In a ruling that provides compelling evidence that Virginia is in dire need of judicial reform, 20th Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey W. Parker (Fauquier County) Dec. 21 dismissed charges brought by farmer Martha Boneta against the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) while allowing Boneta’s case against her neighbors, Phillip and Patricia Thomas, to proceed.
In a case that has attracted national attention, Boneta, owner of a 64-acre farm in Paris, Va., and her Piedmont Agriculture Academy, LLC (PAA), charged the PEC with unlawful and unreasonable conduct in connection with the enforcement of a conservation easement on PAA’s farm, including instigating and coordinating litigation against PAA with Mr. Thomas to purportedly enforce the conservation easement even though Thomas is not a holder of the easement and cannot legally have enforcement rights, encouraging Fauquier County officials to issue unwarranted zoning citations against PAA; and encouraging government officials to audit PAA.
Even though Boneta presented mountains of evidence
showing collusion between the PEC and the Thomases, Parker dropped all charges against the Warrenton, Va.-based land trust. In fact, the allegations against the two parties were the same. How impartial was Judge Parker? Months before the PEC case was even heard, Judge Parker proclaimed from the bench that he “didn’t believe the PEC was guilty of wrongdoing.” This bizarre statement foreshadowed how Parker would rule when the case and the evidence were finally before him nearly a year later. For her part, Boneta plans to appeal the ruling and has separate suit pending against the PEC.
Fit to Serve on the Bench?
In accordance with Virginia law, the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court Dec. 1 submitted evaluation reports for 27 judges eligible for reappointment. Among the circuit court judges to be officially evaluated for reappointment, Judge Parker finished dead last. All told, 155 attorneys and jurors submitted evaluations of Judge Parker. Of those, only 56% found that he displays knowledge of the law every time, only 58% found that he is faithful to the law every time, only 54% found that he allows lawyers appropriate latitude in presenting their case every time, and only 58% found that he exhibits fairness to all parties every time. Only 55.6% rated Judge Parker’s performance as “excellent.”
During his stormy 16-year term, Parker has seen many of his decision overturned. Widespread anger over the judge’s erratic behavior led Virginians from all walks of life to gather in Richmond Dec. 2 to air their complaints before the Courts of Justice Committee’s Judicial Review. Citing Parker’s controversial rulings in cases ranging from domestic abuse to land-use disputes, outraged Virginians demanded that Parker not be reappointed.
Unlike most states, where judges are elected and thus accountable to the public they serve, judges in Virginia are appointed to the bench by a committee of the General Assembly. The General Assembly’s Courts of Justice Committee is composed of practicing attorneys and other members of the bar who, at one time or another, may have cases before the very judges they appoint and reappoint. This odd arrangement, rife with potential conflicts of interest, explains why relatively few judges are not reappointed. Furthermore, Virginia’s judges are not subject to term limits and generally don’t vacate the bench until they retire.
Virginia’s circuit court judges are appointed for terms of eight years. Parker’s next term would begin April 30. Parker, 65, has acknowledged suffering from severe hip and back pain and has indicated that he might not serve out his full term, pointing out that he’s eligible for retirement in two years. “It hasn’t been easy,” Parker told fauquiernow.com (Dec. 16). “I’m still struggling through it.”
Why would the Courts of Justice Committee reappoint a judge who has received such poor evaluations for his performance on the bench and whose health may not allow him to carry out his duties much longer?
In deciding cases, judges are not only issuing legal opinions, and in some cases setting legal precedents, they are also determining the fate of the people who come before them.
Virginians, whether plaintiffs or defendants, have the right to expect that the judges who hear their cases are competent, fair, as well as physically and mentally capable of discharging their duties.
“Justice is Supposed to be Blind and without Bias”
“It is heartbreaking to know that a sitting judge would have such an unfavorable history and continue to be on the bench,” Boneta said. “The ethical conduct of our judiciary is fundamental to a fair and just legal system. No citizen in the United States should be so maliciously targeted only to face a judge who seems to encourage collusion and bullying of the citizenry. Justice is supposed to be blind and without bias. It is my hope and prayer that no American citizen ever has to suffer the way we have on our family farm.”
As a first step toward judicial reform in Virginia, the Courts of Justice Committee should refuse to reappoint Judge Parker.
Some of these people like the Judge should have their comments sense checked, totally political which means ???? Money / Pocket!?
