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Messages - Watchaduen

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91
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Boys Academy Torture Chamber
« on: June 04, 2004, 11:28:00 AM »
Bethel hearing delayed

By Antoinette Konz


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A hearing before a Forrest County Youth Court judge on the removal of 38 girls from a Petal school for troubled teenagers has been postponed after an attorney for several parents said he had received new information in the case.

"Based on that information, we decided to ask for a continuance. I filed the motion this (Wednesday) morning," said Michael Reed, a Hattiesburg attorney representing three parents of students who attended Bethel. "I do not know at this point when the hearing will be continued."

The hearing, which stems from a multi-agency investigation of the Bethel Girls Academy which began May 19 was to have been before Judge Michael McPhail.

Reed would not comment on the nature of the information he received. He did say, however, that some parents of the girls have been notified about some of the allegations of abuse at the Bethel home, but he would not elaborate.

"I am unable to comment on the information at this time," he said. "I will be speaking with the parents later on today."

Reed had asked for the hearing last week on behalf of parents David Bakker of Chicago, Matthew Brown of Dallas and Jason and Lori Salo of Tacoma, Wash. The parents had said they wanted to ask the judge to reconsider removing the teenagers from the youth home.

Paul Walley, a Richton attorney representing Bethel Girls Academy and its director, Herman Fountain Jr., could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Walley and Fountain have denied any allegation of wrongdoing at the school.

Bakker, whose 12-year-old daughter was one of the girls removed from Bethel, said Wednesday that he had received some documents pertaining to the home's operation over the weekend. He did not elaborate.

"As far as the items I have received, I am not so sure about how credible or reliable they are. I still have a lot of questions," Bakker said. "I just don't know what to think right now."

Officials from the state Department of Human Services and the Attorney General's office were involved in the probe. Rick Whitlow, spokesperson with DHS, said Wednesday that his agency would not comment on the Bethel investigation.

The agency has refused to provide information on whether the facility was licensed, if it had been inspected and what the agency's policies and procedures are when it comes to monitoring facilities such as Bethel.

The Hattiesburg American filed a Public Records Act request on May 25 seeking the information. DHS has 14 business days from the filing date to respond.

Forrest County District Attorney Jon Mark Weathers said Tuesday that he has received two packets containing information about the investigation of the Bethel home. He would not elaborate on the contents.

"Based on what I have seen, it merits further investigation," he said. "But I have certainly not made the conclusion that there was any violation of criminal law that took place at Bethel.

"Right now, we just need to go a little further in the investigation and try to determine the facts and the motivation of those who have made these allegations," Weathers said.

A meeting with a representative from the state Attorney General's office and Weathers is scheduled to take place on Friday, he said

92
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Girls Academy - ABUSE
« on: June 04, 2004, 11:26:00 AM »
Bethel hearing delayed

By Antoinette Konz


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A hearing before a Forrest County Youth Court judge on the removal of 38 girls from a Petal school for troubled teenagers has been postponed after an attorney for several parents said he had received new information in the case.

"Based on that information, we decided to ask for a continuance. I filed the motion this (Wednesday) morning," said Michael Reed, a Hattiesburg attorney representing three parents of students who attended Bethel. "I do not know at this point when the hearing will be continued."

The hearing, which stems from a multi-agency investigation of the Bethel Girls Academy which began May 19 was to have been before Judge Michael McPhail.

Reed would not comment on the nature of the information he received. He did say, however, that some parents of the girls have been notified about some of the allegations of abuse at the Bethel home, but he would not elaborate.

"I am unable to comment on the information at this time," he said. "I will be speaking with the parents later on today."

Reed had asked for the hearing last week on behalf of parents David Bakker of Chicago, Matthew Brown of Dallas and Jason and Lori Salo of Tacoma, Wash. The parents had said they wanted to ask the judge to reconsider removing the teenagers from the youth home.

Paul Walley, a Richton attorney representing Bethel Girls Academy and its director, Herman Fountain Jr., could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Walley and Fountain have denied any allegation of wrongdoing at the school.

Bakker, whose 12-year-old daughter was one of the girls removed from Bethel, said Wednesday that he had received some documents pertaining to the home's operation over the weekend. He did not elaborate.

"As far as the items I have received, I am not so sure about how credible or reliable they are. I still have a lot of questions," Bakker said. "I just don't know what to think right now."

Officials from the state Department of Human Services and the Attorney General's office were involved in the probe. Rick Whitlow, spokesperson with DHS, said Wednesday that his agency would not comment on the Bethel investigation.

The agency has refused to provide information on whether the facility was licensed, if it had been inspected and what the agency's policies and procedures are when it comes to monitoring facilities such as Bethel.

The Hattiesburg American filed a Public Records Act request on May 25 seeking the information. DHS has 14 business days from the filing date to respond.

Forrest County District Attorney Jon Mark Weathers said Tuesday that he has received two packets containing information about the investigation of the Bethel home. He would not elaborate on the contents.

