CHAPTER 1
As this saga continues, I believe it is the hopes of Taylor County [that I will just go away] have frustrated those in power. To bring you up to date, no less than 7 deputies and administrators have been fired or resigned the date of my first appearance in front of the Taylor County Board of Supervisors. I had accused the sheriff's department of two murder attempts on me while employed as a deputy sheriff. Neither the Sheriff, Grand Jury, Board of Supervisors nor various administrators, including the Taylor County District Attorneys Office would assist me in my search for the truth. I literally had the door slammed in my face. The feeling of not-having cooperation from a State recognized agency is another indicator of "stabbing." Naturally, as I am responsible for the removal of dirty cops, who now have no income, I am checking my rear view mirror more frequently. When I was working in dope, by the nature of the work, oftentimes it was procedure to see if you've picked up a tail. (By the way, I drove limousines after retirement and had to check my rearview mirror every 45 seconds as I had families under my care). As I am now more aware of my surroundings and vehicles in the area, I thought I saw two detectives in their dark colored Crown Vic, parked down the street. Then, two of my true friends told me that they have been contacted by Taylor Counties Sheriff detectives. While at first I was paranoid, but further questioning revealed that they were not investigating a crime, but to find out my personal traits like: Do I drink? If so, how much? Does he own any "long guns"? Does he own a gilley suit? It sounds like the Good Old Boys are going to try to manufacture probable cause for some future contact with me. Fortunately, one of the detectives left his business card with his name and that of his partner. I photo-copied the business card and sent it along with a letter addressed to the Sheriff and the County Council. (At the completion of this novel are letters of communication between me and Taylor Counties Administration). This is all occurring in December of 2014, correlating with the time dated on the letters. As you know, I do have an official letter from a former Captain of Taylor County stating that their files do not go back that far. (He was fired within two days after I received his letter).
My continued question is: I have made over one dozen requests to have copies of just two reports from the records division. As you might imagine, Taylor County has taken every step possible to avoid an honest answer.
Dear Sheriff Bob Walters,
I have been honorably retired (although a med-related issue) for some time and have been reviewing my career. Being member of the Sheriffs elite Specialized Tactical Enforcement Personnel was the highlight of my career. To be recognized as a STEP team member was one of the highest honors I have ever received. But, for reasons known only to few) I became a victim of a successful conspiratorial character assassination conducted by then Sgt. Harold Jones, Lt. Carl Jonas and Deputy B H, my successful career came to a sudden halt. For the rest of my career I have had to carry the burden of a "chicken" or "rabbit" or just plain "he's yellow."
Despite having numerous letters of commendation and was the number one producer of patrol activity. My continued goal of excellence in law enforcement was always a priority. I was finally offered the position of Sergeant under the stipulation that" I" forfeit my children to Foster Care so that I could devote all of my time to the sheriffs office." Also, this promotion coincided with my recent transfer to the District Attorneys office.
Since my retirement, my life has taken many turns, but most of all, I have lost my spirit. When you or your predecessor folds the flag and presents it to my family, will the Sheriff say, "On behalf of a grateful County". How are they ( my family) supposed to feel knowing the circumstances?
So, to the issue ... when the Flag of the United States of America is ceremonially folded and then given to the Sheriff for presentation, I respectfully request that the words, Grateful, Thankful, Appreciated, Outstanding, invaluable or other metaphors suggesting I was a good deputy be omitted from the presentation ceremony.
It is therefore a formal request just how you would verbalize the presentation. And also can you please give me the documents citing the investigation into the administrative coordinated conspiracy to assassinate my character? A copy of this communication shall also be sent to the Honorable Board of Supervisors so, collectively, perhaps a solution could be discussed regarding the proper verbiage.
Sincerely yours in the constant pursuit of justice,
Bernard Fife
Absolutely no phone calls, drive by's, or other unannounced visits shall be permitted. A SASE is enclosed for your convenience.
