Here is the Ginger Downs statement, uploaded by Channel 10.  We didn’t bother posting it on Friday because it was assumed everyone had already seen it over at Bob Norman’s place.  But since an ASA told us today it still hasn’t been widely read at the SAO, this “must read” is being posted now.

As for why FDLE wasn’t present during the statement despite their “ongoing” investigation, Tim Donnelly told us this morning “it’s an administrative statement, that’s all it is,” suggesting since FDLE was conducting a criminal investigation, they had no place at the administrative table …

The SAO has released the Ginger Downs statement to all media, and it’s as bad as everyone’s been saying.

Time doesn’t allow posting here, so check the Sun Sentinel shortly for the full scoop …

SS: DOWNS ISSUES

*UPDATE* – SAO response received at 1:50 PM, Thursday, confirms terminated and under investigation Ginger Downs did indeed gave a statement:

“The statement you have requested is exempt from disclosure under Chapter 119.071 (2) (c) 1, as active criminal intelligence information and/or active criminal investigative information.”

_________________________________________________________________

The SAO DTU scandal has everyone talking, but with no clear information being divulged by Mike Satz, it’s all scuttlebutt.

Is it Brady?  Did Ginger Downs give a statement that could clear everything up?  And if she did give a statement, does it somehow fall under the protections afforded by Garrity v. New Jersey, as generally described by some individuals with close ties to the SAO?

We’ve emailed SAO minister of information Ron Ishoy regarding the Brady and statement questions.  Here’s what the SAO wrote back:

As to Brady:

“The matter remains under review; we have no Brady information.”

(4:42 PM, Monday)

As to the existence of a statement:

“Please be advised that we are in receipt of your request.  We will look into this and will respond accordingly.”

(9:58 AM, Thursday)

Also today, at 10:20 AM, Mike Satz was asked whether Downs gave a statement, and whether she will be charged.  He politely declined both questions by turning his back and walking silently through the corridor from the North Wing towards his office …

Ssssh …

… ON UNSERVED WARRANTS.

MILTON MOBLEY v. STATE OF FLORIDA

Judges have already started dismissing warrants, two days after publication …

Washington Post: LSD could make you smarter, happier and healthier

Bob Norman: Convicted drug dealer’s fiance fired by SAO

GossipExtra: Did Broward SAO Lie To GoDaddy in Website Shutdown?

Bob Norman: Di Pietro Resigns

SS: Cohen, et al beat Lewandowski rap

GOSSIP EXTRA

(Thanks to Tipster)

“The Broward State Attorney’s Office terminated the employment last week of long-time support staff secretary Ginger Downs.  Downs, secretary in the Drug Trafficking Unit, had been under joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the State Attorney’s Office. No charges have been filed; FDLE is continuing its investigation. ” 

(2:39 PM)

SAO public information officer Ron Ishoy has promised a response later this afternoon to a public records request JAABLOG sent over this morning regarding a rumored scandal concerning the Drug Trafficking Unit, a long time employee, and possibly the handling of search warrants.  Ishoy stated via email that “other media” will also be included, meaning whatever’s going on, it isn’t an exclusive anymore.

Stay tuned …

Barbara Duffy has joined the fray, joining Brian Greenwald, Abbe Rifkin, and Matt Destry in the quest to fill circuit court, group 15.

Duffy’s filing is here.

Coming Soon – Where’s Ginger? (and we’re not talking about the judge)

BBeat: Broward Health’s Troubles Bleed Into Broward Judge Nina Di Pietro’s Campaign

JNC Chairperson Reggie Zachariah released the names of the applicants hoping to replace Cindy Imperato on the Circuit Court at 11:21 P.M., April 11th.  They are as follows:

1. Daniel Casey; 2. Thomas Coleman; 3. Andrew Demos; 4. Helen Dolland; 5. Phoebee Francois; 6. Keathan Frink; 7. Michael Heise; 8. Jennifer Hilal; 9. Jose Izquierdo; 10. Stefanie Moon; 11. Michelle Ricca; 12. Abbe Rifkin; 13. Ramon Rubio; 14. Andrew Salvage; 15. Bonne Schelin; 16. Max Soren; 17. Russell Thompson; 18. Madeline Torres; 19. Claudette Vanni; 20. Mariya Weekes; 21. Michelle Zeiger.

Rick Scott has failed to appoint a single African-American to the circuit bench since becoming governor in 2011*, and on March 24th, the JNC refused to send a single black applicant up for consideration to replace Eric Beller on the county bench.  There are currently six African-American judges out of ninety in the 17th Judicial Circuit, and two of them, Mary Robinson and Ilona Holmes, are set to retire.

But more on all of that later …

(*Charlie Crist appointed two African-Americans to the circuit court, Mike Robinson and Ken Gillespie)

DBR: Minority Attorneys Frustrated at Governor’s Bench Appointments

Coming Soon – Attorney General Jack Seiler?; The Departed, Broward style …

Here’s a fun story we gave to the Sun Sentinel … from one of your tips, so please keep them coming!

And a tragedy: