Investigation Feasibility Options

[leakins]

At the request of Calvin, I spent a portion of this past weekend reviewing the various letters and postings pertaining to the 3ABN situation to determine whether it would be feasible to initiate an investigation to prove or disprove the allegations that have been made. Based upon my review and 20+ years of experience in conducting investigations on individuals and entities for corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, and even the SDA church, I don’t see the feasibility of conducting an investigation into this matter.

The situation, based upon my review of the postings, appears to be a denigratory scenario involving he-say, she-say and “who shot John?” allegations and innuendoes. In my professional opinion, retaining a private investigator to sort through the myriad of issues almost 2 years after the fact would constitute an effort in futility.

I’m sure there is a private investigator out there who will agree to take the case. However, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian for over 50 years, my success and reputation has been built on being honest and forthright with potential clients.

It is my prayer that this situation will one day be resolved and finally put to rest.

Lewis A. Eakins, CPP
President
Capstone Investigations

www.capstone-pi.com

[watchbird]

At the request of Calvin, I spent a portion of this past weekend reviewing the various letters and postings pertaining to the 3ABN situation to determine whether it would be feasible to initiate an investigation to prove or disprove the allegations that have been made. Based upon my review and 20+ years of experience in conducting investigations on individuals and entities for corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, and even the SDA church, I don’t see the feasibility of conducting an investigation into this matter.

The situation, based upon my review of the postings, appears to be a denigratory scenario involving he-say, she-say and “who shot John?” allegations and innuendoes. In my professional opinion, retaining a private investigator to sort through the myriad of issues almost 2 years after the fact would constitute an effort in futility.

I’m sure there is a private investigator out there who will agree to take the case. However, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian for over 50 years, my success and reputation has been built on being honest and forthright with potential clients.

It is my prayer that this situation will one day be resolved and finally put to rest.

Lewis A. Eakins, CPP
President
Capstone Investigations

www.capstone-pi.com

I am personally very disappointed in your decision made seemingly after only reading what has been posted on BSDA. And when you speak of "a myriad of issues almost 2 years after the fact" it would seem that you are seeing some "fact" as happening at a discreet period of time when in fact the things that need investigating not only began happening longer than 2 years ago and continue happening right down to the present day. I can understand, however, your reticence as an Adventist, a professional, and a member of ASI (which militantly supports Danny) to be involved in any such investigation. And it stands alongside of the same reticence to "get involved" as is felt by church officials as well as Adventists "in the pew". Whether or not they have felt the direct pressure put on by Danny's "warnings", they have heard enough to know that going in opposition to him could mean professional suicide ... and some "in high places" have even used that term.

I am still disappointed--but not critical. But it does seem as though the only recourse will be to some organization with absolutely no ties to any part of the Adventist church in order to find and expose the facts that will finally bring not only justice for the guilty, but freedom from fear for the innocent.

[September]

It seems to me that it would be more appropriate to have a NON SDA do the investigating into 3ABN--because in my opintion to have an SDA do it appears to be a conflict of interest.

I also have been wondering if Thompsonville's local news station should be contacted and what that would involve...I have no idea one way or another...just throwing out a suggestion for what it's worth.

[calvin]

FYI, Lewis is my brother. Lewis and I discussed this morning that any findings by interviewing those involved will only led to more of the He said/She said. Those involved could submit to a lie detector test but those at 3abn would have no reason to participate. Even when Linda is free to speak, it will just add to the drama and won’t resolve anything.

At this point I am not interested in pursing this any further.

[sonshineonme]

At the request of Calvin, I spent a portion of this past weekend reviewing the various letters and postings pertaining to the 3ABN situation to determine whether it would be feasible to initiate an investigation to prove or disprove the allegations that have been made. Based upon my review and 20+ years of experience in conducting investigations on individuals and entities for corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, and even the SDA church, I don’t see the feasibility of conducting an investigation into this matter.

The situation, based upon my review of the postings, appears to be a denigratory scenario involving he-say, she-say and “who shot John?” allegations and innuendoes. In my professional opinion, retaining a private investigator to sort through the myriad of issues almost 2 years after the fact would constitute an effort in futility.

I’m sure there is a private investigator out there who will agree to take the case. However, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian for over 50 years, my success and reputation has been built on being honest and forthright with potential clients.

