 |
| Chace Swatek and his sister, Barret Swatek |
An Alabama lawyer with roundabout connections to our Legal Schnauzer story was found dead at a Shelby County construction site late yesterday morning.
The body of Chace William Swatek, 35, was found behind a stack of metal pipes near the Shelby County Services Building in Pelham. Law-enforcement officials say the cause of death is not known, but they do not suspect foul play.
Swatek had powerful family ties to the Alabama Republican Party. His older brother, Dax, is head of the lobbying/consulting firm Swatek Azbell Howe & Ross. Dax Swatek was 2006 campaign manager for former GOP Governor Bob Riley--he of the ties to GOP felons Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon--and is a protege of Bill Canary, president of the Business Council of Alabama. Canary, of course, is the husband of Leura Canary, Bush-era prosecutor in the Don Siegelman case and instigator of the federal bingo prosecution, which is being retried at this moment in Montgomery. Dax Swatek also played a prominent early role in the bingo fiasco. (More on that in a moment.)
For good measure, Chace's sister is actress Barret Swatek, an outspoken conservative (despite her less than "family values" lifestyle) who seems to be a serious bud of Sean Hannity.
What about ties to my personal legal story? Chace Swatek was the youngest son of Pelham attorney William E. Swatek, a central figure in the 12-year legal battle Mrs. Schnauzer and I have been forced to fight. As regular readers know, Bill Swatek was largely responsible for a bogus lawsuit that our criminally inclined neighbor Mike McGarity filed against me, bringing monumental legal heartache to our family unit and leading both of us to be cheated out of our jobs.
I've written extensively about the unethical (and probably criminal) stunts Bill Swatek and his judicial cronies have pulled against my wife and me. To say that I hold Bill Swatek and everyone associated with him in utter contempt would be an understatement. In fact, the Legal Schnauzer blog never would have started without the courtroom cheat job Bill Swatek set in motion.
Now in my 55th year of living, I've yet to meet another human being who comes close to Bill Swatek's level of wretchedness. At the risk of sounding cold-hearted, it's safe to say that I wasn't exactly broken up about news of Chace Swatek's demise. If ever a family deserved to have some bad karma come its way, it's the Swatek clan.
It's not just a matter of Bill Swatek screwing over the missus and me. He's been using his position as "an officer of the court" to cheat people for years. I've seen his file of professional misconduct at the Alabama State Bar office in Montgomery, and it's about a foot thick. Bill Swatek has been disciplined by the bar three times, including a suspension of his license for acts of "fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation, and deceit." He was tried for perjury in a well-publicized criminal trial back in the early 1980s. A Jefferson County jury found him not guilty, even though court records include tape-recorded proof that Bill Swatek was guilty as charged--that he, in fact, lied to a committee of the state bar in an official proceeding.
We've laid out Bill Swatek's ugly history in probably close to 100 posts. Here are three pieces that pretty much sum it up:
Here's Why Americans Hate Lawyers
What Are These Wacky Alabama GOPers Up to Now?
Bill Swatek: A Portrait of Alabama Sleaze in the Age of Rove
The post at that last link was the introduction to a trilogy we produced, using video, newspaper clippings, and court documents to illustrate the depth of Bill Swatek's depravity. You can check out those three posts here and ask yourself, "How on earth does this guy still have a bar card?"
An Alabama Portrait of Sleaze in the Age of Rove, Part I
An Alabama Portrait of Sleaze in the Age of Rove, Part II
An Alabama Portrait of Sleaze in the Age of Rove, Part III
For good measure, we have video of Bill Swatek essentially stealing the full property rights to our home on the steps of the Shelby County Courthouse. My wife and I have an ongoing federal lawsuit against Mr. Swatek and various Shelby County officials over that little charade. You can watch the video at the end of this post.
If you think Bill Swatek caused us grief, just check out what he did to a Trussville man named Lawrence Weems. Mr. Weems wound up with numerous bullet holes in him, thanks largely to Swatek's corrupt handling of a divorce case.
Public documents indicate that Bill Swatek passed along nasty tendencies to his offspring. Dax Swatek, as we've noted, has strong ties to Bob Riley and Bill Canary. It's not so well known that Dax Swatek was deeply involved in Riley's anti-gambling campaign. We've shown that Dax Swatek has a habit of issuing threats against people he views as political enemies, even fellow conservatives and avowed Christians:
Aides to Riley Helped Drive Anti-Gambling Crusade in Alabama
Riley Aide Threatens Christian Coalition Leader Over Gambling
These two posts make it clear that Dax Swatek played a pivotal role in the unrest over gambling that led to the federal bingo prosecution currently unfolding in Montgomery. That first post shows that Riley aides, including Dax Swatek, pushed the governor to fight gambling initiatives:
According to a 2007 lawsuit filed by the chairman of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, several top aides to Riley played prominent roles in stirring the governor's anti-gambling passion. And that led to what some reporters have called "the bingo wars of 2010," the biggest political story of the year in our state--and that was before the recent arrests. . . .
Dr. Randy Brinson states in the lawsuit that Riley initially was neutral in 2007 when a bill to tax and regulate gambling was introduced in the Alabama Legislature. But when Brinson and the Christian Coalition threw their support behind the bill, HB 527, several Riley aides took quick action. And their concerns had nothing to do with a genuine opposition to gambling in Alabama. In fact, the aides and Riley were up to their necks in gambling interests.
In the lawsuit, Brinson states:
"These persons knew that Riley's connections with Las Vegas and Mississippi gambling entities, combined with his stance against gambling in Alabama that resulted from these connections, would make it easier to enlist his opposition."
Who were these associates? Brinson names them: Dax Swatek, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Toby Roth, and Ken Wallis.
As for Chace Swatek, I didn't know a whole lot about him. Here's pretty much the extent of my knowledge, from a July 2009 post:
Chace Swatek, another of Bill Swatek's sons, earned a law degree at Pepperdine University (home of Ken Starr) before flunking the California bar exam, flopping in a real-estate project on Alabama's Gulf Coast and slinking home to join daddy's law practice.
I went on in that post to describe my one interaction with Chace Swatek--and it was pretty strange:
I've never found interaction with a Swatek to be terribly edifying. Since my blog is grounded in uncomfortable truths, and the Swateks I've known seem to shun the truth like cockroaches avoid the light, I suspect they don't enjoy their interactions with me.
So imagine my surprise when I returned home the other evening to discover that I had a voice message from Chace Swatek. When I played it, the message was a simple "please call me."
My first guess was that Chace Swatek wanted to huff and puff and threaten me with a defamation lawsuit over a less-than-flattering post I recently authored about his sister, Barret Swatek, a wannabe actress who touts her "conservative family values" while living in a way that appears to be anything but "pro family."
So what happened?
I was prepared for Chace Swatek to threaten me with legal action. So what did he say when I called him back? Try this:
"Oh, I had a question I intended to ask you, but I have it answered."
Hunh? "OK," I said.
After bringing that scintillating conversation to a close, I checked my blog stats to discover that someone (or several someones) had been finding Legal Schnauzer by keying in the keywords "Chace Swatek." And several of those originated from the Alabama State Bar.
Has someone filed a bar complaint against Chace Swatek? If so, Chace is continuing a proud family tradition. Did Chace Swatek think I had filed the bar complaint?
Don't know why he would think that. I certainly have never been his client, and I've had no dealings with him at all. Was Chace concerned that I had come up with proof that he had sent me threatening e-mails, and I had reported him to the bar because of it?
