" This is the stuff that needs to be heard. People can complain all they want about Walsh, but I bet he's never threatened anyone with a tazer has he?

Just think how embarrassing it would be if Theilen was elected and then used his new found power to benefit himself. I know it would happen.

I've seen several businesses in town with his signs up. I will never use any of those businesses again.

Whether all these things with him come out prior to the election or after, all you Theilen supporters will be hiding your faces in shame. "

" The public has a right to know about a candidate's background, so they can make informed choices when voting. On a national level exposure of a candidate's behavior is crucial to knowing what they stand for and how qualified they are to be in office. By the same token, local candidates should also be subjected to the same scrutiny. In the real estate community, it is well known that Mr. Ben Theilen threatend to " taser" anyone who ventured onto his property, when he burst into McLeod realty in the spring of 2997. The property was ordered to be sold by a district court judge as a result of a marriage dissolution. Now, if this person refuses to obey a court order, what would he be like when in the position of sheriff? Do we really want someone like this in such a powerful position? Threats and intimidatiion when he doesn't get his own way? Maybe John Walsh is not the perfect sheriff, but I don't remember him ever abusing the power entrusted to him by the community. "

" I do not endorse either candidate. However, I believe discussing Mr. Theilen's job is just an attempt to get away from having Sheriff Walsh discuss his plans to reduce crime in our community. These men are both running for Sheriff and I bet most people in this community cannot name one way in which either of them plans to address the serious issues facing us. Neither one of them appear to have a cogent plan to address the serious problems Butte has--and that is the scariest thing. Sheriff Walsh has been in control for how many years and what, exactly, has he done? "

" blogger,

I can assure you that I am not ButteBadBoy. The information that I am aware of is all available as a matter of public record. I choose to base my opinions by doing my own research and come to my own conclusions.

I will tell you something pretty ironic though - publicly stating this will probably expose my identity though, but only to those who know my circumstances.

I am actually a Butte native, whose family has been devastated by the murder of one of my parents in the distant past. I found out early on that we as citizens need to hold accountable those who faulted. As stated in my other posts - A few years ago I again became a victim of a serious crime after some people broke into our house and mistakenly beat my mother and I - again, the criminals were caught - and again - nothing was done. The ironic part of this story, is that one of the criminals was released from jail on their own reconnaissance (Good Ol Boy's kid) - I caught up with him and beat him from an inch of his life... I was arrested and actually utilized Thielen's services to get my dumb self out of jail. The screwy thing about this episode is that I was actually sentenced to more time then the person who murdered my father! I am thinking that if I had a different last name, or had a family member who was connected, I probably would not have spent a single day.

I know I broke the law, and for that I accepted the responsibility. It was wrong. But I gotta tell ya, when you are low on reserves(officers) and ammo (judges and district attorneys) - you do desperate things to survive. I have come to the realization that if I had to do it all over again, it wouldnt be WHAT I know now as much of WHO I know now that would render my decision acceptable to some.

I certainly do not have an ax to grind with our local PD officers - it is the leadership of the PD that has failed my family, my community, and my faith in their judgments.

You now know why it wouldn't be in my best interest to sign my name to my posts, however - I am sure that there will be many people digging up old reports to find me... "

" rumrunner -

The only shot that I perceived to be thrown by Mr. Holland was where the accusation he made that Mr. Thielen is solely responsible for letting these Meth Heads out of Jail.
Granted, Thielen did provide services to the accused - but it was the responsibility of the judicial system to ensure the public's safety not Thielen's. If the courts would crack down on sentencing, many of these individuals would not be in and out of the systems, they would simply be in. If Thielen was not a Bail Bondsman, the Meth Heads would have been released anyway either through another Bondsman or securing bond through the court.

