Century Couple Details Allegations Against Flomaton Police Chief

February 28, 2012

A Century couple said Monday night that Flomaton’s police chief pulled his weapon and illegally searched their home in Florida, all part of multiple attacks against them by Flomaton’s top cop.

Their complaints have led to an ongoing investigation by the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into then-Flomaton Police Chief Geoff McGraw’s alleged actions in Florida.

McGraw was placed on an indefinite leave with pay Monday night. [Read more...]

Tracy Tedder and his wife Tabitha Tedder live in Century, near the Alabama line. As they spoke about their claims involving McGraw, they referred to him as “McGruff”.

“Chief McGruff drawed his gun on Florida property without Florida police department being involved and goes through our home,” Tabitha Tedder said. “He illegally arrested our son-in-law and transported him back to Alabama.”

“It’s a Florida matter; we can’t comment,” Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant said about the allegations.

“It wouldn’t be a  Florida matter when he pulled me out of the car for an illegal arrest in Flomaton…said I was another ‘Tedder boy’, snatched my license, said it was an improper license, stolen license, stolen car, snatched me out of the car,” Tracy Tedder said. “This is brutal in front of all my friends.”

In addition to contacting Florida law enforcement about McGraw’s alleged actions, the Tedders said they intend on suing the Town of Flomaton.

“We’ve got two different lawyers that want to take the case,” Tracy Tedder said, ‘and we are coming after Alabama and McGruff and going further than that.”

“He illegally searched my car in Flomaton…just three months before,” he said. “He told me I was another ‘Tedder boy’, said my car was stolen, my license was a lost license…This has being going on and on and on. It ain’t going no more. This is federal things coming up.”

Tracy Tedder said he recently sold his car to his daughter and drove to Larry White Insurance in Flomaton, just north of the state line to change insurance on the car.

“I took it right across the tracks on the Florida side and was sitting there giving them (the purchasers of the vehicle) the paperwork,” he said. “He (McGraw) came across the tracks (into Florida), gave me a ticket for no insurance, blocking the highway.”

He said he explained the situation in court to Escambia County (Ala.) Judge David Jordan and and the ticket was dismissed.

“When he pulled me over, it was on the Florida side, and he did not chase me. This has been going on for six months. And then he runs up to my house and goes through my house. There is going to be lawsuits. He will not be a cop again.”

“We are upset because of the way he does things,” she said.

“We understand you being upset,” Flomaton Councilman Jim Johnson said. “With Florida investigating, they hadn’t told us anything yet. We know they are investigating.”

“These things are pending, and there is no way legally we can make any remarks on a pending case,” Councilman Buster Crapps added. “When it’s legal, we are out of it. It’s going to be in the courts…we can’t make any comments on anything like that.”

” That’s the problem. Everybody wants to cover up for McGruff; he’s not here to defend himself, ” Tracy Tedder said Monday night at a Flomaton Town Council meeting. “He don’t want to be in public eye, but why not? What’s he got to hide?…If he knows he didn’t do anything wrong, why isn’t he here to defend himself?”

“If the man ain’t guilty, he should be here,” she added. “The whole…town knows he’s doing wrong.”

“I do not have any comment at this time due to this being an ongoing investigation,” McGraw said January 26 when he learned that NorthEscambia.com had knowledge of the investigation. McGraw has not made any public comment since that date.

Pictured top: Tabitha Tedder turns to the audience for support as her husband Tracy Tedder addresses the Flomaton Town Council Monday night. Pictured inset: Tracy and Tabitha Tedder. Pictured middle inset: Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant. Pictured bottom inset: Councilman Buster Crapps. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

58 Responses to “Century Couple Details Allegations Against Flomaton Police Chief”

  1. Lee on May 13th, 2012 3:39 pm

    Well as for new comments, after personal experience here lately the new permanent chief for the town of flomaton has now let the badge he wears go to his head as well as McGraw did, two peas n a pod if you ask me and your right Mr. Bondurant (ignorance is bliss) not only do you need to be fired as well i think someone out of state should come and start running this town the way it should be, these police officers are doing more drug than the criminals if only i had a camera at the right times! No one is above the law like you say, and this town is way past due for an overhaul….