I never did come up with answers to those questions. I hadn't thought much about Chace Swatek since writing that post until I checked my blog stats about 2:30 p.m. yesterday and noticed a lot of traffic from people keying in various searches about Chace Swatek. One of the queries was "Chace Swatek death February 2012."
Mrs. Schnauzer and I treated ourselves yesterday to a belated Valentine's date, a matinee showing of "The Descendants" (a great movie, by the way; four strong thumbs up), and I returned home to find that al.com had reported Chace Swatek's death about 6 p.m.
Before we went to the movie, I told Mrs. Schnauzer about the curious traffic regarding Chace Swatek on my blog stats. "That must be some sort of hoax," she said. "How could he turn up dead?"
Well, it wasn't a hoax, and Chace Swatek did turn up dead.
I'm guessing that the official finding will be a natural death. But if Chace Swatek treated people in the same manner as his father does, I would not be surprised if someone wanted to cause him harm.
Either way, we've all heard the phrase "what goes around, comes around." For those who know what the Swatek family is really all about, those words ring true today.
103 comments:
you're a jagged mean person. Thank you for making me take a look on my life. You have taught me vengeance is far nastier and brings out evil in a person.
Sorry, but I'm not into sugar-coating things. The Swateks are horrible people, especially the father.
It's funny that you weigh in with your self-righteous comments today. Where have you been for the past 12-plus years while Bill Swatek has essentially been raping my wife and me and causing untold grief for numerous other people?
You don't care about lawyers and judges who commit crimes against innocent people? If someone raped or abused someone you loved or cared about, you would have warm, fuzzy feelings toward them?
Not sure where you come up with the notion that I am displaying "vengeance" or "evil." I didn't have anything to do with Chace Swatek's death. I only had one contact with him in my life, and he initiated it.
I do think it's important to put this event into the context of the kind of family he came from. The Swateks are horrible people who have made a habit of threatening and tormenting others. That's fact, and a whole bunch of people know it and have sat silently by and let it happen.
The same Shelby County officials who stayed quiet about child rapist Dan Acker also have stayed quiet about Bill Swatek's thuggish actions.
I guess you applaud the people who protected Dan Acker for years? Good for you.
If you want to see real evil, look into Bill Swatek's background. I've got many of the documents and would be glad to show them to you.
Do you even have a conscience? You should be ashamed of yourself. I met Chace once so don't know him but I DO respect what his family may be reading on the internet. You need to go and find your heart. His family is grieving this loss. Have you never lost someone you love? Many people loved him and this is a horrific thing. Who cares about politics when it comes to someone dying. If you're married, I feel sorry for your spouse.
And get off the computer and make your own life...quit blaming others for your problems.
Do you have a conscience? You say this has taught you to look at your own life? How? By ignoring the evil the Swatek family has perpetrated on others?
If you bothered to read my response, I referred to my wife, so yes I am married. And my wife has been brought to the edge of ruination by Bill Swatek.
If you are such a noble person, why don't you publish your real name, and we will gladly meet with you and show you what Bill Swatek has done to us and others. We will spend all the time with you that you want, so you can understand the facts behind what Bill Swatek is really all about.
Are you a big enough person to come out from behind the cloak of being unknown and learn something about our justice system? I'm guessing you are not. You are a coward, with your head stuck in the sand.
By the way, aren't you on a computer yourself? Hypocrite and phony, that's what you are--just like the Swateks.
What kind of love and respect have the Swateks shown to those Bill Swatek has ruined? Zip, none, nada.
If you want sugar coating, go read the Shelby County Reporter. You aren't needed here. We deal in truth.
Have I ever lost someone I've loved? Yes, I have. Have I ever lost someone who was part of a family that gets its kicks out of abusing and cheating innocent people, all the while claiming to be phony "Christians"? No, I have not.
Thank God, I don't know what that's like. Apparently you do. I pity you.
I am a direct descendant of Sir John Baker, Attorney General of England, Speaker of the House of Commons & Privy Councilor under Kings Henry VIII, Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey & Queens Bloody Mary & Elizabeth I. Operating from Sissinghurst Castle & the Tower of London, my ancestors were the Radical Republicans of their time. They eventually paid a terrible price for literally chopping off folks heads and burning them at the stake. John Baker died suddenly only a few days after Elizabeth I became Queen and I don't believe the official story :)
Your response made me laugh. Yes, I'm on the computer also but I do have a life and don't hold grudges against people by keeping a nonsensical blog. Honey, you may pity me, but I pity you too. Maybe I'm a hypocrite, but you are too. Aren't we all in some way? You sound like such a perfect person. I've never met one...would love to meet you to see what perfection looks like. Don't you have the ability to screen the comments on here? That's funny.BTW, I'm not afraid to post my name, I just choose not to.
You're able to laugh in the wake of Chace Swatek's tragic death? Sounds like you aren't all that broken up about it. Why are you commenting then? Why do you care?
Notice you didn't address my point about the Dan Acker case. The Swateks are part of the Shelby County culture that protected Dan Acker and allowed him to rape 21 girls, mostly between the ages of 10-15. Silence about wrongdoing has a price, but I guess you are OK with that.
Yes, I screen the comments, and I'm letting yours through. But your name shows up to me as "Anonymous." I have no way of knowing who you are. Since you've said you will be happy to identify yourself, I look forward to making your acquaintance.
My direct e-mail is rshuler3156@gmail.com. It's published on the front page of the blog, every day. Anyone can reach me. Look forward to hearing from you.
Speaking of funny, you are trashing me for writing a blog that you are reading, apparently at some length. Without my blog, sounds like you wouldn't have much to do.
When you type in Chace Swatek, your site is the first thing that comes up, so you are probably getting new readers, like me. I haven't read all of your blogs, but from what I gather you are angry with his father b/c he was a good lawyer for someone that sued you and your wife. You really have nothing against Chace other than hating his father, and you are not sad to see the loss of another human b/c that family had bad karma coming to them? Sounds like you have a very gentle and forgiving spirit. I'm remaining anonymous b/c I don't want UAB to fire me.
Roger - When Lord Cromwell rose to power in England, he executed Charles I for many reasons, but one of the more important reasons was that Cromwell hated the Baker Family even more than the House of Stuart did. Lord Cromwell did not want the House of Stuart keeping legal title to Sissinghurst Castle and the rest of the Baker lands or being able to use them to finance future actions against the new Commonwealth of England or the Office of Lord Protector. The House of Stuart had taken control of Sissinghurst via Sheriff's sale just like the situation with Bill Swatek taking your home. Roger, it just may be that you now have enemies who are more powerful than the Swatek Klan.
You work at UAB? You have my condolences. Are you using your work computer for "non-work-related activity"? Better watch it. If you're a Republican, and you apparently are, you will be fine. UAB only trumps up bogus computer-related charges to get rid of liberals.
As for the notion that Bill Swatek is a good lawyer, that truly is a knee slapper. Bill Swatek is among a cabal of Shelby County lawyers who are "tight" with the judges and get all kinds of illegal favors in court. Bill Swatek is the very embodiment of corruption in our courts, the kind of sleaze that is rotting our democracy.
That kind of thing bothers me, and I've witnessed it firsthand. If it doesn't bother you, then you aren't much of an American.
If my memory serves me correctly, Bill Swatek did not file a single timely document, after the initial complaint, in the case he brought against me. That's how bad a lawyer he is. He won the case because he had the judge in his hip pocket.
In another case, not involving me, he screwed his client by mistakenly suing a dead man. I'm not joking.
And Chace Swatek worked for his daddy for a while, although I understand he had started his own practice.
Anyone who has worked for the Bill Swatek law firm is about as low as you can go.