It is my prayer that this situation will one day be resolved and finally put to rest.


Lewis A. Eakins, CPP
President
Capstone Investigations

www.capstone-pi.com

I'm sorry to hear this, and I don't mean to sound rude, but this sounds like a cop-out answer. This part bothers me the most:
"However, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian for over 50 years, my success and reputation has been built on being honest and forthright with potential clients."

If you are about "honest and forthright" , that is just what this needs. I know many people who would be just that, and though I can't speak for Linda, I would almost stake my paycheck on her being exactly that - I know her well enough to feel comfortable saying this. In any case, if you really don't want to be "the one" to be involved, maybe you should be honest about the real reasons - more of a conflict of interest maybe? Are you saying you wouldn't be able to do this with this situation? Are you really trying to tell us something else? or telling someone else something? Are you talking between the lines a bit?

You make it sound like it's just an "he said she said" thing, and it's so much more. Much fact along with a lot of circumstancial evidence can put the picture together - this is how it works in court - I have been on jurys and I know that you can't know every detail fact, but you get the big picture based on all very damning proven evidence with lots of testimony. What would you be pursuing here? Is it just about Danny and Linda to you? Can't you see she is another "person in the way" or are you also not ready to be another "person in the way"?

Lets not forget what this is really all about. Brothers, don't give up so easily! This is just what is wanted. Do you think it will resolve it's self suddenly without a continuing of control and stealing of the people? I think not. Or is this one of those, "let God do it" things? I'm dissapointed in people, again.

This post has been edited by sonshineonme: Jul 25 2006, 09:59 AM

[September]

And, that contract (or gag order) that Linda was required to sign is factual evidence that something just ain't right with Danny--that in itself should be investigated--like what does 3ABN have to hide to make Linda sign the contract? That's not he-said, she-said. I believe that there are plenty of things to investigate that won't even involve a he-said/she-said type thing.

Please don't give up--that's exactly what 3ABN want us to do! I have sent copies of Dr. A's letters to several people SDA and non SDA alike and from the feedback I've been getting, they aren't surprised at this at all--there are people out there who haven't fallen for Danny's "spiritualality" and his whole speech about lies being told about him--and are doing what they can to get to the bottom of this and help the truth get out.

[calvin]

He is being honest with you when he says “there is nothing there to investigate that would not result in more hearsay (paraphrasing)”. Obliviously you did not like his answer. He could have took your money and given you a report of little or no value.

I'm sorry to hear this, and I don't mean to sound rude, but this sounds like a cop-out answer. This part bothers me the most:
"However, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian for over 50 years, my success and reputation has been built on being honest and forthright with potential clients."

If you are about "honest and forthright" , that is just what this needs. I know many people who would be just that, and though I can't speak for Linda, I would almost stake my paycheck on her being exactly that - I know her well enough to feel comfortable saying this. In any case, if you really don't want to be "the one" to be involved, maybe you should be honest about the real reasons - more of a conflict of interest maybe? Are you saying you wouldn't be able to do this with this situation? Are you really trying to tell us something else? or telling someone else something? Are you talking between the lines a bit?

You make it sound like it's just an "he said she said" thing, and it's so much more. Much fact along with a lot of circumstancial evidence can put the picture together - this is how it works in court - I have been on jurys and I know that you can't know every detail fact, but you get the big picture based on all very damning proven evidence with lots of testimony. What would you be pursuing here? Is it just about Danny and Linda to you? Can't you see she is another "person in the way" or are you also not ready to be another "person in the way"?

Lets not forget what this is really all about. Brothers, don't give up so easily! This is just what is wanted. Do you think it will resolve it's self suddenly without a continuing of control and stealing of the people? I think not. Or is this one of those, "let God do it" things? I'm dissapointed in people, again.

[princessdi]

Unfortunately, I agree with Lewis' assessment of the situation, from his standpoint. However, if the information is being circulated, then i don't believe it will be the end. Because GC has avested interest they may do their own investigation, or just distance themselves( which is a desired result). The only thing that has been stopped here is the investigation by Lewis.