  2. Tracy T. on March 17th, 2012 5:54 pm

    would like clear up the bad check issue…the was date back in 2009 to mike’s gun shop in pen sacola.the first warrant for my wife tabitha but the courts realizes that she didnt sign it , the charges were dropped n were told no more action would against tracy or tabitha….check assisst is the one that send this warrant throught this time but everything has been cleared up n dropped…….

  3. matt till on March 9th, 2012 4:39 pm

    I was fired by the chief for no reason which was stated to another officer when they were getting fired that tge tiwn didnt need a reason is what i was told! Im glad McGraw is getting what he is getting

  4. T Hendrix on March 9th, 2012 4:11 pm

    If it was some of ya’ll being doged by him you would eat your words! I’m not kin to them just know them…and They did not ask this man to stalk them and invaded there lives at ever turn they made.Some times just to get others attention there WRONG sueing is the only thing power hungrey people NO! Remember vote not for the name next time .Maybe we have honest Police Chief’s then..

  5. @Dewey on March 4th, 2012 11:04 am

    I tried making a complaint!!!you ever spoke to a wall,dont get much help do ya !!so we did get some guidince out of some elected officials in montgomery!!
    But as for local help!!!!nothing or nobody helped. board of ethics was a good start!and the got us where we needed to be,and old complaints are still being taken by them(how old is old by the way anyone know?

  6. Dewey on March 4th, 2012 9:30 am

    Wow. You people are so ignorant. Let the proper authorities deal with the Tedder incident. As for old complaints… Why didn’t you contact the Council sooner. Or, other law enforcement agencies? No one is above the law!
    I can’t imagine why the town is broke? Ignorance is bliss!

  7. A. Wisenheimer on March 1st, 2012 10:55 pm

    I remember many years ago when I was a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. When I donned that campaign cover it made me ten feet tall and bullet-proof. Or so it seemed. I can attest to the fact that when one has such power over other people it’s very difficult to approach a certain line and then stop short of crossing over it. Not everybody has that kind of self control instinctively. Police officers are faced with the same dilemma. They are protectors and their very presence deflects anarchy. Most will agree that it’s a hard job, if done properly. Also, not every personality type is suited for that career choice. I strongly urge those tasked with appointing people to such positions to exercise due diligence and wisdom in doing so. BTW, I always thought Buster Crapps was an excellent police officer in Flomaton. I didn’t know him personally but I admired him from a distance.

  8. A. Wisenheimer on March 1st, 2012 10:28 pm

    Being a good police officer is much more than squeezing into a uniform, wearing a gun, and racing around in fast cars. And then trying hard to be intimidating to everybody. I remember when police officers were respected. They were respected because they treated people with respect. It’s not like that anymore. Police officers today are mostly scared among the people they swore to protect. To overcome their own fear they have to take on this bravado swagger to scare people. I remember when only one police officer would show up to make an arrest. And do it successfully without incident. Today it takes a SWAT Team, drug dogs, and a helicopter. I do believe that today’s police officer believes himself or herself to be superior to their fellow citizens. I also believe it would be a better world to live in if we would all try to be a little nicer to each other, even when it’s not required by SOP. Maybe then we can look for that mutual respect again.

  9. poohbear on March 1st, 2012 7:34 pm

    429SCJ
    I was not praising the chief, nor has he done me wrong in any way. i too beileve that porn is bad. i comment on some of the articles and just because I post does not mean that I agree with what is going on. i’m sorry that you read that in my replies.

  10. 429SCJ on March 1st, 2012 8:11 am

    Pooh Bear my use of the word victim was misplaced, perhaps I should say you disapprove of Chief McGraw, owing to your use of the title of McGruff. Of course my perceptions could be wrong on that as well.

  11. 429SCJ on March 1st, 2012 7:15 am

    Pooh Bear I was researching an article about a porn bust at Gene’s barber shop and you were praising the Chief for all his good work and here you say your a victim of Chief McGraw. I belive porn is bad, but could it be he is good when he supports your cause and bad if he goes against the grain. I just don’t know who or what to believe anymore. One thing I am certain of Flomaton is different. Is Gene’s barber shop the one across from the Auction House? I bet those public stonings were something else, regrettably I too joined the rabble. I am going to keep my ignorant mouth shut from here on out. Let the court of Law, not Public Opinion Prevail. My apologies to all.

  12. Very Curious on March 1st, 2012 4:52 am

    With everything in a whirlwind of truth and rumors, someone answer this… Why was there an FPD sitting on the Century side of the overpass, in the landromat parking lot, facing Hwy 29? Was it an authorized “Scare Tactic”, was this officer just wasting time, or was he trying to catch someone speeding? Last time I checked Esc. Co. FL Sheriff’s Dept. has that under control. Does he have any jurisdiction in that area?!? Plus there’s rumors already flying saying Chief McGraw is no longer with FPD.
    Everyone out there remember, you do have rights and one is that you have the Right To Vote! So when it comes time to elect a new mayor, think twice b4 marking that box just because of someone’s last name.

  13. Mattw on February 29th, 2012 3:14 pm

    I was not saying that the name that was given to Chief McGraw was a bad one… just not his name. It is disrespectful and quite honestly makes you look ignorant when you purposefully disregard someone name…especially when you are taking this person (and everyone else within line-of-sight) to court. I could understand doing it to someone you liked or someone in relation to you… Like I mentioned previously, it makes you seem vindictive when it is towards someone you are not so pleased with.

  14. poohbear on February 29th, 2012 9:39 am

    I am one of the ones that have called the Chief McGruff……the name has been so loosely used to talk about him that it is sticking………I guess that is how so many people’s names get changed through the years.

    Mr. Dewey can give out mean looks. Just look back at some of the back issues where he was giving people the evil eye.

  15. Tammy on February 29th, 2012 8:16 am

    Just to let u know(mgruff) was the cartoon charactor who said (help take a bite out of chrime!!she knew what she was saying!if u dont remeber just Google it!!!

  16. Mattw on February 29th, 2012 6:23 am

    Sounds like a good way to make some money … I believe maybe half of what they are saying… If someone gets any “unfair” attention from the police it is probably because of some of the actions they have done in the past and are most likely continueing to do that merits some attention from the law enforcement… as far as saying that Chief McGraw has singled your family out… it is not impossible…but highly unlikely… you would think he has better things to do than waste his time on that. But sueing everything that has a pulse and purposely pronouncing his name incorrectly, in my opinion, does nothing but make you look greedy and vindictive!… there is a respectable way of doing things… thats just not one of them!

  17. Broketown on February 28th, 2012 10:37 pm

    This town is broke because the income is spent where it is not needed! Example the bridge to no where that FLOODS! It’s a bridge for drug dealers to go from Alabama to Fl avoiding town. Or why in the world did the chief need a new SUV? I guess he had to do his job in style atleast he kept it clean always at the century car wash cleaning it…Or the huge library that is always almost empty and the computers are old and out of date. We have a town full of run down buildings and bad roads but oh boy we have a fancy library…really…

  18. poohbear on February 28th, 2012 8:39 pm

    baebae
    You are so right on your respoince…

    I have noticed the barber shop has been closed since mcgruff raided it………..

    Mr Buster Crapps dose seem like a really honest and caring person.

    On the other hand the Mayor has his business to worry about. since he no longer wanted the ones working there that had helped to get him to where he thought he was. He is the one that is non caring .

  19. tammy on February 28th, 2012 7:33 pm

    oh and by the way buster crapps i dont believe there was anyone sitting up with you who is as honest as you are. you absolutely rock. more men like you would do any town good !

  20. tammy on February 28th, 2012 7:31 pm

    McGruff (TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME) ! This is who i believe they are referring to. I saw alot of anger in this couple and according to there complaints i would be angry as well. I have always lived in small towns where cops try to be above the law. i have a story and complaint of my own with this McGruff (lol) the crime dog,. time will bring it about . I just hope and pray that justice will be done for all who were wronged.

  21. Diane on February 28th, 2012 7:30 pm

    I noticed a name missing off of Chris Neal’s list of those fired and attempted firings. I hope it’s a glimmer of hope that Flomaton is seeing that McGraw is not the only issue the FPD has. To all who have spoken openly and honestly on this matter, it’s you that can make difference in your town.(I do not live there,but I do have interest there, so my voice has little influence) I hope Flomaton the best and pray for all of those whose lives have been forever changed by the shady actions of these people.

  22. doofus on February 28th, 2012 7:16 pm

    You don’t get arrested over a bad check… unless after the merchant attempts to collect and you do not pay the merchant on that check. Then the only recourse a merchant has is to turn you over to the sheriffs department in an attempt to collect.

