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Monday, November 3, 1997 Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff Election Debate Guests: Incumbent Charles Lamar and Harold Mazza This evenings event was an election debate between incumbent Sheriff Charles Lamar and his opponent, Harold Mazza, prosecuting attorney. The debate was a formal, structured campaign debate. Rules for the Debate: · Each candidate was given the opportunity for an opening statement of position. · Questions were then taken from the audience in turn. · Candidates were to answer in alternating order, each candidate having the opportunity to respond. · Each candidate was given a maximum of a one minute response to each question. · Each candidate was given a two minute rebuttal period at the close of questions, the opportunity to refute the opponents statements made in the debate. · Finally, each candidate had a summation of two minutes. See the campaign literature for Sheriff Lamar for his background. Some additional background on Harold Mazza follows. Harold Mazza: · attended both undergraduate and law school at Ole Miss · practices law in Oxford - has own office · specializes in criminal prosecutions · has never held elected office before · his fundamental platform is that the incumbent is not competent for the job · he is a Republican and has the backing of the party Moderator = Debate Moderator C Lamar = Charles Lamar, incumbent Sheriff H Mazza = Harold Mazza, challenger Question = audience question posed Opening Remarks and Debate Transcript: Moderator: Good evening, Gentlemen. C Lamar: Good evening. Is Mr. Mazza here yet? H Mazza: <smiles> Right here! Good evening! C Lamar: Hello, Harold. C Lamar: Are there rules for this debate? H Mazza: I believe so, Sheriff. This is a formal debate, sir. C Lamar: 2 minutes for each opening statement? Moderator: Each opponent will have two minutes for their opening statement. Questions will be taken from the audience in turn. If the first question is asked to the Sheriff then the next question will go to Mr. Mazza. You each have one minute to answer each question. After questioning we will have a two minute rebuttal period. Each candidate will get a chance to answer each question. If the Sheriff answers the first question first then Mr. Mazza gets to answer the second question first Any questions? C Lamar: Do I go first,? With my statement? Moderator: Yes Sheriff, you take the lead. C Lamar: Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, I run on my record. I have been the Sheriff here for a long time and the county is in better shape today than it has ever been. I feel that we need to crack down on small crime to make sure that these perpetrators donÕt go on to bigger crimes. Recently, my department began writing more traffic tickets in order to make our streets safer for everyone. My platform has always been and continues to be the fact that I have established excellent relations with other departments in this State and across the Country. Since September, I have to admit that my attention has been somewhat occupied by my personal search for my missing daughter, Macy Lamar. I have attempted to delegate some responsibility and have been criticized for it. I can only say that my heart is breaking over the absence of my only child. Thank you. Moderator: Thank you, Sheriff . Are you ready, Mr. Mazza? H Mazza: Yes, I am, thank you. <smiles> Good evening everyone, it is a pleasure and an honor to be here tonight with you all. <smiles> IÕd like to first make the statement, that I feel I am truly better suited for the position of Sheriff, and would be most honored to serve the fine citizens of Yoknapatawpha County. What IÕd like to achieve is to crack down heavily on crime, harsher penalties, and call for a strengthening in law enforcement around this area. Recent events have led me to believe that this just isnÕt happening to the extent that it should. Even the increase of enforcement on minor offenses still doesnÕt seem to be working. IÕve been going home to home and speaking with the public, and it would seem that you all agree. We need to work together as a community in stopping crime. In short, IÕd like to bring about major changes in the enforcement of laws in our fine county. Thank you. Moderator: Opens the floor for questions. Question: This question is addressed to Mister Mazza, because I know what the SheriffÕs answer is going to be. If youÕre elected, what will you do about the disappearance of Macy Lamar? H Mazza: Well, I will step up the investigation and ask for complete cooperation of all law enforcement in our state and even ask for help from the FBI. A missing child is an extremely serious matter, and I will do everything in my power to bring her home, as I would with any child. C Lamar: I have a comment to make here. Moderator: Sheriff Lamar. C Lamar: As for other departments, we have had 11 other departments engaged in the search for my daughter. I have created and maintained excellent