Mark "Ivan" Lester and Kenneth "Kenny" Foster were released late Monday night, January 11, 2010, represented by Attorney A. Philip Lomonaco and Attorney Mike Ritter. The bond was made by A1 Bonding Company, Sandy Clark.
They were brought to the court house Monday morning to a courtroom filled with friends, family, business owners, and military in support of the two men. Judge Patricia Long lowered the bond from 3 million each, which was placed by Judge Swan on December 31, 2009, New Year's Eve.
The charges in this case are brought with anger and retaliation against the Defendants and this emotion was obviously evidenced in the high bonds. Judge Swan is a divorce court Judge. There are 8 local criminal Judges who sit on the bench and a Judicial Commissioner is on duty 24/7 to sign warrants. Sheriff J.J. "Jimmy" Jones, knowing that not one of the 8 local criminal Judges or Judicial Commissioners would sign these grossly, unreasonable bonds, as well as, the arrest and search warrants; then back doored the system and went to Judge Swan to invoke the warrants with the 3 million dollar bonds. The General Sessions Court Judges are familiar with the criminal court process and know that bonds are set to ensure the defendants appearance in court and are NOT to punish citizens accused of crimes and deliberately damage the Defendants job status and family.
Law enforcement is to protect and serve, the District Attorney is to prosecute according to the law, and the Judge is to be impartial and to protect the civil rights of the Defendant.
Prior to the bond hearing, the D.A. had agreed to drop the bond to $30K, if the Defendants waived the right to test the sufficiency of the evidence through their right to have a preliminary hearing. The Defendants would not give up their right to a preliminary hearing and therefore, the D.A. would not agree to a thirty thousand dollar bond but insisted on bonds in the hundreds of thousands. The Defendants, in effect had to pay for the right to have a preliminary hearing.
The Knox County Sheriff's Department destroyed property at both locations searched the night of December 31, 2009. They stormed the residence with military like tactics; destroying both of the dwellings. They battered doors and smashed windows. With fierce demeanor, they took everything of value, causing 10's of thousands of dollars in damage. The Knox County Sheriff's Department confiscated everything that has the Outlaw logo on it. TV's were taken, bed boards, clocks, T-shirts, jewelry; anything of "value". During the arrests and in fury, even tombstones of lost brothers were dug up and taken from the yard. They pointed automatic assault rifles at everyone, while throwing them to the floor, saying, "Happy New Year!" When all was said and done the search revealed sandwiches and vegetable trays!
Everyone at the party was detained by zip ties behind their back and placed outside in the freezing sleet and rain. No one was a felon. All weapons taken were from legal gun carrying permit holders. Mark Lester and Kenny Foster have been part of this community for over 30 years.
Mark Lester is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Outlaws Motorcycle Club Incorporated. Incorporated in 2007,in the state of Delaware; with Trademarks through the United States Government, each Charter is its own entity. The logo "Outlaws with the Skull and Crosspistons" is one of the Trademarks owned by the Outlaws Motorcycle Club Inc., United States of America. Logoed items can only be issued by the Board of Directors.
It is about time that the citizens/voters of Knox County look at how an elected official like Sheriff J.J. "Jimmy" Jones can use his personal hatred and discrimination towards one person, group, club or organization at the expense of the tax payers. While there are questions of established rules violations, there is also Corporate rights laws which include 'The Right To Assemble", the Right to Privacy, "Trademark Infringement"; also including "Search and Seizure" and "False Arrest.
There are law suits pending. All charges should be dismissed and all belongings returned. The arrests and searches were unwarranted. We would like to thank all friends, neighbors, family, the troops from the 230, and everyone else in the community for their support. You may send donations to:
