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BREAKING NEWS: Lumpkin County deputy faces kidnapping charge
By Matt Aiken
A Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office deputy is facing multiple charges after he allegedly attempted to kidnap a resident of Blue Ridge last week.
Authorities say Michael Herndon, 31, arrived at the apartment of a Fannin County woman Friday afternoon in full LCSO uniform claiming that he was in the midst of a drug investigation.
"He told the girl that if she didn't cooperate he was going to arrest her," said Officer Brian Jones of the Blue Ridge Police Department.
Herdon then reportedly entered the residence, accompanied by his friend Christopher Land, and attempted to handcuff the woman.
The victim resisted Herndon and called 911, but was cut off.
Authorities arrived on the scene less than two minutes after the call went out and reportedly found Herndon in his vehicle removing his uniform.
"When we confronted him in the parking lot he identified himself as a Lumpkin officer and showed us his ID," said Jones.
Herndon was reportedly found to be intoxicated and was initially charged with driving under the influence and disorderly conduct.
At the time of his arrest he was armed with his duty regulation handgun, a 40 caliber glock and several knifes, said Jones.
Herndon has since been charged with violation of oath of public office, giving a false statement, aggravated assault with a firearm, criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, burglary and possession of a firearm during a crime.
"He said it all started out as a joke," said Jones. " ... The only thing we can assume is they went to commit a crime in that apartment."
Lumpkin County Sheriff Mark McClure said Herndon was quickly terminated following the incident.
"Within two hours his supervisor was in Fannin County and stripped him of of his gun, uniform and equipment," said McClure. " ... The Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and our employees will not stand for the badge of the LCSO to be tarnished for actions such as this."
McClure added that Herndon's reported actions were rather surprising since the deputy had no prior behavioral issues while working for the LCSO for more than a year.
According to Jones, Herndon has a history of prior arrests. The nature of these charges is currently unknown.
McClure said he was not aware of any such incidents.
"We do a thorough background investigation and there's no prior convictions of any kind to our knowledge on his record," he said.
More information regarding this story will be available in the upcoming print edition of The Dahlonega Nugget.
Authorities say Michael Herndon, 31, arrived at the apartment of a Fannin County woman Friday afternoon in full LCSO uniform claiming that he was in the midst of a drug investigation.
"He told the girl that if she didn't cooperate he was going to arrest her," said Officer Brian Jones of the Blue Ridge Police Department.
Herdon then reportedly entered the residence, accompanied by his friend Christopher Land, and attempted to handcuff the woman.
The victim resisted Herndon and called 911, but was cut off.
Authorities arrived on the scene less than two minutes after the call went out and reportedly found Herndon in his vehicle removing his uniform.
"When we confronted him in the parking lot he identified himself as a Lumpkin officer and showed us his ID," said Jones.
Herndon was reportedly found to be intoxicated and was initially charged with driving under the influence and disorderly conduct.
At the time of his arrest he was armed with his duty regulation handgun, a 40 caliber glock and several knifes, said Jones.
Herndon has since been charged with violation of oath of public office, giving a false statement, aggravated assault with a firearm, criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, burglary and possession of a firearm during a crime.
"He said it all started out as a joke," said Jones. " ... The only thing we can assume is they went to commit a crime in that apartment."
Lumpkin County Sheriff Mark McClure said Herndon was quickly terminated following the incident.
"Within two hours his supervisor was in Fannin County and stripped him of of his gun, uniform and equipment," said McClure. " ... The Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and our employees will not stand for the badge of the LCSO to be tarnished for actions such as this."
McClure added that Herndon's reported actions were rather surprising since the deputy had no prior behavioral issues while working for the LCSO for more than a year.
According to Jones, Herndon has a history of prior arrests. The nature of these charges is currently unknown.
McClure said he was not aware of any such incidents.
"We do a thorough background investigation and there's no prior convictions of any kind to our knowledge on his record," he said.
More information regarding this story will be available in the upcoming print edition of The Dahlonega Nugget.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of thedahloneganugget.com.
