Florida woman cited for driving while holding and using her cell phone in her right hand, as observed by the Sheriff’s Deputy…
Bodycam screenshot.
Deputy Gonzalez, with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department stopped Kathleen Thomas for distracted driving. The deputy stated, in a roadside video, that he observed her driving with her phone in her “right hand.” However, there was a huge problem. Thomas does not have a right hand!
Thomas showed Gonzalez her right arm and that it was impossible for her to have been holding her phone. She had a valid license and proof of insurance.
She, humorously asked, “So you wanna just call this a day?” The deputy, unwilling to admit he made a mistake (or worse, being dishonest) replied, “I don’t want to ‘call it a day…you had a hand up.”
He cited her for using her communication device while driving. However, he did not put on the ticket that he saw her holding it in her right hand, despite him stating that in the video.
Ms. Thomas bravely challenged the ticket and when the required Court date arrived, the deputy asked that the citation be dismissed for lack of evidence.
No harm, no foul, right? NO.
There is an issue with law enforcement and a lack of common sense, diligence and even integrity. We have all seen how Afroman was treated by the Adam’s County Sheriff’s Department and countless other examples of law enforcement being overzealous, unfair and in egregious instances, dishonest.
It’s time for common sense and justice to enter back into the conversation. It’s time for a return to Mayberry for law enforcement and for the light to be shined on all of the Goon Squads.
Also, for interest, do a google search on Deputy Gonzalez with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department. Look at his “record” and see if that’s who you want policing you…
Afroman, born Joseph Edgar Foreman, won a Defense-Verdict in a civil lawsuit filed against him by 7 Adams County, Ohio sheriff’s deputies. The deputies sued him for defamation and false light, seeking $4 million in damages over his parody songs and music videos that included their images from his own home security footage.
In August of 2022, deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Afroman’s home. Based on a “tip” from a confidential informant – deputies were searching for a kidnap victim in his basement “dungeon,” and evidence of drug trafficing.
Deputies broke his front gate, kicked down down his door, damaged personal property, eye-balled his Lemon Pound cake, cut the wires to his home security system, confiscated $5,000.00 cash from a suit pocket and searched his house with weapons drawn. They found no evidence of criminal activity, no kidnap victim and the home did not have a basement. Afroman was not charged or arrested.
Afroman wanted his door fixed, his money back and an apology.
The Sheriff’s Office were not apologetic. Instead of an apology and repairing the property, they said they miscounted the money that they took and gave him back what they said was the actual total. Oops…
As the raid was video-recorded on Afroman’s home security system and having not otherwise received just compensation, Afroman made an album of songs. These told the tale of his experience and featured each deputy. He made music videos, including the banger “Lemon Pound Cake,” that showed the deputies, their conduct and the damage to his home. Officer Lemon Pound cake, aka Shawn Cooley, became internet famous.
Cooley did a double take when walking past the Lemon Pound cake.
With hurt feelings and embarrassed for being confronted for their own actions, the deputies sued Afroman for defamation and unauthorized use of their likenesses. The deputies alleged Afroman caused them emotional distress, public ridicule, and damage to their reputations.
The lawsuit and ensuing trial brought much, much more attention to this matter than it would have ever garnered otherwise!!
In March 2026, a 10-person jury denied the deputies’ claims. The jury determined that Afroman’s use of his own, actual raid footage and accompanying parody music constituted protected political speech and social commentary under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
Following the jury verdict, Afroman celebrated the outcome on social media and with supporters outside the courthouse, stating it was a victory for American freedom of speech. Afroman has since experienced a resurgence in his music and performances!
Afroman has Mississippi connections having been a resident of Hattiesburg in the early 2000’s – “being best known for his 2001 smash hit “Because I Got High,” Afroman carved out a unique space in the hip-hop world by blending comedy, storytelling, and an unapologetic, laid-back attitude with his music. His blend of humor and raw, real-life commentary has made him a cultural icon for fans worldwide.” https://www.ogafroman.com/
Lots of videos and images from the trial, depositions and the raid are all over the internet. Watch and judge for yourself, but this is not only a WIN for AFROMAN, but also a win for the American-justice system and hopefully will allow common-sense to enter back into the discussion when considering balancing criminal investigation activities with personal freedoms, reliable evidence and how much deference is to be afforded to law enforcement.
