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#1 by FREE PRESS " CAMERAMAN " on September 2, 2010 - 8:17 am
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i have received many complaints about the warden’s actions at the jail, and mostly from the guards themselves, i do get emails from family members, but the recent complaints have come from guards not happy with the way the warden is treating them and the inmates, i have told one of the commissioners about the complaints so lets see what happens.
if you would like to have your own column maybe we can call it ” just wondering ” you can do all the leg work to start it and email it too me and i will post it, just a thought.
yes i feel i have come a long way with the free press, now if people would just donate to this site that would be great, for i dont charge a fee to view it but donations would sure help me keep this site alive
#2 by wondering on September 2, 2010 - 8:03 am
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No surprise cameraman unless by chance someone emailed you seceretly. This would be a good follow up question for the warden at the next meeting to see if he received any feedback. Everyone knows you do not stir up
paperwork unless necessary. The inmates know this and if they are in there or on the street, they are not gonna make it difficult for themselves by giving their name.
Was a good idea though to help those who needed it.
I have always thought of a column for the public that opened up the net for questions concerning such things as this between families. Suppose like a Dear Abby.
With respect of course. So maybe some will begin to respond when they realize others in the community have questions to. and here on your press they may identify themselves under an internet name. Maybe an open door for family memebers to ask questions and make comments of their experiences in the system. Sorta like the lady with the 18 year old. There are so many unanswered questions out there. What ya think?
I have been reading along daily and see of all the great contacts you are adding to your Free Press. I must say you have accomplished opening up the doors for the public to express themselves and also to learn of all the different agencies there are in the county. Thank you
#3 by FREE PRESS " CAMERAMAN " on August 23, 2010 - 8:13 am
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to anyone who has had their meds not given to them by the medical staff at the jail, you need to contact the free press. the only way anything can get done or an investigation started we need someone, anyone to come forward and contact us so this can be looked into.
if no one comes forward nothing will ever get done !
the warden and the district attorney said give us one person who that has happened to
well let’s do that !
#4 by wondering on August 23, 2010 - 12:45 am
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Camerman, good question concerning the medicines.
It does happen, I agree. Changing some of the medications can really mess up the chemicals in a person. They have tried for years to do this to the inmates, it is nothing new.
As far as the warden not hearing of it. It usually stops at the nurse. So unless the nurse or Doc. Feel it is not the right medication the inmate has no say. But here it is again they are inmates so as mentioned in this video it is what they get.. Or that was my impression of how some on the board may feel that the inmate should not be able to have the regular medication that they are use to taking, even if it was the generic already.
Unless alot of red tape is prepared even a parent can not obtain medical info on the inmate . So even if you give them names you will not know of the outcome.
So they are gonna have to go on what the inmate says.
Sounds to me it is just as usual a money thing. Not that it really matters for the care or rehab that the inmate gets.
It is the money. Mr. Higgins did make a point on the DUI
for to some the program is a big joke, yes they may need to go to Twin Lakes, but leave there and have the drink as it was said. With that being said it goes to show that the program they now offer does not do any good at rehab or possibly they would not have as many repeaters.
Question I would of liked to hear asked is? Will the program that Higgins is discussing will that also cover an inmate with a drug addiction? For the rehab they have at the Bedford County Correctional Facility has not worked well in the past of getting the addict off the drugs. I would say more of the drug addict are repeat offenders than the DUI’s. So maybe when Mr. Higgins is looking into this matter he at the same time could check to see how this would work for the drug addict.
Good luck on your quest. But I would be careful if I were you for if that inmate needs to go back well they still try to change the medicines even if the person is on a medication that is now working for their illness.
To cut cost at one time, instead of giving an inmate their medicine at night which was when it was to be taken they were told they had to take it in the afternoon, for that was when it was being distributed. After about a week of the inmate sleeping all day and awake all night did they finally make the change of giving the medication to the inmate at the correct time of day. But yet here it had to be approved by the facility Doctor. I am not sure how often now the doctor goes to the jail. But there has been times I have heard there is a long waiting period to see him.
One more thing if you want to bring up is about the staff infections that go merely unreported in the faciltiy.
On a different light. the idea of sending the inmate upstate when needed to serve more than a year. or two.
Some have had to stay in the jail for months to a year before they are even sentenced. Now tell me how that figures in , yes they get time served and then still end up being there like 22 months. I must add within that time, yes they may see someone from MHMR, but those appointments are also set up for the benefit of transportation, not that the inmate gets to always go when needed.
Seems just from this meeting information that the facility is not up to date on different programs that they could be having to help the inmates. Maybe that is where they need to start. Take each individuals medical needs as an individual instead of just giving them the cheapest medications they can purchase. They mentioned possibly the inmate providing their own meds. That to has been tried in the past, and then to find out, No that med is not permitted in the facility. That too has happened.
I would like to know if anyone on the board would settle for a second hand medication if it was them. Especially if the medication was not doing the job it is suppose to. I am sure not.
Question ? Does the county pay for the board members ins. and medication. Do they have dental and vision?
Maybe they would like to have the same coverage that is given to the inmates and see if they have the same feeling once they are in the same position.