You don't appear to have a gentle spirit either. You don't seem the least bit concerned about what's been done to me, my wife, and other victims of the Swatek firm.
From what I can tell, Chace Swatek was heading down the same path as his father--making big bucks by screwing innocent people in Shelby County. Am I sad that a person like that is gone, that his would-be victims will now be spared? No, I'm not.
Were you sad when Osama bin Laden died? Well, I wasn't, and I put the Swatek family in bin Laden's league--in fact, they are worse.
At least bin Laden harms others with private funds, best I can tell. Swateks use public-funded facilities to screw people.
Anons: I've said it before and will say it again. This is Roger's blog and this is still the United States of America where we have at least a few freedoms left - one of which is freedom of speech. There is a simple solution to your complaints: If you object to the content of Roger's blog, don't read it. Until you have walked in Roger's shoes, you have no right to judge him. His opinions are based upon his own experiences and perceptions - as are yours. Nobody is forcing you to read The Schnauzer. Maybe CNN or any mainstream media outlet is a better choice for the blissfully unenlightened.
Mr. Shuler, I respectfully beg of you to please remove any posts/blog entries about the death of Chace Swatek. There is enough hurt and pain about his unfortunate death to go around without your commentary. In your article and comments, you state that you, personally, had limited dealings with him but that basically since he was the son of his father he must be evil as well (paraphrased). Since when is it that anyone with a open mind would continually punish the son for the sins of the father? If you are truly of a liberal mind, I ask you to tap into your compassion. That is what being a liberal means to me. I can only imagine what my life would be like if everyone, politically speaking, judged me for my father's beliefs and actions. I stand on my own merits and faults. Chace Swatek stands on his own merits and faults, as well. There is no need to lump him into your nice neat category of all named Swatek, file under, Evil. My entire life, I have been raised with liberal minded values that include understanding and showing compassion for those who are different than ourselves. I firmly believe that you have the right to exercise your freedom of speech and would defend that right for you. However, it seems to me that you could have easily written on this subject with a simple acknowledgemnt of his death instead of using it as a platform to rail against your enemy. What you have done reminds me of something the right-wing nut jobs you so despise would do. It's opportunistic at best. I'm respectfully asking you to take the higher road in this matter. Please give us all some time to heal from this loss of a friend and colleague.
You are putting words into my post that aren't there. I don't call Chace Swatek evil. I say I didn't know him much. I do say that he is from a wretched family, and I cite to all kinds of public documents that support that. I'm sorry, but it's true.
If Bill Swatek didn't want the unvarnished truth published about his family, maybe he should have thought about that before cheating me, my wife, and many others.
My view of liberalism is to deal in truth. And I have written truthfully about the family from which Chace Swatek came.
If you and other friends of Chace are in pain today, you ought to know the kind of pain my wife and I have been feeling for 12 years--thanks to the Swatek family. I was dealing with Bill Swatek's bogus lawsuit when my father died. I was dealing with it when my father in law died. I had to pick up my wife in tears after she had been cheated out of her job because of Bill Swatek.
You want compassion from me? Well, what kind of compassion do you have for me? Do you and any of Chace's other friends care one iota about what his family has done to me and my loved ones?
No, we can rot for all you care.
I challenge you to show some compassion for my family. I challenge you to confront Bill and Dax Swatek and ask them if they have tried to correct the horrific wrongs they have visited upon others. Try that and get back with me about their responses.
Compassion is easy to write about in an anonymous e-mail. Let's see if you have some when it isn't so easy, when it actually requires some effort on your part.
I do feel compassion for you and your wife and I'm sorry for your troubles. However, the Swatek family didn't do this to you. Bill Swatek did this to you. His wife and children are just the collaterals that you continue to try to hurt to get to Bill. I get it. I guess the saying now should be that the keystroke is mightier than the sword...
First, I didn't ask you to feel compassion. I asked you to show compassion, to put your money where your mouth is. I asked you to confront the Swatek family about the harm they have done others. And this is not just Bill Swatek. There is a whole cadre of enablers around that family who have benefitted from others' pain and have turned a blind eye to it. I'm not trying to hurt anyone in a collateral form. I am a journalist and I report the truth. That's what I am about. If it hurts your feelings to hear the truth, I'm sorry about that. You are welcome to read other blogs.
I'm asking you to take action, not just "feel my pain." You want to take the easy way out. But dealing with the Swateks and their corrupt ways isn't easy. I know because I've been dealing with them for 12 years.
My impression is that the Swateks and their enablers care about pain only when it is visited upon them--as it has been in the past two days. They don't care about the 12 years of pain we have suffered because of them. Do you care or are you just part of the Swatek crowd? I'm afraid I know the answer to that without having to ask.
Maybe you can prove me wrong.
The best legacy Chace Swatek could leave, if he really was a decent person, would be to have his family turn in a positive direction because of his death. But that's going to take someone with the courage to confront them and make them change, to make whole the people they have harmed.
Do you have the courage to do that? If not, Chace Swatek's death won't mean a thing. If not, both Chace and his friends were pretty shallow.
The International Banking Cartel isn't going to start losing money because of some backwoods, redneck Alabama Lawyers. Big changes are coming to this state because of the Immigration situation & loose cannons like your pal Bill Swatek and my ex-boss James Hillman Griggs. This blog is helping draw International attention to the underlying reasons why the bankers' investments in Alabama are upside down & they are going to be taking action to protect their investments. If the FBI won't clean up Alabama, the Europeans will.
You are a sick and disturbed individual. Karma will catch you
Anon you must believe everything you read. Just because someone writes bullshit about everybody he comes in contact with doesn't mean it's true.I know for a fact most of what Roger writes is false.He hides behind his computer-say it to their face Roger. Your a pathetic case and talking about karma- more is coming your way.
Why would you be dealing with this for 12 years. It is way past due for y'all to pick yourselves up and move on. Imagine the opportunities you have missed while feeling sorry for yourself. MOVE ON! Life isn't fair!
Got to love a comment like "hiding behind your computer" and "say it to their face," coming from someone who hides behind Anonymous status.
But why say/ report bullshit when it hurts others. I say bring karma on, I treat my fellow man/women as I would expect to be treated. I don't believe what he says, I too know for a FACT that what he reports are in bulk, not true. I believe we are probably on the same side on this issue.
Anon Karma is not coming your way, It's coming Rogers way.Roger doesn't tell you the whole story only his side. Two sides to every story Schnauzer and my sources tell me your crazy.
Who are your sources?
My sources are public documents, and those are pretty hard to dispute.
Agreed!
Roger reports little crumbs of facts and not the entire truth.
Oh, "anonymous" @ 1:25pm. the freedom thing goes both ways. The schnauzer takes to a blog to judge someone he does not know, and proclaim him worse than a terrorist that killed thousands of americans, yet the almighty bitter schnauzer is not to be judged?
Roger, a young man died and you're drooling to post about his family, as if you knew what was in his hear, or even knew him at all. It takes a bitter, and sorry ass person to dance on a man's grave. No threats, no need for them - all of that is on you and only you will have to answer for it. Or maybe not, since you seem to be the judge and jury of all men.
Dear Anon @ 6:36 p.m. ~ No, you are one sick & disturbed individual. And karma's coming for you. Payback is a bitch & I'm just the chick to dish it out! So buckle your seatbelt, it's going to be one hell of a bumpy ride!
Dear Anon @ 6:39 p.m. ~ You are pathetic and a liar and a coward of the highest degree. You hide behind your computer and then lie when you say what Roger writes is false! You know as well as I do that every single thing that Roger writes is 100% true! But you can't handle the truth because the truth hurts. Roger speaks the truth while you are a liar. Karma is coming for YOU!