This judge should be disbarred at the very least,nah.He needs to be arrested.And be forced to cover her costs.It’s been time not just to make an example of these crooked and rights stealing judges to let all know that they have serious consequences for abuse, bribes and crimes against the people.Being in a position like this, the penalties should be even higher.Enough of these EnvironMENTALISTS and their Green religion.And brainwashing,deceiving children in schools.Trying to enslave everyone with their doctrines from demons.Deceived and deceiving.Thanks for your work and the Lord bless you!
disbarred at the very least,nah.He needs to be arrested.And be forced to cover her costs.
Why? Be specific.
Best,
D
Because his actions were criminal. Did you read the article? Its about property rights and this judge was inconsistent in his ruling and there fore should be disbarred and face charges under the color of authority. Are you a paid shill or just a shill Drano2?
He is a troll. Stupid one too.
“He”
Best,
D
Dano = FRAUD
You can’t show the actions were criminal, or that the judge should be disbarred. You’re just mad because the landowner had a conservation easement on their property, aren’t you?
Best,
D
And you’re just mad that everyone knows you’re a dchbg.
Can YOU show the actions were criminal or wrong in any way?
Best,
D
America it’s time over due to put people that like to trample on others rights lets stop this now we have sat on the side line to long . It’s time to stop it in it’s tracks and tell these people where to get the hell off you may have the right to be nut’s but keep it in your own hut !!!!
Did Martha comply with the contract or did she not?
Best,
D
WHAT “contract”; They attempted to impose illegal non-existent limitations and restrictions on her farm and business including a BOGUS claim that some union general camped on the farm during the war of northern aggression.
“It” is a parcel under conservation easement. She “agreed” to the deed “restrictions” at time of “sale”.
Best,
D
So tyranny is ok if its written down….wrong. The courts are supposed to protect the freedoms of individuals. Contracts that violate your constitutional rights are null and void. Only a progressive idiot would stand on the side of tyranny and say its fine. Why do you hate America?
Don’t expect Dano the kook to understand much. He suffers from OCD thus his phony ‘Best, D’ at the end. It is impossible for him to make a post without it. A sad little troll.
Oh i get it…D is for Demon. Happy New Year. Lets make it a great one !!!!
So you can’t tell anyone the specifics of why you are complaining here? Shocker.
Best,
D
Hilarious.
Flailing comedy aside, what specifically – specifically – did the court do – specifically – that didn’t – specifically – protect the freedoms of individuals.
Tell us – specifically – how this particular contract violate[d] someone’s constitutional rights and specifically why the courts to date have been silent on that issue.
Specifics only, please.
Best,
D
How’s that deal with the devil working out for you? Do you think you can get out of that contract?
Did she or did she not?
Best,
D
Martha Boneta should have the right to request a different judge to hear and decide on her claims. The judge’s per opinion of supporting the environmental agency must not be allowed to occur in the US. I hope their is some group like Judicial Watch to take up her case. I wish her every success in her fight for real justice and not the corrupt approaches of the PEC environmental agency.
“agency”
Best,
D
@Dano2: So PEC is not an agency. Bravo, is that all you have got? I’ll answer that for you. Yes, that is all your have. I have read too many of your one word remarks. Try many some relevant statements.
Try answering my question upthread.
Best,
D
@Dano2: Answer it yourself.
Just pointing out the flailingly wrong portion of your comment: Yes, that is all your (sic) have.
❤ ❤ ❤
Best.
D
Dano=KOOK
” = ”
Best,
D
Dano = TROLL
“Dano”
Best,
D
FRAUD
@Dano2: You finally got a laugh out of me. You gave me 3 hearts. Wow! I didn’t realized you even loved men. By the way I don’t. Ha,ha ,ha, ha.
I’m just making sure I gave you a safe space.
Best,
D
So you’re a queer, too? That doesn’t surprise me.
Standard fear-filled flail, lashing out at the need for a safe space.
Best,
D
Does coming here to troll make you feel superior?
hahahahahahaha
Another one scared and needin a safe space now? Sheesh.
Best,
D
No. I have no need for it. But you? You have a NEED to come here to troll. To make yourself feel superior. The ironic thing is………you aren’t
hahahahahahaha
hahahahahahaha
Judges all across America are running a gangster scheme on taxpayers and citizens!
Nov 1, 2016 Watch California Cops Steal Every Penny from an Innocent Family
Can the government take all of a family’s money based on suspicion that one family member committed a crime? That is exactly what happened to the Slatic family earlier this year, when the San Diego County District Attorney seized over $100,000 in personal bank accounts belonging to James Slatic, his wife Annette, and their two teenage daughters, Lily and Penny, without charging anyone with a crime.
https://youtu.be/gI3hHVcIcdY
Let’s get to the root of this problem, the judges being appointed and not elected. Being appointed the people have no control over the judiciary. The Virginia legislature needs to change that law or what ever controls this and put the people back in control. A judge such as Mr Parker would have been voted out long ago.
