Trucker kidnapping - most charges dropped [girlfriend seen beating herself w/ hair dryer!]

AJC ^ | May 11, 2002 | The Associated Press

[Risky Schemer]

Most charges dropped against truck driver
accused of holding his girlfriend captive

The Associated Press

DUBLIN -- Most charges were dropped Friday against a truck driver who was accused of holding his girlfriend captive for months while they traveled in his tractor-trailer from New York to Tennessee.

	CNN "Katina" Pate obviously was beaten, but her story had holes, officials said.

Magistrate Judge Tommy Bobbitt found no probable cause existed for charges of kidnapping with bodily injury and aggravated assault against Shannon E. Jones, 26.

Ronda "Katina" Pate, 37, had accused Jones two weeks ago of holding her against her will and beating her. She said she left a string of messages scrawled on restroom walls at rest stops, pleading for help. One message was found by a janitor in Tennessee, who notified authorities.

Jones was arrested at a rest area along Interstate 16 between Macon and Savannah April 20.

But the investigation into Pate's claims indicated she might have caused her own injuries, authorities said.

Bobbitt found cause only for a simple assault, a misdemeanor, and set Jones' bond at $2,500. Immediately after the hearing, Jones' mother posted the bail.

Assistant District Attorney David Gafnea said he may drop the simple assault charge.

The woman's story began to unravel soon after Jones' arrest as witnesses started coming forward saying they saw Pate without Jones just days prior to his arrest. Jones told Bobbitt that Pate could have left him at any time.

The lead investigator, sheriff's Sgt. Gerald Frazier, said a worker at the battered women's shelter where Pate is staying told him she had witnessed Pate beating herself with a hair dryer. He also said Pate's family members told him she was prone to beating herself.

"If the people didn't catch her beating herself with a hair dryer, I might still be in jail," Jones told The Macon Telegraph.

Gafnea said the most prosecutable charge in the case is probably the one against Pate. She was charged with giving false information about her identity. She originally told deputies her name was Katina Shaddix and that she was 24.

Although she originally told investigators she had left more than 100 help messages while they traveled, But she later said it was about 30, according to Frazier. No other message was found, despite a diligent effort, he said.

"She told a story that was so unbelievable it got attention around the globe," defense attorney Ralph Jackson said. "We know she lied. Without truthfulness, our justice system would be corrupted."

Jones said he plans to try to get his truck-driving job back. His truck still is in Laurens County, where he was arrested. If his boss agrees, he planned to drive the truck back to his home in Delhi, N.Y.

Despite the remaining charge, both Jones and his mother, Wanda Jones, said they were pleased with the outcome.

"The truth finally came out," said Jones. "I'm pretty satisfied."

[Risky Schemer]

Unmentioned in the AJC account is the national media attention (and empathy) given the woman. CNN did a lengthy interview with her and the CNN desk hostess made it clear she was affected by the story and victimization of the woman.

Macon Telegraph account.

Earlier story (accusations of giving false info).

[Risky Schemer]

FYI.

[Windsong]

Gawd, its stories like this that make me fall on my very knees and thank God in Heaven that I'm single! And staying that way!

[gitmo]

The mantra of the feminists has been "Women never lie about rape and abuse!"

[Risky Schemer]

Yep. The immediate presumption, accusation, (and conclusion, it seems) is that a the man is a fiend.

It reminds me a bit of the child molestation hysteria of the mid-80s.

[Jakarta ex-pat]

When I saw the picture, I thought it was a "Lord of The Rings" thread.

[monkey]

Gafnea said the most prosecutable charge in the case is probably the one against Pate. She was charged with giving false information about her identity. She originally told deputies her name was Katina Shaddix and that she was 24.

When a man is imprisoned because of a false accusation by a woman, the woman cannot be prosecuted, because it might deter women from making false accusations in the future. However, lying to the state is no joking matter.

[StriperSniper]

I'm glad the truth came out and Jones is going to get off, but when he gets home his buddies should beat the $%!t out of him after seeing that pic!

[crystalk]

Being single is the only way to be sure one will sleep in his own bed tonight...

and the only way to be sure one will NOT be in the county jail, charged (however falsely) with domestic abuse.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

So the woman is kidnapped but the kidnapper let's her touch up her roots? I don't think so. Case closed.

[BigWaveBetty]

LOL! No roots and she had the nerve to tell deputies she's 24! Wow.

[Paul Atreides]

The mantra of the feminists has been "Women never lie about rape and abuse!"

Except Juanita Broaddrick, Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, etc. When it is against a pro-baby murdering Democrat, they have to "hear all the facts of the case" before doing nothing.

[FITZ]

What would a guy see in a woman like this in the first place though?

[SalukiLawyer]

Imagine that. The old "innocent until proven guilty" thing once again doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

[SalukiLawyer]

Being single is the only way to be sure one will sleep in his own bed tonight...

That's not the way I hear it ;-)

[RikaStrom]

She told deputies she was 24?! Oh the nerve! Yikes, what a creature.

[crystalk]

Uh, oh. My mistake. I should have added the dependent clause "IF HE SO CHOOSES."

[Risky Schemer]

So the woman is kidnapped but the kidnapper let's her touch up her roots? I don't think so. Case closed.

LOL! Brilliant! You should be on CSI. =)

[Incorrigible]

"defense attorney Ralph Jackson said... 'Without truthfulness, our justice system would be corrupted.'"

Somebody please tell this unfortunately attorney that he is living in the past.

[motherof 3]

I love the "CNN desk hostess"