Great wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:49 AM:
" Leave it to one idiot to make the entire department look bad! "
Cat wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:06 AM:
" If this officer had a history of prior arrests, how is it that he was a police officer with this county? How does this go unnoticed? "
Wait wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:54 PM:
" The article reads that they are not actually aware of any prior arrests right now.
Let's not judge yet. "
Let's not judge yet. "
Once again... wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:26 PM:
" Well this isn't the first time the LCSO or their officers have messed up very important matters. How are we suppose to trust in them. Guess not! "
You have to wonder wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:17 AM:
" It is true it only takes one bad apple to make the whole bunch look bad but, you have to wonder Sheriff McClure said his department did a thorough background check but, another department using the same computer systems and the same methods his department has found information his department missed. So how thorough are his departments background checks ? Could they have missed something on another employee and they become another bad apple in the bunch. Lets hope not ! "
funny wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:21 AM:
" Somehow you people think that McClure was making him make a bad decision......guess you all have seem to forgotten that Jarrard made some bad choices in his law enforcement carrer.....knows all too well how it feels to be locked in the back seat of a patrol car.....just ask him. IF you can get him to tell the truth for once. "
Rediculous wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:54 AM:
" You really think that NOTHING is going to happen under Stacey??? THis could also happen under his supervision, and so could anything else. We can not control what these officers do OFF DUTY(which Herndon was). And yes this officer made a mistake, we all do. You think that the officers and firefighter/Ems are not supposed to make mistakes, well they are human so get over it.
It is VERY sad that one of these officers mistake has made all of you think bad of the rest of them, when that should not be true. Bad stuff is going to happen and it doesnt matter if its under Mark or Stacey's supervision. I cant wait for something like this to happen when Stacey gets into to office. What are you going to say then??? Oh...it's ok...its Stacey. He is one simple person just like Mark. Mark cant babysit every officer off duty.
No one knows the real story and we should not judge him or anyone else in this department. The people of this county make me sick and I hate being a resident here. Ive grown up here my whole life and sickens me to see the bull crap that all of you write in this newspaper. Now I know what your saying/thinking...well move..or dont read it. I did not vote for Stacey, but I am ready to see what new things he can bring to the sheriffs office, and we all can go into this with an open mind. Stop dogging everyone for every little thing. "
It is VERY sad that one of these officers mistake has made all of you think bad of the rest of them, when that should not be true. Bad stuff is going to happen and it doesnt matter if its under Mark or Stacey's supervision. I cant wait for something like this to happen when Stacey gets into to office. What are you going to say then??? Oh...it's ok...its Stacey. He is one simple person just like Mark. Mark cant babysit every officer off duty.
No one knows the real story and we should not judge him or anyone else in this department. The people of this county make me sick and I hate being a resident here. Ive grown up here my whole life and sickens me to see the bull crap that all of you write in this newspaper. Now I know what your saying/thinking...well move..or dont read it. I did not vote for Stacey, but I am ready to see what new things he can bring to the sheriffs office, and we all can go into this with an open mind. Stop dogging everyone for every little thing. "
Lumpkin Watch wrote on Sep 9, 2008 10:58 AM:
" How many more days until January 1st. Can't be soon enough... "
ThinkPeopleThink wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:20 AM:
" "I am not suprised that some of McClures officers did this. Just my opinion. Bad sheriff........... Bad Staff. This is really scary. I can't wait for Mr. Jarrard to take office in January! Got to weed out the bad and replace with some good."
So, were you surprised when Jean Grizzle's employee embezzled $60k of our money? Was Ms. Grizzle to blame for it? Were you surprised when Jeff Lowe's employee swindled money from county residents? Was Judge Lowe to blame for it? See: http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2005/10/12/news/01embezzlement.txt Were you surprised when a Park and Rec. employee stole $6k from your children? Was his boss to blame for it? See: http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2005/10/19/news/01countytheftagain.txt
No comments were posted, so I am guessing you were not suprised and you did not hold those in charge responsible.