    That takes months and months for that to happen. I highly doubt it was for a gun to protect himself from the chief. Thank you and please pull forward.

  23. poohbear on February 28th, 2012 7:05 pm

    If the Town of Flomaton is so broke…….how and why are they paying the Mcgruff to take a vacation?

  24. baebae on February 28th, 2012 5:56 pm

    Man…this story is headed for Hollywood…I can see it now….An Andy of Mayberry turned dirty story…where Barney has all his bullets…Where Andy dont take nothing from anybody…except cash….and we can have Boss Hogg ( Dewey ) in a black suit with a convertible cop car…HEY Flomaton…your in the movies now !!! And we can sell the movies legally from the barber shop this time

  25. justsmart on February 28th, 2012 5:46 pm

    It’s about time individuals stand up to the “Badge” crooked at best. This is what our country is coming to with all the liberals and politicians. Glad to know this couple got a lawyer and yes I would sue. That’s how its done legally and they deserve it for all the harassment. Looks like the Mayor and City County also needs to be investigated for not doing their jobs. By the way, I don’t know either party involved, have a clean record, former cop in another state, I just know how the system works.
    VOTE SMART 2012

  26. Donna on February 28th, 2012 5:16 pm

    @ doofus:

    Thanks for posting about Norman Tracey Tedder being arrested for the fraud charge in Florida. and thanks William for: clarity purposes — The charge against Norman Tracy Tedder was a misdemeanor worthless check count for a $269.83 for a check to Mike’s Gun Shop. The case is still pending.

    At least now we know that although Mr. Tedder wrote a bad check to a gun shop, at least now, MAYBE HE HAS A GUN, and if these people burst into his home again, he may have a gun or something of that nature to protect his family.

    Hopefully, Mike’s Gun Shop, will find out the reasoning for Mr. Tedder writing a bad check, if that is what it was, and work with him on paying it off. IT’S SAD WHEN PEOPLE HAVE TO BREAK THE LAW TO DO WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO, TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM THE SO-CALLED-LAW.

    Whoever, reads this, if you know the people at Mike’s Gun Shop or can reach them, please re-iterate this for me.

    These people may have done the only thing that they knew to do to protect their family, that being, possibly buying a weapon with a bad check.

  27. William on February 28th, 2012 5:15 pm

    >>i would like to know how doofus and william think that he went to jail about a check

    Jail and court records.

  28. a friend on February 28th, 2012 5:14 pm

    i would like to know how doofus and william think that he went to jail about a check

  29. just my words on February 28th, 2012 4:39 pm

    they should have suspended him without pay, this man that fired so many and then put watches on employee’s still working now to make sure they had no contact with them is unlawful, and HE NEEDS TO MOVE ON DOWN THE ROAD….

  30. William on February 28th, 2012 4:06 pm

    “doofus” wrote “Norman Tracy Tedder, 45, arrested on Feb 12, 2012 for fraud in Escambia County, Florida. Not too sure I’d believe much this guy has to say.”

    Just for clarity purposes — The charge against Norman Tracy Tedder was a misdemeanor worthless check count for a $269.83 for a check to Mike’s Gun Shop. The case is still pending.

  31. doofus on February 28th, 2012 3:50 pm

    Norman Tracy Tedder, 45, arrested on Feb 12, 2012 for fraud in Escambia County, Florida. Not too sure I’d believe much this guy has to say.

  32. sam on February 28th, 2012 3:39 pm

    folks need to back off and let the process run its course. the tedders had no reason to be at that meeting. they knew that legal matters are pending, so the mayor and council can’t comment. good for the media; but as far as doing anything other than stirring the pot, nothing could be resolved.

  33. Chris Neal on February 28th, 2012 3:38 pm

    Lol. I’m not trying to get my job back “grow up” and I am def proud of the government at flomaton and Daniel. I did state things about the mayor council and the chief on my Facebook page and they are all aware of it. But like anyone else I was aggravated with them because so many people were getting hurt. The truths have came out and justice has been done. Therefore I will back out of these forums and let the dead horse lie. Best of luck AC and Grow up.