Mrs. posting as Anon-Ha Bring it On
Dear Anon @ 8:59 p.m. @ ~ Bring it on??? Oh, I don't think you want to go there you asshole! I'll cut your fucking heart out and eat it for breakfast! Just try me...
Anon at 8:45
I'm buckled
This blog is deplorable. How could you in good conscience write that you are not exactly broken up over someone's death? I think you should be more tactful and respectful in your future posts.
Forget to take your medication
Bad thing is, shulers head is swelling from attention! We should ignore him, as frustrating as it will be
Roger - Make sure you are carrying your weapons like I would. These anonymous people seem rather serious. You can't trust anyone, especially the state and local authorities who have enabled these fools. They are killing each other. So, they won't think twice about killing us. It's always best to be judged by 12 instead of having your coffin carried by six.
Rob:
Thanks for your insights, as always. Some deranged individuals seem to have come out of the woodwork. It's curious that they suggest my reporting on Swatek matters has been off target, but I've yet to see them cite one example of anything inaccurate in my work. I doubt that they can point to any inaccuracies in my non-Swatek work either. Of course, when you are a bomb thrower, from the comfort of the Anonymous zone, you don't have to support what you say.
Speaking ill of the dead. Nice.
Mr. Shuler,
I don't know you. I knew Chace Swatek a lifetime ago when we were children, but haven't seen him or his family in over twenty years. Seeing today on Facebook where he had died, I Googled his name and found this article as the first result. Please allow me to challenge you in a couple of areas, but understand that I am not writing as a friend of the family, or as a supporter of the Republican party.
1. Bitterness is a very dangerous thing. Based on my perusal of your blog, it seems that you are very bitter against Chace's father. Rightly, or wrongly, I have no idea. I understand that you are a Presbyterian, and I am going to assume that means that you are a follower of Jesus. Can I presume to share a couple of Biblical Christian truths with you?
First, bitterness, when allowed to grow, causes great corruption and causes one to miss the grace of God. (Hebrews 12:15) Ephesians 4:31 encourages Christians to get rid of all wrath and bitterness. To be pleased in the death of one's son is perhaps the clearest evidence of bitterness that I could imagine. I understand that you don't have children, but take it from somebody with five kids - there is no pain more unimaginably horrible than the pain that could come from losing a child. Imagine the pain you had when your beloved dog passed away. Would you wish that pain on anyone? If you would, please understand that you have bitterness in your soul against that person, and bitterness is destructive to you personally (and your wife, etc) Not to mention the object of that bitterness.
Second, please allow me to mention the challenging words of Jesus: In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus indicates that a person who refuses to forgive will not be forgiven by God. Without God's forgiveness, what hope for eternity does one have? You might argue here, "but this person never asked for my forgiveness!" I would note that this objection is immaterial, and not at all mentioned by Jesus. He calls His followers to forgive as they desire to be forgiven (Matthew 18:21-35) Unforgiveness, like bitterness, is incredibly destructive to you personally. Be a crusader! Stand up for justice! Seek good for people! But while doing those things - put bitterness behind you and don't live in unforgiveness.
You note here that you didn't even know Chace. How can you be pleased with his death in that instance? That attitude reveals more about your character than the character of the family that you are angry with. I, a stranger spouting Bible verses, would encourage you to rethink this post and remove it.
I close with one more teaching from Jesus. It is challenging, but why claim to be a Christian if you are not moved to obedience by the words of Jesus? Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
OK,dude. Let's give Chace Swatek the benefit of the doubt. Yes, he had some strikes against him.
1. His father was Bill Swatek
2. His father was Bill Swatek
3. He was an attorney
When the wife of another so-called "prominent" Shelby County attorney, Jim Pino, lost her nursing license due to her addiction problem, did I celebrate?
No. I felt pity for her. I would do drugs, also if I had the marriage problems they had.
Poor Chace, I'm sure, had a tough childhood. God rest his soul.
Well people certainly appear to have an opinion on the subject. I would suggest the majority of them have not been subject to the treatment you and your wife have. If they had, they might not be expressing the opinions they are.
As they say, what goes around, comes around. The father caused a lot of pain for others and now his son is dead. Now the father may feel some of the pain others do. Its as simple as that.
It is not that you are expressing joy that the son died, simply you have no sympathy for the father. I can't say I blame you.
Some people have written to say they believe you to be mean spirited, etc. I don't agree. When someone has done you a great wrong or worked for someone who has done you a great wrong, people can not expect you to be upset when something happens to their family.
It is sad the man died, but as far as the father is concerned, well as the bible says, the sins of the fathers will be visited upon the children.
Not wishing to speak about the family simply because the son has died, well that is like saying don't speak ill of criminals, dictators, murders if one of their children has died.
The article is not so much about the son who died but rather the family and their role in Alabama which would appear to have adversely affected others.
If people don't like what you write they don't have to read it. You have said nothing untruthful. There is such a thing as freedom of speech the last time I checked the American Constitution, not to mention freedom of the press.
Most of those critical of your article didn't really deal with the "sins of the father".
I personally have never lost sleep over something bad happening to bad people. If their family members die and cause them grief, I may feel sorry for the person who died but their nasty family members, not so much. What goes around, comes around.
I sure would like to read though what the son died of. Really, a construction site.
Good luck with your continued fight for justice.
Chase:
You might try rereading my post. I don't say I am pleased about Chace Swatek's death.
Let me try a Bible verse on you:
Leviticus 19:15 "Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly." (NLT)
Or this:
Proverbs 17:15 ESV
He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord .
Here is one that applies to the Swatek family:
Leviticus 19:11 ESV
"You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
Do you care about those who have suffered because of the Swateks? Do you have the courage to confront the Swateks and seek justice for those they have harmed? Are you willing to take action or do you just like to spout verse? Why don't you confront Bill Swatek about what he has done to my family and confront family members who have enabled him.
I'll close with my favorite verse:
"Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-4)."
I've got character and hope. And I do something about injustice. If you read my blog, you will see that only a tiny portion of it is about injustice of my own experience. Most of it is about the suffering of others.
What are you doing about injustice? Do you care about the suffering of others?
The Swateks have stolen just about everything we own. Would you be "bitter" if someone did that to you and your five children? The Swateks are thieves, and it's a matter of public record. You actually make excuses for thieves? What brand of Christianity do you practice? Look up some verses on thievery.
By the way, thanks for having he courage to use your real name. I look forward to hearing about the outcome of your efforts to right numerous wrongs by confronting the Swateks.
My personal e-mail is posted on the front page of the blog. It's rshuler3156@gmail.com. You can reach me any time.
Anon @ 3:04 a.m.:
You raise some good points. I don't doubt that Chace grew up in a dysfunctional family environment, and he suffered because of it.
But please keep in mind that he's not the only one who suffered because of Swatek dysfunction. My wife and I have suffered horribly because of it. So have many other Alabama citizens, especially in Shelby County.
Let's also not forget that Chace grew up in the lap of privilege. He drove a Mercedes. He went to Mountain Brook High, Briarwood, SMU, Pepperdine law--the finest schools. A fortune was spent on his education
My wife and I grew up in families with a total of seven children. I feel certain more was spent on Chace Swatek's education than all of our schooling combined.
Chace could have inherited, I feel certain, a ready-made law practice from his father. And I'm sure the same judges who were willing to cheat on behalf of Bill Swatek would have been willing to cheat for Chace, helping him unlawfully make a bundle.
Chace probably grew up in an environment where he did not have a single family member who could teach him how to be a decent human being. There was not one example he could follow on how to be a man.
