By Rich Cassady, Guest Columnist
I write regarding your last two articles regarding Rocky Burrell. It is entirely possible that he will have succumb to his diagnosis by this time next week, as he is in an Atlanta hospital in ICU and on a ventilator, as he is unable to breath on his own. His diagnosis was no secret in Cherokee County, and prognosis is bleak.
He was on his way to turn himself on these charges last Thursday when he fell ill and ended up in the ICU. So when your article questions why the indictment has not yet been served, that’s why.
Someone provided the Cherokee Scout with information that Rocky was indicted on multiple counts, but then did not provide the specifics of that indictment. If your source had done so, I assume you would have printed that information.
As you noted, the indictment remain sealed so no one can read them; including most importantly Rocky himself. How can an individual defend himself against allegations made public when he does not know what those allegations specifically are? To whom was it important that the public know Rocky had been indicted, but not also provide the substance of the allegations?
It’s a “hit piece,” plain and simple. Sadly, your article jumps on board by recounting allegations of a bar fight (which Rocky denied) and an investigation of former sheriff Keith Lovin for which Rocky was cleared. You even went so far as to write that he was in trouble “in 1995” when he was a 16-year-old boy. Shame on you.
When, unless there is intervention from above, Rocky passes from this Earth, as these indictments were never served, it will be exceedingly difficult for Rocky’s family to attempt to clear his good name. From what little we have been able to learn, the allegations are for not teaching in-service training for which he was hired to teach.
However, there are, to my knowledge, at least three individuals who attended those classes and are prepared to swear as such. Also, as the classes were taught at the Andrews Police Department, there should still exist video of Rocky teaching these classes.
But instead of trying to refute that which is unknown, let me end on this: Instead of spending his final days or months playing with his grandson and enjoying his family, his last conscious memories were of being charged with crimes he did not commit and seeing his name drug through the mud in the community he served with distinction for so long.
None of us, including Rocky Burrell, should have to face such indignity in our final moments.
The writer is an attorney who lives in Franklin.