Innocent!!
City of Anderson, State of South Carolina VS Gary L. Burgess
Gary’s most recent challenge, in his pursuit of service, manifested itself in a false charge and unjust arrest on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. This horrific episode in his journey is referred to as the “The Framing, Arrest and Acquittal of Gary L. Burgess, Sr.”
In a letter to Gary’s attorney, the day before the trial (August 20, 2009), Prosecutor Goodwin continued her unrelenting effort to get him to plea bargain. The letter implied a lifetime of embarrassment for Gary. She states, “I really think the chances of acquittal are very slim and that even if he is acquitted, the news media is going to report the details of what was said. He will never live that down. I would think it will haunt him forever.” (Note: South Carolina is one of 28 states in which it is not illegal for prosecutors to frame a defendant.) Minutes before the trial an offer came for Gary to plea to a disorderly conduct charge. Gary did not plea bargin because he was innocent of the charge.
Most significantly, the not-guilty verdict was returned by a jury of Gary’s peers- three black females, two white females and a white male in less than 18 minutes after a 5+ hour trial. The speedy deliberations of the jury powerfully demonstrated Gary's innocence.
On several occasions, prior to the trial, Gary’s attorney, Fletcher Smith requested that the charge be dropped because of Gary’s innocence. The City of Anderson moved forward with the trial in order to embarrass Gary. However, the trial proved to be the city’s embarrassment.
The quick return of the not-guilty verdict clearly revealed the city made it up based on the officer's active imagination, his desire to win awards by the number of arrests made and Prosecutor Goodwin’s need to win at all cost.
WYFF News Clip #1!!
Sep 15, 2009
Verdict's In On Gary Burgess
Video:http://www.wyff4.com/video/20502044/index.html
Dr. Gary Burgess said he submitted an official complaint requesting an investigation by SLED and the Commission on Lawyer Conduct regarding his...
Video: http://www.wyff4.com/video/20920178/index.html
WYFF NEWS Clip #2 !!
Sep 01, 2009
Gary Burgess Case 911 Call
Gary Burgess Case 911 Call. News 4 examines the 911 call from the day a former school superintendent was arrested for solicitation.
Video: http://www.wyff4.com/video/20933246/index.html
WYFF NEWS Clip #3 !!
Sep 15, 2009
Exclusive Interview: Gary Burgess Talks
Exclusive Interview: Gary Burgess Talks. Dr. Gary Burgess speaks exclusively with WYFF News 4. ...
Video: http://www.wyff4.com/video/20861335/index.html
WYFF NEWS CLIP #4!!
Aug 28, 2009
Dr. Burgess Holds Potluck In Anderson Park
Dr. Burgess Holds Potluck In Anderson Park. An Upstate man holds a celebration near the spot where he was once accused of a crime.
Video: http://www.wyff4.com/video/21132463/index.html
INNOCENT!!!
(Battle Hymn of The Republic)
Gary was falsely charged with violating this 1970's era city code which has been challenged for its constitutionality.
City of Anderson, South Carolina
The code: 62-252. Solicitation for immoral purposes.
It shall be unlawful for any person to invite, entice or solicit any other person upon any street, open space, public square or enclosure in the city, to accompany, go with or follow him to any place for immoral purpose or to invite or entice any person from any door, window, porch or portico of any house or building to enter any house, go with or accompany or follow such person to any place whatsoever for immoral purposes. (Code 1970, 26-13)
City of Anderson, South Carolina
The code: 62-252. Solicitation for immoral purposes.
It shall be unlawful for any person to invite, entice or solicit any other person upon any street, open space, public square or enclosure in the city, to accompany, go with or follow him to any place for immoral purpose or to invite or entice any person from any door, window, porch or portico of any house or building to enter any house, go with or accompany or follow such person to any place whatsoever for immoral purposes. (Code 1970, 26-13)