For that, I feel sorry. But money and privilege gave Chace Swatek plenty of options in life. He had lots of options that those of us from modest backgrounds don't have.
I feel certain that Chace knew how his father treated people. After all, Chace worked for a while at his father's law practice. Chace knew about my suffering, I feel certain, because he called me one time--as I state in the post.
Chace knew his father had cheated my wife and me--and many others. But Chace was unable or unwilling to do anything about it.
I suspect, after a while, that kind of thing rots at your soul.
Perhaps Chace was a decent person who wanted to do something about it, but simply did not know how.
From the comments on this post, I get the feeling that many Swatek family supporters aren't even interested in righting the wrongs Bill Swatek has caused. They only care about themselves and their little privileged circle.
Chace Swatek's death could be an opportunity to turn a bad family toward the path of justice. But I doubt that anyone has the courage to confront them.
That means, sadly, that Chace Swatek's death will be in vain.
A number of people have asked about the cause of Chace Swatek's death. i can only report that a commenter at Democratic Underground, someone who appeared to be a family friend, said the cause of death was a drug overdose.
If anyone cares to confirm or correct that, you are welcome to do so.
Who said an Eye for an Eye and a Tooth For a Tooth? I am not glad he died but if I had been wronged like you have... I can see why you are glad the family is suffering in sadness. At least they can feel a bit of pain you have felt at their hands. x
Chase Thompson one of your commenters..His father is a big time lawyer..NEED I SAY MORE?
I thought the topic of this post was "Alabama Lawyer with strong ties to GOP Turns Up Dead at Construction Site"?
Many of the recent readers landed here as a result of doing a search trying to find information on Chace Swatek's death. Many of us landed here in shock and in search for explanation as to what in the world is going on with lawyers and judges. If truth and justice continues being trampled as blatantly as in Roger's case this will end well for no one. How could it?
regardless of how anyone landed here, they found a world of bitterness and misery. That's about all this cat - dog - is about on his blog. Always the victim, never to blame. That's the motto here.
The other day I was looking for info on Chace's death and it led me to this website. I have known the Swatek family for years and also was very close to Chace. I just have to say "thank you" on their behalf. There has been so much traffic on this web page and people realized what a great lawyer he is. You have given Bill plenty of publicity and his secretary has actually reported the phone keeps ringing with new clients. I guess it is true that revenge backfires!! I also want to report that I realized at Chace's memorial service today that they are such a strong, respected, classy and good Christian family that you and all your lies (which I know, I know, I know, they are not lies to you) can never tear them down. You are so jealous of them that you don't even realize he did his job and you were wrong. If it helps you sleep then you keep on with the 15 minutes of fame you are getting off of Chace's death. No, I did not read about your case on this blog because I already know the real story. I just like to read the comments and have thought of a fun game: for every time you write "horrible people" or "took everything from me" you could take a drink! Whew that would be a quick game because you repeat yourself so much everyone would be passed out after the first few lines. Waaaaaa waaaaaa! Baby wants a bottle! It's funny how your hatred is only killing you and making them stronger - and richer! :-) Thanks again for all the extra business fir them. The clock is ticking... 13 minutes of fame....12 .....11
Since you know the "real story," why don't you tell us what it is.
You really need to check Bill Swatek's web site. It says that he is "a committed Christian." Maybe he is one of those Christians who thinks that once saved always saved- regardless of what you do.
The clock ticking poster makes a good point about a lawyer doing his job. Isn't the lawyer's job to use his skills and knowledge of judges, etc. to get the best outcome for his client? The fault lies with the judge. Citizens must be able to count on judges doing their job.
Mr. Shuler,
I wish you could've been at Chace's Celebration of Life, yesterday. It was amazing! I learned that Chace was a sinner, just like you and me. At times his life was "messy" but alas, he is in Heaven...in the arms of Jesus Christ. He had Jesus in his heart. That's something, no matter how much hatred you may have for his father, you can't touch! Thank the Lord.
You, sir, could've prayed the prayer, yesterday. You could've asked Jesus into your heart...again, as I did! May God melt your heart and let you find forgiveness for those who wronged you. May you learn to use your gift, the ability to write well, to proclaim the Gospel and write blogs that encourage and touch people. I in the meantime will be praying for you AND the Swatek family. Ease up. Tread lightly. They just lost their son.
Feel free to respond negatively. I can take it!
Mike:
Yes, I've seen the Swatek Web site. Not surprisingly it violates Alabama ethics rules under the state bar. At one point, it lacked the required disclaimer about "the quality of this lawyer's legal services is no greater than another's, etc." I see that has been added. I'm pretty sure, if you check the Rules of Professional Conduct, Swatek's boast about never having lost certain kinds of cases, is also a violation. Even if it's true, it points to Bill Swatek being a corrupt lawyer; he wins cases because the judges in Shelby County are in his hip pocket. He's a terrible lawyer, one who is not even capable of filing simple documents in a timely fashion. I've got all sorts of proof on how bad a lawyer Bill Swatek really is, and I will be reporting it soon. And by the way, it's a matter of public record that he makes a habit of suing his former clients when they struggle to pay up. There are probably at least two dozen such cases on file. Here is a link to Swatek's site:
http://swateklaw.com/
Anon at 10:56 a.m.
You are correct that corrupt judges play a big role in all of this. But lawyers such as Bill Swatek have a duty under the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct (ARPC) to report any misconduct they witness from a fellow bar member, including a judge. The law is the only truly self-regulating profession in the U.S. And lawyers fail horribly to police themselves. When Bill Swatek appears before a judge who is repeatedly making unlawful rulings, violating black-letter law, it's his duty to report it to the "proper tribunal." He's not supposed to just sit there and take advantage of it. But that's what he does. And that's a violation of ARPC 8.3 and 8.4. You can check out the rules below. One should also ask this: What kind of arrangement does Bill Swatek have with Shelby County judges that allows him to receive such favors? What about other lawyers who receive similar favors, such as Swatek's former law partner, Rich Shuleva?
http://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics/al/code/AL_CODE.HTM
Anon at 12:34:
I'm glad you found meaning in the service. I have no reason or desire to respond negatively to you.
Like you, I pray regularly. I've even prayed for the Swateks, and I've asked that their hearts might change so that they might provide restitution to those they have harmed--me, my wife, and many others.
There can be no forgiveness without the Swateks acknowledging their sins and trying to make their victims whole. Forgiveness is a two-way street, it's transactional. It doesn't just involve the victim; it involves the perpetrator, too.
You seem to leave the Swateks out of the equation. If you do that, it's not forgiveness.
Have you prayed that the Swateks will change and attempt to seek justice? I hope you have. If not, I hope you will.
The service was at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, right? That's ironic because evidence suggests our legal nightmare started because of Briarwood Church and its desire to cut a nice deal in order to keep Fred Yancey as the football coach at Briarwood High School. Fred was our next-door neighbor, but he moved into a house on the school campus, and a criminal named Mike McGarity bought the Yancey house in an under-the-table deal arranged by a real-estate agent named Phyllis Tinsley. I've been told by several sources that Ms. Tinsley and Bill Swatek are quite friendly with each other. McGarity tried to steal our property from us, and when we fought it, Swatek sued me. The whole thing was driven by Briarwood.
And my wife and I have yet to hear the slightest word of sorrow or concern from anyone associated with Briarwood--not one. Fred Yancey knows what we've been going through because I told him, and so does his wife. Neither of them has said one comforting word to us. It's see-no-evil at BriarWorld.
Are you a member of Briarwood? Have you thought about your church's role in human suffering? If you aren't a member, are you concerned about any church's role in human suffering?