communications with other law enforcement agencies. I think the search for my daughter has been handled very well by my officers and my department in general. Question: Mr. Mazza, who are your major campaign contributors? C Lamar: <wonders if this is a debate, all the questions are for one person> H Mazza: I have the endorsement of the Oxford Eagle, Daily Mississippian, the endorsement of the DA, and a few endorsements from local firms and small businesses in the area. Question: If re-elected Sheriff, what improvements to the DepartmentÕs security will be made immediately? C Lamar: I have already instituted shift changes and revised the transport requirements for all prisoners. I feel that the Department happened to be understaffed the day of the escape. It was an unforseeable mishap that I regret greatly. I feel however, that my ÒesteemedÓ opponent has unfairly taken advantage of this. Moderator: Mr. Mazza. H Mazza: Yes, thank you. Under my administration, I would revamp the entire system of law enforcement. IÕd look into funds in order to hire more officers to keep from such ÔmishapsÕ as the Sheriff so lightly stated. C Lamar: <humph> H Mazza: I felt that the whole process of how that transport was handled was complete naively. That is something that I hope to correct if elected. Question: Sheriff, are you a Democrat or Republican, and be specific on why you would be a better Sheriff than your opponent. C Lamar: In this County, it is not required that one run for a political party in the election for county jobs. However, I will state that I am as caring as a Democrat and as tough on crime as a Republican. I am also far more experienced than my opponent whose only contact with criminals has been in a court room. Moderator: Mr. Mazza. H Mazza: Well, I have the backing of the Republican party, and therefore I am running as one. I admit IÕve had less experience as a politician, however, I cannot see how I could do a worse job than is being done. Question: What types of crime prevention programs do you plan to create or use in order to prevent crimes? Moderator: Mr. Mazza. H Mazza: I believe that we need to instill a curfew in the County for the protection of our youth, work more with the community on crime prevention and neighborhood watches, we need to crack down harder on criminals, work more as a unit than is being done, bring crime prevention into the schools to teach children how to protect themselves from criminals, and use the funds to revamp the enforcement agency itself - bring in new officers, have the veteran officers on the force studying other areas and forms of law enforcement for new tactics. I feel strongly that crime has not been taken seriously thus far as evinced by the blunder in the transport. There should have been more officers. Moderator: Sheriff Lamar. C Lamar: During my administration, the SheriffÕs Department has already instituted many fine programs, including <in case he didnÕt read it> academy training for all the officers, school crossing programs, harder force on school zones, the DARE program and Officer Bob, who goes to the schools to teach the children about the police, how to avoid crime, etc. Additionally, many Neighborhood watch programs already exist in our County and it is not the function of the Sheriff to institute such groups but to assist the community in forming them. My officers are better trained today than they have ever been. The day of the escape there were two officers in the van. There would not have been room for more. It was an unfortunate accident. H Mazza: And no surrounding escorts? What kind of agency are you running? Moderator: Sir, next question please. H Mazza: Sorry, that was out of line. Moderator: This will be the last question prior to closing remarks. Question: Sheriff, why did you refuse to take a lie detector test, and why were you understaffed on the day of the accident? C Lamar: I took a lie detector test. I felt that by being asked to take one it was a besmirchment on my office and my record of running it. I still think it was a political tactic on the part of my opposition to insist on it. But I took it and I passed it. For the sake of my daughter. As for the day of the accident there was a big game at Ole Miss, two officers called in sick and were later disciplined for being at the game. H Mazza: Sheriff it was NO political tactic, you are paranoid. C Lamar: Mr. Mazza, this is a political debate and accusations of paranoia are out of place here. H Mazza: IÕm sorry sir, but to be frank, you accused my office as having set up a lie detector test as a political tactic. When IÕd like to know how you could assume that my office could..... Moderator: Gentlemen.... C Lamar: I said it was politically motivated. H Mazza: ...have anything to do with that when your wife had taken one, and you wouldnÕt. Moderator: Gentlemen. C Lamar: Mr. Mazza, go ahead. I TOOK ONE. H Mazza: After some coddling, yes, you did. Moderator: Sheriff Lamar did take the lie detector test. C Lamar: I resent that remark. H Mazza: But I remember you being strictly against it. C Lamar: Yes, it was an insult to my office Moderator: Oh my, Gentlemen . H Mazza: IÕm sorry. Moderator: Are we ready for closing statements? H Mazza: I will begin my closing statements. This evening, we have all heard the arguments. I admit having less experience, but I feel it is my duty to run and make change that is not occurring to help our County. Recent events have convinced me that our Sheriff has not been doing the job that you all deserve as protection to your neighborhoods and workplaces. I will work hard to demand higher expectations of the law enforcement here set forth by this community. I am an excellent prosecutor, and I would make an excellent Sheriff, I know the law and live it. Under my administration, our neighborhoods would be safer under a stricter law enforcement. I live in Oxford, and I have seen safety go out the window in the past weeks. I only ask that you think responsibly when going to the voting centers tomorrow. I will work hard to make sure that we are never understaffed, that all cases are worked on to the best ability and newest possible techniques. In conclusion, IÕd like you all to think about ... C Lamar: Uh, when is the bell here? H Mazza: ...the safety of this town, and how it has been handled in the past few months. If elected, I will promise you all that I will work to the best of my ability to make Oxford a safer place. Thank you all. C Lamar: I believe I get a chance to make a statement? Moderator: Sheriff Lamar. C Lamar: My opponent has little or no experience in law enforcement. He is an attorney and while he maintains a residence here he also frequents other cities in MS. He is an attorney not a cop. He makes excellent and long speeches that I cannot compete with. I am not a politician, just your Sheriff and I have done a fine job in this County for many years. Recent events were unfortunate and not completely in my control. Ed Pierce was a violent man and very hard to catch. There was an unfortunate incident that could have happened in any department. There were no ÒescortsÓ because this county cannot afford that type of thing. We have a budget that must be adhered to. Two officers would normally have been plenty. My ÒesteemedÓ opponent has chosen to point out the problems in my administration rather than my accomplishments. Please remember my long record of law enforcement in this County and vote for me tomorrow. Thank you all for coming. Good night. Moderator: Thank you gentlemen. You have given us a lot to think about. Good night, Sheriff, Mr. Mazza, I wish you both luck in the election. Good luck to Both of you. H Mazza: Thank you all and have a good night. C Lamar: I will be shaking hands in the hall. Thank you all for your support. Tuesday, November 4, 1997 Guest: Ms. Caroline Blanchard Announcements: Elizabeth Jones reported that the election was too close to call as of Tuesday night and that it would likely wait until the full vote count was in. Additionally, it was announced that the analysis of the polygraph conducted on October 29, 1997 of Sheriff Charles Lamar was available Opening Remarks: Thank you. Good evening everyone, I'm here tonight to make a plea for my daughter's sake, as many of you know, my husband and I are in a bitter divorce. Things are very strained right now, especially since he's still with that tramp. <frowning angrily> Too make matters worse, I don't think he's doing enough to get our Macy back. I'm hoping that by my speaking out tonight, he might be able to get his head out of the clouds and start focusing on our daughter. Of course, ever since that lie detector test, I think he knows more than he's been telling me. I got a look at the results and he failed the portion about knowing something about Macy's disappearance, and I am more than certain that 'Miss Aimee' knows all about it. There is something I don't like about her (more than the fact that she is a tramp that horned in on my husband <deep breath filled with anger> There is something that isn't right about that woman, and I hope they question her and find out what she knows. I think by calling this to all of your attention, the police will start focusing more on my daughter's search (at least I hope it does, I want my daughter back!) and now that it looks like Pierce has nothing to do with it, I think that they should focus on my husband and his little tart. <taking a breath to pull herself together> I'm sorry for sounding so angry, but I'm very distraught. I can take questions if you'd like. Question and Answer session with Caroline Blanchard: Q: Mrs. Blanchard, what would Aimee have to gain by Macy's disappearance? A: She might be trying to help him gain the election with a sympathy vote, besides, the woman is very unreliable. I wouldn't trust her with even my most unimportant things. She's despicable. Q: Has Macy ever ran away from home due to your arguments over Aimee? A: No, Macy never ran away from home, not ever <very distraught>... and