I best stop here. But I am sure Camerman you will find 2 out of 3 inmates will tell you they have concerns with the Medical part of the facility. Including the mental health.
On staff as far as I know there is only one counselor, and correct me if I am wrong, but that position has a pretty big turn over.
#5 by FREE PRESS " CAMERAMAN " on July 19, 2010 - 9:57 am
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yes mussleman is keeping a low profile aint he
he is also showing up at the jail after the warden leaves for the day. we will see if he gets someone at the jail to do him his favors, by letting him into areas of the jail that warden orr has closed off to the jailhouse preacherman
#6 by mattie on July 19, 2010 - 8:21 am
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Seems like the pissin contest is over, I know of a few that are keeping a low profile, time will tell if any major changes come about.
#7 by mattie on June 18, 2010 - 9:21 am
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either the warden believes his guards or he doesn’t if he does than Musselman should be gone, if he doesn’t well I think there’s an even bigger problem lurking.
#8 by FREE PRESS " CAMERAMAN " on June 18, 2010 - 6:01 am
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i spoke with warden orr and he confirmed that 3 guards reported that jailhouse preacherman mussleman was in fact in inmates individual cells. mussleman has denied this claim.
we have several people who has confirmed this, and the warden has 3 people who confirmed this. someone is lying these people or mussleman is not being truthful
this needs to be settled because if mussleman is covering this up, then he needs to be replaced as the jailhouse preacher for being dishonest !!!
the jail dont need a preacher who would lie about something this small, for he might lie about something much more important in the future !
#9 by FREE PRESS " CAMERAMAN " on June 10, 2010 - 6:32 pm
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jamie hershberger was in court monday, Musselman brought an entourage of about 8 people to court for Jamie Hershberger, BUT, he failed to bring the one witness Hershberger need to testify about the Teen Challenge program, so the hearing was continued to July 2 (Howsare’s last day on the bench).
what they are trying to pull is for Jamie to get credit for the time he spent at teen challenge toward his Parol Violation. In other words, he thinks he can do whatever wants, use cocaine, etc., since he went to Teen Challenge. Im not sure how effective that program really is anyway, because he was using cocain AFTER his “successful completition.”
#10 by Ruthless on June 3, 2010 - 4:34 pm
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Thanks “camerman”, The “free press” is a great place for people to bring the TRUTH to the public and still be free from retalitation from “the forces that be.” I promise you that EVERYTHING I have ever or will ever post here is 100% the truth and if people are interested in the truth then the won’t care if they know the persons name or not.
#11 by CAMERAMAN on June 2, 2010 - 1:53 am
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as far as mr. kauffman’s comments about people who dont use their real name has no credibility, kauffman that is not really a true statement. i use a screen name and most people know that i am the owner of this site and my real name is posted on several links within this site.
i spoke with the warden today and he told me he did not approve the lowering of the flag and is investigating who did this without his approval. he also informed me of another policy change
from this point on when inmates are mowing the grass at the jail a guard with be out there with the inmate. in the past the inmates was allowed to mow without a guard outside with them
#12 by Robert Kauffman on June 1, 2010 - 12:40 pm
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When reading comments left by people who don’t use their actual name, one must assume that what is being written has no credibility and is being written for slander, entertainment or propaganda.
This becomes especially serious when writing about other people and their reputations.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and should be able to express them, but please don’t be too cowardly to leave your full name.
#13 by Ruthless on May 31, 2010 - 5:33 pm
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This L.T. Sadler WAS employeed at the Facility but apparently she couldn’t handle being part of a real team and as soon as she didn’t get her way,she walked out WITH OUT any notice,leaving everyone there to pick up her slack.She was and is just upset the “little girls club” was being exposed and disbanded!
As for the flag being lowered to half mast,I truely hope the piece of trash that did it grows the balls to come forward and be know so he or she can get what’s coming to them. Sadle still has contact with some employees at the BCCF and she is apparently being fed the information that she had printed.
#14 by wondering on May 31, 2010 - 8:54 am
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Question?
Security Cameras, are located throughout the
Bedford County Correctional Institute, Is that Correct?
Then hmmmm, pretty sneaky if you can put a flag at half mass and NO ONE knows who?
Ruthless: you mentioned of Lt. Sadler. Is she employed at the facility? I had not read the Gazette so when Camera man said about that Sadler knew of the incident it made
me wonder was she still there that she seemed to know all about it?
You should not mess with the American Flag, no matter who you THINK you are, putting up a flag at half mass and or upside down as to show distress. That seems to be the question as to why it was done? I read because of Ms. Welsh being let go. Or is it saying distress over the decisions of Mussleman and the church. Guess this may not ever be known by the public, hmmmmm again makes ya wonder what all really does go on in there at times. Why is it we never hear the end of the stories for what goes on? Old news I suppose. But that may be changing if Warden Orr continues to give true monthly reports at the Bedford County Prison Meetings.
Guess we shall wait and see, but seems it is time for someone to take charge.
You know how stories get around this small town, and really now, there is always two sides to each story.
so maybe others would use this free press to express their needs or concerns AND questions. To whom ever did the deed with the American Flag..
Does anyone think they should be punished?
Will they be?
