Jury Tampering Allegations Emerge Against Lt. John Fanning and Clerk Becky Hill
In a shocking revelation, Lt. John Fanning of the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and Becky Hill, Colleton County Clerk of Courts, have both been accused of tampering with juries in high-profile trials, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
Lt. John Fanning and the Karen Read Trial
Multiple sources report that Lt. John Fanning, a supervisor from the Norfolk County DA’s Office, played a pivotal role in the dismissal of a key juror during the Karen Read trial. Juror #3, who was visibly skeptical of the prosecution’s case, was dismissed on the final day of the trial based on unverified claims that she had discussed the case at a bar.
Fanning allegedly reported to a court officer that this juror had been seen talking about the trial weeks earlier, but failed to provide any affidavit or video evidence to support his claim. Judge Cannone dismissed Juror #3 without direct verification from Fanning, relying solely on his second-hand account. This juror, who had shown visible signs of disbelief during testimony, could have been a crucial voice for acquittal in the jury room.
The allegations against Fanning are further compounded by his connections to controversial witnesses and involvement in other cases marked by potential ethical violations. Fanning’s participation in the trial, despite being a listed witness, and his prior actions, including his involvement in the botched Sandra Birchmore investigation, cast a shadow over the fairness of the proceedings.
The Massachusetts State Police had investigated Fanning and found, “The Department’s internal affairs investigation determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that Lieutenant Fanning violated rules and regulations by failing to uphold the responsibilities of a supervisory member. This allegation has been classified as unfounded,” a follow-up statement from the State Police said.
Becky Hill and Juror #785
Similarly, Becky Hill has been accused of jury tampering in another high-profile case, the Alex Murdaugh trial. Hill is believed to have allegedly orchestrated the removal of Juror #785 under false pretenses to pave the way for a book Hill was about to write. Juror #785 was accused of discussing the trial, based on fake Facebook posts and an anonymous email sent to the judge by a friend of Hill’s. These fabricated claims were used to justify her dismissal, despite no evidence supporting the allegations. “You have been, by all accounts, an exemplary juror,” Judge Clifton Newman remarked, acknowledging her attentiveness to the case, referring to Juror 785. Newman also noted, “I am not suggesting you intentionally did anything wrong,” and expressed his gratitude for her service.
The case against Juror #785 mirrors the situation with Fanning and Juror #3. Both jurors were removed based on dubious and unsubstantiated accusations, potentially altering the outcomes of their respective trials. Hill’s actions, like Fanning’s, highlight the troubling potential for influential figures within the legal system to manipulate jury decisions.
Becky Hill is being investigated by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and in a “referral” letter, South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson enlisted S.C. Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard to assist his office with prosecutorial decisions concerning Hill. Hill is currently under investigation by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for multiple issues and recently had ethics allegations referred for criminal prosecution by the S.C. State Ethics Commission (SCSEC).
Systemic Issues and the Need for Reform
The allegations against Fanning and Hill point to systemic issues within the legal system that go beyond individual misconduct. The involvement of high-ranking officials in jury oversight, especially those with personal or professional connections to the case, raises significant ethical concerns.
In both cases, the removed jurors appeared to be strong voices for acquittal, suggesting that their dismissals were strategically motivated to influence the trial’s outcomes. These actions undermine the impartiality and integrity of the judicial process, eroding public trust.
Conclusion
The allegations of jury tampering against Lt. John Fanning and Becky Hill serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the judicial system. The manipulation of jurors for strategic advantage not only jeopardizes the fairness of individual trials but also threatens the foundation of justice itself. As these cases unfold, they highlight the urgent need for reforms to protect the integrity of the judicial process and restore public trust in the legal system.
Authored by Crime and Cask, a renowned journalist, investigator, and host of a popular radio show, this article delves deep into the intricacies of the legal system. Known for unraveling complex cases and exposing corruption, Crime and Cask continues to champion transparency and integrity in the pursuit of justice.