So you want to elect judges to not follow the law?
Weird.
Best,
D
The law? Another topic you have no clue about. Dano the OCD KOOK
I have no idea where you got that from. If a judge is NOT following the law then he is voted out. Or had you rather a bunch of lawyers put the judges in that they fell more comfortable with.
Well, the judge did nothing wrong, so who knows what it is that you are complaining about.
Best,
D
You can tell from his right eye, that he turned off the left side of his brain.
Time for voting from the rooftops is rapidly approaching.
I had a jury trial upon which the facts presented by me found the timber trespasser guilty of violating VA Code 55-331 et seq. Judge Parker’s rulings from day one were favorable to the law firm representing the timber trespasser. I was denied by the Judge’s rulings my own testimony with reference to damages, sworn statements by the loggers, denied all attempts at putting forth timber damages, denied without the right to bring to the court again an addressing of a boundary adjustment (done without my notice despite my ownership), and including a remand from the Supreme Court decision to overturn my award for all attorney fees (the biggest expense over $225,000) all necessitated because the lawyers for the timber trespass used litigation to suppress evidence, deny trespass and to unjustly become enriched by encouraging hateful actions by one neighbor (who took trees over objections in 2010, 2012 and then filed false charges in District Court to block timely surveying to find new tree taking and damages in 2013 before trial) and damaged a road.
Judge Parker had read the Bill of Particulars in 2011 (he forced me to pay for) and then with knowledge that my claims were based upon estimates, surveys, and other documentation provided, Judge Parker used technicalities to justify unfairness against me, and obstruction of the intended reparations to timber theft victims under Section 55-331 et seq. The jury had a definition that was agreed upon by both parties counsel and presented to them in the determination of facts and the jury’s award to me.
I question all owners of timber. If you were pulled into court by false litigation, and then a timber company failed to stop taking your timber because they claimed their “boss” insisted that the boundary lines were correct (yet he didn’t pay for a survey) – would you be able to afford to protect your property rights?
The General Assembly of Virginia did clarify the language to include attorney fees which common sense and justice should support my right to the jury verdict of all attorney fees and legal costs required by the failure of the timber trespasser to admit trespass – or to cease taking my timber upon notice.
Judge Jeffrey Parker dared to question the facts in his Remand Decision to award me $0 legal costs, and then when I complained in December 2, 2016 before the committee appointed to put judges in position – he twisted the truth to blame the Supreme Court for a decision – which in essence supported another Fauquier County Judge’s son’s law firm in his son’s first case before the Virginia Supreme Court – at which the Judge was in attendance.
Judge Parker, then defended himself by claiming he allowed me attorney fees. What he omitted, to the Virginia Committee on Justice, was that he denied me all other ability to be remunerated, reduced my jury verdict by $110,000 – all these “legal costs” and “attorney fees” mandated by a party found guilty of timber trespass by a jury (fact finding) trial. The abuse of a Judge’s knowledge and power to be aware of damages – caused by his own incorrect rulings in an Emergency Injunction abuse, should not be allowed to stand.
Judges are not supposed to impact cases by showing partiality. Even the appearance of doing so – is against Judicial Canons.
My only hope is that the Supreme Court of Virginia will note the General Assembly’s clarification of the General Assembly’s intent to make reparations to a property owner who has been harmed by the timber industry allowing insurance companies to pay to fight against reparations for those damaged by logging – by using litigation as a means of warfare or to impose unfair results in the Courts of our State.
If you cannot afford your rights…. you have none. If those enforcing the Judicial Canons to protect fairness in the courts continue to allow Judges such as Parker to continue – the result will be that anyone who is willing to lie, mislead, omit, or relay on false alternative facts – will be allowed to steal from you, intimidate you on your property, and deny your property rights with impunity – while punishing you for using the only action you have to protect your rights – the courts of law.
Fauquier County is not a fair or honest place to newcomers.
I just read some of the comments. You must understand:
1. Prejudice Judges obstruct justice by abusing power to do their job. Their job is to review facts. If they refuse to allow you to put facts before the court (knowing that they would be in your favor or assist you in remuneration) they are obstructing justice – and denying you the right to a fair trial.
2. If the ability to obtain evidence through depositions, or discovery is denied you and dismissed with prejudice – the Judge has abused his power by denying you the right to a trial.