As for Thielen's Platform on Meth: As stated in my other posts, I am thinking that he has seen the carnage that meth produces, and I feel strongly that he has a plan to reduce it in Butte. We as citizens see how this epidemic has impacted our way of life, and have seen how "run-down" our police force is. I am sure it is overwhelming to the force to constantly deal with these types of issues. But these issues have been ignored for the most part - either directly or indirectly by the Sheriff's office. I do not know the statistics, but I can guess that the majority of crime in Butte is Meth related. And when you report these crimes, and nothing is done about them, then it is the Sheriff's responsibility to answer for those miscarriages and it is the Sheriff who shows tolerance.

Time and time again, you hear of people's property being stolen, yet nothing seems to be done about it. You are told to fill out your own report and pay for it mind you. If clear evidence is brought forth that could aid in an investigation, you are told that it is a drain on police resources. It makes it easier in my opinion, for the Sheriff to turn cheek to many of these issues. This shows me that unless the dealer is standing on the Sheriff's doorstep with a syringe in one hand and a signed confession in the other, that nothing is going to be done - unless it is an election year, then you see Walsh get busy.

I appreciate all opinions in these blogs, and have had my opinion changed due to other's in the past. But we cannot move forward with false claims being made to spin the voter from one side to another - I am just pointing out my observations and opinions, and my biggest opinion in regards to the Sheriff's position is that it requires year round commitment, not just when it is convenient or when the public has had enough "

" Ben's army is out in force. I like how there is now the misdirection from true butte. I like what you brought out with the courts and the sentences, but this was simply about his platform on meth. I didn't think there was any shots thrown by Holland in this article. It was to the point. It seems like some may not want him to have a say in the matter, but he's a citizen/voter as well as the rest of us. I like the fact that he has the balls to say what he thinks. I don't see anyone else putting their real names to anything.

Frank is coming out of the woodwork for Ben too. Frank uses the "pickle smoocher/ get off the leg" line on a weekly basis. Why not write under your real name Frank? No balls?

Are you smoochin pickles for Ben? get off his leg... "

" WOW!
I think someone struck a nerve! Although I don't think Walsh is the greatest, I have to say that he is 10X the man Theilen is.

TrueButte (or shall I call you ButteBadBoy)? You seem to have an aweful lot of insider information. Are you the insider that will be Ben's undersheriff?

Spidey33, give me a break. You were never a ball of fire either. I remember playing softball with you while you were on duty with the PD (an 8 hour tourney...remember? Maybe Walsh told you not to do that anymore. Aren't you the pot calling the kettle black...

Did you retire or resign? I'm curious??? "

" Mr. Holland -

Please do not think I am casting blame or throwing stones at you or the department.
I really do appreciate your service to our community. I know of your dedication and exemplary service, and have seen and read about your dedication to battle this Meth thing.

I am furious that people such as yourself are out on the street working your butts off to maintain order and safety, while the criminal is not deterred because they know the risk and are willing to accept the penalties which more times then not are embarrassing to say the least.

I am hoping that if anything good will come out of this, it is that Sheriff Walsh will see that the citizens of Butte are tired of his current policies. We are sick and tired of our tax dollars being spent on circus trials that allow the criminals to go free because the County Attorney fails to perform, or is so overwhelmed by the amount of cases that they push them through the system just to move on. Our Police Officers safety are put at risk over and over again for the same damn things with the same damn criminals. Our citizens and properties are experiencing the same exposure.

It seems to me that the only time Walsh gets busy is around election time. This is also the case with many more of our elected officials. Maybe Thielen isnt the best candidate, but I feel that at least if he does get into office, he will try his best to prove to his community that he is at least working. He will know that all of our eyes are on him, and he will strive to accomplish his main goals.

Think about this for a moment, if Thielen really doesnt care for Butte, and he really is making gobs and gobs of money as a bondsman, why would he give up such a lucrative and prosperous job for such a thankless one that doesnt pay as well? I really believe that he does care, that he does see the ugliness that Meth produces, and hopefully feels that he can make a change for the better. At the very least he understands the mentality of these Dealers and Users I do not know of too many people who can claim that on their resumes. Walsh is only a small part of a larger problem within our system. I hope you can respect my opinion as I respect yours. "

" suzieq,

I can truly appreciate your passions in regards to this election, but I gotta tell ya, making malicious statements about filing false worker's comp claims by Thielen (expressly stated or implied) could hold you libel.

Silverbow County allows legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against groundless criticism. Related to defamation is public disclosure of private facts which arises where one person reveals information which is not of public concern, and the release of which would offend a reasonable person.

Unless you could prove that this was actually a "false claim" I would refrain from these types of attacks.

We are all entitled to our opinions, but let's be careful not to be disambiguous and stick to the facts. "

" George Holland -

I am curious, Presently, you are President of the Butte Police Protective Association are you not?

I can see where your loyalty comes from - That position carries such weight with other officers in your department.

I recall way back in 2005 when Ofc. Dan Murphy was President of the BPPA... Mr. Murphy was an outspoken critic of Sheriff Walsh, and went as far with conferring with several other union representatives to come to the conclusion that "In general, we are unhappy with his (Sheriff Walsh's) performance, and we do not feel he has done a good job,".

To satisfy my curiousity, I wonder if anyone could tell me what Mr. Murphy is doing now that Mr. Holland is seated in this position.

I am wondering if Mr. Murphy still feels the same way in 2008 that he felt back in 2005? I am wondering what types of pressures he was faced with for making the statements he did about Walsh.... "

" Spidey33,

I cannot agree with you more. A lot more change is needed at all levels of our local Government. We need a hard punching leader driving our Police Department in the right direction.

We need County Attorney's to be held accountable for the "Tickle me Elmo" plea-bargains that they offer and accept, and we also need to hold the Judges accountable for allowing these rediculous sentencings to even be considered. They need to get tougher on these crimes and criminals. Only then will we start seeing progress within Silverbow County. "

" George. If you put half as much effort into identifying the perpertrators of all these thefts and valdalisms around town as you do into trying to identify anonymous posters on these threads I guarntee the community would be more behind you.
Fact is, whoever the people elect to the position is your boss. Whether you like it or not, whether he has had officer training or not.
I think Ben has more negatives than good points, and that will keep him out of the office. But I love to see the feelings that are floating to the top as a result of Ben's stirring of the pot.
I hope some good can come out of all these negative feelings. Perhaps Walsh will see the error of his ways and change. "

" Mr. Holland -

[ The man he has bonded out 11 times IS a known meth head/dealer. As far as why he keeps reoffending is immaterial, we as officers will continue to place him back where he belongs (in jail). ]

You as officers will continue to place him back in jail because it is your JOB to do so.
The Dealer will continue to have his constitutional right to a fair trial and allowed to bond because it is their CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
Theilen will continue to bail him out because it is his JOB to do so.
The Defense Attorney will represent the Dealer because that is their jobs (like it or not) and
The County Attorney will continue to plea-bargain, and the Judges will continue to give suspended sentences or deferred sentences because it is their JOB? That part does not sound right to me...

Of course this is a material debate, as you stated, he was bonded out 11 times by Thielen. I don't like that he was able to bond out 11 times - why was his bond allowed at all if he has such a history of dealing? Who sets these bond amounts?

It seems to me, the people who you continue to put in jail over and over again are actually giving you job security. Certainly, if these offenders were locked up and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law as they should be, crime would eventually slow down and you all could take it easier and focus on other community threats and programs to help deter further crimes from happening.

Again, I respect and appreciate what you do for a living - you work hard doing what you do. This is your right as an American.
I may not respect what Thielen does for a living, but it his right, just as it is the right of a Defense attorney to get scum bag a lighter sentence when they know the client is guilty.
I am just saying that the Judge and County Attorney's offices need to be held accountable for their jobs.

They need to stop accepting/recommending plea-bargains and let the Jury (Our Citizens) decide what to do with the convicted offenders. Give that right back to us.