Or just pushed aside?
I do have one other question, If Mr. Mussleman leaves or is discharged from holding the position of the Chaplain at the facility. Does this also mean of the 50 , that he says visit with other inmates on a regular basis also stop going into the facility, or will they be permitted to continue to do services at the chapel? I am sure guidelines will need to be met, which is the reason for all the confusion along with the security. There is that word again security for the inmates as well as the workers etc.
For the contraband that was going into the jail through the back door was never mentioned again, guess there was no security there either. The public may hear of such things going on inside the facility but seems like the public never hears the outcome of punishment, or is there no punishment? This is what really gets me, when people who hold jobs for the county, state, etc. break the law, it is handled differently than if you were a citzen on the outside, because here in this town, you are put in jail to await a hearing when a law has been broken. What will happen to the employees that have committed a crime inside the facility, will there only punishment be loss of employment?
#15 by newbie17 on May 28, 2010 - 4:04 pm
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I was surprised at Commissioner Ebersole’s letter to the editor, and I applaud him for taking a stand against this wrong and childish action, however, you might want to consider the possibility that it might not have been an Officer that perpetrated the act. Ms. Sadler, who encouraged the act in her letter to the editor, was a Lieutenant.
#16 by CAMERAMAN on May 28, 2010 - 1:11 pm
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i checked into this whole story about the flag at the jail being lowered to half staff. i am being told by a member of the prison board that the warden did not order the flag to be flown half staff. this was done by a guard who has not come forward at this moment to accept what he or she has done.
#17 by BEDFORD COUNTY FREE PRESS on May 28, 2010 - 7:52 am
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#18 by Ruthless on May 27, 2010 - 7:00 pm
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Everything newbie17 said is true! I saw it with my own eyes,for Musselman to say he NEVER went into an inmates cell is total B.S.For the ex-Deputy to say that no officers EVER complained to her about Musselman or his intrusion with his 50 volunteers is also false,I know that for a fact! Half the time the officers and L.T.’s didn’t even know who was coming and going because she and they refused to have their pictures posted for anyone to know who they were!Now that Warden Orr has taken CONTROL of a bad situation and is attempting to make it better,he needs our support,and he has mine! Many people have left the BCCF(Bedford County Correctional Facility)over the years and it still runs,it will continue to run without any one individual.It is the officers and the L.T.’s that make or break the BCCF and shame on them if they allow it to falter because ONE of them is not there!
As for Ms.Sadler from Fishertown……..you USED to be an honorable person,what happened?For you to support the lies on Mr.Musselman and the D.W. is very saddening.You know better if you would not let you emotions run your words.Some are sorry you left the facility but you WERE part time and part time workers are supposed to be there when they are needed and you apparently couldn’t do that.YOU walked out without notice(not for the first time either)letting the officers and other L.T.’s to do their jobs AND YOURS!How professional.
#19 by CAMERAMAN on May 27, 2010 - 6:37 am
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if anyone gets a chance to read the letter in today’s gazette from gloria sadler of fishertown do so. this only goes to prove that some people in this town are clueless.
what dont people understand here. some people are so upset because welsh got fired BIG DEAL !! this woman did so many favors for mussleman she should be his mistress
and we have a lot of people who claim mussleman was in fact inside inmates cells, what about the other guards who complained to the new warden about her ? are some saying they are lying?
gloria sadler said their was a rumor that flags was flown at half-mast when welsh was fired, are you kidding me?
and for her to say the flag should have been turned upside down as a sign that the jail is in distress is a complete joke.
people welsh is not coming back get over it !!!!
and mussleman could be on his way out as well
maybe now it will be what is should have been all along
A JAIL !!!
#20 by CAMERAMAN on May 26, 2010 - 8:27 pm
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the jail might be looking to replace the current jailhouse preacher, i have been asked to keep my eyes open for one that would volunteer their time to do the services at the jail.
with that being said if anyone knows of one feel free to post them or email me at the free press and i will get it to who it needs to go to
freepress@bedfordcountyfreepress.com
#21 by RGK on May 26, 2010 - 7:26 pm
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Well thank you Susan. Loved the comment, my sentiments exactly.
#22 by Susan on May 26, 2010 - 1:53 pm
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Mussleman needs to hit the curb, he’s not a true minister, period. Any religious counciling, or anything that has to do with a religious act or service, needs to be done in the Chapel–that’s what it was built for. A pitcher and basin works as well as anything else, it’s the spirit in which the service is intended that counts, not the amount of water used.
The new Warden comes from PA Dept. of Corrections, so he’s not new to the “game” here. People in state correction jobs get pretty tough skin on them, it comes with the territory. So sit back and watch–he’s not going to be stampeded over by a bunch of wanna-be’s out at that jail–either inside, or on the outside. He’s going to run the place right–by the book. And that’s the way it should be. He was hired to do the job, not make friends.
Let him do it the right way–by the book–accept his authority and leave him alone.