Because so much of the information he would have to investigate is out in the open and so much time has lapsed, there has been plenty of time for covering up, sheddings, etc. which would just lead the investigation back to the credibility of each side. I don't think Danny is stupid, just crooked as all get out. Unfortunately, this investigation is not the way to stop him.

Also, I suggest if anybody has a trump card they have not played, it would be wise to do so now, or very soon. Not here, just tell us about it later or just before it airs. I think part of the problem is that in trying to be good honest christians, you may have revealed too much of our hand.

[leakins]

I am personally very disappointed in your decision made seemingly after only reading what has been posted on BSDA. And when you speak of "a myriad of issues almost 2 years after the fact" it would seem that you are seeing some "fact" as happening at a discreet period of time when in fact the things that need investigating not only began happening longer than 2 years ago and continue happening right down to the present day. I can understand, however, your reticence as an Adventist, a professional, and a member of ASI (which militantly supports Danny) to be involved in any such investigation. And it stands alongside of the same reticence to "get involved" as is felt by church officials as well as Adventists "in the pew". Whether or not they have felt the direct pressure put on by Danny's "warnings", they have heard enough to know that going in opposition to him could mean professional suicide ... and some "in high places" have even used that term.

I am still disappointed--but not critical. But it does seem as though the only recourse will be to some organization with absolutely no ties to any part of the Adventist church in order to find and expose the facts that will finally bring not only justice for the guilty, but freedom from fear for the innocent.

[Panama_Pete]

I’m sure there is a private investigator out there who will agree to take the case.

Actually, I was never thinking "private investigator." I assumed we were talking about investigative journalists who are experts in their field.

I don't think a private investigator, working alone, is the right person for the job.

By the way, there are new books at Barnes and Noble on Abraham Lincoln, who has been dead for about 140 years. Therefore, 3ABN's "two year" episode would be a cake walk for a journalist, a much eaiser ontaking than trying to inverview Mr and Mrs. Lincoln and their White House staff.

Also, I think hiring an ASI member -- any ASI member --for this would be considered questionable (in journalistic circles). Some will say Danny Shelton has an untold influence on ASI and its membership. The journalists need to be non-Adventist outside parties uneasily influenced.

[no_cults]

I am not a lawyer and am not attempting to give anyone legal advice.
My comments are based on experience and knowledge of how things
work from a practical and common sense standpoint

It it said that this "mess" is basically a "he said/she said" situation.
Well, that is surely the case in many cases that juries have to decide.
Sure, when there are pictures and fingerprints and DNA evidence this
makes the job easier, but the truth is, there is seldom pictures of
infidelity. In our system, an accused party is innocent until proven
guilty. So, at minimum..... It would appear to me that Linda should
be considered innocent unless there is evidence. So far, her accusers
have brought forth nada. Just enuendo and opinions. They "say" they
have positive proof and then say they don't want to hurt Linda. Well,
do they think we are that stupid????? Isn't that what they just tried
to do by saying they had "proof"? Do they think that unthinking sheep
will simply accept their words and think the worst? Only small children
do that and we no longer children, but adults who think for ourselves.

OK..... absent any pictures & witnesses to Linda's great sin, we have absolutley
NO choice but to listen to what her accusers say and then listen to what
those who have DIRECT knowledge of the situation have to say.

Most trials do not have absolute proof and are left with nothing other than
a jury basically listening to two sides tell "their story" and then deciding who
is more likely telling the truth. Keep in mind..... in "our" system, an accused
is and must be considered innocent unless there is proof. I know the standard
is somewhat diff. in a civil case, and basically it will come down to things like
credibility, character, believability and most important - motive....... and does
what I hear pass the "smell test"???

In this case, from what I have read and from what I can see (gleaning from
watching and reading Danny on TV), I do not believe Danny has provided any
concrete evidence to support his claims. Further, using my unscientific BS
barometer, I am getting a reading of at least 90% from the Shelton camp.

Therefore, I find Lind innocent unless he has more evidence. It's that simple.

I will stake my credibility and reputation on this. No doubt eventually, there
will be people willing to step up in the near future who DO have direct and
unimpeachable knowledge of this situation, who have a conscience and will be willing
to risk their careers and financial gain in order to do the right thing. I hope
I am not wrong.