I didn't even know she suspected the affair until I heard about the interview with her friend. Q: Ms. Blanchard, who did you vote for in the election? Your husband or Mr. Mazza? A: I voted for Mr. Mazza, I don't think that my husband is doing enough to save our daughter. And it's all because he does nothing, but focus on Aimee, he should be out looking for our daughter! Q: Ms. Blanchard, why did you decide to adopt a new personality two days before the election? You used to be so...civil about the estrangement? A: Well, to be honest, after we found out that that Edward Pierce character didn't have our Macy, I began to wonder. I always knew about the affair, but I kept it quiet because I felt that it would be unfair to upset my husband's chances at being reelected. But then I began to have reservations over the whole thing...I mean, who has my daughter? And why isn't my husband looking harder for her? It's because of that woman! She takes up all of his time, it's as if she doesn't want my daughter found. I thought long and hard about this, but when I saw the results to the polygraph my husband had taken, I just knew that they knew something more than they were telling me. Q: Have you had any conversations with Aimee herself? A: Once or twice, we were pleasant, but I can't say that I liked the woman and I certainly wouldn't trust her with anything. There is something suspicious and too quiet about that woman that I don't like. Q: Ms. Blanchard, are you seeing anyone else? A: At the moment, no. My daughter is all I can think about or focus...who can possibly concentrate on another relationship when my daughter is out there and possibly being held by heathens. <anguished sigh> Q: Ms. Blanchard, do you realize that Aimee is supporting you 100% in finding your daughter? A: I don't believe that woman for a second. She's a devil, and she's crafty and devious. I don't trust her at all. I wouldn't for one moment believe that she even cares about my daughter...especially because she's someone that I share with my husband. I don't think she cares one ounce about Macy, and she never has. Q: Have you ever been suspicious of your husband before? Will you insist that Aimee take an Aids test? A: I didn't believe my husband was capable of such a thing at first, but after seeing the results, and thinking long and hard about his interest in this case...rather the lack of interest...I am beginning to wonder. I think that this woman has totally clouded his judgment. I mean, if he's looking so hard, why hasn't he found her? My daughter is missing. <verge of tears> Looks, can be VERY deceiving. This woman is a home wrecker, and there is a quiet almost conniving quality about her. I don't like her and there is no way to trust that girl just by her looks. Q: What do you know about and how well do you know Reed Chambeau, owner of the mall? A: Other than seeing him a few time at Police fund raisers, I really don't know him. I have never spoken with him, but he has been pointed out to me. He owns a few developments, I think. But that's about all I know of him. Q: What events lead to you finding out about the affair? A: Well, my husband and I didn't get along very well, and it seemed that we were heading towards divorce anyway. He didn't really try to hide it from me, and if he did, he did a miserable job of it. I knew about their meetings, and I had heard several of the phone calls. I think he tried to hide it from Macy as best he could, but my Macy is a very clever girl, she's not stupid. She could tell that her father wasn't even trying with me. She saw us argue even when we tried to hide it. <shaking her head> It's been very hard and stressful. Q: Have you ever let your daughter separate from you in the mall before? A: Yes, I had, to go to a store. She's 17 and can take care of herself, but not if some criminal is involved...<eyes glazing over with tears> She's a very responsible girl. Q: Has anyone in your family received any threats since the election process began for your husband? A: <shaking her head> No, we didn't. Q: IF you think your ex is not doing enough, why don't you do more, and why are you so intent on blaming Aimee? A: I've been up day and night posting signs, calling the Department every chance I get to find out if there have been any developments. I've done everything that I can...I've checked out old hangouts and asked her friends...I don't know what else to do...maybe you all have some ideas for me because I'm at my wits end! Q: What about hiring a private investigator? A: <crying a little> I just want my baby girl back. <straightening up some> Actually, I was thinking of doing that. I don't mean to break down like this, it's just...I want her back so much...I miss her terribly. Q: Are you ready to continue Caroline? A: <taking a deep breath> Certainly. Q: Do you have any reason to believe that Macy knew of the affair before you did and she ran away to hide the truth from you? A: No, I don't. <sighing> I don't think she really suspected anything