#23 by newbie17 on May 25, 2010 - 10:57 pm
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as you may have guessed by the name, i am new to this site. a friend told me about this, and i wanted to see the prison board meeting for myself. first, i have known both deputy warden welsh and mr. mussleman for years and it hurts me deeply to see them both lying like this. let me say that again, they both lied several times in this meeting. mr. mussleman has had the run of the jail for years, given to him by the deputy warden. he has been in inmate’s cells, he has caused disruptions in officer’s schedules, he has been on blocks by himself. watch the video again, at the end he gives himself away when he says that he was in the kitchen ‘counseling’ an inmate. ms. welsh’s little body language tantrum at the warden’s comments were childish at best. and she also lied in backing up mr. mussleman’s lies. i don’t want to comment on other people’s misnomers about the jail, i just wanted to point out that here are two people who are supposed to be upstanding members of the community, lying to people in authority for something as relatively small as when the chaplain can visit an inmate, and those lies are caught on tape. (btw, thank you cameraman for opening my eyes) my question is this.. if they were caught in such small lies, how many larger ones were they not caught at?
#24 by wondering on May 24, 2010 - 6:22 pm
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thank u for commenting back, I will look forward to any updates and discussions on these issues. Have a good evening
#25 by CAMERAMAN on May 23, 2010 - 9:01 pm
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Susan i want to thank you for being honest, and the reason i know who you are is being i am the editor of this site, your email gave it away. also i am no stranger to anyone, i remember your son’s father very well i have been around long enough to know who is who
#26 by Susan #2 on May 23, 2010 - 6:21 pm
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Cameraman, yes it is me. I had prior obligation for this week. I was at the meeting the month before. I had joined the Prison Society and Lee introduced me to the Board. In fact I’m surprised that Mr Mussleman has not also joined the Prison Society due to talking about other jails or county s. There are a lot of ministers getting involved in the society. Security is a 2 way street. To try and change wrong, you put that security issue into effect. As for Mr Mussleman having 50 people in the jail isn’t right either. As for transporting inmates even for work release is a security factor. There are things that need looked into. Nobody is going to agree all the time. Things look good, but finding the way isn’t always easy. It has been in the last 5 years I contacted the prison society for help and found out there was nobody around here. At that time I was working. I was told to talk to someone and due to not knowing that there were 2 different people with the same last name I didn’t talk to anyone. I had the time now to get involved so I did and would work it into my schedule as for par something else went wrong. I’m working and it will be in time that it will get handled, but I started this and will finish what I’m doing now first. As for Mr. Mussleman being in charge of 50 people and just now getting in touch with the Prison Board. That doesn’t sound right either. I’m not sure there is a room in the jail that is not wired. But as for RHU they have visiting hours on certain days. They are shackled to get to the visiting area. You would think there are more guards there due to visiting with family so they could use the lawyer visiting room to talk with the inmates. That can be worked into any schedule you have. I heard free of charge, but I have also heard that if the guards or someone from the system uses the chapel for meeting that they are charged a fee for using the chapel. Like I said that is what I heard. The answer I don’t know. As for Lee not being at this meeting he had prior comments. After all it went from every 2 months to every month. Some plans are made and can’t be changed.
#27 by RGK on May 23, 2010 - 12:04 pm
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@ Wondering,
Here we are again off on the wrong foot. I made my comments in my honest opinion and after having watched the videos 5 times. You have answered your own question very well may I add. In the past you have explained that you have to read and listen several times before you comment and what I was interpreting you saying, just didn’t seem that way. It took me some time to grasp all the conversation and body language of all the players that contributed in that board meeting.
So let’s see to answer some of your questions : yes, the prison board met long before the new Warden came on board. Only every other month to discuss business of the jail and to answer appointment questions. Now the new Warden has asked to do them every month, with detailed reports, and concerns of the jail. I too am not giving an opinion of his daily job performance until later date. I did however comment on this first step, I felt it a good decision for him to gain security again for those who dwell and work there.
As far as the respect aspect you were talking about, my point was where was Mussleman’s respect? That was my point. Watch it again. He was rude and condescending. He kept trying to talk over the Warden and Mr. Higgins, so where was his respect for other, being he is supposed to be a God fearing man, a pastor, as he claims. That was my point Miss!!!! I never said that I think Higgins is always right but in this case he was. Do you remember what this meeting was about and why Mussleman was there? Those are what my comments were about, the contents of that meeting and only that.
Why would I want to ask someone what they are writing about. This is a forum get real. Do you know how they are supposed to work? It’s okay for you to have your opinion and me to have mine. This is how we get the conversation going, the back and forth thing and then sometimes coming to a neutral place, but sometimes not. But in essence we all have our own opinions like them or not. If someone disagrees with it and comments it gives you the chance to voice your opinion again, no one is right or wrong here. What you perceive as your opinion is yours but if someone questions it, that’s okay, don’t take it personal just answer back with civility and keep the forum going, but try to stay on topic. Does that help you in explaining where I am coming from?
Your last paragraph, I am really lost on. This whole thing has to do with a security issue on the part of the Warden. Do me a favor and listen to him again. He feels and I tend to lean in his direction that there have been security breeches. I don’t remember how long ago it was but do you remember hearing of cell phones being brought into the jail and no one knew how they got there? My guess, security breech, too many people allowed to be in what are supposed to be secured areas. This is what he wants to stop. If you had someone in there or working there would you not want to feel that they were safe?