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died in service to this Country.
On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.
In 2014, we visited Arlington National Cemetery. It was a special day.This day isn’t about BBQs or a day off from work. It’s about honoring those who gave everything…
Chancery Judges are some of the most powerful judges in the state.
A Mississippi Chancellor (Chancery Court judge) holds broad judicial power over cases of equity; including domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support), wills, estates, land disputes, and cases involving minors or persons of unsound mind.
They have authority to grant injunctions, punish for contempt (fines, sanctions and/or jail), and exercise these powers daily.
An ideal judge combines high intellectual capacity with exceptional temperament, impartiality, and integrity.
Key qualities include patience, legal expertise, active listening, courage, and the ability to act firmly yet with compassion, ensuring fair proceedings and timely, reasoned decisions that uphold public trust.
Fairness in justly applying the law to the facts is an oath Judge swear to do.
Showing respect to the litigants, the attorneys, and the witnesses is a must.
Being honest, patient and acting with integrity are prerequisites for any Judge.
In Mississippi, in most cases judges are elected. Most Mississippians never encounter a judge and don’t give much thought into who is judge.
I assure you who your judge is is critically important and impacts your rights to your child and your fights to your freedom.
There are judicial elections throughout the state this November.
Get involved. Educate yourself. Ask attorneys and persons that know the judge or have experience with them.
Want an honest assessment? (that’s only mildly biased) Ask me.
Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and practices statewide and right now who your judge is can matter more than the facts or the law…and that’s potentially dangerous.
Recusal means the Judge can longer hear the case or the issue and in some instances it is mandatory. Here, it was mandatory.
This refusal, by Judge Tametrice Hodges Lindsey, violated well-founded Mississippi law.
When asked by trial counsel to recuse herself, Judge Tametrice Hodges Lindsey claimed to not have seen the motion, despite it being filed in writing and filed with the Mississippi Electronic Court filing system.
Hinds County Chancery and Mississippi can do better.
It should not take an appeal all the way to the Mississippi Supreme Court to get a Judge to follow the law they swore to uphold!
CONCLUSION “¶53. The visitation and custody issues were only resolved in Angela’s favor before this Court received both appeals… The trial court erred by finding (the attorney) in contempt without recusing from the constructive criminal contempt proceeding and giving him proper notice...” Majority Opinion, Mississippi Supreme Court. 4/02/2026 https://courts.ms.gov/appellatecourts/docket/sendPDF.php?f=730_755583.pdf&c=98771&a=N&s=2
Matthew Thompson is chancery attorney in Mississippi and supports a change in Hinds County Chancery Court. VOTE NOVEMBER 3!!
It’s time for a change in Hinds County Chancery Court.
Reported PUBLIC Opinion: Believe it or not, some Judges ignore the law, violate litigant’s rights and threaten lawyers who stand up for what is right…it’s sad, but it happens.
This past week some level of justice was meted out by the Mississippi Supreme Court. Not 100% justice, but when you operate in a world of judges with near absolute power and the checks and balances are truly stacked against any change or accountability we celebrate even the small victories!
In a recent Mississippi Supreme Court Opinion, (3) three justices found as follows;
“¶56. Here, the chancellor (Tametrice Hodges-Linzey) denied Angela basic constitutional due process protection. James, (her ex-husband) however, was given sufficient time and an opportunity to present his case for Angela’s contempt. Yet, after James’s counsel rested James’s case-in-chief, Angela was allowed to call only one witness, the minor child. Angela was to be the next witness. Instead, however, the chancellor abruptly announced that the matter was being recessed due to the late hour. The chancellor then ruled that Angela “never once put forth a defense or overcame the contempt brought – the petition for contempt brought against you.” Justice Griffis, MS Supreme Court (Dissent)
The Judge, Tametrice Hodges Linzey, denied a litigant the right to call additional witnesses and testify on her own behalf!
