Jury set to get case of former director

January 28, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

A jury is expected to begin deliberations today in the trial of a former director of local women’s shelter charged with filing an improper reimbursement request for victims services.
Rebecca Lee-Grigg, the former director of MEG’s House, is accused of illegally filing a reimbursement request for $189 for victims services with SCVAN. The expenses stem from a 2003 effort by the shelter to protect a victim of domestic violence by changing her identity, and then later relocating her out of the state.
The Greenwood Police Department loaned MEG’s House a car, driver and other assistance to help in the relocation, but was unable to offer direct financial support for an accompanying victims advocate.
When the trip was complete, Lee-Grigg asked for federal funds from SCVAN to reimburse her for the cost of the trip, even though the city had paid for many of the expenses.
Lee-Grigg says she filed for the request on the advice of Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks, and considered it an “in-kind” donation from the city.
“I never had any intention of doing anything to defraud anyone,” she said during testimony Thursday. “I would apply directly (for reimbursement) rather than have him apply and present me a check.”
Lee-Grigg altered some of the receipts as a means to mask the identity of those involved with the trip, specifically the city’s Victim Services Coordinator Beth Pendley. She folded receipts to hide Pendley’s name before faxing them to SCVAN, and in one case used liquid paper to cover a name.
“I didn’t want anyone to be inadvertently questioning Beth Pendley about the transfer,” Lee-Grigg said. “The abuser could have conceivably called Beth and said he was with SCVAN. We were dealing with an extremely dangerous man.”
Consequently, the receipts filed with SCVAN contained no names, and few addresses or specific locations pertaining to the trip.
MEG’s House board members later received individual letters and documentation from SCVAN CEO Veronica Swain accusing Lee-Grigg of fraud.
Karen Crook, former chairman of the MEG’s House board of directors, testified that Brooks and Lee-Grigg told her that no crime had been committed.
“I asked them if there was anything in this letter that I needed to be worried about, and they both said ‘no,’” Crook said.
“I believed it was totally a misunderstanding,” said A.J. Welch, former Ware Shoals police chief.
Jeanie Shenal, a former case manager for MEG’s House, said she was concerned that the documentation revealed many details about the victim that Lee-Grigg had worked to keep confidential.
“It put our victim at great risk when people knew the state she moved to,” Shenal said. “We were concerned because he had no problem finding her before.”
Lee-Grigg lost her job last year when funding for her position was eliminated.
“I felt like it was a calling, the job I was waiting for all my life,” she said through tears. “It was my life.”

Wallace McBride covers Greenwood and general assignments in the Lakelands. He can be reached at 223-1812, or: wmcbride@indexjournal.com