I will continue this conversation later on must go for now
#28 by wondering on May 23, 2010 - 9:58 am
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RGK since you directed most of your reply directly back to me I would like to comment on your response. First, and feel free to correct me if I am wrong, the prison board met long before Warden Orr became warden. He may be the first warden to actually give a report of the happenings of the prison but well everyone does a good looking job in the beginning, I will withhold my opinion and thoughts of his actually ability to preform his job till further in his employment. Yes, I do hope he can get the prison in the proper guidelines. As far as the comment I made and you made of the missed meeting, yes Orr did accept responsiblity. Yea, you made a big deal out of such a small part of the the point , I would think, if it is all gonna be up and up the words spoken should be fact not I suppose so. Understand? As for Higgins Attorney or DA, respect for all involved was what I was writing about. Sure meetings get fired up, but gee who can really understand or hear when two people are talking and one person if screaming above another to get the advantage.
Higgins is not always right. That is why I was saying I would need to listen again and maybe again, for to be sure of what was said. See it is people who jump to conclusions as you have of taking a persons words and making their own decision of the meaning. Maybe in the future before you begin to think you know what someone is meaning you could write and ask the person to explain if they want to for you were understanding it and write your thoughts. I think this is called mirroring the conversation. Seems to me this is how things get mixed up and the story always gets bigger. But not always the correct way it was first intended.
Yep, I am back, had been awhile, I have kept in touch with reading the info on the sites, but not commented or asked questions for the reason being a person can not ask a question or make a comment without someone trying to make them look or feel incomptent on the discussion. My discussion must not of been all CRAP , Ms.
Mr. RGK, for it got some response. Maybe you would like to put in more conversation and continue in a positive mode as to we all can work together to ask questions and get answers for this is the community we live in. Open comments are great, and this is how we find out information. But what concerns me is if you knew all this all along. Why did you not bring the facts to the attention of the board long ago. Or maybe you have , see how easy it is to make judgement.
I am not positive and it is a thought of the meetings being done in the visiting room after hours, I have been told that the conversations in that area are or can be heard or recorded if felt necessary. Maybe this is why this is not already taking place. When the jail was built had there been in the plans a certain place for these conversations of lawyers and clients to be able to meet and talk? Surely there can be a designated area arranged. I know they run low on cells for the inmates, but possiby a suggestion could be to take a cell or a corner of a room and made into a meeting area. Seems that would settle all this discussion quickly. The area would already need to be secured, and the walls may already be intact, that they would just need to refinish or purchase a folding wall sorta as the UPMC has in the waiting area of blood test and x-ray. Maybe along the way they could even consider making a visitation room for open conversation to the inmates and the families, to have some one on one. I have said enough and do appreciate being able to discuss the concerns of the area. I would just like to say To the press, good job and congratulations of the year of service keeping the door open to the public.
#29 by CAMERAMAN on May 23, 2010 - 6:04 am
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susan,
what started this was not baptizing inmates it is all the volunteers like mussleman roaming through the jail for really no good reason
what i want to ask you is this, are you are the one lee rager tried getting into the jail as a volunteer and was turned down because of things your son has done. why did you not show up with rager to speak your case instead of letting him do it ?
so what is your story in all this, why do you want to get into the jail to volunteer?
and i would like to add that mussleman himself had 50 people on his list of volunteers to come to the jail and do his bs work, 50 people are you kidding me ??? , and you even have to ask what is the problem?
#30 by Susan #2 on May 23, 2010 - 5:19 am
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I’m not sure what started this. If it has to do with baptizing inmates. What is the problem with doing them after, or in the church service Sunday night or when ever you have your services. I heard the rumor, there is carpet in the chapel so you buy a tarp to put on the floor so the carpet doesn’t get wet. As for being immersed in holy water, well that is one way, but you can also use a bowl and basin or just holy water on the head. After all people in hospital can’t be immersed in holy water on their death beds, but they are baptized. When the inmate is released I’m sure they can be re-baptized being immersed in holy water.
As for transporting inmates. I thought they had to have a guard with them at all times. Once they are released from jail then they don’t need to have a guard. Something there isn’t quit right or I didn’t interpret what was said right. I do know to go to a funeral that the inmates have to be taken in the custody of guards.
The jail here is no where close to a state prison. The state inmates that are coming here are getting close to release. (or that was how it was to be going, I have no way of knowing if that is how it is going) At the same time these state inmates are losing the privileges that they earned at state and programs that they would have or where in by coming here.
As for Mr. Mussleman, you say you have been with the prison system for years, but at the same time you went to the commissioner’s meetings with your complaints about state inmates pay. How could you not know there were Prison Board Meetings. Are they right is it for drama……
Wondering you are right when doors are locked and security seems to be an issue. There is something there not right, after all it was stated that 1995/96 there have been no escapes from the jail. As for issues with the jail they have been there. Is it the people that work there or the inmates, that’s a whole other issue. Security is a concern at all state correctional places. To much security with out cause becomes more of a concern as to why.
As Mr Crawford stated our Constitutional Rights. When all else goes wrong go back to those rights. This was when a country was starting and wanted to survive. Not to one that is destroying it’s self. As for Hitler & Stalin it is said to be that spirit that will create World War III.