3. Filing false pleadings is using litigation strategies to defeat your opponent by punishment (outspending), maliciousness (forcing you to spend money on attorneys to defend yourself – or reducing the amount of restitution for stolen property or rights). If a Judge dismisses a case with prejudice (denying you future ability to pursue your rights) it denies you the right to defend your property against fraud. That is obstruction of justice.
4. Showing partiality to one party over the other – simply violates your right to a fair trial.
5. If local attorneys, local powerful landowners, or people who cannot afford to hire counsel to represent them because malicious use of false pleadings and lawfare bankrupts you – then you have been defrauded your rights by the very institution which is in place to protect you.
Please do not post attacking comments. They serve no purpose. If you refuse, for whatever reason, to address the damages caused by unfair judges and a court system that is corrupted – you will, yourself, be subject to destruction by anyone with connections or enough money to harm your rights. If Self Interests are not important, democracy, and fairness – you may feel free to keep your thoughts to yourself.
I understand Martha’s point, as I have lived in fear as a result of the abuse of litigation which exists because Judge Parker and others in Fauquier County show partiality by choosing a winner early on, targeting newcomers who they believe have money and then shaking them down through an extortion racket.
When the Judges, Magistrates, Police and Attorneys show favoritism, lose records or deny one side their rights, create records which are incorrect, and ignore the facts and absolutely refuse to hand out justice – the system is broken. When attorneys you hire with good reputations refuse to put forth evidence, or tell you not to rebut false testimony in the courtroom and miss deadlines without arguing the bad faith reasons behind the missed deadlines…. it is a system that you cannot and will not be allowed to find justice.
The court system becomes an expensive money making ponzi scheme in which whoever wants to win badly enough has to pay the most money – the attorneys are acutely aware of this psychology. If you have someone who takes a dislike to you, or you expose the truth and wishes to malicious seek retribution by filing false litigation, fail to admit the truth in oral or written pleadings, then you, my friend, can be persecuted in Fauquier County. “There’s a lot of money in Fauquier County” was once stated as a reason for the litigation abuse. Simply having a magistrate deny you the right to file trespass and then allowing the actual trespasser file against you – can create a prejudice in the Court system when will not be overcome. It is a matter of manipulation within the system. Maybe one clerk doesn’t like you so they give you a hard time with accepting your pleading on time…. Maybe you have documentation sent by Certified Mail to the Commonwealth returned to you, instead of being acted upon. There are myriad of ways in which a corrupt system can be manipulated by the local players.
In cases of innocent landowners, where there is malice by a neighbor, or attempts to take property that is not rightfully their own through legal schemes and hiding information to intentionally pass statutory deadlines, denying the new neighbor the right to use their property as they wish, the law can be used to destroy a person through imposing stress by forcing them to meet court deadlines for fear of losing, pay attorney fees of your life savings, and damage your reputation publicly. The stress of a situation like this, loss of wages and your life’s savings, takes a traumatizing toll if a Judge doesn’t care about the truth, and ignores the intent and letter of the law so he can apply fair application of the law to protect innocents – there is no justice. Even when you win by a jury trial – the Judge has the power to grant you $0, because you no longer have money to pay an attorney to represent you in requesting damages…. or it costs more to obtain an attorney than just to comply with what basically becomes extortion. I have again been pulled into Court over ridiculous past claims which have been already adjudicated and determined by a jury trial, yet the Judge granted me $0 in statutory costs because I didn’t put forth my damages as an attorney would. An Affidavit, Court Records by an Attorney, and testimony were not accepted. Maybe an attorney could explain why these items do not constitute testimony that is sufficient to amount to evidence?
There is definitely a problem in Fauquier County Court system. The same lawyers win, whether they are right or not. The court cases extend for a decade or longer. It appears that Fauquier County is intent in creating a hostile atmosphere for newcomers and deny Martha Boneta, myself, Corrine Salahi, Kate Marterella and female landowners the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property rights, as excessive litigation without justice is deemed to newcomers in this County.
Whether it is the loss of real estate, decade harassment through false allegations, or in the loss of a child taken from a parent…. if there is no truth in the courtroom, if a Judge denies evidence allowing wrongdoers to benefit by breaking the laws, and no attempt to punish wrongdoer’s and litigation is used to harm innocent people – the justice system in Fauquier County is broken and severely dysfunctional.
As I have been forced into one lawsuit after another in this County without basis, I warn each of you… Buyer Beware.
Please contact Senator Jill Vogel, Representative Tom Garrett, and other representives. Dave Albo is on the Courts of Justice – call or write asking why Fauquier County targets individuals for decade long abuses of malicious litigation by local long time members in the community. Some day – you could be the target of a litigation shakedown.