until she found me crying one evening. I tried not to let her see when I was upset. But when she did see it, because we were so close...she told me that she wanted me to have a better life anyway. She felt that if her Dad and I couldn't get along, then we shouldn't be together. She hated to see me unhappy like that. She had no reason to run away. Q: What had you done to get your marriage back on track? A: Well, I had discussed counseling with him, but he didn't want any part of it. He was always so busy with work, and with me working and raising Macy. We didn't really have much time to spend with each other anyway. When we did spend time together, we always ended up arguing. It had been going downhill for years, but there never seemed enough time until it was too late. <saddened frown> Q: Have you any reason to suspect Aimee, other than the fact that she disrespected you by being with the Sheriff? A: Yes, I don't trust her...on instinct...it was something about her the first time I saw her, before I realized that she was my husband's lover. There is something very odd about the girl, very sinister even. Like she's always thinking about something. She seems very devious to me. Comment: Ms Blanchard, you should get a contact inside the Sheriff's office to find out the details of the case. A: <nods> I've been trying to...and actually I've even established a few. Some within the Department and some within the FBI itself. I've been keeping as up to date as I can. Q: Is this your husbands first affair? Armstrong and Anderson have been hired by someone to check out Chambeau. A: Yes, it is his first affair. Where did you hear about Chambeau? I've never heard anything about that. Q: Ms. Blanchard, how well does your family know Mayor Rankin? A: The Mayor? We've known him for years now, he's a very good man...very honorable. Q: Thank you very much Caroline. Do you have any final comments? A: Yes...Please, I'm asking all of you, if you receive any information on the whereabouts of my daughter...please come forward...I miss her and I just want her home safe. Thank you all for having me tonight, I'm sorry for any emotional outbursts but I am under a lot of stress. Wednesday, November 5, 1997 Guest: Ms. Aimee Harberson Opening Remarks: Good evening. I'm just here tonight to basically here to clear my name of anything that Ms. Blanchard had to say about me. I didn't take Macy. I have no reason to. And I don't know anything about her disappearance. Yes, I admit that I did see Chuck while they were still married, but I was more of the straw that broke the horse's back. It wasn't like it was a happy marriage, and it wasn't like I went after him. He took an interest in me, and I saw it as a chance to network a little. You know meet new people, advance my career a little. I didn't think that it would lead to a relationship. Anyway, that's about all I have to say, can I take some questions? Question and Answer session: Q: Why didn't you just say ÒnoÓ to a relationship? A: He stopped by about the alarm system, and while he was there he asked me to lunch. It wasn't romantic, it was just lunch. We didn't get romantically involved until this past January. Q: Have you ever *networked* with any other men running for office? A: I've done some networking. I've been to parties. I know the important people here in town. I'm trying to advance my career. I want to be successful in life. Q: Did the Sheriff ever talk to you about the possibility of his daughter knowing about the two of you? A: He mentioned it once. He seemed really upset about it too. Q: So...were you genuinely attracted to the Sheriff, or just using him to advance yourself professionally? A: When we first met, we were acquaintances. There wasn't anything to it. But as time passed on, I learned to appreciate him, and I love a man in uniform. Q: How did you know you were becoming romantically active with the Sheriff? A: I didn't. I don't think anybody usually knows when it happens. It just did. And as far as him being married...like I said, they weren't happy and it was heading towards a divorce anyway. They were planning to get divorced after the election anyway. It wasn't like I caused the divorce, I was a factor, but they were planning on it. Q: And how do you see your career shaping up, what next? A: I'm taking business courses in town, working part time, getting to know people. I'm shooting for a masters right now, and I want to go as far as I possibly can I wouldn't rule out politics, maybe even hold a public office someday. I set my goals high, and I'll do anything I have to...to achieve them. Q: When did you know about the pending divorce, and why did you take it upon yourself to be the straw? A: They had been discussing it for months. They knew as far back as January, before we became romantically involved. I didn't take it upon myself to be the last straw, it just happened that way. They were planning a divorce before I came into the picture. I just didn't help matters any. Q: Do you think Ed and Anthony took Macy? A: No, I don't think so and either does Chuck. There's no real evidence that they did. Q: Have the two of you had an Aids test? A: No, and I don't see how that is anyone's business. Q: Did he ever mention a gambling debt or being blackmailed to you? A: No, he never mentioned anything like that. He's had his share of threats and he likes to play poker sometimes. But no, he's never mentioned anything like that to me. Q: Aimee, how do you feel when you heard Ms. Blanchard call you a tramp? A: Well, I'll admit I didn't think much of it. I mean, she's bound to be upset. It's understandable, but I honestly didn't care. It's not like I know her or she knows me. She doesn't really affect me much. Q: Have you taken up with any other older men before? If so, please name names. Does Chambeau sound familiar? A: No, I haven't 'taken up' with any older men before. But I do know Chambeau from several parties and events I've been to. Q: Has the sheriff confided in you any information on the whereabouts of his daughter, or who may have taken her. A: No, he doesn't seem to know where she is. He doesn't think Ed or Tony took her because there is no evidence. For a while he thought maybe Mazza had her, but there wasn't much to support that either. He's been very worried about her, and doesn't have a clue to where she is right now. Q: Aimee, how would you feel about being here with Caroline? A: It wouldn't bother me. Q: What possible benefit could you expect from being known for sleeping with elected officials for favors? Pretty harsh Aimee. I guess you've been hearing that the last few days. A: I have been, and the truth is I didn't sleep with him or even start a relationship with him until after he and his wife had decided on the divorce. I got to know him as an acquaintance hoping that he might make a good friend to know if I wanted to further my career along. I had no intentions of a romantic involvement when we first met. I just figured that he might be able to introduce me to some people. Q: Did he tell you that he and his wife were getting a divorce? Could you really be that naive? Some men will say anything to get what they want. A: Yes, he did tell me and I believe him. Caroline, from what I understand, even said that the marriage wasn't going well, that it was headed to a divorce. So, yes, I believe him. Q: Are you going to be the next Mrs. Lamar? A: We have no plans of marriage or living together. I like my space. I still have my own apartment that I stay in from time to time. Q: How does the Sheriff feel about you being here? Did he tell you what you should or should not say? A: I have Chuck's full support. He trusts that I can handle myself, and he told me I could be as candid as I pleased about our relationship. Q: Aimee, what have you done to help in the search for Macy? A: Well, I've only done as much as Chuck would allow me to do. I've posted flyers, made some calls, but mostly been his support through all of this. It's been difficult for him. And there really wasn't much else I could do. Q: You know you can kiss your political ambitions good- bye, don't you? A: Well, the publicity hasn't helped, but that isn't going to stop me. I want to be successful, and I'll do anything to get what I want. Q: Anything done with a public official that I pay taxes towards...makes your life public knowledge! A: I don't agree with that, and neither does Chuck for that matter. Well, it has been interesting tonight. Thank you for having me. I must be going. Friday, November 7, 1997 Guest: Detective Terrence Nelson Opening Remarks: Hey all! How we all doing this evening? It's nice to be back. I've heard things were interesting this week, I was out of town at a convention on guns and defense techniques. But I've been up-to-dated on everything. I'd like to hear what everyone thought of this past week, any ideas to help the department out? Question and Answer session: Q: Is there any new information? A: New information, just that we're looking into Lamar a little more in depth after the polygraph results, and running background checks on Aimee Harberson. I was actually kinda hoping to hear what you all thought about the events this past week, I'd love to hear any theories you might have. Q: Detective have you reviewed my theory? (Note: Theories are posted on the AOL message boards.) A: I did read it, but I haven't gotten a chance to review it tonight. You want to go over it again with me? I'd like to hear it. Q: I think your Department should interview people at the Assessor's Department about Aimee. A: We are actually running a background check on Aimee. Just won't have the results on her for a little while. Q: I suspect that Reed Chambeau has the money, power, greed, and owns earth. I think we will find Macy on Chambeau's property, in Magnolia, MS, per Mme Raylene's 9/28 call. A: We are looking into leads on that, but I will note it again. I think that it's interesting as well. Q: What are the local money laundering spots? A: Well, I'm not aware of any. But that's an interesting idea, I'll have to see what resources we might have to look into that. Q: What about the numbers racket? A: Racketeering? I don't believe we have any of that going on in Oxford. Q: Do you think that Macy's disappearance had to do with the election? A: Well, we are looking into that as a possibility. We have members of the department looking into the allegations that Mazza made in the debate, and about the election. But, we haven't gotten anything back on that yet. We will keep you all posted on that when we get further details on it. Q: Did Macy have any unwanted boyfriends? Maybe someone who did not like "no" for an answer? A: Not that we are aware of. We've questioned her friends, and they only know of Tom. Her friends have told us that she isn't the type to have many boyfriends at once. Q: Who did Lamar play poker with that night? A: We may have some names for you later. We're looking into his social activities --- Sheriff Lamar, I mean. We will be finishing up some questioning with him due to the polygraph results. Q: Who do you think was blackmailing the Sheriff and why? Also, why do you think the Sheriff would not answer that on the polygraph? A: Well, we aren't really sure that he is being blackmailed...we plan on reviewing all of the questions he didn't answer. I'm not really sure why he didn't answer them, but he may be under stress because of Macy, and not being able to find her. Q: It was only questions along a certain line that got him agitated, though...questions pertaining to Chambeau, blackmail, and gambling. Q: Has Chambeau put in any bids for some more property around Oxford recently? A: Chambeau is constantly acquiring new land and putting out new bids. He's a very prominent businessman with funds at his disposal. Q: I wonder if he's hired a geologist to check any of them out? A: I think his latest project is a super Walmart out by Highway 7. He's bought up some land for a strip mall, I think. Q: Are there any interesting zoning issues in or around Oxford? And what fights have resulted? A: We finally have zoning, the laws never had muscle until recently. Oxford didn't always have codes or zoning, so new housing developers and contractors tend to squirm a bit over the whole concept. Q: Do you know who owns the apartment building Caroline Blanchard lives in? A: I'm not really sure, I'll have to have someone look into it, but probably Mike Bridge owns most of the apartment complexes in the area. Q: We would like an update (the nitty gritty) on what Anderson and Armstrong have been up to. A: Well, last I heard from them, they were still setting up the P.I. firm. And they were getting ready to go on a hunting trip together. They were supposed to go out, stop over at Handy Andy's to swap stories....Armstrong has his own table there...sounded like a lot of fun. But that's really about the last I've heard from the two of them. Q: Who owned the motel where Phelps died? A: I believe an Iranian family owned it, can't remember the name...Abdul or something. Q: Detective, has Kathleen, the black sheep been located? (Kathleen is Lamar's sister, the estranged one) A: We're looking for her, she hasn't been found. Kathleen is Lamar's sister, yes. She was last in Boca Raton, but we didn't have a street number. Q: Any geologically interesting properties in and near Oxford? Has oil been discovered anywhere around Oxford? A: Other than trees, not really. No oil...we have some Indian mounds around here with some relics in them, but really that's about it. Q: Does Dave Woolworth work for Chambeau part-time? A: No. He doesn't work for Chambeau. Q: The Walmart site, is it perhaps on top of an Indian burial ground? A: No, it was a bayou at one point, but it has been filled in since. Q: He's building on a sinkhole? He could stand to lose a bunch of money if his business are shut down. Or gain from insurance. Q: How smart is it to build on a bayou locale? An old bayou location is not a prime spot to build on, given a choice. The question is, is there a strong enough foundation or is he hiding something? Or has he charmed the Permits department into letting him build on the cheapest spot? Aimee would be privy to land values, you know.... A: It hasn't been built yet. Chambeau is planning on building the super Walmart out by Highway 7, but it hasn't been started yet. The project is in the works from what I understand. Well, really all the land around here is pretty cheap, it's at a state set cost. There is still land for sale. Q: Is Cooters Farm up for sale? A: Cooter's Farm isn't up for sale, no. Q: Are you privy to real estate transactions? If so, has Chambeau made any "odd" purchases? A: I haven't heard anything unusual about Chambeau's purchases. Q: Actually I would like to see a list of his holdings. Could you also find out what holdings he has in Magnolia, MS? A: IÕll look into it. I'll see you later. Nice talking to you again. It's good to be home. Good night everyone!

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