#31 by CAMERAMAN on May 22, 2010 - 8:27 pm
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attorney crawford i have no problem with real preacher’s talking to inmates, i should not have to explain this all over again, do you not know how to read past comments ? read my past comments, could it be that the all mighty attorney crawford dont know even half of what he thinks he knows about a county he dont live in !
attorney crawford here is some free advice, you come to bedford county and you try your cases then you go back to pittsburgh where you live. you know nothing about our everyday lives that we live in
dont come on this site playing your ” tommy law ” you might get told ” to tell your story walking “
#32 by Thomas A. Crawford, Jr. on May 22, 2010 - 8:09 pm
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I am pleased that the cameraman will sleep better an night because I believe that Mr. Musselman and Deputy Warden Walsh are persons of good will. With the exception of Ms Bambling, whom I have met but do not really know, what is it that so angers you about persons sympathetic to those less fortunate than yourselves. Is it evil to you that someone wants to permit prisoners to see pastors and attorneys? Do you not realize that all citizens have the right to practice their religion and to seek counsel when charged with crimes? These rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, 1st and 6th amendments. Most of the prisoners are not convicts but are awaiting trial or appeals. Hitler and Stalin would surely find comfort in your comments. Do you not have a good Christian love for your fellow humans? Do you really want to deprive them of such basic and harmless rights? Is that the kind of society in which you wish to live?
#33 by CAMERAMAN on May 22, 2010 - 7:01 pm
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well thank you attorney thomas crawford from pittsburgh i believe i can now sleep better at night just knowing that you think mussleman is an upstanding person. what would we ever do without your part time knowledge of what really goes on in this county.
#34 by Sheila Bambling on May 22, 2010 - 6:50 pm
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RGK: Are you for real? ” Thank you to Bill for standing up and voicing what was right and finally getting a handle on, along with our warden, this visitation stuff at the jail.” Has there ever been a question about whether he enjoys “grandstanding” ?
We need a massive amount of change in Bedford County, I will be the first to agree. And I also feel that jail is not, and should not be a trip to the “day spa”. Since you seem to be passing judgement, and handing out “kudos” I ask you this; exactly what should we do with a lying, sneaking, cheating, elected official. I was told that “elected officials” are above reproach. Any suggestions?
#35 by Thomas A. Crawford, Jr. on May 22, 2010 - 6:44 pm
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For a number of years I have delt with both Mr. Mussleman and Deputy Warden Welsh. Although I have no role in the administration of the jail, I have found both to be fine, conscientious and trustworthy individuals who have some feeling of sympathy with the downtrodden.
#36 by CAMERAMAN on May 22, 2010 - 4:02 pm
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the only complaint i have of her is that she allowed mussleman who is not a real preacher to meet with inmates when ever he liked, she gave him access to rooms he should not have been allowed to to meet with inmates. we have received many complaints about mussleman at the jail. she allowed this, the other wardens must have been on board with it too for her to even let it happen, this new warden seen through all the jailhouse bs and put an end to this county hillybilly jail.
mussleman is another story this guy is a joke, he is a member of the taxpayers assoc, he has taken a swing at me for trying to record a patriots meeting, this guy is far from being a preacher man, he is not a real one he just pretends to be, we got complaints from ex inmates accusing him of trying to swindle things from them while they are locked up. he tells them he will take care of things then trys keeping the things he is holding for inmates. we have been working his story for a while and it is not very good the more we dig, the more we find.
i talked to her about our reports 2 months ago, and she did not want to hear it, i asked for his licence that he is a preacher she said she had something on file but would not get me a copy, she had no concerns about what i told her. in one ear and out the other. so i handed my finding to someone who would listen a little closer
#37 by Sheila Bambling on May 22, 2010 - 3:46 pm
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I am not saying that I think any one single person should have “run” of the jail. As for Mr. Musselman, I don’t know him. I do know people that he has helped through the years and they seem to think highly of him; (that is their opinion, as I do not know him, I cannot confirm or deny).
I am fascinated by the fact that she (Ms. Welsh) has been allowed to run rampant for so long. Thinking in terms of YEARS, I find it hard to believe that all of the former Wardens (and yes there have been a few) have been what? Charmed?.. Confused?..Afraid? of this “power hungry man-eater of a woman”…who makes her own rules and runs her own show. Seriously, anyone who thinks she didn’t do her job well, should go apply for her position. She, like everyone else that has ever worked for the County and is no longer there, takes “one for the team” in the end. No recognition, no awards for meritorious service, no accolades, just lies,…lies, and more lies. Believe me she couldn’t have even tried to pat herself on the back for the job she did. One must always remember and never forget: You never know which direction the knife is coming from, or who is throwing it.
#38 by Sheila Bambling on May 22, 2010 - 1:28 pm
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I was shocked at the article in the Bedford Gazette in regard to the firing of Deputy Warden Pat Welsh…..It is a complete and total shame that someone such as “Pat” can be so easily removed. Note that I said “removed”, not replaced! I am not sure why I should be shocked/surprised, after what happened to me!
Shame on the Warden, the Prison Board, and the rest of the individuals, who had anything to do with her dismissal!
Further, not that it really matters, but I have included my first and last name, no initials, no alias, not a crafty screen name. I am not afraid to post this, I do not “lie” and have nothing to gain nor lose by stating my opinion. For those who believe this was a good move on the part of the Warden and Prison Board, that is your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it. I have to wonder how many of you would want to have been in Ms. Welshs’ position, since she has been employed since 1995. I highly doubt that most people would have lasted that long. Unless you are willing to make a conscious decision to be a hired puppet with no brain or opinion. I also find it interesting that had she have been an “elected official”, she would have been safe from termination, or even
being reprimanded.
As for the former Deputy Pat Welsh, I would like to be the first to welcome her to the “SITB/ATTKT” Club. For those of you who may be unaware this is the local chapter of : “Stabbed In The Back By My Boss”, “And Then The Knife Was Twisted”! Our next monthly meeting date and time will be forwarded to her!
#39 by CAMERAMAN on May 22, 2010 - 8:35 am
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that is a very good question is mussleman working or retired! for someone who preaches the word of god he sure does change his story a lot, and hangs out with people who milks the county for money pretending to be helping the taxpayers.
after the prison board meeting i confronted preacherman in the hall, and he admitted in front of his wife and jen from the gazette that is NOT ordained, but has took seminars on how to be a preacher. bottom line this guy is not the real deal so the jail should tell him to hit the bricks
#40 by RGK on May 22, 2010 - 8:21 am
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Well, well, well…… finally! Just to make my point clear, I am on no ones side just stating my own opinion. But I will say that cameraman is on spot with his comments.
Wondering I have no idea what video you were watching or maybe you only saw the parts you wanted to see and left the rest out.
You see, as it is, we find out that things were status quo at the jail, now we have someone on board that is trying to make a difference and get it back to compliance. A shaker and a mover so to speak. Someone who will make them all tow the line not just do it because this is the way it has always been. Things have been going wrong there for years and Welsh just kept getting more in power with all the Warden changes. So in the interim it seems new rules would come in place and said that that is the way we do it. Now we have someone that knows how the job should be done and checks with other jails to make sure that he is in compliance, actually doing his JOB!
I say, that what I saw and heard, is that this is a matter of security and order, not religion, or freedom of speech. These people are there for a reason not a trip to the day spa.
Warden Orr did state that he doesn’t like the fact the attorney’s or anyone else that comes in there. He feels that it should only be the employees and I tend to agree. Why can’t attorney visits be done in the visiting room on non visiting hours? Same way with these visits from the so called chaplain. If that would be something that the Warden would want to consider, no need to breech security, no confidentiality broken either.
Seems to me wondering, that all the crap you are talking about is what Warden Orr is trying to get in compliance with. These things went out the door because we make the rules as we go for so long, no one knows the last time it was done right.
This man took on a big job so now we have to let him do it. He answers to the prison board each month and initiated the fact of having a meeting monthly. HMMMM!
Mussleman’s actions at this meeting were a well rehearsed drama. His calm attitude was just a futile attempt to make the Warden look incompetent. For once it didn’t work, his actions were very condescending. He kept talking over the Warden and Bill, so I say Bill had every right to get loud and put the wannabe in his place. It was the first back bone I have seen at a meeting in a long time. The point here is, that there was only one time that a meeting may have been scheduled with the Warden stating that something had come to his attention that he had to take care of. Was there really a call back number ? My guess is, there was not. Doesn’t sound to me like Welsh passed the message to Mussleman like she should have, after all they are buddies. So what, he had to come to town anyway. Which is it, is Mussleman retired or working, guess he can’t make up his mind on that either. If he works he spends way too much time volunteering and in town, at the court house.
Bill didn’t seem to lose control. He had the floor and was talking and of course Mussleman feeling he could finish his sentence for him crossed the line. With the wrong person may I add, not only a lawyer but a DA.
So now wondering says no one can just drop what they are doing to talk to the preacher. Let’s not get too ethical on this. It isn’t just that, you can’t just pop in anytime you want, after all it is a jail,not the YMCA. It would be the same if someone did that to you or I, I personally hate when people just pop in and I have things I have to do. It puts you behind and really upsets me if I don’t get done what I set out to do.
As far as Mussleman stating that he is a licensed preacher, it seems to me I would want to see those credentials. I thought that preachers were ordained or did he do this on the internet?
Get it right wondering there was only one said meeting that Mussleman claims to have scheduled and the Warden wasn’t too sure about that one either but gave him the benefit of the doubt, that is why I said you only heard what you wanted. You have even admitted you need to listen a few times before you comment, so did you?
In closing, I liked the last of your comment. Each of us are responsible for our own actions. That is what is happening there now. The actions in the past were status quo, some have suffered and some have had personal gain because of it. I see that this man is going to try to make the difference. We need to give the Warden the respect to do his job. It will be tough at first, I am sure, but let’s get to the place where things will be fair for all. More security on the inside and out. Security for those who dwell and work there. Secure for those of us who live in the county, Warden Orr was placed there to do a job, let’s let him do it ! Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he can really get us too a good place for once !
