Net widens in CDBG fraud case
Former County Commissioners Alton Land and “Big” John Driggers, along with retired Building and Zoning employee Billy Keen were removed from the Dixie County Courthouse in handcuffs this morning, apparently by FBI agents. Mr. Keen was arrested earlier this month for the alleged theft of more than $5,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. The men were taken to the Federal Building in Gainesville and are expected to be released by 4:00 pm today.
CDBG funds are used to assist low and middle income residents with home improvements and for economic development.
after many years at the public trough, IF these men are guilty as charged they should go to the correctional center and pay healthy fines and be made to pay all of salaries paid by Dixie County back to the citizens of this fine county
Comment by jack bowen — Thursday, October 23, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
If they get found gilty? How about when they get found gilty! I dont think anyone in that county has enough money to bail them out…. Some might think they do. I cant wait to see who else the Knight and shining armors, a.k.a the F.B.I comes in and gets next. Those morans had it coming. There is too much corruption that has gone on for far to long and its time for it to end. I think the F.B.I would also learn a lot if they would probe the sheriff’s office. I find it kinda humorous, but not so much shocking to think that it took the F.B.I to investigate and have to come in there and arrest them insted of the “Good ol’ Boys” at the DCSO.
Comment by cross member — Saturday, October 25, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Dear Friend,
Has “innocent until proven guilty” truly lost its value? I agree that corruption, in all forms, is wide-spread. Hastily stating an opinion when you have no real understanding of the circumstances is also overrated. “Knights in Shining Armor?” I sincerely hope your knights never show up at your door based on the words of someone who begrudges you because you chose NOT to do things as THEY wanted. Never would I desire for anyone’s family to face unscrupulous behavior under the pretense of Justice. What you find humorous is causing real sorrow and pain to those who are caught in the crossfire. Whether friend or family, I do not condone wrong-doing. But I will not succumb and be silenced when I know “justice” is not the priority. A little wisdom and compassion would be appreciated. I respect your right to an opinion. And it’s okay to agree-to-disagree. I just want you to remember that there is ALWAYS pieces of the puzzle hidden from view.
Comment by Sheila — Saturday, October 25, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Sheila, I would not have made a comment in reference to the above story if I didnt know anything about the people who have been charged then I would not have said anything. I lived in dixie county for too long and moved as soon as I got the chance. Dont get me wrong I’m not saying that Dixie County is a bad place. Every where you go you will find corruption and wrong doing, on the other hand it is far worse when it is going on in a small town because every one know about it. The problem is “THE GOOD OL BOY SYSTEM” It is alive and well in Dixie County and it is one of the many problems that town has. I do believe in the Innocent untill proven guilt, but that is no excuse for being in denial. The worst thing you can do for someone if they are family is throw them a teddy bear evry time they do something wrong. That has never fixed anything. And as for my KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOR, I dont break the law, so i’m not to concerned about the F.B.I beating my door down.
Comment by cross member — Sunday, October 26, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Dear Cross Member,
I know, as I knew from the beginning, that I can’t continually comment and express my opinion to each person who states theirs. It’s a never-ending-circle because everyone has differing views, depending on the circumstances. I confess, it’s easy to get caught up in emotional bondage because one feels they must make known their own analysis of the situation. In retrospection, I should have let your comments go. If but for the children in this scenario, I would have. I just want you to know, person to person, when you make remarks such as, “Those morons had it coming” and “I find it kind of humorous…”- you’re not expressing a constructive or informative judgment. You’re adding to the pain of those caught in the middle- and to the unconscious mentality of the collective. No teddy bears are being thrown- and denial is a luxury I do not possess. Without intending sarcasm, though the title “knights in shining armor” is befitting for so many of our Law Enforcement Officials all over the world- who serve and protect with a sincere heart, it just simply is NOT always the case. The latter doesn’t need you to actually break the law to show up at your door. I also have knowledge of an individual in this developing story, as well. There are layers upon layers of agendas which have nothing to do with the unveiling of justice. I’ll leave you to your points of view and ask that we respectfully agree to disagree, as I previously implied. Genuinely, the old adage, “It’ll all come out in the wash,” is what I’m counting on. With my Sincere regard.
Comment by Sheila — Monday, October 27, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
I too agree with Crossmember. The “Good Ol’ Boy” way is in full effect in that area. Growing up in the area, I fully understand that if you are not related to somebody then you are a nobody. Simple as that. And for the comment of having respect for the ones caught in the middle, I certainly do, only for the children, but for the men who knowingly commited these crimes, the guilt is on them. They should have thought about their kids and family. But no one was complaining when their hair and nails were getting done, or when vacations were being taken or new cars being bought. I am working night and day trying to support my family by obiding the law, and this absolutely disgusts me, the FBI doesn’t just go to anyones door and arrest them. So come on………. Seriously, they had it comming and this is just the first group of the entire Tri-county area “Good ol’ Boy” system to go and I hope it isn’t the last.
Comment by Direct05 — Tuesday, October 28, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
Thankyou to whoever the person is above for what you wrote. I guess you have to be someone on the outside looking in insted of someone on the inside looking out to be truthful to the corruption currently taking place. Maybe I started off on the wrong foot and made comments that I should not have made in previos comments, maybe I didnt… (from a christian standpoint) I think that far to many people use kids as a crutch for bad behavior when put in these kind of pradicaments. Not just in Dixie County but all over the world. Like the person said in the comment above mine, the people involved should have thought about what is best for family. Wether anyone wants to be honest and take responsibility doesnt change the fact that actions need to be taken to stop corruption and bad decision making. Also, I do think that people in their possition, that know the difference between right and wrong and that have the responsibilities that they do, are morans for doing what they did. I think it is a very informative and constructive way to describe the decision making that took place. Society in general, in this day in time, has made it a very bad habbit to sugar coat bad ideas and bad decisions, and be acceptive to wrong doing. To agree with the person above, a town that should have so much unity, has none, unless you have a certain last name. To give you a better understanding as to why I shun such irresponsible behavior and law breaking decisions, is because I currently work in law enforcement. And I agree with you sheila, It will all come out in the wash, hopefully they will all be wearing clean underwear when the F.B.I comes back for them.
Comment by cross member — Thursday, October 30, 2008 @ 8:44 am