Relying on senior leadership

Johnson, Evans and Griffin carrying Vikes

January 28, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

After several years of standing in the background, Fred Johnson, D.L. Griffin and Aaron Evans have embraced new roles.
The three seniors on the Emerald High School boys basketball team — with almost 10 years of varsity experience between them — are now the leaders for the Vikings.
And nothing makes them fully grasp their responsibilities more than when the trio takes the center circle for the captains’ meeting with the officials before a game.
“That’s when it hits me,” Griffin said. “I feel like ‘we have to lead them. We have to do what we can to make everybody better.’ ”
Johnson agreed.
“When we go out to mid-court, it put things in perspective,” he said. “You look at your team and you know you’re the ones who have to go out there and lead the team. And the three of us can do that.”
The three seniors have guided the defending Region III-Aa champion Vikings to a 12-6 overall record and a share of the first-place lead in region with Newberry. After the first round of region play, Emerald and the Bulldogs are 4-1.
The Vikings begin the second phase of region play tonight at home against Batesburg-Leesville (14-4, 3-2), following the girls game, which tips at 6 p.m.
Last season, Johnson, Griffin and Evans had an ideal leadership role model in Harry Phelps.
The 5-foot-6, three-year starter at point guard was first-team All-Lakelands and the Region III-AA player of the year last season.
More importantly, he wasn’t afraid to tell is bigger, taller teammates what to do.
“Harry would always let us know where we needed to be and what we were doing wrong,” said Evans, the Vikings’ 6-5 center. “He wasn’t afraid to take charge.”
Unlike Evans, Griffin got to spend almost three seasons playing alongside Phelps after he moved from the jayvee team to varsity in the middle of his freshman season.
“Harry was the senior. He was the captain. He took over when we needed it,” Griffin said. “Now, it’s up to the three of us to step up each game.”
After being the third or fourth scoring option for the team last season, Griffin has emerged as Emerald’s leading scorer this year, averaging 17 points a game. He also leads the team in 3-pointers (31) and is second free-throw shooting (73 percent), assists (48) and steals (43).
It was Johnson that drew the unenviable task of filling the position left by Phelps. Johnson got his start on the Vikings’ varsity team as a freshman, however he was playing behind the likes of Isaiah Deal, Quintin Butler and Joe Woolridge.
Now Johnson is using the lessons he learned in his first season to help his younger teammates.
“When I was a freshman, I had a lot of good players in front of me,” he said. “Since I had them on the court, I felt like I didn’t have to do much. I felt like I shouldn’t take any shots, because it was they’re team.”
“Now, there are guys on this team that I have to constantly tell them to shoot, because I knew what it was like.”
Johnson played only four games as a sophomore after tearing the MCL, ACL and part of his meniscus in his knee during a football jamboree. He was one of the team’s leading scorers as the shooting guard last year, but his point production has dropped since becoming the floor leader. However, he has found other ways to guide his team.
The senior is averaging 10 points, six rebounds and a team-high five assists a game, and leads the team with 48 steals and 11 drawn charges.
“At point guard, you have more responsibility. It’s not just about scoring,” Johnson said. “I tell them all, even the seniors, what I expect out of them. I know what they expect out of me.
“As far as it goes, I don’t mind being a leader.”
While Johnson has the most varsity experience on the Vikings, Evans is the most junior of the three starters. The 6-5 center is only in his second season with the varsity team, after spending two years playing jayvee.
But Evans’ four years in the Emerald basketball program are his only four years in organized basketball. Through his elementary and middle school years, Evans opted for the pigskin over the round ball.
But heading into his freshman year at 6-2, he chose to tryout for the jayvee basketball team. “I was scared in my ninth-grade year that I wouldn’t make the team,” he said. “I played at the playground as a kid, but I never played organized basketball. I had to learn a lot my first year. I could move pretty good with the team, but I’m still learning.”
Evans hasn’t had the start to his final season as a Viking that he may have hoped. The center is just under the double-digit double-double last year landed him on the All-Lakelands team, averaging nine points and eight rebounds to go along with 60 blocks.

Opinion

Observations ... and other reflections

January 28, 2005

Things have changed in Washington ….. for the worse.
Once upon a time lawmakers who questioned presidential nominees for various offices did it with courtesy. That, obviously, no longer applies.
Democrat Senators, especially Ted Kennedy, Robert Byrd, Barbara Boxer and Mark Dayton, were particularly vicious in the hearings on Condoleezza Rice’s nomination to be secretary of state. That wasn’t enough, though. They used the hearings to lambaste President Bush’s policies instead of examining Rice.
But, then, as they say, what goes around, comes around. That’s what’s worrisome.

* * * * *

It wasn’t fair to now Secretary of State Rice to ridicule her and impugn her integrity ….. and certainly to call her a liar.
That’s particularly onerous when it has been pretty clear that Rice was not the real target. That was President Bush.
The motivation was nothing less than dislike for Bush ….. hatred really, seemingly because he won both times he ran. And that kind of hostility helps nobody.
There’s another thing, too. The whole Bush-hating deal also involves opposing philosophies. Bush sees less government as beneficial. Democratic leaders champion big government.
When you look around, that’s a battle also being waged in South Carolina government.

* * * * *

President Bush has taken his lumps for emphasizing in his inaugural address that “spreading freedom” around the world will be central to his second term in the White House.
Why not emphasize “spreading” freedom. Terrorists have been “spreading” terror around the world. It’s time the world said enough is enough, and did something about it.
And, by the way, wasn’t standing up for liberty something envisioned when the United Nations was formed? What happened?

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Fred Douglas Aiken

WARE SHOALS — Fred Douglas Aiken, 62, of 320 Cemetery Road, husband of Mattie G. Aiken, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005 at his home.
Born in Ware Shoals, he was a son of the late Frank and Lillie Mae Rice Aiken. He graduated from Emma Maddox High School and lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., for 42 years, returning to Ware Shoals in 1998. He was an employee of Lander University Maintenance Department.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Derwin Aiken of Brooklyn and Rodney Aiken of Queens, N.Y.; a daughter, Lutonja Aiken-Davis of Brooklyn; five sisters, Apostle Audrey Aiken of Atlanta, Deborah Moore of Greenwood, Marchia Lubsey, Mary Hoffenden and Denise Hoffenden, all of Baltimore; a brother, George Aiken of Bronx, N.Y.; and eight grandchildren.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Full Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship Church. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood.
Pallbearers are Troy Butler, Matthew Frazier, James Freeman, Shawn Freeman, Timothy Freeman and John A. Fuller.
Flower bearers are Elaine Bolden, Jeanette Bolden, Margaret McIntosh, Francis Tucker, Judy Tucker and Annise Williams.
Honorary escorts are James Rushton and Dan Dickery.
Viewing begins at noon today at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service. No wake is planned.
The family is at the home.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service is in charge.

David ‘Billy’ Anderson

David William “Billy” Anderson, 32, of 400 N. Emerald Road, Apt. N-4, husband of Nakisha Bell Anderson, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005 at his home.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of David Anderson and Lillie Williams Akali. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1991 and studied CADD at S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation in Columbia. He was a member of Upper Room Church of God and served in the Tape Ministries.
Survivors include his wife of the home; his father of Greenwood; his mother of Greenville; a brother, Vincent Edward Anderson of Greenville; and a sister, Mrs. Gerald (Adrienne Anderson) Davenport of Mauldin.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Upper Room Church of God, conducted by Apostle Jessie Simmons and Pastor Kevin Simmons. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dennis Perrin, Asa Parks, Ian Davis, Kenya “Newt” Chappell, Bobby Hall and Howard Woods Jr.
Flower bearers are Valerie Deveaux, Cathy Anderson, Candice Porter, Vivian Covington, Ruby Kemp and Tammy Woods.
Visitation is 6-8 Saturday at Robinson & Son Mortuary.
The family is at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@emeraldis.com

Mary Frances Bennett

SANDIEGO, CA – Mary Frances Davis Bennett, 83, widow of Clark Bennett, died January 24, 2005 in San Diego.
Born in Greenwood, SC, September 16, 1921, she was a daughter of the late James Franklin and Mary Cromer Davis. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Lander College. Mrs. Bennett formerly owned and operated Mary F. Bennett Realty in San Diego and formerly served as president of the San Diego Board of Realtors.
Surviving are two nieces, Carol Haynes of Fayetteville, GA and Jamie Hosey of Franklin, GA; nephews, Thomas Wingard of Greenwood and Dr. Ted Wingard of Jacksonville, FL.
Mrs. Bennett was predeceased by two sisters, Tommie Davis Wingard and Margaret Davis Raven.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2PM Monday in the Salli Lynn Chapel. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego.
ANNOUNCEMENT COURTESY OF BLYTH FUNERAL HOME.
PAID OBITUARY

Warren Cox

GREENWOOD — Warren G. Cox, 75, husband of Hilda Massie Cox, died Thursday, January 27, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born February 1, 1929 in Asheville, Alabama, he was a son of the late Ormond and Mattie O’Donnell Cox. He was a US Army Veteran and was retired from Monsanto.
He was a member of South Main Street Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Claudette C. Leary and husband Rick, and Kelly C. Calvert and husband Randall, both of Greenwood; two brothers, Marlin Cox and Gene Cox, both of Asheville, Alabama; four sisters, Bernice Walls of Greenwood, Dean Swiney of Oxford, Alabama, Barbara Kay and Patricia Bunt, both of Ragland, Alabama; three grandsons, Erek Leary, Bret Leary and Sloan Calvert, all of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Otto McDonald and Rev. David Corbitt officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Martin Witt, Jim Bohler, Charlie Duff, Bill Dorn, Maurice Pridmore, Allen Irwin and Mike Martin.
Honorary escort will be the Couples’ II Sunday School Class of South Main Street Baptist Church. The family is at the home and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 Friday evening.
Memorials may be made to the South Main Street Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1093, Greenwood, SC 29648, or to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
For further information, please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE COX FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Emily Johnstone

DUE WEST — Emily Johnstone, 93, of Carlisle Nursing Home, Due West Retirement Center, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005.
Born in Belfast, Ireland, she was a daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Gillis Johnstone. She retired from Boeing Aerospace Co., Cape Canaveral, Fla., and was a member of Due West A.R.P. Church.
Survivors include two brothers, Jim Johnstone of Australia and John Johnstone of England.
A memorial service is 5 p.m. today at the Due West Retirement Center Horton Lounge. Burial is 1 p.m. Monday in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater, Fla.
Harris Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.