#41 by CAMERAMAN on May 22, 2010 - 5:56 am
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well looks who is back
yes they offered miss i dont follow the rules welsh the job months ago and that is because they had no idea she was making up her own rules, some say she was doing a good job i say that is a joke, and as for higgins losing control of himself, i say he was way to easy on wannabe preacher boy. mussleman is a complete joke of a preacher he likes to bring inmate home as well as take a swing at the media..the warden has got better things to do with his time them meet with a wannabe preacherman who brings the inmates into his home. this has been a long time coming, it is a jail not a holiday inn. and as for who is there to talk to inmates, they have church on sunday. the issue here was not the inmates the issue was mussleman being able to go anywere in the jail he wanted. and why is the bedford gazette tracking down mussleman for his comments on the firing of welsh, who really cares what the wannabe preacherman has to say, he has said enough as it is, this guy is a crybaby joke !!!.
#42 by wondering on May 22, 2010 - 12:33 am
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well now lets see how this plays out, correct me if I am wrong, but not to long ago, wasn’t the deputy warden offered the job as warden? I was under the impression that the committee really thought highly of deputy warden, and was said she knew the facility as well if not better than the past warden. So what is really up a fight over religion or a fight over who has power. With all the changes being made at the facility what in three months or so looks like someone is just trying to make a name for themselves and not considering all the aspects of what will become of the value of this prison. I would be interested to know exactly who fired the deputy warden, and what led up to the firing. Was this to do with security or religion? Ya know I have no idea of what was said, but if it was only freedom of speech on the part of the deputy warden trying to keep religion on a positive road, then what is next………..I agree on a tighter secure jail with the pastors etc. But now lets see with all others such as GED teacher and the lawyers, the doctor etc. going into the facility and where they meet. Ya know NO ONE gets past the secured entrance to the facility unless approved and who has the authority to approve this? We have been a county correctional facility for how long. But seems as if the new warden wants to run it as a State Prison, if so then maybe he would like to consider the benifit of inmates having the same rights as they do in state prison, and maybe he should consider looking into who is there for the inmates to talk with, sure is not the counseling or the anger management classes, some people have been in that jail and was not able to receive the class on time as to complete their sentence by the judge so then they ship them off to camp hill or wherever.
in order to meet the judges condition of release.
And as for HIggins, he sure gets fired up quickly, there was no cause for his action of authority in his temperment. He sorta lost control of himself. Maybe he is just overwhelmed with himself. Did he not just get an award for ? MMMMMMMMM, action speaks louder than words and no one was on trial here so why in the world did Higgins need to get so uptight with Mussleman in the meeting. Besides that Higgins walks in late, whats up with that? Seems to me that was even a concern with the warden and musselman being able to get together for a meeting, no one likes to be stood up for an appointment.
Like it was said no one can just drop what they are doing and talk with the Preacher, but out of respect if the warden was not able to keep the appointment, he could have had the curosity to call and reschedule then mussleman would not have had to try to meet with him so many times. over the years the jail has been there, until recently was there a problem of the preacher or calls himself the chaplain seems like this all started to unfold on the issue of mussleman helping inmates. Ya can not hold a preacher or anyone responsible for the actions of someone else. Each of us are responsible for our own actions, so maybe even though the preacher was helping an inmate, it was still up to the inmate to do well. I do not know all the story, but someone needs to look into what is really going on behind those closed sealed doors……….
#43 by CAMERAMAN on May 21, 2010 - 6:42 pm
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well looks like another bad hit for the jailhouse preacherman, patty welsh fired for being nothing more then a joke of a deputy warden. camp mussleman is looking for volunteers. to miss welsh who did a lousy job !
tell your sad story walking !!
#44 by RGK on May 21, 2010 - 9:11 am
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Thank you for this taping of the prison board meeting. Thanks to our commissioners standing behind our newly appointed warden it was refreshing to see some backbone. Thank you to Bill for standing up and voicing what was right and finally getting a handle on, along with our warden, this visitation stuff at the jail.
Here’s a thought. If full water baptisms are a must. This thing is portable do it in the chapel. Figure out a way to get the water there and do it there. No need to have to be inside the facility per say. They are being done in the kitchen now that is a real religious atmosphere, the ambiance must be tremendous. Sounds like a Saturday night bath to me. Improve on your chapel to have water and a place to have baptisms. Since Mr. Mussleman was so adamant that he got everything donated for this place maybe they should do a fundraisers for a water systems to enable them to hold baptisms.
I just want to congratulate the prison board for standing by our warden and that changes are being made. Thank you warden for your efforts. This was part of what I meant when I shook your hand and said good luck. Stand your ground it is what this county needs to see and to have happen.
It was very good to see all your constituent on the board stand behind you also.
Good luck in all your endeavors at the facility.
Thank you prison board.
Good filming Randy
#45 by CAMERAMAN on May 21, 2010 - 6:26 am
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well it looks like the jailhouse preacher myrl mussleman finally got put in his place. no more will mussleman be able to just walk into the jail anytime he wants to have a private meeting with his pals in jail. i would like to say good job by the new warden for finally putting an end to this. mussleman should never had been able to run free at the jail in the first place