Are you going to try to do something about it or do you prefer to stay quiet while others suffer? Why don't you call Fred and Sharon Yancey and ask why they've been silent in the face of suffering caused by their nice house deal? Why don't you call Phyllis Tinsley and ask her the same thing? I'm sure she was at the service.
I can give you the contact information. If people like you do nothing, the Swateks will continue in their regular ways, and Chace's death will be in vain. Is that what you want?
Has God really touched your spirit or do you "feel it" only during a church service?
I was not aware that Dan Acker had been charged with rape. Has it been published somewhere that he was charged with rape?
There you go again trying to blame someboby for your troubles. My sources tell me You Brought This ALL On Yourself Treating 9 year old kids bad.My sources said you and your wife talked like trailer park trash to a bunch of kids playing neighborhood ball.At least 10 adults in your neigborhood told me this.
Acker has been charged with child sexual abuse, and investigation is continuing.
You really want to parse the language on this?
In some jurisdictions, statutory rape is defined as sexual activities with a person who is below the age of consent. Not sure if that definition applies in Alabama.
If you want to defend a confessed child abuser, have at it. Good to see those "family values" coming forward.
Anon at 5:31 p.m.
If this was about 9 year old kids, why did Bill Swatek sue me for malicious prosecution against Mike McGarity--especially when I have a court transcript where McGarity confessed to trespassing on our property.
Are you admitting that Bill Swatek used the court process for an improper purpose--he sued me not because Mike McGarity was maliciously prosecuted but because of something involving 9 year old kids?
You are admitting that Swatek and McGarity engaged in abuse of process. Thanks for making the case for me.
That's the kind of thing that should cost a lawyer his bar card. Bringing an unlawful case simply to harass another party, for no legitimate purpose under the law.
McGarity had multiple opportunities to have the criminal case dismissed if he would respect our property rights. The judge encouraged that, and we agreed to it--but McGarity wouldn't even discuss it.
Are you aware of various neighbors who signed a bogus petition, which probably qualifies as obstruction of justice--or its state-law equivalent?
It was addressed to the judge in a legal case, from people who were not parties in any way, shape, or form.
I have a copy of the petition, and it essentially says my wife and I have no property rights, no right to control activity on our own yard. You agree with that? Do you have control over activity on your yard? If so, why do you enjoy that right, but I don't?
If someone gets hurt on your property, you can be sued, right? Same can happen with us. You don't think that's a real concern, especially when lawyers like Bill Swatek file bogus cases left and right?
Anon 5:31
I think I may love you!
Roger,
Have you ever been wrong?
Are you to blame for any negative event in your life?
You sure do spend a lot of time(and tax payers money) with your finger pointing blogs. It is no wonder you don't have time for job interviews. But don't you fret, we will continue to work hard to shore up the incompetent ones like yourself.
Anon at 8:00 p.m.
Sure, I've been wrong about plenty of things and plenty of people. I was wrong to trust the court system in Shelby County. Probably my biggest mistake.
What about you? Ever made any mistakes? Ever turned a blind eye toward a crime? Ever been victimized and wished you had done something about it instead of staying quiet? Ever lost your self respect because you essentially chose to take hush money instead of having the courage to fight back? Ever been aware of child abuse or inflicted child abuse and just "let it go" while it rots at your soul.
Something was rotting at Chace Swatek's soul, and it did him in. He was the product of a dysfunctional family, and he died at 35. What about you? Know of any dysfunctional families?
Chace Swatek had plenty of money and the finest things money could buy. Didn't help him in the end because no one taught how to be a man, a decent, honest person. He had no father figure in his life, at least not one worth a shit.
What kind of father figures have you had in your life--or mother figures, for that matter? What kind of father figure will you be someday?
In response:
Paragraph 1: sure I've made mistakes, I just don't try to lay them off on others. I don't turn a blind eye, that's why I'm blowing the whistle on you.
I've never been victimized and I don't stay quiet, again that's why I am calling you out.
I've never received hush money or any other free ride. Can you say the same? That appears to be what you are seeking.
My soul is at its finest!
Paragraph 3:
Again, you imply ill feeling towards the deceased.
How was your childhood? What would your family have to say about you?
Paragraph 5:
I have had great parental figures in my life and I am fortunate to still have them with me. My future as a father is yet to be seen in its entirety, but to date it has been great and only looks brighter. Thank you for asking.
Ah, the voice of denial.
Very easily recognized.
Easy response from the dog.....
Not nearly as easy as hiding behind the name "Anonymous."
Not nearly as easy as using infantile terms such as "calling you out" and "blowing the whistle on you"--especially without identifying yourself.
Not nearly as easy as saying "My soul is at it's finest." I'm told Chace Swatek said words to that effect a few weeks ago.
Lot of "huffing and puffing" going on in various circles these days. What a gas!
Schnauzer you just keep on telling lies. Your the one in denial. I have no sympathy for you. The more you post -the more you prove my point.
"And I'll huff and I'll puff . . . "
Anon @ 8:00, 10:22 & 10:29 p.m. on Feb 18th: You're so damn full of shit, it's pouring out of every orifice! Quick, somebody needs to grab some towels! It sure is getting awful messy in here! Yuck!
Seriously Roger you are a huge LOSER!! Chace Swatek was a GREAT man, a VERY decent and honest person. He had a fantastic father figure in his life. What about you, what kind of father are you? Oh wait, you are only father to dogs...not humans. Have you ever thought that God would never punish children and put them in you and your wife's care? Dogs can't talk back, hug you and look to you for guidance. You are a complete idiot! I know several lawyers in Shelby County and I can promise you it's not as "Peyton Place" as you try to make everyone believe. Not at all. Why can't you just realize he kicked your ass in court? You have the nerve to compare him to Daniel Acker and Osama Bid Laden. Just because he beat you and did his job that he took an oath to do, you compare him to someone who has molested children and killed thousands of people and ruined millions of people's lives on 9/11? You have certainly offended a lot of people who actually lost people they loved on that day by the comparison. That right there proves you are mentally unstable. Also, you talk about Mr Swatek suing people after they didn't pay up.....are you freaking kidding me? Why don't you go to work everyday for someone and them not pay you. How would that feel. You would think that people would pay their lawyers, but in fact, only a few pay their entire amounts that are owed. I know this for a fact. Lawyers work hard for their clients and do not receive the money, so that's ok to you? It's no fun to put hours of work, gas going back and forth to court to receive nothing, I assure you. So your saying lawyers should have no recourse? They can't sue someone who owes them money? You seem to be filled with words but you are a very stupid human being. Oh and by the way, I am a great mother and had a great family upbringing. You sure have a lot to say on being a father not to be one. What a sad life you must have. Sit on the computer and talk about how you were wronged constantly. Your life could have been so much better. I hope by the time I am 55 years old I will have something more to show for my life, children, grandchildren and friends. You have.......hmmmm -apparently just words on a computer - oh unless you "father" another dog.
I've spoken with several of Mr. Swatek's clients. Here is what they tell me has happened. They pay a retainer up front and are given the impression that will be the only charge or they will be updated on any additional charges. But they aren't updated, and when the case is over, they get hit with a big, unexpected bill. Court records indicate this has happened over and over. Of course, anyone has the right to sue for money they are owed. But a lawyer has a duty to inform his clients about hours that are being billed as the case goes along. Most lawyers don't sue former clients because they keep them posted on expenses. If bills aren't paid, the discontinue representation. That's not how Mr. S does it, or least he hasn't done it that way in the past. Pretty deceitful, if you ask me. You seem to think that's an OK way to treat clients. Glad I'm not your client.