"Based on what I have seen, it merits further investigation," he said. "But I have certainly not made the conclusion that there was any violation of criminal law that took place at Bethel.

"Right now, we just need to go a little further in the investigation and try to determine the facts and the motivation of those who have made these allegations," Weathers said.

A meeting with a representative from the state Attorney General's office and Weathers is scheduled to take place on Friday, he said

93
I find it odd and disheartening that all those newspapers and stations carried the "Closing Mountain Park" stories.  Yet each and every time an abuse story comes out it only makes the local news of that particular torture chamber.

94
You missed it entirely.  If you read that website Jordan Blair's lawsuit was the least of their worries.  A young boy who only served one month there.  During his first few days he was shoved (hard) into the bathroom sink by one of the people in charge.  The jury awarded him $20,000 for that "one" shove.  All his other charges were thrown out.  He also wasn't allowed to have any victims testify on his behalf because they weren't there at the same time and didn't file the suit together.  So all in all it was a big deal.  There is another lawsuit where 7 victims banded together.  Abuse, torture and even drugging are charges brought against them.  If you read you will see the different lawsuits coming up.  Jordan's was the first.  $20,000 for one shove?  So what does 6 mos. of solid abuse and torture get a victim?

95
http://www.mountainparkhorrors.netfirms ... tsnew.html

Just maybe all the lawsuits has something to do with shutting down.  It's one thing to have one lone victim sue.  Yet another when all the victims ban together.  Jordan Blair (a victim from Mt. Park) was awarded $20,000 for a shove into a bathroom sink.  I think the jury was sending a message loud and clear Abuse is Abuse.  No matter how you want to try and pain it.

97
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Girls Academy - ABUSE
« on: May 27, 2004, 04:47:00 PM »
There is already a HUGE lawsuit in process.  This started last year when the boys' compound was raided.  In one month's time the State of MS. had 25 ready, willing (complete with medical documentation) victims ready to testify to close Bethel on Aug. 26th.  Two days before the boys were supposed to be back down there all the victims rec'd a call from the Investigator that the State made yet another sneaky deal with Bethel to remain open.  Obviously the abuse never stopped.   I knew that.  Please contact me about the lawsuit.  Would love to have you join.
[email protected].  Can fill you on the details later.

99
I know pertaining to all my Bethel Boys Academy posts, the Bethel Webmaster was successful in threatening with lawsuits.  The board suddenly wouldn't accept any posts from my ISP.  I tried to have my son post his story there.  NOPE, they wouldn't let anyone from my addy to post.  I guess the buckled under the intimidation.  One of the moderators even privately e-mailed me and stated that not only were they being threatened with lawsuits but also threatened by the various newspapers down in MS. that their articles were being used without their permission.  Am I to believe that the newspapers started searching the boards for their articles?  Of course not.  More panic and fear from the Fountains, who own and operate the notorious Bethel Academies.

100
I think it should be noted that this last story to break about Bethel Girls Academy is only being one by one newspaper down there - the Clarion-Ledger.  The other two big papers the Sun Herald and Gulfport don't seem interested.  Hmmmmmm.  Makes you wonder.  A big story like this and they aren't reporting?

101
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Girls Academy - ABUSE
« on: May 20, 2004, 11:54:00 PM »
That hardtruth forum is FULL of former victims of Bethel's tortures.  The Fountains owned and operated it then and still do.  And look, they are still abusing and torturing children for a profit.  I posted my story there along with many other victims.  If you read all of them you will see some are now adults and some are victims just getting out of that Hell hole.  They cannot believe that the Fountains were abusing children all those years ago and still getting away with it.  I truly have to thank the internet for helping me to find so many of today's victims of Bethel.  We are going to sue them with the biggest lawsuit they have ever seen.  Bethel's doors will finally shut.  Maybe some of these victims will finally have closure.

102
New Info / Bethel Girls Academy - ABUSE!!!!!
« on: May 20, 2004, 05:30:00 PM »
It seems those Fountains can't stay out the news for abusing children.  Bethel Girls Academy, Petal, MS. and Bethel Boys Academy, Lucedale, MS. (both owned and operated by the same people, the Fountains) makes the news again.  Gotta beat those awful children in the name of GOD.
Here is the newspaper article from Miss.
Sheriff says girls moved from Bethel Home in Petal

The Associated Press

PETAL ? About 40 teenage girls have been removed from a privately run, at-risk home in Petal and the case was turned over to the Forrest County Youth Court.

The girls were transferred Wednesday night from the Bethel Home to an undisclosed location for their safety, said Sheriff Billy McGee.
State Department of Human Services spokesman Rick Whitlow said Thursday the agency would have no comment.

?We?re referring all inquiries to the youth court in the county,? Whitlow said.

Under Mississippi law, Youth Court proceedings are confidential.

Sheriff Billy McGee said several state agencies ? including DHS, the attorney general? office and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality ? were at the privately owned facility for teenage girls for most of the day Wednesday.