Do you think that all arrests brand someone a bad seed? Should we judge everyone by their arrest record alone, or should we look at convictions too? Do we beileve that everyone does stupid things in their youth that should prevent them from contributing back to the community? While this "INDIVIDUAL"s action are beyond stupid, shall we convict the entire Sherrif's Office for his actions? Anyone is capable of anything, at any job or profession. From solider to fireman, mayor to president we should hold the individual accountable UNLESS we can prove that they did 'whatever' with someone in charge's consent.
There is NO WAY any sheriff would ever consent to an officer wearing the uniform in public, outside of his jurisdiction, while intoxicated. It even sounds stupid to think it. But, that is what this individual did. I can't blame anyone but that (former) officer and his lack of respect for our county that he represented by wearing our issued uniform while intoxicated, playing some drunken prank in another county. He has given our Sheriff's Office a black eye, and our community a bad name.
If you still think McClure is to blame, make sure you do not vote for Judge Lowe, anyone who has worked with Brenda Gee in the past, and ensure you get a new staff for your Park and Rec. "
So, were you surprised when Jean Grizzle's employee embezzled $60k of our money? Was Ms. Grizzle to blame for it? Were you surprised when Jeff Lowe's employee swindled money from county residents? Was Judge Lowe to blame for it? See: http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2005/10/12/news/01embezzlement.txt Were you surprised when a Park and Rec. employee stole $6k from your children? Was his boss to blame for it? See: http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2005/10/19/news/01countytheftagain.txt
No comments were posted, so I am guessing you were not suprised and you did not hold those in charge responsible.
Do you think that all arrests brand someone a bad seed? Should we judge everyone by their arrest record alone, or should we look at convictions too? Do we beileve that everyone does stupid things in their youth that should prevent them from contributing back to the community? While this "INDIVIDUAL"s action are beyond stupid, shall we convict the entire Sherrif's Office for his actions? Anyone is capable of anything, at any job or profession. From solider to fireman, mayor to president we should hold the individual accountable UNLESS we can prove that they did 'whatever' with someone in charge's consent.
There is NO WAY any sheriff would ever consent to an officer wearing the uniform in public, outside of his jurisdiction, while intoxicated. It even sounds stupid to think it. But, that is what this individual did. I can't blame anyone but that (former) officer and his lack of respect for our county that he represented by wearing our issued uniform while intoxicated, playing some drunken prank in another county. He has given our Sheriff's Office a black eye, and our community a bad name.
If you still think McClure is to blame, make sure you do not vote for Judge Lowe, anyone who has worked with Brenda Gee in the past, and ensure you get a new staff for your Park and Rec. "
Not Surprised wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:56 AM:
" When deputies are allowed to run amuck in the manner they are in Lumpkin County it is no shock that they do this somewhere else when they think it is time to take matters into their own hands. Herndon and many others have patroled the County in Rogue fashion for years, what a joke. "
Peace wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:39 PM:
" Keeping the peace is a difficult job. One that is under appreciated. One bad seed and now they are all suspects.
There is to much "what have you done for me today", never enough "thank you for what you did really well yesterday" kind of thinking. It's what keeps the word stupid in the dictionary.
Mark McClure has been a strong presence in the community. If anything he's more tough than many people would like him to be. So please wait on the full details, before all of the sudden an entire well performing office is under complete scrutiny. "
There is to much "what have you done for me today", never enough "thank you for what you did really well yesterday" kind of thinking. It's what keeps the word stupid in the dictionary.
Mark McClure has been a strong presence in the community. If anything he's more tough than many people would like him to be. So please wait on the full details, before all of the sudden an entire well performing office is under complete scrutiny. "
FlapjacksRyum wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:55 PM:
" It is foolish to think that a high school graduate, with little senior leadership skills, who's big promise is ensure that your children will stay off drugs with an outdated, hokey-pokey D.A.R.E. program. That he will personally attend your loved ones funeral and lead the procession, take all the time in the world to jaw-jack with you so that everyone passing knows you have the sheriff's ear, could possibly ever have the time to actually do all these things that "his voters" expect him to do now.