Subsequently Angela’s counsel tried to correct this error and asked to make a motion. The chancellor responded: “You may not. We’re done. Save it for MEC. We are done and please, I will hate to have to send you [to jail] with your client. Feel free to file it on MEC.” Justice Griffis, MS Supreme Court (Id.)
When challenged, legally, properly and with respect due the position of the Court, the Judge threatened her attorney with JAIL!!
“¶57. .. Angela should have been given an ample opportunity to call witnesses and admit evidence in her defense.” Justice Griffis, MS Supreme Court (Id.)
“¶58. Angela was clearly not allowed an opportunity to present her defense. This is a basic and fundamental error that this Court cannot allow to stand. Professor Bell made it clear that Mississippi law requires that Angela be given an opportunity to respond to James’s contempt allegations.
¶59. Accordingly, I opine that the chancellor committed manifest error in her order to incarcerate Angela for thirty-two days, lose temporary custody of her son, and sanction her attorney. I therefore dissent from the majority’s decision not to review this matter. Instead, I would reverse this case and remand for further proceedings.
¶60. Also, I am concerned by the chancellor’s action. First, the chancellor caused Angela to be incarcerated longer than allowed by statute. Second, she had no opportunity to appeal her order of incarceration before she was incarcerated. Third, the chancellor failed to provide Angela with basic due process—i.e., an opportunity to be heard—especially before she was incarcerated.
¶61. Chancellors have a duty, responsibility, and obligation to ensure litigants receive their rights to be heard, present evidence in their own defense, and the right to appeal. Angela was denied these rights…
¶62. I concur as to the majority’s decision to vacate the chancellor’s order that sanctioned Angela’s counsel and to decline to order permanent recusal or to refer this matter to the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance.” COLEMAN, P.J., AND ISHEE, J., JOIN THIS OPINION IN PART.
Justice Griffis, MS Supreme Court (Dissent)
The Majority of the Court likewise concluded;
CONCLUSION “¶53. The visitation and custody issues were…resolved in Angela’s favor before this Court received both appeals… The trial court erred by finding (the attorney) in contempt without recusing from the constructive criminal contempt proceeding and giving him proper notice. … As a result, this Court vacates the contempt judgment against (the attorney), remands the case for contempt proceedings before a different chancellor, and affirms the trial court’s judgment on all other issues. The chancery clerk also is ordered to return $1,500.00 to (the attorney).” Mississippi Supreme Court, (Majority Opinion) 4/02/2026 NO. 2024-CA-00690-SCT
Matthew Thompson is a civil litigation attorney and will fight for his client’s rights even in the face of improper threats…though prefers to not to and prefers Judges that treat litigants, witnesses and attorneys with respect…
It’s time for a change in Hinds County Chancery Court.
A recent Bill, passed by the Mississippi House and Senate, has been signed by the Governor. It allows the garnishment of Casino winnings to be paid for Child Support Arrearages.
Senate Bill 2369, amending sections of MS Law, provides that the Mississippi Gaming Commission may work with the Department of Human Services to identify if persons who have “cash game winnings, including, but not limited to, slot machine annuities, sports betting and/or other reportable cash winnings…” have outstanding child support arrearages. (The complete Bill is linked above).
If it is determined there is unpaid child support, the winnings may be withheld, seized and paid over to DHS to be paid to the obligee…the parent/guardian that is owed the money.
It creates a path for policies and procedures for allowing the State another path to recoup past due child support.
Matthew Thompson is a child custody and child support attorney in Mississippi and reminds you to pay your child support and pay it often!
Matthew Thompson is a child custody attorney in Mississippi and does think Joint Custody could be in the best interest of the child in certain circumstances…
(601) 850-8000 - - BowTieLawyer.MS 