Let's face it, the only reason Walsh became Sheriff in the first place is because the Council of Commissioners first pick for interim Sheriff resigned and Butte was stuck with Walsh. Granted he won other elections over Butorich, Sever & Driscoll later on, but initially we got him because we were in a bind, and felt he could "GROW" into the position. Walsh's past few years of service are questionable at best.

I can assure you Mr. Holland that I am not a former or current member of your department. Quite the contrary actually, I attended the Silverbow School of "Hard Knocks", and have actually been in trouble for having to take the law into my own hands on several occasions due to the lack of Judicial Support. I know, I know, Vigilantism is not what I m condoning, but when you are left to fill out your own police reports, investigate your own cases, use your own money to retrieve what has been impounded, follow up with the court system just to find that the person is free with no conditions, I strongly feel that good old fashioned justice (butt kicking) is in order. Maybe then, the criminal will think twice before sticking their hand into my cookie jar.

At least Thielen knows where who these scumbags are, where they are at, how they work and behave, and who their associates in society are. And think about it, if Thielen is elected, it would be ONE less bail bondsman left in town - better for your department - better for my community! This is a great asset then I can say Walsh cannot contend.

Let me stress to you Mr. Holland, I have the upmost respect for you and your fellow officers. I just cannot stand to see more of the same Do Nothing Leadership that has tarnished your departments reputation and have hindered your departments abilities to function as one should.

These are my personal opinions that I stand by as-well.

Thank you again for your service to our community, God Speed and stay safe out there! "

" Although people are tired of John Walsh and his administrative policies, just wait to see what would happen if Ben Thielen became sheriff. Yes, he claims 20 year management experience. Who has ever questioned him about that? He is not truthful about anything, so how could we trust him in the highest law enforcement position? He did work as a butcher and for Whalen tire, but claimed to have hurt his back and filed for Workman's comp. If he could not perform his 8-5 desk job as sheriff, would he again file a false claim and then go on disability, leaving the department without supervision? I cannot think of a worse candidate than Ben Thielen. There are too many questionables about his character, his motives for wanting to be sheriff (the power maybe) his honesty and integrity, his domestic abuse history, threatening and intimidating behavior, etc. etc. John Walsh is twice the person of moral character and integrity, and I hope people look at the comparisons between the two individuals before casting their votes. Ben Thielen is out for himself and has ulterior motives for wanting to become the next sheriff. Do not be fooled by this man's false claims of zero tolerance for meth when he makes big bucks off the drug community and his other false claims that make people believe that he is a "good man for the job". "

" Hal - I don't know that Theelin can do the job or not. I only know that Walsh won't. "

" packers1968: Isnt that kind of like the DUMB kid in school? You know, the RETARD that just cant seem to make it thru on his own ability, so they just keep moving him up a grade, untill finally he's at the top?
I guess knob gobbling and pickle smooching these days "IS" considered HARD WORK!!! Kissie Kissie~~~Smooch Smooch !!! "

" TrueButte,

You are missing the point. Ben Theilens campaign slogan is Zero Tolerance for Meth. Im attempting to show that he has some tolerance for meth. The man he has bonded out 11 times IS a known meth head/dealer. As far as why he keeps reoffending is immaterial, we as officers will continue to place him back where he belongs (in jail). I simply used that man (one of many) as an example, because Mr Theilen must have some tolerance for meth by continuing to bond meth heads out. Most of these people do not have jobs or they have seasonal work that doesnt pay well, yet they can come up with $10,000 cash at the blink of an eye. I have a stable job and have had it for going on 12 years. I know that I couldnt come up with $10,000 cash for any reason. Who could?

I do get frustrated when time and time again, these people reoffend. I know that everyone works hard to make this a safer community, however, dont you find it laughable that a man who has made his living (and lots of money) bonding out meth heads and dealers is running for sheriff on a zero tolerance for meth platform? I not only find it funny, but I find it obscene!