This super-sheriff will now be sole responsible for interviewing, checking backgrounds, employment history, psychological profile, and then training each applicant for the job. He will have to balance a budget, check behind every expenditure, call every county in Georgia to see if they want to house inmates with us, add some $300,000 to the budget, stop every speeding motorcycle, chase all the drug dealers and users away. All this, while stopping off at your local corner store to see how your fishing is going for the season.
You want Andy Taylor, but that era is gone. (BTW, Andy used to take his dates out...in his patrol car) We no longer need a local boy, sweetie-pie in office. We need someone who will actually enforce the laws of the state and do so without 'cutting them a break', just because "I know'd yor folks". You will get what you voted for Lumpkin. I just hope something will be left to salvage in four years...when you change your mind, again. "
This super-sheriff will now be sole responsible for interviewing, checking backgrounds, employment history, psychological profile, and then training each applicant for the job. He will have to balance a budget, check behind every expenditure, call every county in Georgia to see if they want to house inmates with us, add some $300,000 to the budget, stop every speeding motorcycle, chase all the drug dealers and users away. All this, while stopping off at your local corner store to see how your fishing is going for the season.
You want Andy Taylor, but that era is gone. (BTW, Andy used to take his dates out...in his patrol car) We no longer need a local boy, sweetie-pie in office. We need someone who will actually enforce the laws of the state and do so without 'cutting them a break', just because "I know'd yor folks". You will get what you voted for Lumpkin. I just hope something will be left to salvage in four years...when you change your mind, again. "
Peace wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:59 PM:
" One more thing regarding "think people thinK.
"Bad Sheriff, Bad Staff " is way over the line. Yes you have your opinion and that's your right.
I also have the right to disagree and say:
GOOD SHERIFF, Good Staff with one bad guy who was quickly stripped and fired. "
"Bad Sheriff, Bad Staff " is way over the line. Yes you have your opinion and that's your right.
I also have the right to disagree and say:
GOOD SHERIFF, Good Staff with one bad guy who was quickly stripped and fired. "
The Facts wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:27 PM:
" Now this what you call conduct unbecoming an officer, someone that wears their uniform and tries to handcuff somoene innocent, Former Investigator was terminated after 18 years of loyal service to LCSO for conduct of becoming an officer and was nothing close to this. All he did was simply make a phone call for advice and worring about the well being of his children and was termianted for such. You tell me Mr MclCure is in the right for this? He should have been thrown out of office a long time ago. This county is cray and can't trust a soul as far as the LCSO goes. "
Truth wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:14 PM:
" The blogs here just shows how way off the wall the McClure bashers are. No where in this story does it imply that Blue Ridge found anything in this guy's background. In fact the truth is this man had a clean background. To imply that McClure missed something in his background is just plain out wrong. The first one of you who can look at 80 people with clean backgrounds as this former officer had and know someone in the bunch will not do somthing stupid like this. Then you better go get you a seat beside Jesus Christ, because you are more powerful than any man on this earth. Keep up the non-scense. when 4 or 5 of Jarrard's people do something this bad or worse. You must hold him to the same judgement. "
WOW wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:18 AM:
" "Do not judge lest you be judged. "For in the way that you judge you will be judged!!!