If you want to come out from behind the cloak of anonymity, I will show you the record on the case in question. Bill Swatek didn't kick anyone's ass; he took advantage of a rigged and corrupted system.
Would be glad to meet with you anytime if you want to know the truth behind the case.
By the way, I have cats, not dogs.
Anon @ 11:22 p.m. - You are one stupid, dumb-ass cunt! I feel sorry for your poor kids. So unfortunate that God allowed you to breed! The world would have been so much better off if a self-righteous, pathetic piece-of-shit LOSER like yourself had been infertile. Now the rest of us have to be subjected to your idiot spawn!
Did I say that's an ok way to treat clients? No, more words being put in someone's mouth. Since you know so much about the legal system, why aren't you a lawyer...let me answer that...you couldn't pass the bar. Here's how it works for lawyers, no lawyer tells you a retainer is all you need to pay - ever! You are giving that money as a "retainer". If you don't know what that means, look it up. They are usually charged $150-$350 per hour. It's according to the lawyer, case and several other factors. After the retainer is used up, then they will bill the per hour rate. So if you pay $500 and you are getting charged $100 an hour, then common sense says if he does 5 hours of work, then they will begin being charged $100 per hour after that. You also have to factor in expenses on top of that hourly rate. You will also have to sign a contract stating these terms. I assure you, if all these people have complaints the Alabama State Bar would have been called and he would they would have looked into these matters. There is no one at the ASB that Mr Swatek has in his pocket like you claim the Shelby County judges are. Who were the judges or judge in your case. I understand you have freedom of speech, but tread carefully, because there are such things as defamation of character. I'm sure you are very upset over your life and how it's turned out but can you really blame everything on one man? You have went after his entire family because of your anger. I'm not in your shoes and it might overtake my every thought like it has yours, but don't you think you may be happier if you try to forgive? I have heard your response before...not until he tells of his lies(or however you put it) but him aside, when you get to judgment day, Bill will not be there only you and God, will all this matter then? You don't have to respond, but really - will this still matter? Maybe this is why Bill doesn't respond to you or even talk about you or this website ... Because in the end, he can see the bigger picture. Please stop talking about Chace. You have said you don't know him, then stop using his name. I know there are people who just hate to hate, but Chace was a great man and he helped a lot of people. He played Santa for foster kids at Christmas and was a counselor for people who needed help. Yes, he had his faults and his own demons but why do you assume its because he was rich...poor people can't have problems? He didn't get everything handed to him like you said. He had his own practice that he worked hard for. His clients actually loved and respected him. You seem to really be talking about him a lot and he is not here to defend himself. You say you don't know him, then do not bring up his name again. Everyone I know who knew him or just met him a day ago, love him and your words will not take that away from anyone. I read the post that said your 15 min of fame are ending. That is true, now that the shock of his death has sunk in, people will forget about this blog, but Chace will live on in everyone's mind. Chace Swatek was a sweet, adorable and happy person. It is truly a loss that you did not get to know him.
Wow,
What a fine following you have schnauzer!
Oh Anon at 11:57 such harsh words. You don't have to worry about ever meeting my "spawn" because they would never be around people who use that kind of language. Sad how you use God and your other foul language in the same sentence. You are just sad. I think I already know who you are though.....
Anon at 12:12:
I can put you in touch with some of Mr. Swatek's clients if you want. They are told not to worry about expenses, beyond retainer, because he is going to win the case and get his expenses paid. When they ask repeatedly for invoices, they get nothing. When the case is over, and it's gone against them, they get a whopping bill, usually in five figures.
You act like most clients know how a law practice is supposed to operate. Most regular people have no idea. An attorney has a duty to be honest with them and forthcoming. That's why they are called "counselor." Mr. S's former clients say he is not a counselor of any sort.
Ask my buddy Mike McGarity what kind of bill he got from Mr. S after the bogus lawsuit against me. McGarity had to take out a new mortgage on his house to pay it. You think Swatek kicked my ass? The guy who really got his ass kicked was McGarity. And I know all about it.
The offer still stands to meet with me, and I will explain my case. Noticed that you didn't jump on that offer. Big surprise.
By the way, Chace Swatek died in a public place, and public resources have been used to determine what happened. I will continue to report on the case. Other news outlets should do the same.
I think I get why the secretary said the phone is ringing off the hook from new clients. Think about it. If the legal system is rigged what chance do you have but to hire a lawyer who has the judges in his back pocket.
Schnauzer you don't know shit.Quit posting false information.As a so called journalist you ought to know posting false and misleading information can get you sued.
Anon at 10:11:
Re: the commenter who said the phone is ringing off the hook at Swatek law firm.
If the commenter was a friend of Chace Swatek, I'm sorry for his loss. But he shouldn't come here trying to con people about business at the Swatek law firm.
I know for a fact that the firm's business has been hurt by the truths revealed on the Legal Schnauzer blog. I'm a professional woman, working at a large corporation with HQ on 280. I belong to a large church and to numerous civic and professional organizations. I went to Bill Swatek with my divorce case, but before signing a contract with him, I did a Google search and came across all of the information on this blog. I was stunned, especially by the public documents that prove Mr. Swatek is a con man who frequently sues his own clients.
I wanted nothing to do with him, and I have shared my concerns with 100s of professional men and women in north Shelby and south Jefferson counties.
I, alone, have probably cost Bill Swatek (and perhaps Chace Swatek) several dozen potential clients. So I know the commenter's statements are not based on fact.
Word about the Swatek law practice has been getting around for several years, via this blog and word of mouth, and I can guarantee you that it has hurt business.
Anon at 2:33:
Congratulations on an eloquent comment.
What false information have I reported. Why don't you share with us?
Anon at 4:29, how did you go about finding a lawyer to represent you knowing the courts are rigged. What would have happened to you if your husband hired Swatek?
Anon at 4:44
That's a good question. I was lucky because my ex didn't hire Swatek, and we wound up settling our case so the lawyers didn't matter a whole lot. I'm fairly well connected and educated, which makes it hard for people to take advantage of me. I feel for those who are more vulnerable than I am.
Since my case settled, I've learned that Swatek is just one of several lawyers who receive favored treatment from Shelby County judges. Many cases, I'm told, wind up with two "favored" lawyers, and when that happens, they more or less draw straws to see who will win the case and who gets screwed. Hiring a guy like Swatek does not guarantee you a good result. The system is rigged so that he gets paid well whether he does a good job for his client or not. And I've learned that Swatek is extremely lazy, so he's not about to fight for a client or even return phone calls.
I'm not so sure the judges are in lawyer's pockets. It can appear that way but many times a lawyer throws his client under the bus. It's as if the lawyer is working for the opposition. It seems to me both lawyers and judges get the word and judges and lawyers are too afraid to do their job. It's as if their hands are tied. The question for the documentarian to uncover is who is giving the orders?
Anon at 5:22
In my view, this all goes back to the hunting club case involving Samford law professor Joe Blackburn. I've reported on that some and will have much more coming soon.
You are right about lawyers and judges working in concert, and it truly is organized crime.
A lot of Chace Swatek's friends have jumped on my case for reporting uncomfortable truths. But his death, unfortunately, provides an opportunity to address issues that threaten our democracy, our way of life.
I don't know if Chace Swatek himself acted in a corrupt manner as a lawyer. But the evidence I've seen indicates that he almost certainly knew about the "hunting club" environment that permeates the local legal community.
Some have described Chace as a good guy with a genuine heart. If that's so, perhaps the knowledge of legal corruption and his father's role in it is what ate at his soul and led to his untimely death.