Nancy O’Bryant

GREENWOOD – Nancy Hodge O’Bryant, 58, resident of 205 Center Street, beloved wife of James R. “Jimmy” O’Bryant entered Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer on January 26, 2005 at her home.
Born in Charleston, SC, August 4, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Alix Jackson and Leona Mixson Hodge. Her early childhood was spent in Pinewood, SC and she then became a resident of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home for eleven years, a place that was very dear to her heart. She was employed in Greenwood and Aiken by CableVantage, Inc. division of the Liberty Corporation of Greenville.
A member of Harris Baptist Church and the Master’s Disciples Sunday School class of the church, she was also a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Joppa Lodge Order of the Eastern Star.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are her children who were the apple of her eye; William A “Bill” Cockrell, Kathy O. and Wells Thomason, Stacy O. Deale, all of Greenwood and Candice “Candy” C. Robertson of Gilbert; five adored grandchildren, Ansley G. Robertson, Jimmy W. Thomason,Holley K. Thomason, Thomas O. Thomason and Abbey R. Deale; three wonderful sisters and their husbands, Elinor H. andL. Russell Smith of Fort Mill, Helen H. and B. Steven Troxel of Pineville and Faye H. Smith of Rock Hill; a sister-in-law, Judy O. McClain of Green-wood; nieces and nephews, Dr. Jane S. Himarious of Arlington, TX, L. Russell Smith, Jr., of Little River, J. Patrick Smith of Fort Mill, Barbara E. Batton of Pineville, Matthew B. Evans of Kingstree, Robert E. Evans of Pineville, Lewis P. Smith, Jr. and J. Alan Smith, both of Rock Hill, Jamie McClain of Greenwood and Rev.Jefferey McClain of Ohio.
She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Lewis P. Smith, Jr. and James E. McClain, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted at 3PM Saturday at Harris Baptist Church with Rev. Frank Thomas, Rev. Jeff McClain and Rev. Doug Kauffmann officiating.
Burial will be in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Active pallbearers will be James Bowers, Jim Edwards, Frankie Rhodes, Carl Weeks, Roy Yelton and Jimmy Burnette.
Honorary escort will be employees of CableVantage and the alumni of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home along with Claude McElhannon, John Rhodes, William “Bill” Cockrell, Sr., Wells Thomason, Derek Deale, Tommy Robertson, Ruple Harley, III, John Alewine, David Crotts, Hoyt Hembree, Dr. Ben Davis, Dr. Don Johnson, George Teasley, Rev. Miller Murphy, Eric Taylor, John Sheriff, Marion Carnell, Sam Riley, Jimmy Britt and Hugh Riley.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 2PM Saturday.
The family is at the home on Center Street and will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 9 Friday evening.
Memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, PO Box 1178, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE O’BRYANT FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Lillian G. Searles

McCORMICK — Services for Lillian Gertrude Searles are 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Roderick Cummings, pastor, and Minister Eric Butler. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the Letman Family Plot.
Pallbearers are Emmanuel Blair, Freddie Sibert, Bill Gaskin, Marcus Chamberlain, David Milton and Joe Price.
Flower bearers are Rosie Lee Holloway, Thelma Brown, Shikina Murray, Lizzie Tennant, Angela Murray and San Mims.
The family is at the home, 601 N. Mine St., and the home of her sister, 709 Marshall St.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Robert ‘Stick’ Wright

Robert Thomas Wright, widower of Eulalar Wright, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005.
A son of the late Griffin and Georgia Davis Wright, he was a member of Springfield Baptist Church, Greenwood.
Survivors include a son, Robert Wright of Germany; two daughters, Bettye Wright of the home and Mrs. Marvin (Linda) Carroll of Greenwood; a great-granddaughter reared in the home, Alisha “Toi” Arnold; a sister, Lucille Wright of Greenville; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Services are at noon Saturday at Springfield Baptist Church, Laurens Highway 72, conducted by the Rev. Andy Young. The body will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery.
Viewing is 1-8:30 today at Parks Funeral Home.
The family is at the home, 118 New St.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.