I will be praying for you all when my family member has to save you in a burglery, car wreck, etc; also while Im praying for his safe return home to our family, while hes out there risking his life for you sorry people of this community. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. "
I will be praying for you all when my family member has to save you in a burglery, car wreck, etc; also while Im praying for his safe return home to our family, while hes out there risking his life for you sorry people of this community. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. "
WHATEVER wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:22 AM:
" TO "THE FACTS":
MAYBE THE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD HAVE KEPT HIS AFFAIRS IN ORDER. HE KNEW WHO HE CALLED AND WHY HE DID IT. AS FAR AS THE DEPUTY, HE WAS TERMINATED WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO. MOVE ON "
MAYBE THE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD HAVE KEPT HIS AFFAIRS IN ORDER. HE KNEW WHO HE CALLED AND WHY HE DID IT. AS FAR AS THE DEPUTY, HE WAS TERMINATED WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO. MOVE ON "
Facts wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:42 AM:
" The Investagator did know why he called and it was simply for advice.Was not on LC time at all was on his on time. He could very well move on if the so called supervisors and such would get off his rear and stop giving him a bad reference every time some employer called them. This should be fought out and won but he still stays loyal to the LCSO which is crazy. I don't blame McClure but he should have looked into this more and checked out the higher people that also work at LCSO instead of just throwing a man out his job after 18 years of loyal service. I hope when Jarrard takes office he sees it himself and let them get thrown under as well. "
I feel sorry for this county wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:44 PM:
" The people who hate McClure, hates him because they think the law should apply to everyone but them. If Mr. Jarrard enforces 25% of the laws this same bunch will have him on their hate list 4 years from now. This election just proved to me that Lumpkin County is still in the dark ages and prefers a good ole boy over a professional Sheriff . "
ThinkPeopleThink wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:06 PM:
" Peace-
The intro was not my personal comment, but that of "Just my opinion". Posted on Sep 7, 2008 6:43 PM. The very first post at the top of the page.
However, the rest of it I will take resposibility for and I do agree-"Bad Sheriff, Bad Staff " is way over the line. "
The intro was not my personal comment, but that of "Just my opinion". Posted on Sep 7, 2008 6:43 PM. The very first post at the top of the page.
However, the rest of it I will take resposibility for and I do agree-"Bad Sheriff, Bad Staff " is way over the line. "
holy smoke wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:51 PM:
" I supervise almost 80 people myself. I do background checks.That tells you what their past is. That doesn't tell you what their future is or what they are capable of. When my employees are off duty I have no responsibility for their actions and in no way have control over them. To even start to blame the sheriff for this is ....well ridiculous. No matter which sheriff you are talking about. Why is everyone always looking for a scapegoat? When did people stop being responsible for their own actions? Just a case where an individual (not a staff) made a very bad decision. "
Peace wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:18 PM:
" Let there be no question. My last comment was meant to be an add on to "think people think" . "Just my opinion" is who I find to be way to far out of line. "
WHATEVER wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:52 AM:
" TO "FACTS"
SAD STORY FOR THE INVESTGATOR. BUT LETS BE TRUTHFUL, THERES A WHOLE LOT MORE TO THAT STORY. HE KNOW IT. GOOD LUCK ANYWAY. "
SAD STORY FOR THE INVESTGATOR. BUT LETS BE TRUTHFUL, THERES A WHOLE LOT MORE TO THAT STORY. HE KNOW IT. GOOD LUCK ANYWAY. "
I SAID IT AND STILL THINK IT wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:43 PM:
" I said " BAD SHERIFF--BAD STAFF! And guess what?! I STILL THINK IT! I don't care what any of you folks say. I am a law obeying citizen of Lumpkin Co. and I think some of the decissions Mr. McClure have made are not good for our community. As for his staff.......Getting rid of perfectly qualified officers and bringing in new officers from other counties that are "friends" of Mr. McClure, is totally wrong. I know this happened because I know the officers it happened to. And another thing. Officers under Mr. Jarrard will also prob. make some bad decissions, I don't deney that. I don't hold Mr. Jarrard over anybody, but I don't compare him to Jesus Christ either as implied. I KNOW THAT THE STAFF OF MR. JARRARD WILL HAVE TO BE MUCH BETTER THAN THAT OF McCLURE'S. And I know that Mr. Jarrard will be a much better sheriff than McClure. He most deffinately won' t think he's "to good" to talk to the comon people of our community the way McClure does. Authority will not go to Jarrard's head like McClures. "
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Just my opinion wrote on Sep 7, 2008 6:43 PM: