Federal Lawsuit Update in Grantville Georgia
The lawsuit brought by Russell Pickron is now in the process of awaiting an answer from a Summary Judgement filed by Defendants Richard Proctor and Willie Norris.
Grantville resident, Robert Royce, filed a suit in the past when Grantville city council voted to indict Mr. Royce for filing too many open records requests. A contractual agreement signed by parties including Mayor Richard Proctor that “none of the Parties is in any legal sense a “prevailing party”.”
On or around June 26, 2024, Mayor Richard Proctor breached that contract when stating that previous attorney Tracy Glanton crucified the last lawsuit. It appears that Proctor was referencing this previous Royce suit where no one could claim to be a prevailing party. On June 27, 2024, Mr. Royce served Proctor with the intent of filing a suit for breach of contract.
Now, Mr. Royce is currently in litigation against Proctor for different allegations that Proctor violated Mr. Royce’s First Amendment. Case (3:24-cv-00213-TCB) can be found via the PACER website.
Russell Pickron is currently in litigation against Proctor for two different cases (3:24-cv-00152-TCB) and (3:25-cv-00060-TCB) as both cases can also be found on PACER . Two of the three cases currently have filed injunction motions and one case a motion of spoilation, all still awaiting a decision and order by Honorable Judge T. Batten.
Federal case 3:25-cv-00060-TCB currently has attorney Mark Mitchell representing Defendant Proctor. This case alleges defamation and First Amendment violations as well.
Tracy Glanton and Shannon Smith that are representing Mayor Proctor and Police Officer Willie Norris, have filed in a reply objecting to First Amendment Rights. Tracy and Shannon appear to argue that Plaintiff has not proffered any evidence that he is the “press”. See that story HERE .
Is Tracy Glanton that ignorant and videos clearly show that Mr. Pickron was issued a citation and removed from a public sidewalk in front of city hall. As that citation read, Mr. Pickron didn’t have permission to film the public area, per the mayor. Officer Norris stated to Mr. Pickron that he would go to jail if he continued to film in public in Grantville. This occurred on the public sidewalk right in front of Grantville City Hall. Mayor Proctor also threatened another citizen to be issued a citation if the video he was recording ended up on YouTube.
After filing litigation against Proctor, he continued to make statements, delete Facebook comments, and choose who can comment on his mayor’s Facebook page.
It appears that Tracy Glanton and Shannon Smith really can’t control their clients. However, it does appear that the insurance company that covers Grantville is writing the checks to Elarbee, Thompson in Atlanta. This could increase taxes again for Grantville, as insurance premiums could be raised in the future. All because one mayor and a police officer appeared to not like a citizen journalist filming and questioning this local government.
People, your voice matters. Get out and attend city council meetings and vote.