This is a man who has made a living out of getting people out of jail, while I make mine putting people in jail.

A new officer has to take a written test, a physical fitness abilities test, a medical exam, psychological exam, and a criminal background check just to be able to attend the academy. They then have to go to the academy and take weekly tests regarding Montana State Statutes as well as Constitutional Law. These academy cadets also train in practical exercises where they have to role play and make arrests.

If the cadet passes the academy, he or she has to goes through the process again and hopes to get a job somewhere. If that cadet gets a job, they have to go through 14 weeks training with an FTO (Field Training Officer). If the New officer passes FTO, they are then on probation for one year. The probationary officer is then able to do the job themselves; however they (depending on the individual) are not able to be at a high comfort level of doing the job for a couple years (worth their salt).

From the first test to being able to have that comfort level is a process that can take 2 to 4 years (again depending on the individuals), yet Mr. Theilen is going to come in and be the TOP COP with absolutely no experience? That is insulting to me and anyone else who has done this job. He also claims to have 20 years management experience. Managing who or what? Hes been a bondsman for 12 years. Who has he managed?

Lets not just focus on the meth heads (although this is about his platform of zero tolerance). I have arrested several sex offenders over my career that Mr. Theilen has bonded out, one of which took off and reoffended in another state. Were any other kids victimized while this guy was on the run? Only time will tell.

I have an idea who you are TrueButte, and I dont think I need to explain any of this to you. I believe that you are a disgruntled employee within this department who doesnt have the stones to put your real name on Theilens bandwagon.

I respect the fact that people may not agree with me, but at least I do have the stones to place my feeling about this election out there and sign my name.

I didnt take an oath for John Walsh or Ben Theilen. I took an oath to uphold the laws of Butte Silver Bow and the state of Montana. I took an oath to protect and serve. I feel that it would be a dereliction of my duty NOT to let the citizens to know how I feel about this election.

Next time use your own name officer

To the rest of the readers out there that dont have an ax to grind, these are my opinions and I sign my name to them. Im not going to get into a battle of words with people who are angry with a member or members of this department and refuse to use your own name. I spoke my piece and stand by every word. "

" What happened to good ole hard work to get ahead. I guess the only way to move up in the police department is to be a pickle smoocher. Get off the leg and put on more chap stick!!!!!!!!! "

" I don't know what kind of law enforcement administration experience Theelin has. Wasn't he a butcher and then a bail processor? Bail bonds are a form of insurance so I guess he's an insurance salesman of sorts with a captive customer. Most agree that Walsh and the current crew aren't the best or most professional in Montana law enforcement. With Walsh at least we know what to expect. Other than rubbing elbows with criminals and filling out paperwork for insurance, what does Theelin know about law enforcement administration? What has Theelin done to gain the respect and trust of the community for this important job? How do we know this Theelin can do the job? "

" This one is really a choice of "bad" and "even worse" candidates.

But, we have no real choices. It is unfortunate (as with the story about all the car thefts) that real crime is given no "weight." It seems silly to see 5 cops out on beat for one smaller incident, and yet we can't solve a lot of the crimes because they're not "important." Needs to change. Too bad it doesn't mean "more" to people who are running for re-election "

" george holland

i too feel that the fault does not fall on ben theilen but to the court systems.mr.theilen is doing his job as a bail bondsman and everyone who has a bail has the right to post bond. i feel that what office holland stated and the experince that he proclaims to have should know the ins and outs of the bond/bail procedure.and i feel that this is a direct and personal attack against mr. theilen.as politics go in this community as well as other communities,people will always say good things or bad things depending on who they are voting for.let the past two terms of walsh speak for themselves. what has he done? actually not much.he has never been a hard charger when it came to the drug investigations.more the reactive not proactive approach.officer holland should get his facts straight before he makes another attempt to attack a candidate. "