  34. linda on February 28th, 2012 3:24 pm

    Florda police really are no better. It amazes me at the ‘good ole boy system’ They can basically break your door down, threaten your child, pat their gun as your child is stating that their mother is not home, threaten the father if he does not prove that he is who he says he is and then leave because they had the wrong home to begin with. (They were looking for a woman clearly, not his wife that lived down the road.) Oh yeah, when we went to make a complaint we were told that the Escambia County Sheriffs officers never apoligizes. Bullies with badges… what else do you say. (by the way my 11 year old lost the respect and admiration that was instilled in him by us (his parents and the school system) He believes they will do what ever they want and not believe him for any reason. Good job po-po!

  35. big R on February 28th, 2012 3:03 pm

    wow sounds like you flomaton people should be greatful for them getting rid of this particular chief, i see lots of complaints about his very rude behavior and only two people standing up for him (most likely the only ones he hasn’t harrassed) he should be reminded that flomaton is a small town and if you make a bunch of people mad that same bunch of people could represent half of town. i wonder if this guy is related to the mayor for so many complaints to go un noticed if you have a complaint about law enforcers dont just call and speak to one of the councilmen take it to the group as a whole then it can’t be ignored. if this is correct that he went over the line into florida and raided someones home then he of all people should know that he himself broke the law. no one is above the law. just like they set up poor old gene at the barbershop everyone was upset but gene did break the law and he will have to suffer the consequences just as this laid-off chief should.

  36. Grow up already on February 28th, 2012 2:36 pm

    Oh yes, Chris. Disregard your last statement !! Then put in a shameless plug about how you have “absolutely nothing negative to say about Flomaton Alabama city Government.” You forgot for a moment there that you are tying to get your job back, didn’t you? Well there are numerous other places that you have left comments lashing out at McGraw, the Mayor and the City Council. You might want to go erase those as well since you are now brown nosing in hopes of getting your job back.
    I pray for Daniel if he does give you your job back.

  37. fed-up on February 28th, 2012 1:12 pm

    my lawyer told me (probono)by the way!to go to the council meeting and if it was brought up to comely voice my complaint to the mayer!so dont be so sure they dont have a lawyer!just saying!!!

  38. reneepollitt on February 28th, 2012 12:12 pm

    i cant believe people keep tring to get him fird. he is a good man and he;s stuff on people that refuse to live right, believe me he had a good reson for it if its true at all, if your running drugs or stealing and selling junk. you should be arrested.everyone thinks they can come in alabama do what ever and go back in to fla and not be touched by police, well its a good thing i m not the law boy i would do the same thing . i wish chief good luck .

  39. Lyndsay on February 28th, 2012 11:40 am

    SOUNDS like a Dukes of Hazzard situation. ALWAYS MESSING WITH THE DUKE BOYS. IN THIS CASE “TEDDER” BOYS

    Leave the innocent alone, and worry about the people who are killing , stabbing, and hit & runs , not some one who isnt liked because their last name MCGRUFF you need to say your prayers, I do not think you’ll be having a job for much longer.

  40. TGFD on February 28th, 2012 11:27 am

    It’s so sad that some people can’t open their eyes and see what’s going on with this dirty Chief!! You talk about a fired cop and his family and spend all this time putting him down!! Well there was 3 officers fired under this man for no reason !! All these officers had families to support so i do believe if i was them i would be mad too.. These was good officers also. Its obviosly you know nothing about why they where terminated or anything about Mcgraw or you would not make such judgmental comments on good people. Know your facts before you start ridiculing good people!! O and i do believe that officer has FACTS to support everything he has said!!!

  41. Chris Neal on February 28th, 2012 11:19 am

    Actually. Disregard my last statement. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Flomaton Alabama city government. The town had a horrible tyrant running the police department and they have taken the proper steps to fix the problem. That’s all I can ask of them and I’m very proud of everyone sitting on that bench last night. As for the destruction left behind by Geoff McGraw, that’s something the mayor, council and citizens are going to have to rebuild from one step at the time. I was very angry for a long time because of the things that he had done, that includes terminating me, Tracy Owens, Andy miles, Ronnie Lowry, and trying to terminate Daniel thompson. But now I have a great piece of mind knowing that he can do no more thanks to the city government in Flomaton doing their jobs and protecting their town. I feel very sorry for what the Tedders had to go through and I pray that they get whatever justice that they deserve.

  42. Chris Neal on February 28th, 2012 11:08 am

    AC which fired officer are you talking about? Me possibly? I always put my name on everything so if the comment is in fact about me or further more any of the fired police officers then at least have the respect to do the same. Thank you.