Mr. Don Gong Member
Taylor County Board of Supervisors
Dated: 8-15-13
Your silence and indifference in my issue reveals that you are aware of how vulnerable the County of Taylor remains. Non-response and procrastination is now showing an insight into county business and its lack of integrity. A simple request was made to retrieve two reports from the Sheriffs Department and it was totally ignored and dismissed. The untimely termination of administrative personnel was received with some mild gratification knowing that the documents remain to be of a concern to the Board. I have had to admit to myself that my career was cut short by the intentional misbehavior of persons who were in a supervisorial position, with malice. The Board is in a position to take a positive stance and I would like an indication letter of action towards the retired parties to this incident. "They" are still being held unaccountable as willing participants in my case and I believe are enjoying a feeling of euphoric gratification and in no fear of retribution or responsibility. As my issue grows in momentum, person(s) will wonder why earlier action was never taken to formally address my case. Knowledge of the reports is known to many, but covered up by a few. I wrote these reports while being a law enforcement professional and my tenure feels cheapened for it's (the County of Taylor's) inactivity. I have had to resort to reporting the Counties lack of concern to the State and Federal level, which gave me no sense of pride or honor. I still retain a sense of hope that you have taken this case under advisement and are pending some official action that you can share with me.
This document is not being shared with other Board members and I am counting on your leadership and guidance to encourage the members to do the same. This continuing pathway I'm sure will lead to only embarrassment and counter-productivity.
In a memo addressed to my Assembly-person, a list of complaints you are already aware of, were shared. I have resisted in going to the local or national press as an extension of partnership in resolving my issue and as a simple courtesy. My search for legal council continues and I shall not retreat from the Truth in this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernard Fife
Cc: file
CHAPTER 2
Now that I have a moment to reflect, I was trying to think ahead of what next move will be made (chess). I began following the Taylor Counties Board of Supervisors minutes which are on line. Rumor has it that at least one of the fired administrators is going to file a lawsuit against Taylor County for his retirement pension. If that could only happen, then they would have to discuss my case in front of a Judge. It is my emphatic wish that a judge, any judge take a look at my case and the counties response or lack of. Actually, my hope is that my book will reach some of those readers that are familiar with my case. I feel that I owe apologies to friends and family to inform them now, of what happened during those years. Ok, moment of reflection over.
To: The Taylor County office of the District Attorney
From: Bernard Fife, Retired Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Marshal and DA Investigator.
Re: Conspiracy to commit Slander and possibly Attempted Murder.
Dated: 5-28-13
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have been retired since I had an injury on 2-14-95, which resulted in my being disabled for life. I am basing my allegations on recalling events which are just now being recognized. My problem is that the Sheriffs Department is withholding two (2) reports which will assist with my healing from the damage to my psyche.
The first report dealt with me being in an under-cover capacity buying and selling stolen property as a member of the STEP Team. I was set up by then Sgt. Harold Jones who gave me a direct order to run during an actual operation. Well, he failed to inform the rest of the team and therefore, I was labeled a chicken or someone who could not be trusted as a "team member". Shortly after that, I was forced to be transferred back to the Patrol Division where I (again distinguished) myself. I have never ever been given a letter of reprimand and my personnel jacket is spotless.
The second report dealt with me being ordered to destroy a box of dynamite of which the orders came directly from Captain Fred House (now deceased). I was informed by then Sgt. Box who was the bomb disposal officer. He said he was busy and asked me to take care of the problem. I successfully carried the box containing 17 sticks of dynamite about 90 feet to a pre-selected area to be burned as per directions from Sgt. Box. He was the subject who stated this information came directly from Captain House's office. It is my belief that the dynamite was in no immediate danger of spontaneous explosion and wondered why they picked me. I remember that the nitro was leaking through my uniform shirt.
I have previously requested to obtain these two reports from the Sheriffs Department and the persons involved have since been terminated. Also Sgt. Harold Jones and his supervisor Lt. Carl Jonas, (Captain House's assistant) have also been terminated. As I received no response from the TCSO, I wrote a letter to the Taylor County Board of Supervisors to encourage the TCSO to supply me with these essential documents. They referred me to Risk Management and again, came to a conclusion that there was insufficient evidence. I then requested that the Taylor County Grand Jury look into the matter and again their response was the same (insufficient evidence to continue). I am convinced that the County of Taylor, specifically the Taylor County Sheriffs Department was instrumental in the occurrence of my stroke.
I was forced to leave the Sheriffs office upon becoming a single parent, and was thankful to be hired by the District Attorneys Office, as a member of SIU. This job continued for 5 years until a supervisor who continued to harass me calling me "Hey White Boy, come here" or other racial epitaphs, (he being Hispanic). He was later fired and brought up on charges filed by Taylor County DA., on unrelated charges.
