Judges dismiss all charges

Charges against Atmore News Publisher and School Board Member Sherry Digmon, Atmore News reporter Don Fletcher and school system employee Ashley Fore have been dismissed and charges against School Board Member Cindy Jackson were nol prossed on the recommendation of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.

All four were arrested and charged with revealing secret grand jury information. Digmon was also charged with an ethics violation for using her office for gain.

Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy, who presented evidence to a grand jury on Digmon, Fletcher and Jackson, that resulted in indictments and arrests, recused himself from the case and the attorney general’s office took over the prosecution. Fore was arrested, but never indicted.

Escambia County Circuit Judges Todd Stearns and Jeff White also recused themselves from hearing the cases. Retired 19th District Circuit Court Judge Ben A. Fuller was appointed to hear the cases on Digmon, Fletcher and Fore. Washington County Circuit Judge C. Robert Montgomery was assigned to Jackson’s case.

Assistant Attorney General Thomas R. Govan, Jr., filed motions in Escambia County Circuit Court asking that charges be nol prossed and dismissed in all cases.

Judge Fuller issued rulings in Digmon’s, Fletcher’s and Fore’s cases that the charges were dismissed with prejudice.

Judge Montgomery issued a motion to nol pros the charges against Jackson, which means they can be brought back up.

Cierra White, who along with her father, Earnie White, represented Digmon, Fletcher and Jackson, said she was happy with the judge’s ruling.

“I’m very happy with the results,” Miss White said. “I feel it’s the correct outcome.”

Danny White, who defended Fore, echoed those statements saying “Justice is finally served.”

Fletcher said he felt he and the others were ‘railroaded’ by Billy, but is relieved to see the matter behind him.

“I’m relieved but not as happy as I thought I would be,” Fletcher said Wednesday. “The DA brought charges with no standing and had no evidence a crime had been committed. I’d like to see some type of action taken by the DA or the sheriff to take our mugshots off the jail roster website and have our names cleared.”

Jackson said she was also thankful the charges were dropped and the issue is put to bed.

“I’m very thankful to be informed that, at the request of the Attorney General’s Office, all charges against me have now been dropped,” Jackson said. “These have been incredibly difficult months for me and my family.”

“We were confident from day one that when the truth was heard, I would be exonerated,” Jackson added. “This was indeed the case.”

“I love this community and my school district, which I have served for over 40 years,” Jackson said. “I will continue to serve both to the best of my ability. As we move forward beyond this unfortunate situation, I desire to see my record expunged of the false charges filed against me.”

“I also sincerely desire that those who are responsible for these unethical actions in this matter be held accountable.”