  43. Flomaton Resident on February 28th, 2012 10:34 am

    Due to pending legal matters against Geoff McGraw from my neice and her family I am not allowed to say much, but I will say this….
    I don’t know the Tedder family, other than seeing them around town at the grocery store or gas station, but I do believe their story! My neice’s son was harrased by this man many, many times! He works fast food so he’s on the road late at nite and early in the morning from time to time! Geoff McGraw has stopped him more times than I can count! He would stop him for numerous reasons that were absurd! Reckless driving, he thought his tag was expired, he looked suspicious…This coming from an 18 year old who is trying to work his way through college and has never been in any kind of trouble! Made the top 10 in his class, was on the A honor roll, volunteered at Century Care Center and never even thought about driving carelessly. His sister was killed by a drunk driver many years ago and he as well as our family take driving a motor vehicle very seriously. Geoff McGraw actually told him once, that he needed to use that check of his he’s making at his job and buy an new car or he’d continue to get stopped!!! He went on to tell him it looked like a dope heads car because it was so old and torn up! Well, our family is not rich and my neice and her family are still paying medical bills and funeral home bills for her daughter who was killed! They can’t afford a new car and right now as long as it runs all they want do is to get her sone through college so he can become a lawyer and make people who drink and drive and kill innocent children pay! That has been his goal since his sister was killed and they are still in litagation from the accident. Many calls were made to the Mayor and some councilmen to no avail so they took matters into their own hands and hired a lawyer to do something about it! As I said, they are not rich, none of us are and they don’t want to get rich from this, they just want justice done to this man so he won’t harrass innocent people any more. Hopefully this man will loose his job and not be allowed to be in a position of power over anyone again! I pray for his family that he does find another job to support them and I sure do hope and pray he doesn’t ever have to drive a dope head looking car!!!!!

  44. AC on February 28th, 2012 10:30 am

    When this story first broke, I was unsure how true these allegations were. Now that we’ve heard from the “victims”, I’m convinced of “McGruff’s” innocense now more than ever. First of all, if they had a lawyer, much less two lawyers as they claim, the lawyers would NEVER had allowed them to attend this council meeting and say ANYTHING in public! The allegations made sound fabricated, to say the least, and is being fueled by sour grapes from at least one former police officer who was fired for whatever reason and a family of ne’er-do-wells who doesn’t even know the man’s name. And I would be willing to bet that if William would check the IP addresses, he would find several posts under different names by the same person. Whether or not he actually broke the law or not, I don’t know. I trust that Florida officials will come to the correct conclusion. But after having read the statements by the Tedders, I wouldn’t believe them if they said the ocean was wet. Ditto for the fired cop, who obviously has an axe to grind, and keeps posting on these stories. So until some more credible witnesses or victims come forward, I’m siding with the chief.

  45. Me :) on February 28th, 2012 10:28 am

    I can honestly say that Chief Daniel Thompson will step up and be the best police chief you have seen to come through Flomaton Al. Now they need to make him permanent Chief so the town can move on and recover from the past year. I pray for Mcgaw and his family for the position he has put them in. I also pray for Daniel for all the stuff he has to clean up. Good luck to you :)

  46. linda stokes on February 28th, 2012 10:27 am

    I know for a fact that some of the officers that have been on the force in flomaton use the last name of someone to intimidate them. Even one that is there now. need I mention his name. If you have a certain last name, even if you don’t know these people with the same last name as yours, the police will still intimidate you. So take it for what it is worth. Check on all last names on their (bad name list). People do change and last names are only what was given to you.

  47. Donna on February 28th, 2012 10:13 am

    @ ellenb:
    you said that suing is wrong becuase it hurts innocent people like the man’s wife and children: WHAT HAS HIS ACTIONS DONE TO THE PEOPLE HE HAS HARRASSED. They may have children and grandchilren as well as other family. The harrassment by this cop may have cost hard earned money from these people that may have taken food out of the mouths of their children. THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY SUE HIM, if nothing else, just to keep him from abusing his power on other innocent people.

