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February 24, 2010 in City
Vehicle thefts part of wide web
Police look at drugs, violence, repeat offenders
Tracey S. O’Blenness stands at her front door, which was broken when police raided her home.
(Full-size photo)
The truck engine began rumbling at about 5 a.m., and Carlyne Tabler ran outside her Spokane home to find a thief inside her truck. It had been stolen just weeks earlier, but had been recovered. Now it was about to be stolen again.
He sped away on East Columbia Avenue in her truck and disappeared, but not before Tabler and her son got a good look at him. They’d seen him at the house next door, they told police, a house they’d been complaining about for months.
That December theft led investigators to a career criminal considered a suspect in a car theft rings.
It’s also one piece of an investigation into a web of property, drug and violent crimes driven by a crime more prevalent than ever in Spokane: car theft. Among the incidents possibly connected to the car thefts: a double murder, a shooting that injured a driver in traffic, and a series of thefts in which stolen vehicles were rammed through storefronts to steal ATMs.
Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says reducing car theft and catching career criminals are her department’s main goals for 2010, and Washington State Patrol detectives say they’re investigating a case that focuses on both.
But developing solid cases that give career car thieves lengthy prison sentences can be a puzzle that doesn’t always fit together quickly or easily.
And people like Tabler wonder if their tips to police do them more harm than good.
Ongoing investigation
Detectives homed in on a shop in north Spokane last August after catching a man with stolen vehicle parts he said came from there. That took them to a longtime car thief incarcerated at the Spokane County Jail who said he had helped strip stolen vehicles at the shop in exchange for methamphetamine or heroin.
That Sept. 24 tip from Richard P. Hoffman was the first documented connection between the suspected car theft ring and violence. Hoffman said he got the drugs from Merle W. Harvey. Two days after Hoffman reportedly told police about Harvey, Harvey was accused of shooting two men to death in what he said was self-defense but police say was a planned murder over a car trade.
Harvey was arrested two weeks later in Kennewick after police say he stole a car in Coeur d’Alene. Interviewed at the jail, where he’s being held on $1 million bail for two counts of first-degree murder, Harvey said he’d never met Hoffman.
Called a prolific car thief by police, Hoffman was the passenger when driver Joseph J. Ellery allegedly shot another driver in December in what appeared to be an attempted carjacking, but what police say was a dispute over a car.
Meanwhile, with Tabler’s help, WSP detectives were developing a case on a woman they believe has helped orchestrate car theft in Spokane through a home on East Columbia Avenue – the same woman who rents the north Spokane shop where Hoffman said he associated with Harvey.
A review of Spokane County Superior Court records shows the home and its renter, Tracey S. O’Blenness, are associated with career criminals connected by drugs, car theft and, in some cases, violence.
In an interview for this story, O’Blenness called herself a victim of her own bad judgment and said she’s too trusting of people with lengthy criminal records.
Police arrested O’Blenness during a SWAT team raid at her home, 1016 E. Columbia Ave., on Dec. 22. The raid came after her neighbor, Tabler, identified Shawn A. Barton as the man who’d stolen her truck.
The 18-time felon, long a suspect in ongoing car theft and chop shop investigations, was out on $300,000 bail on five charges of first-degree assault.
Now, with Tabler’s help, prosecutors had a reason to revoke that bond and ask a judge for an unusually high $2 million bond.
Barton hasn’t been charged with stealing Tabler’s truck, nor has O’Blenness, and detectives say the case is ongoing. Barton declined to be interviewed for this story.
‘Crime of opportunity’
Car theft peaked in Spokane last October when an average of 60 vehicles were reported stolen in one week. The thefts had increased steadily since the beginning of August, when about 20 vehicles were reported stolen. Since then, vehicle theft has fluctuated, according to data provided by the Spokane Police Department.
Spokane police crime analyst Tom Michaud said car theft has become a “crime of opportunity” for drug addicts looking for a taxi ride or young people looking for a quick joyride.
But as with most crime, the majority of car thefts are the work of longtime offenders, Michaud said.
Police won’t name the offenders they think are responsible for many car thefts unless they have evidence to support an arrest.
But police know that when certain criminals are locked up, car theft will go down. Detectives know that Hoffman, who could not be reached for comment, posted bail in early February, Michaud said.
“Him being out on the street is definitely something we’ll look at,” Michaud said.
Combating that in a time of staffing and budget cuts means prioritizing, and law enforcement officials say their priority is combating repeat offenders. The countywide Repeat Offender Program maintained funding this year, and Michaud said it has gotten more attention over the past two years as officials look at the city’s major troublemakers.
ROPing them in
Carlyne Tabler is moving. She helped detectives monitor O’Blenness’ home for weeks, tracking license plate numbers and calling when certain vehicles showed up. But she fears retaliation after several defendants posted bond, and she said suspicious activity at the home continues.
Jeff Thoet, the WSP detective leading the investigation, is tight-lipped about its status but says the case is far from over. Meanwhile, Tabler quit helping detectives track vehicles at the home and is finishing up her move to a new place.
“We were waiting for bullets to fly, we really were,” Tabler said.
The day after her truck was stolen Dec. 1, police recovered it. But this time, it was inoperable. Detectives found the vehicle stripped. She and her son picked Barton out in a photo montage as the thief.
Barton, Hoffman and other defendants named in the WSP investigation are among 100 to 150 felons in Spokane County policed and prosecuted under the Repeat Offender Program. The interagency program operates on the premise that 15 percent of the people commit 80 percent of crimes.
“It’s people who earned the right to be looked at more closely, due to their criminal convictions and multiple new files,” said Deputy Prosecutor Bob Sargent.
Under the program, prosecutors, detectives and crime analysts discuss which criminals are causing problems. They stay in contact when repeat offenders are arrested and prioritize prosecution, looking for additional charges or sentencing factors that can be applied.
That happened to Barton when he was stopped by city police Oct. 17 on suspicion of reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. He posted bond and was arrested two months later on a new warrant based on the WSP car theft investigation. Now Barton is being held on $2 million bail, facing charges that could put him away for decades.
Barton’s never been charged in federal court, where stiff sentences can put repeat offenders away for decades. But other longtime offenders have, including a methamphetamine dealer who’s named in investigative reports linking him to O’Blenness.
Casey D. Beckham, 34, was arrested in May 2009 after a SWAT team standoff at a north Spokane apartment. Police found him with a pound and a half of methamphetamine, $8,500 and a dozen stolen firearms.
Beckham’s plea to a federal charge of felon in possession of a firearm, coupled with his lengthy criminal record, qualified him as an armed career criminal. He signed a plea agreement Feb. 12 that gives him 15 years in prison, followed by 10 years probation.
Human trafficking suspects released 
HankTingler on February 24 at 12:23 a.m.
They wouldn’t steal again if we cut off an arm after the first time.
misjustice on February 24 at 8:45 a.m.
Unfortunately, just cutting off an offender’s body part, won’t stop a crime ring like this. It seems that drug use is the common denominator in this story. And short jail sentences for those that are caught.
Unless, or until, the underlying causes of crime are addressed this type of an organized ring will continue to operate and proliferate. How about drug rehab combined with longer, mandatory sentences? And how about putting these types of offenders into the Federal penal system?
This complex problem will require a complex solution, and simplistic kneejerk reactions will not bring the conclusion that society desires. Cutting off suspected offenders’ body parts is barbaric and sounds like fundamentalism, like ancient religious law; not acceptable for “civilized society.”
nuttydeasmith on February 24 at 9:45 a.m.
UNBELIEVABLE!!! OMIT MUCH? How about the fact that when the police unnecessarily raided the home of Miss O’Blenness (which she OWNS, not RENTS) they found nothing to tie her to the suspected car theft ring or any of these RIDICULOUS ACCUSATIONS. Or that when arrested, NO CHARGES WERE FILED AGAINST MISS O’BLENNESS for this or any other alleged crimes. Or the fact that the former neighbor, Carlyne Tabler is a drunk and a trouble-maker (check out her My Space…now that’s a reliable citizen!). This article is full of MISTAKES, MISINFORMATION, and MISLEADING JUDGMENTAL COMMENTS. Oh yeah, and last but definitely not least…how about the fact that Miss O’Blenness and her proud service to this country afforded to you the FREEDOM to print and publish these LIES!!!! I guess they’ll let anyone be a journalist these days…
misjustice on February 24 at 10:02 a.m.
Dear Nutty:
Sounds like you have an axe to grind…just a hunch. If you have reliable information, contact the Prosecuting Attorney or the Police Department…ranting at/about the journalist doesn’t solve anything. And those of us that do not know those named in the article have no idea what you are ranting about!
Are you angry that O’Blenness wasn’t charged, or just angry in general at nothing in particular? Or do you have a grudge against Tabler? Really, what’s your point?
Perhaps charges weren’t filed against your friend because the police did not have enough evidence to charge her. Not all arrests end with charges being filed. And as for Tabler being any of the things you tossed out, none are illegal…and she has a right to put whatever she wants on a social networking page…now your rant will just make people want to check her page out…
I’m sorry, your point was what?
Hank_Tingler on February 24 at 10:54 a.m.
What happened to that car with the ignition lock, door locks and cameras that the SPD paid $100K for to catch car thieves?
Wowurmadmisso on February 24 at 11:23 a.m.
Nutty,
It sounds like you’re doing an awful lot of defending. Could you be the Miss OBlenness you defend? The lady doth protest to much!
misjustice on February 24 at 11:33 a.m.
Hey, Hey, Wowurmadmisso! You nailed it! ;)
Wowurmadmisso on February 24 at 12:00 p.m.
BTY: No charges have been filed YET! This is an ongoing investigation and by no means over. Miss O shouldn’t count her chickens before they hatch! As a matter of fact…she should kneel and pray. This may be the only thing that can save her. MisJustice..we should take note that “Nutty” never once defended any of the other people mentioned in this article. My guess…these men may just as well roll over and implicate her the first opportunity they get. If I were her…I’d start that prayer!
gotya on February 24 at 1:21 p.m.
There is alot of US good spokane citizens outhere that would of done the exact samething that Ms. Tabler done and followed the law, protecting private property , trying to retrieve her vehicle back in ONE piece, Miss O decided to continue her criminal activities, destroying innocent lives and personal property….. Ms. tablers vehicle was found, Totally destroyed /striped apart, destroying the only vehicle she had…Why doesn’t Our Great community award this great family for a job well done and give them a car…Lets show appreciation for family doing a good job stoping this car/criminal theft ring, and remember it would not of been possible had Miss O not continued to steal her vehicle over and over again and get caught in doing so….This family has suffered enough and done a Great Job for the rest of us in protecting what we own…taking these low lifes off our public streets. Good Job….Oh and remember this family would not of known Miss O’s business had she not made it so public….and victimized them out of gread.
zelda on February 24 at 1:59 p.m.
Kudos to Meghann Cuniff for an outstanding piece of journalism. What a tangle of shifty characters. Thanks for including the map and mug shot graphic. Good work, Molly Quinn.
Like many things, the old 80/20 rule applies — these dirt bags are responsible for most of the major crimes so rounding them up will take a substantial bite out of crime in that part of Spokane.
If O’Blenness is the nexus of this crime wave, I am hoping charges will be brought soon. Maybe they can get her on racketeering.
the509pimp on February 24 at 3:27 p.m.
meth meth meth.
liarsinnews on February 24 at 4:16 p.m.
I still wonder why Spokane is named in the top 20 cities in the United States for car thefts. Police leadership?
aboveandbeyondacitizensduties on February 24 at 6:26 p.m.
What a Fantastic story, well written and points made!
The story makes it very clear that the Tablers had to do most of the work to stop this car theft ring to protect there vehicle, I can’t imagine what this family was put thru, to also think Of it happening to you makes it bad enough, then to catch your neighbor doing it, wow the hell this family suffered , is most likely still suffering to the ROTTEN HANDS OF AN UGLY LADY!!!
Well well Miss Rotten O, you should be ashamed of your rotten soul.
Were you not taught anything about morals?
I hope and pray you see your DAYS in court and you get your just deserts…….
And for the Tablers who hopefully put an end to this criminal activity
our vehicles will remain in the driveway untouched .
We will have a safer community with these criminals behind bars.
But what happens to the poor family left with a destroyed vehicle?
Should we not pull togetheras a community and do something for them?
misjustice on February 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Just one more comment; as for O”Blenness being a veteran that “served” her country…Timothy McVeigh was a veteran, too. And we all know what he went on to do…enough said!
CDTABLER7 on February 24 at 6:56 p.m.
Okay Tracey,
We never caused you any harm and aren’t out to get you.
We were neighbors for a year never spoke, never caused anyone any problems on the block.
Your not the victim here, you chose your lifes path.
Our only mistake is not knowing what we were moving next to, had we known we would of never freely choosen to be “your neighbor.”
You destroyed our truck not once not twice but three times and you still weren’t satisfied until you completely stripped it.
Anyone would call the police to report there car being stolen.
You made your decisions to do what you did, lets leave it at that.
Don’t blame us for your actions Were nothing like you.
Wowurmadmisso on February 24 at 7:07 p.m.
I certainly hope that not all of our service men and women think like “Nutty”. I don’t believe that serving out country gives them a free pass to be a criminal. To steal our property and go about their lives as thought they are entitled to whatever someone else has worked so hard for.
simonsays509 on February 24 at 7:08 p.m.