Some of Chace's friends, on this post, have acknowledged that he had "demons." Why is that? What were the demons?
If Chace indeed had a conscience, he had to be troubled by what he saw in the local legal community and the knowledge that he probably could do nothing about it. If Chace had a conscience, he had to be bothered by the sight of innocent people being repeatedly screwed by the justice system, with his own father playing a leading role in it and not caring one bit about the damage he caused.
Was Chace troubled by that damage he witnessed? Is that the demon that led to his death?
I'm not qualified to answer that question. But if you give Chace the benefit of the doubt, and accept the idea that he was a good guy, his conscience had to be troubled by the corrupt gravy train upon which his father was riding.
If that's the case, Chace's death should be a wakeup call for all of the lawyers and others who know about courtroom corruption and have chosen to turn a blind eye toward it.
Chace Swatek probably wasn't the only lawyer out there with a troubled soul.
You seem to have a wealth of knowledge concerning attorneys. What, if anything, do you know about William (Billy) Howard Benson III, an attorney in the Birmingham area? I understand that he has been arrested on several criminal charges, including domestic violence, and has been convicted on at least one charge.
How does an attorney manage to keep his license once he has been convicted? We need more information about the local lawyers.
Hmmm . . . Benson is a new name to me. Will see what I can find out. Is he a solo practitioner?
The Alabama State Bar does a terrible job of policing lawyers. Bill Swatek should have been disbarred years ago. The bar's own files have documents that show he, in fact, committed perjury by lying under oath before a committee of the bar. A Jeffco jury, which probably was rigged, acquitted Swatek, so the bar gave him a mild suspension.
Lawyers have no fear of the bar, and that's why so many legal consumers get screwed.
"...I wasn't exactly broken up about news of Chace Swatek's demise. If ever a family deserved to have some bad karma come its way, it's the Swatek clan."
Shame on you. A family lost a child, and all you care about is yourself. The least you can do is remove this vile post.
Spare me your self-righteous garbage. Chace Swatek was a grown man, not a child. He grew up in the lap of luxury, with advantages that many of us can never dream of. He did some stupid things that led to his death.
Am I happy about that? No, and I didn't say I was. I said I'm not broken up about it, and that's long way from being happy about something. If I died tomorrow, you wouldn't be broken up about it, so what's the difference.
The Swateks have stolen from people for years and gotten away it. That's fact. Public records show it; my personal experience proves it.
Sorry but I take offense when a family uses our public institutions to unlawfully enrich themselves. You apparently don't care about that, so you must not be much of a citizen.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
I continue to be amazed at how many Swatek types continue to bash Schnauzer for simply reporting the truth about a dirtbag family.
These people are un-American, if you ask me. They aren't remotely concerned that the Swatek family has trashed our democratic institutions. They have no respect for the American constitution; they want to create their own laws.
As long as Bill Swatek and corrupt judges don't screw them, they don't care.
I think it's all driven by deep-seated racism. They want the laws to work for them and their "white", "conservative," wealthy friends. The rest of us can go to hell. I understand that Lana Swatek is known to say all kinds of vile things about President Obama in public places--and she doesn't care about who hears it.
I applaud Schnauzer for speaking truth to these misguided souls, assuming they have souls.
It's unfortunate that Chace Swatek died too young. But I'm guessing he was a happy passenger on the corrupt gravy train. Maybe he should have done something about it while he had the chance. Maybe his life would have turned out better.
Anon at 11:46 a.m.
Are you broken up about what Bill Swatek and his family have done to Mr. and Mrs. Schnauzer? Do you care? You obviously do not. You only care about your tidy little white, conservative tribe.
My goodness Roger, your now posting under Anon. We all know that's you. Also, read your complaint. You let them take your house for $1,500? By the time you paid court costs and cinematograher you could have almost paid the "lawful" judgement. Btw, if you knew the facts like you say you do, you would know that the plaintiff does not have to file "papers" in opposition to a Motion For Summary Judgement". How did your federal court lawsuit ever turn out? Were they against you too? How does it feel to know Bill Swatek owns your house?
Actually, every comment that I write has "legalschnauzer said" by it. I've always posted or commented under my own name from day one--that's how you know to call me Roger--and there's no reason to change that now.
Your knowledge of the law has a few gaps, too, I'm afraid. The process is spelled out clearly in statutory, procedural, and case law. An Alabama case called Voyager Guar. v. Brown sums it up:
"When a party opposing a properly supported motion for summary judgment offers no evidence to contradict that presented by the movant, trial court MUST consider the movant's evidence uncontroverted, with no genuine issue of material fact existing."
A third grader could understand that. Perhaps you will figure it out.
Wrong!! Look at your facts again. They are not correct.
I didn't cite any facts. I cited the law. You don't know the difference between the two?
I periodically look at this bog just to see what the topic is that day. I didn't know the fellow that died, but feel sorry about the loss.
I researched using google to get an idea of some history. I think the average blog reader should also view a legal case just to get perspective.
http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/unpub/ops/201014509.pdf
You may have to copy the link to your browser to make it work.
you should be ashamed of yourself this man chase was my Attorney.. And just let me tell you.. your an ASS!!!!! I prayed everyday and night i would find an attorney to help me cause me being broke would not get me the kind of attorney i needed one day i call his office and his secretary answered the phone i told her my story she said she would have him call me the next thing i know i get a phone call i answer and of course im balling my eyes out stressed i have not found an attorney to help me chase ask me what was wrong and i tell him what happened to me and my kids he tells me calmly dont worry come see first thing in the morning i go there and he tells me out of the kindness of his heart im gonna take your case and im gonna help you.. my prayers had been answered for me for him accept my case i felt so much better he did alot for me and my kids and how dare you sit here bashing this mans name all over the net cause of what his father did its not right you know something karma is a beast and what your doing just is not right.. find something better to do to help people like stopping the alabama system from ripping families apart and taking kids away from parents that should not even be happening and destroying families smh do something better with your time your a sour person may god help you with your demons
If you got a good result from Chace Swatek, good for you. I never said anything one way or another about his abilities as a lawyer. In fact, I didn't say that much about Chace period, mainly about his father--every word of which is true.
You should know that I've probably written more about injustice heaped upon people like yourself than any journalist in Alabama. Lawyers and judges often are the ones who heap abuse on people like you and your children, and I have shined considerable light on that problem.
You should known that many people in difficult circumstances do not get the kind of favorable result you obtained.
Wow this is fascinating. This guy sounds like a douchebag to the douchebag power!!! GOod job covering this family too!!!!
Wow, if you put this much effort into making money, maybe you could pay your bills and not get sued in court. You are a freaking cry baby idiot that wants to blame other people for your problems and not take responsibility for your own actions. Thanks for not having kids so your sorry gene pool ends here. Get off your lazy ass and quit blaming the Swatek family and the legal system for your stupidity.
How do you know I don't have kids?
For that matter, how do you know I'm not making money?
Well, if one is to believe your profile, you state that you have no kids and you put work in a past tense which usually means you don't have a job now.
The fact remains that you are going after one lawyer, demonizing him AND his family because of something you did not do. Don't blame the lawyer for that--the is a whole line of lawyers that would have been willing to do the job. The fact remains that you didn't do something right to put yourself in that position. Is it right? Does it seem fair? No, but that's not Mr. Swateks fault.
My profile says I worked 19 years as a university editor. That doesn't say I'm not working now. It also says I have no kids now; it doesn't say I never had kids.
BTW, you refer to something I "did not do." What was that?
You also state that "you didn't do something right to put yourself in that position?" What did I not do right and what "position" are you referring to?
Post a Comment