?Apparently, the state received some complaints regarding some sort of mistreatment of the girls,? McGee said. ?I really don?t know what those complaints are, we were just called in to provide security and to transport the girls to a different location.?

The sheriff said that the parents of the girls were being notified to come and pick up their children.

?Until they are picked up from that location, they are under the custody of DHS,? he said. ?Overall, there are about 30-40 kids involved.?

McGee said the Bethel Home is located in Petal, near the Jones County line. He said the facility was operated by a church but he was not sure which one.

103
New Info / Bethel Boys Academy, Lucedale, MS.
« on: May 20, 2004, 05:27:00 PM »
Looks like Bethel Girls Academy, Petal, MS. has more abuse allegations coming their way.  Both Bethel Girls and Bethel Boys Academy are owned and operated by the Fountains.  Once an abusive compound always an abusive place.
Here's the article where ALL THOSE VICTIMS were removed.
Sheriff says girls moved from Bethel Home in Petal

The Associated Press

PETAL ? About 40 teenage girls have been removed from a privately run, at-risk home in Petal and the case was turned over to the Forrest County Youth Court.

The girls were transferred Wednesday night from the Bethel Home to an undisclosed location for their safety, said Sheriff Billy McGee.
State Department of Human Services spokesman Rick Whitlow said Thursday the agency would have no comment.

?We?re referring all inquiries to the youth court in the county,? Whitlow said.

Under Mississippi law, Youth Court proceedings are confidential.

Sheriff Billy McGee said several state agencies ? including DHS, the attorney general? office and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality ? were at the privately owned facility for teenage girls for most of the day Wednesday.

?Apparently, the state received some complaints regarding some sort of mistreatment of the girls,? McGee said. ?I really don?t know what those complaints are, we were just called in to provide security and to transport the girls to a different location.?

The sheriff said that the parents of the girls were being notified to come and pick up their children.

?Until they are picked up from that location, they are under the custody of DHS,? he said. ?Overall, there are about 30-40 kids involved.?

McGee said the Bethel Home is located in Petal, near the Jones County line. He said the facility was operated by a church but he was not sure which one.

104
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Girls Academy - ABUSE
« on: May 20, 2004, 05:24:00 PM »
Looks like another Bethel Academy school (all owned and operated by the Fountains) has more abuse allegations.

Sheriff says girls moved from Bethel Home in Petal

The Associated Press

PETAL ? About 40 teenage girls have been removed from a privately run, at-risk home in Petal and the case was turned over to the Forrest County Youth Court.

The girls were transferred Wednesday night from the Bethel Home to an undisclosed location for their safety, said Sheriff Billy McGee.
State Department of Human Services spokesman Rick Whitlow said Thursday the agency would have no comment.

?We?re referring all inquiries to the youth court in the county,? Whitlow said.

Under Mississippi law, Youth Court proceedings are confidential.

Sheriff Billy McGee said several state agencies ? including DHS, the attorney general? office and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality ? were at the privately owned facility for teenage girls for most of the day Wednesday.

?Apparently, the state received some complaints regarding some sort of mistreatment of the girls,? McGee said. ?I really don?t know what those complaints are, we were just called in to provide security and to transport the girls to a different location.?

The sheriff said that the parents of the girls were being notified to come and pick up their children.

?Until they are picked up from that location, they are under the custody of DHS,? he said. ?Overall, there are about 30-40 kids involved.?

McGee said the Bethel Home is located in Petal, near the Jones County line. He said the facility was operated by a church but he was not sure which one.

105
The Troubled Teen Industry / Bethel Boys Academy Torture Chamber
« on: May 20, 2004, 05:22:00 PM »
Looks like Bethel Girls Academy, Petal, MS. (also owned and operated by the Fountains) have run into some abuse problems also.  REad the news story here.
Sheriff says girls moved from Bethel Home in Petal

The Associated Press

PETAL ? About 40 teenage girls have been removed from a privately run, at-risk home in Petal and the case was turned over to the Forrest County Youth Court.

The girls were transferred Wednesday night from the Bethel Home to an undisclosed location for their safety, said Sheriff Billy McGee.
State Department of Human Services spokesman Rick Whitlow said Thursday the agency would have no comment.

?We?re referring all inquiries to the youth court in the county,? Whitlow said.

Under Mississippi law, Youth Court proceedings are confidential.

Sheriff Billy McGee said several state agencies ? including DHS, the attorney general? office and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality ? were at the privately owned facility for teenage girls for most of the day Wednesday.

?Apparently, the state received some complaints regarding some sort of mistreatment of the girls,? McGee said. ?I really don?t know what those complaints are, we were just called in to provide security and to transport the girls to a different location.?

The sheriff said that the parents of the girls were being notified to come and pick up their children.

?Until they are picked up from that location, they are under the custody of DHS,? he said. ?Overall, there are about 30-40 kids involved.?

McGee said the Bethel Home is located in Petal, near the Jones County line. He said the facility was operated by a church but he was not sure which one.

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