[Chez]

I respect Lewis's assessment even though I wished it would have revealed a different outcome. However, Calvin suggested in another thread that this is a time for action. Since there will be no investigation from blacksda, why don't we call Direct Network and whatever satellite and cable stations and request Hope TV to be added instead of 3ABN.

[Panama_Pete]

I am not a lawyer and am not attempting to give anyone legal advice.
My comments are based on experience and knowledge of how things
work from a practical and common sense standpoint

It it said that this "mess" is basically a "he said/she said" situation.
Well, that is surely the case in many cases that juries have to decide.
Sure, when there are pictures and fingerprints and DNA evidence this
makes the job easier, but the truth is, there is seldom pictures of
infidelity. In our system, an accused party is innocent until proven
guilty. So, at minimum..... It would appear to me that Linda should
be considered innocent unless there is evidence. So far, her accusers
have brought forth nada. Just enuendo and opinions. They "say" they
have positive proof and then say they don't want to hurt Linda. Well,
do they think we are that stupid????? Isn't that what they just tried
to do by saying they had "proof"? Do they think that unthinking sheep
will simply accept their words and think the worst? Only small children
do that and we no longer children, but adults who think for ourselves.

OK..... absent any pictures & witnesses to Linda's great sin, we have absolutley
NO choice but to listen to what her accusers say and then listen to what
those who have DIRECT knowledge of the situation have to say.

Most trials do not have absolute proof and are left with nothing other than
a jury basically listening to two sides tell "their story" and then deciding who
is more likely telling the truth. Keep in mind..... in "our" system, an accused
is and must be considered innocent unless there is proof. I know the standard
is somewhat diff. in a civil case, and basically it will come down to things like
credibility, character, believability and most important - motive....... and does
what I hear pass the "smell test"???

In this case, from what I have read and from what I can see (gleaning from
watching and reading Danny on TV), I do not believe Danny has provided any
concrete evidence to support his claims. Further, using my unscientific BS
barometer, I am getting a reading of at least 90% from the Shelton camp.

Therefore, I find Lind innocent unless he has more evidence. It's that simple.

I will stake my credibility and reputation on this. No doubt eventually, there
will be people willing to step up in the near future who DO have direct and
unimpeachable knowledge of this situation, who have a conscience and will be willing
to risk their careers and financial gain in order to do the right thing. I hope
I am not wrong.

Yes, the lack of credible evidence coming from the Shelton camp, itself, is important -- for which a private investigator is not even needed. It doesn't take a genius to see that waving a pregnancy kit around the room - a stage prop which came from who knows where -- proves nothing.

This post has been edited by Panama_Pete: Jul 25 2006, 11:46 AM

[leakins]

What I said is what I said - no hidden message, no talking between the lines, no sublimal message, and I don't have a personal agenda in this saga. If you choose to pick-a-part my post then you have more time than I do.

As a point of clarification, I am not a member of ASI, and my statement relating to my Adventist Christian roots in no way infers that I would be partial towards 3ABN. But from my readings of the responses to my post, this probably is really not a relevant issue at this point.

I was hoping there would be an appreciation to my "honesty and integrity" in not taking on this assignment based upon it boiling down to taking money with little likelihood of developing any substantive results.

I have found that there are some clients who will never be pleased unless you tell them exactly what they want to hear, or give them information that will only confirm their beliefs. To take on such an assignment under these circumstances is a seasoned private investigator's worst nightmare. The fee that is charged never compensates for the ensuing drama. The responses to my post only confirms that this would be such a case.

I'm not going to be dishonest and take your money and I don't need the conflict of interest, sold us out, "in league with the devil," drama.

I have to get back to work.

Lewis

[princessdi]

...and also continue to send the information out to anyone who will listen. Even if a investgation was done, it would have had to been submitted to GC for any changes to occur. I believe there is enough information being sent to GC now, at least for them to ask a few questions. A formal independent investigation may have helped some, but as Lewis said too much time has elapsed. I think by now everything in question has been "answered" one way or another. GC will just have to decide to "avoid the appearance of evil". I think they have more than we know to make that decision.

I respect Lewis's assessment even though I wished it would have revealed a different outcome. However, Calvin suggested in another thread that this is a time for action. Since there will be no investigation from blacksda, why don't we call Direct Network and whatever satellite and cable stations and request Hope TV to be added instead of 3ABN.