" Existing members of law enforcement have a vested interest in supporting Walsh - as long as he is in charge they don't have to get off their butts and investigate anything. It will be business as usual. So Det. Holland's endorcement is of no interest to me. George, you will work for whoever the people elect. Whether you like it or not.
Theilan doesn't have a chance of winning the election but it amazing to see the fear he is arousing in the force. "

" Do you really want to read something sickening and frightening? The examples below show how many dangerous drug dealers are given SUSPENDED or DEFERRED sentences... do your own research, these took me about 5 minutes to find using the query DEFERRED SENTENCE in the mtstandard archives:
http://www.mtstandard.com/shared-content/search/index.php?search=go&l=20&s=recent&r=&d1=01-1-2000&d2=today&q=DEFERRED+sentence&o=20

YOU TELL ME, ... WHO IS LETTING THESE PEOPLE RUN THE STREET?

EXAMPLE 1:
Corey Hayes, 28, was given a five-year SUSPENDED sentence Thursday for felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Hayes was arrested in June 2007 after police say they found him with methamphetamine near Cobban and Monroe, according to court papers. Judge Newman DISMISSED Hayes misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.


EXAMPLE 2:
Ruben Burch, 33, of Butte pleaded guilty Friday to criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Judge Kurt Krueger gave Burch a two-year DEFERRED sentence and a $250 fine. He was arrested in May after police found him at 27 E. Gagnon St. with a Baggie of methamphetamine.



EXAMPLE 3:
Tracy Pierce, 36, received a deferred sentence Thursday for pleading guilty to three counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.
Judge Brad Newman sentenced Pierce to three 18-month DEFERRED sentences on ALL the charges. This means Pierce can avoid jail by not violating probation. Pierce is accused of selling morphine to an informant on three occasions last summer.

EXAMPLE 4:
William F. Schroeder, 25, 300 Chipmunk Way, pleaded guilty and was given a six-month deferred sentence to a charge of possession of dangerous drugs. He was arrested in January in Uptown Butte on a felony warrant for possession of drugs with intent to sell. Judge Newman also fined him $100.


EXAMPLE 5:
Kevin Snow, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. He was arrested April 13, 2007, on Grand Avenue with marijuana. Judge Brad Newman sentenced Snow to a six-month suspended sentence and fined him $500.


EXAMPLE 6:
Norah Surber, 45, of 2118 Silver Bow Blvd., pleaded no contest Thursday to a felony charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Judge Newman gave her a 15-month deferred sentence. She was arrested on July 26, 2007, with Klonopin, a drug similar to Valium. "

" George Holland -
I respect yours and BSBPD's efforts, but the real issue you are either not seeing or refuse to acknowledge is that the County Attorneys and Judges are the one's who continue to put these people back on the street TIME and TIME again.

How many times did your department arrest the one individual? 13 times? How many times did he go to court? 13? What was the outcome every time?

If the Prosecutor in the case did their job, this person should have been locked-up long before his 13th arrest!

If it isn't the County Attorney dropping the ball, then it is the Judge who proceeds over the case that does.

I have read many times in the mtstandard of people who are arrested several times for doing the same things over and over again, just to have the judge give them a little tickle and a suspended sentence. You read the "On The Books" section and it seems to be the same names again and again and again.

I have also read where a person is arrested, charged, and sentenced to 90 days or so, yet I will read their names in the paper for another crime they commit a month later! I thought they were locked up for 90 days, yet they are out walking the streets of Butte (I have personally seen these people out on the streets)

This should outrage you and your department more than anyone! It appears to me that your work is in vain if the proven guilty are continually let free after trial...

What a shame it is that the blame for this is being put on Thielen, when it is proven THOUSANDS of times over that it is a lack of duty in the court house that is the real culprit.

It is actually ironic, that the only process that seems to work in Butte's judicial system is the rights of the accused to bond out prior to a TRIAL.

For you to attempt to put blame on Theilen for the dereliction of duty within Silverbow County's Judicial system is appalling to me.

The citizens of Butte deserve better then this. I expected more from someone in your position. "