  48. Donna on February 28th, 2012 9:32 am

    Something seriously needs to be done about people being bullied by cops who think, that their gun, badge, and rank or title give them the priviliedge to bully other people. People who see their children bullied in school, get outraged and try to do something about it. Why not use that same outrage when it comes to our adult friends and neighbors who may not know how to fight back against the good-ole-boy-system. I’ve heard so much about this man, that I believe it would be in his best interest to move to another area and start his life over fresh where people don’t know him. He definiteyly needs to be removed from the police department in Flomaton. If he wants to stay in Flomaton and work maybe they can find a position for him somewhere that doesn’t allow him any power over the lives of the residents in the town. As for the possible lawsuits pending by the Teddder family, If it was me or my family being harrassed, I would sue the city of Flomaton and whoever else I could to make a statement to other people and agencies that this kind of action WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED…..Sincerely…..

  49. 429SCJ on February 28th, 2012 8:44 am

    Im going to write a screen play, Dwight Yokum can portray Chief McGraw, Jack Nicholson Mayor Bondurant, Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Morgan, Woody Harrelson as Mr. Tedder. those are my casting reccomendations. Maybe Judge Judy can do a cameo? I’ve got to come up with a title?

  50. Tina on February 28th, 2012 7:51 am

    For the ones commenting on the last name and background of the family history, it does not matter who they are, or which family they came from.
    They deserve respect, ( NO I DO NOT KNOW THEM) and (NOT RELATED)
    It seems we have that “good ole boy” stuff going on everywhere you look and something has to be done about it.
    Just last week Northescambia posted a story about an Escambia cop with charges, and I can’t tell you how bad he use to harrass people, and treat people like cow dung. I have heard that cop talk to people, and treat people so bad and always hoped that his time would come around and it has. 10 years ago I would be celebrating and jumping for joy but now that I am a differant person and saved, all I can do is pray for him to change who he is, and hope that he ask for lots of forgiveness.
    But, back to this story…….I pray that these people solve this matter without having to sue the whole town. For such a small place, Century and Flomaton sure do have a lot of currupt going on and I pray for it to stop and for these 2 small towns to come together and get this matter solved.

  51. Klondike Kid on February 28th, 2012 7:14 am

    The Flomaton Chief is fortunate the Tedders did not introduce him to a first hand demonstration of Florida’s Castle Doctrine.

  52. 429SCJ on February 28th, 2012 6:03 am

    I surprised that guy has just not up vanished.

  53. charlie w. on February 28th, 2012 5:44 am

    A so called “investigation” by eddins office is not going to prove anything. Eddins is a hand picked good ole boy, picked by former SA golden to carry on the deeds that the SA office is known for. (back door deals)
    I don,t know the tedders but I do know the SA in Fl. and a unbias opinion is doubtful.

  54. NEXT UP! on February 28th, 2012 4:57 am

    Well, i guess it is time for another police chief. How many does this make for this small town? They need to hire a good chief not a YES MAN for mayor Dewey. I believe they need to be looking for a new chief and mayor.

  55. Erin on February 28th, 2012 4:31 am

    Sounds like a bunch of bull to me, to be honest. Out of all those accusations the ticket is the only thing that can be proven in a court of law. That can be proven at all for that matter! I’m not defending the police chief, I don’t live in Alabama so he’s of no concern to me, but they need not get so cocky as to say that “they’ve got him” when I can say for a fact that officers of the law hold a lot more higher judgement and respect in the court of law than people who evidently come from a bad background if their getting “falsly accused” of so much. Majority of the case can’t be proven. End of story. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.

  56. ellenb on February 28th, 2012 2:34 am

    First, don’t believe everything you hear…….troublemakers. Second, if you just haveto sue soneone, sue Geoff, not the town, because in case you haven’t heard, WE ARE BROKE! People are working hard in Flomaton trying to feed their families, who have absolutely NOTHING to do with your mess. While, under our constitutionb, you fo have certain rights, it is not your right to deprive, & hurt innocent citizens.
    P.S…..if you sue Geoff then you are still hurting innocent people, his wife & babies.

  57. sktmax on February 28th, 2012 2:12 am

    If that happened to me, I would’ve called the Florida deputies and said there’s an intruder in my house with a gun. Many Century deputies don’t like FPD anyway…..not saying I believe this story but it wouldn’t surprise me.

  58. Chris G on February 28th, 2012 2:07 am

    Way to go Tracy and Tabitha, maybe now you can get some progress done and get “mcgruff” offically fired.