Read the Criminal Complaint Against Sheriff Billy Long

Littlerock - Sounds like you are to close to the forrest to see the trees. Billy brought all this on himself. Don't act like he was targeted for no reason. He committed a crime that involves guns, drugs, and used his elected office to threaten these "towel heads" (your term, not mine). If you are a close friend to billy and the family, I wonder if they hold the same feelings toward these "towel heads" that you do. Maybe Billy does and this is why he targeted them. This crook deserves nothing less then 20 years and I'm sorry if the family has to pay thousands back, consider it paying back the loan billy stole from these people. How much of the stolen money did the family spend? No telling how much he gained from this that the TBI isn't aware of.

First of all, I would like to say that the police officer in Illinois should have no comment toward the situation at hand. He is a long distance away and this matter doesn't pertain the slightest bit to him. His opinion is NULL AND VOID.

Next, after reading all the blogs posted, I am full of emotion in many different ways. I'm going to assume that most everyone who blogs about him isn't a close friend or relative. I, however, am. The trial and everything that goes with it is hard enough. The negativity, rudeness, snide remarks, and ignorance is unneeded. What is needed is a kind word to the family to help make the path a bit smoother, or a nice blog or comment saying we're praying for you.

I will say this. I agree with some people who say his punishment is much too harsh compared to some who commit a much more serious crime. Billy didn't hurt anyone physically. He didn't take someone's life or dignity. He merely made a mistake. I'm not saying he shouldn't serve for the MISTAKES he made. (and trust me, he knows it was a MISTAKE) However, I don't think he should suffer 20 years in prison and the family sure should have to suffer thousands of dollars in fines.

Another thing, I'm still at a lack of understanding in some places. No one has seen nor heard from Reverend Overstreet, with the exception of the newspaper where he just recently started up a new ad to run his mortuary. How can he just get away from what he did to Billy. He should be EMBARRASSED that he is so self-consumed, cold-hearted, and conniving. Also, I wonder if you go to the gas station on Rossville Blvd. that the ignorant towel-heads run, why have they not been shut down or punished for their wrong doings as well. We punish a man of our creed, and we let go the Middle Easterns, who shouldn't have the privilege to even be here in our country let alone RUN A BUSINESS and take our AMERICAN dollars. Tell me that something isn't messed up in that picture.

Call me racist or prejudice, but I call it playing the game fair. Let stop knocking Billy and praying for him and his family. He will get what he deserves, and more , I'm sure. However, the least little kind word can go for miles. He was a political target and they got him. Don't make things worse than they already are.

Thank you.

"It's unusual for anybody to get in trouble that fast," he said, citing Sheriff Long's 16-month tenure. -Former Sheriff John Cupp.

Sheriff Long had worked for the department for 31 years before retiring to make his bid for sheriff. He had been a U.S. Army Airborne trooper for three years and spent 17 years with the Tennessee Army National Guard.

I have been a police officer in Illinois for 24 yrs. After reading the warrant and affidavit it makes me sick that people like this held such high office. Law enforcement is an honorable duty to be upheld by the highest standards. Sheriff Billy Long has proven to be the scum he was supposed to protect the public from. His actions are disgraceful and should be dealt with harshly.

I hope he will be sent away for years and years.

You sir are nothing but a criminal yourself. May you rot in prison for a long time.

I THINK THEY HAVE ENOUGH CONSEQUENCE (MAYBE EVEN OVER-KILL) FOR MR. LONG. LOOK AROUND YOU. MOST "AVERAGE PEOPLE" WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE BAIL IN NO TIME. THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO WORK OUT DEALS WITH COOPERATION FOR "BIGGER FISH", AND BE ON THE STREETS FOR YEARS, BEFORE TRIED FOR THEIR OFFENSES. THEY WOULD BE RIGHT BACK OUT ON THE STREETS (PER THEIR LAWYER) IN NO TIME TO CONTINUE THEIR ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES, "GET RID OF WITNESSES", AND/OR SKIP THE COUNTRY. LIKE I SAID ON ANOTHER BLOG, A POLITICIAN IS PUT UNDER A MICROSCOPE, AND WHEN THEY SCREW UP, THEIR CONSEQUENCES ARE MAGNIFIED, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE BIG FISH. HE HAS 10 TIMES THE FINES A CIVILIAN WOULD RECIEVE FOR THIS TYPE OF CRIME. HE WAS IN THE WRONG.... BUT ALSO I THINK HE WILL HAVE LEARNED HIS LESSON AFTER ALL THIS IS SAID AND DONE. THE CONSEQUENCES HE FACES SO FAR IS OUTRAGEOUS FOR ANYONE. (MEANING EXTREMELY HIGH PRICE TO PAY OVERALL)
1.) CARREER OVER
2.) 1/2 MILLION $ IN FINES
3.) MORE JAIL TIME THAN MOST MURDERERS
4.) DISTRUST OF EVERYONE HE ONCE SERVED
5.) IF GOING TO JAIL, MOST INMATES IN TENNESSEE WILL PROBABLY RECOGNISE HIM FROM CASES/ARRESTS HE WAS INVOLVED IN IN THE PAST.

AND THATS WHY I SAY "BLESS HIS HEART"

LADIES AND GENTS WHERE DID THE COCAINE COME FROM THAT THE AGENTS SAY BILLY WAS LOADING IN HIS SHERIFF CAR?

He is nothing more than an elective figure like a mayor or city alderman. The DA is the the top law enforcement offical in the county. Look at the DA's ruling in 1999. Now Look at the DA's office? They decide who the TBI investagates. why was the TBI not involved????? It's time the Feds look a little highter up the lader. And see how some of the DA's Live and who their best frends are. To the Feds thanks for findley doing something but dont stop there.

First of all I to am shocked by the news,but least we forget in this great country of ours you are innocent until proven guilty. How quick we are to look at one side of the story and automatically jump to justice? Are those that are saying he is automatically guilty ready to be the judge and jury and the nooseman?

I hope some of the officers who serve in the Sheriff's Dept that were reassigned when Mr. Long came in feel better about themselves now. Mr. Long did not know what he was doing by taking some really fine folks and messing with their lives. I know of a few of them that really got the shaft!

What a shame, Hamilton Co. had an honest man when Sheriff Cupp was in office.

After more than 30 years in the sheriff's department, does anyone believe this is the first money he has taken, if so, call me I have some land for sale

SHIRIFF LONG HAD A FIRE ARM IN THE COMISSION OF A CRIME, WHICH IS A FELONY ALSO, WHY WAS HE NOT CHARGED LIKE OTHER CITIZENS OF HAMILTON COUNTY? IT SHOULD BE A FELONY TO BREAK THE OATH THAT HE TOOK WHEN HE SWORE IN TO OFFICE HAMILTON COUNTY CITIZENS WANT HIM TO DO PRISON TIME OF A MIN. OF 20 YEARS AND NO LESS.

WHERE IS MAYOR "BIGFIELE"