The Risk Management Department decided not to proceed with my case as I failed to report these incidents in a timely fashion. I did report these violations to my best friend, my next door neighbor, and Best Man at my wedding. Now retired Captain Butch Carter was informed of my activities on a daily basis.
I am now in the process of sending a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Fresno to see if my Civil Rights have been violated. I would think that movement of the dynamite, without a supervisor, CDF, ambulance, back-up or CHP for road closures suggest that this was an intentional and overt act to take my life.
Sincerely yours,
Bernard Fife
TO: Taylor County Grand Jury
FROM: Bernard Fife
RE: Information about my Case
Dear Chuck
I was never offered the opportunity to poll the grand jurors. I want to appear before them at the next meeting and take a quick hand count of the group. The process is swift. I also would like to have the case number of my issue. (Never got one last year, and don't believe I was issued one for my most recent appearance.). As to the Penal Section of 166.4, a Court Judge must sign the violation of a court order that has no case number. And, the next thing was my report (book). The perjured letter from Captain Don Patterson would be considered as perjury, and he was fired. A comment was also made about Sheriff One the aircraft, and why it has not been" up". The man who was sitting next to you said "He was fired". Now why wouldn't it be material evidence to say why the pilot was fired? Along with Jonas, Deputy HB, and the rest of the good old boys who played a part in this conspiracy?
I do wish to have my copies (manuscripts) that I submitted as evidence. You only need one.
Bernard Fife
CHAPTER 3
On today's date, 12-8-14, I was reviewing the Taylor County web site and came upon some very interesting news. I noticed that the person who was in charge of Taylor County Council (with whom I have been exchanging correspondence) suddenly resigned from his position. This leaves the County of Taylor, office of County Council vacant and now a replacement will be sought. Again, could this be a coincidence? While right in the middle of a case that will shake up this county, the person responsible as the legal county council, quits the position. Imagine how many persons have been made aware of my issue. With this latest news, the DA, SO, Board of Supervisors, Human Resources, Grand Jury and others have a common denominator. All have ignored my issue except for the County Council, when I challenged his integrity. This shall bring the number to nine (9) persons who have been directly or indirectly involved in this conspiracy: Let's once again review persons whom have been fired or opted for an unscheduled early retirement:
#1. The Sheriff of Taylor County.
#2. The Assistant Sheriff of Taylor County.
#3. The Assistant Sheriff of Taylor County. Instead of having an Under Sheriff, Taylor County chose to have two Assistant Sheriff's.
#4. A Captain who sent me the perjured letter.
#5. A Lieutenant who approved me being set up during a drug operation.
#6. A Sergeant who carried out the set up and later reported it up the chain of command.
#7. The deputy who conspired along with the Sgt. To set me up during the drug operation.
#8. Taylor Counties County Council (their legal representative).
#9. Also, John Hernandez, the Deputy DA Supervisor.
As you can see, it has been quite a ride since I first realized that I was an actual victim of a conspiracy by my own department that occurred in 1983. I have been living with this weight and not knowing why, for many years. I do have a concern about the DA. My question is why you don't answer my letters and requests by the Board of Supervisors to intercede unless the DA might be complicit in the involvement of the cover up.
CHAPTER 4
A new revelation occurred today. I received a letter from Human Resources of Taylor County. It read that I owe them a large sum of money for an oversight that was just found out in recent weeks. It sounds a little too convenient that a mistake was just "found" in their records. So, naturally I followed up with a phone call and left a message on the young ladies machine at HR. Within three hours, she called back and advised that it was an "administrative error" and she would correct the problem immediately. I am running out of fingers counting the mistakes that are being made at ALL administrative levels. Now, I am not a paranoid person by nature, but you got to admit, the time to think of my personal safety and that of my family are of my primary concern. Even the thought of a routine traffic stop by a uniformed officer could (if I am getting close enough to the Truth) take me out. I have also installed security doors which will require a tow truck to take them off. One of the thoughts that does go through my mind is a "home invasion" type of scenario. You know the type, unknown subject(s) will force their way into my home under the guise of just a random attack. I still keep in mind that there are now 9 players who are involved (deeply) in the cover up of my murder attempts initiated by Captain House.