think the FBI could have a field day in Bessemer, as could the DEA, the EPA and theDOJ.

Here is where I was going to insert a video of Danny Bonaduce throwing Fairplay over his shoulder but who cares? I mean ...well, I mean, I really mean, who cares? Z-list.

But there is more to report from Bessemer. Council person Jimmy Stephens, as alluded to two council meetings ago, has filed suit against the City Council on which he sits to try to stop payment of $2 million in "incentives" to Jordan Frazier Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The council voted to give the money to Frazier to expand the dealership. The dealership produces more than $21 million in sales tax revenue according to Frazier's attorney, Laveeda Battle. Can that be right? That's what the Birmingham News says.

Anyway, the money is sitting in an interest bearing account until Judge Eugene Verin makes a ruling as to the legality of the deal. That will be within 30 days

The Western Tribune reported this story first, but The Birmingham News has it online.

Sunday the Bessemer Historical Homeowners Association will have Potluck in the Park Sunday at 5:00 at Jonesboro Community Garden. All you need to bring is a chair and a dish and an appetite. Come see our new gazebo and how the plants have fared through the drought.

Got a couple of extra minutes? Look at what people with too much time to spare can do with their time. Here . Thanks Drew.