My son’s car was stolen Wed 3/5/10 from his work parking lot on north Division. Multiple cars have been stolen from the lot where Guitar Center, Burlington, Ross and other retailers are. Be warned, the thieves are stealing cars all up and down Division street retailers. Catch these guys!!!!! He’s only had the car for 2weeks and has a loan to pay off and is struggling to make ends meet. This crime ring has to stop. We should not have to be worried about our cars in parking lots. He had the doors locked and had checked on the car just 2 hours before it was stolen. Probably some looser meth head!
MsOifuwill on February 24 at 11:17 p.m.
I would like to first start by saying this is the only comment I have posted and will post regarding this article. “Nutty” is a friend of mine and thank God at least one person reading this article and commented on it knew me even slightly. I have sat all day horrified at the article and the things that people were saying and even getting angry, when I had to remind myself that you all are reading an article by a “professional” and are probably under the assumption that what that person writes is factual, accurate and trustworthy. Let me be the one to tell you this article while very well written and based on fact (as gathered by this reporter I was informed by her editor mostly from reading court paperwork) is sorely lacking in thorough investigative reporting.
When Ms. Cuniff came to talk to me I was told this article was going to be about the police shooting of Shawn Barton, I was really convinced that after speaking with me a balanced unbiased article would be written, imagine my surprise when I read it. The photo taken of my front door was supposed to be of the shattered glass, and how un-necessary it was since I was in the process of opening the door when the police broke it down. I specifically asked the photographer “I won’t be it this right?” and was told I would not be the first of many things that appears one way yet is something very different.
The article: there are only two things that are factually incorrect, the first I am buying my house and have been for 16 years; the other is that I was misquoted. I actually told Ms. Cuniff “that I am far to trusting of people, only to find out after it is too late that they have lengthy criminal records”. A very large difference! The only other thing that I believe is wrong with this article is the rest of the facts, the missing pieces that there wasn’t room for or might have left doubt in the readers mind as to weather or not I am guilty of these accusations. You all do understand that the police can get a warrant and destroy your home based on coincidental circumstances and just off of the word of people they have to prove to a judge “probable cause” there doesn’t have to be proof just the slightest appearance of impropriety. Such is the case here and this article only compounded the lack of communication between not only citizens and law enforcement but the judicial system as well.
Ms. Tabler by her own admission lived next door as a renter for less than a year and never spoke to me, yet she took it upon herself (which is her right as it is all of ours) to become concerned about things she saw as questionable going on at my house. Now rather than asking me about them or expressing her concerns she started writing down license plates, running outside and taking pictures of my friends and family as they would pull up outside, then to point a video camera at my home, finally she cut down shrubs between our houses so that she could have a better look at who was coming to my house. She instigated police contact long before the first time her truck or should I say “her son’s” truck as she told police was ever taken. Through all of this I said nothing I checked the city ordinances and all of these things were legal and I had nothing to hide so what did I care. Well as it turns out there were a few acquaintances that unbeknownst to me had trouble of their own completely unrelated to me.
MsOifuwill on February 24 at 11:17 p.m.
Please don’t misunderstand me Ms. Tabler is correct I have chosen my path and I did choose to associate myself with people that maybe I should have known better I admit that freely. I however do not live their lives or choose their paths. The article fails to mention that I personally have had 3 vehicles stolen and reported from my home, it also fails to mention that although Ms Tabler and her son picked Mr. Barton out of a line up or mug shot book her son that very day chased down a different truck and driver and accused him of stealing the truck or that when a gentleman named Daniel Humphries was arrested in our neighborhood she posted a comment to this papers article that he was the one that took her truck. The truck per Ms. Tabler and this paper was taken around 5am there were camera’s pointed at my house for a month at this point how come the thief if leaving my house wasn’t on film? When the police came to scream and yell at me at 6 in the morning, waking me up I had no idea what they were talking about, since I had been in bed since 2am. It is a tragedy that this car theft has been going on in our neighborhood, I have been a victim 3 times but I did not have anything to do with Ms. Tabler’s truck being stolen any of the times it was taken.
When my house was raided and I was arrested I would have been released after 72 hours because they didn’t find anything at my home or my shop. The only reason I bonded out was because I didn’t want to spend Christmas in jail! So this mistake not only cost me embarrassment but $1000 and I did nothing wrong but associate myself with the wrong people.
Ms. Tabler moved not because she feared retaliation, (not one of the people named on my warrant has been anywhere near my home nor have I seen or spoke with them since I got out of jail) her lease was up and she was unsuccessful at trying to have me removed from my home through legal channels. I have never done anything to the Tabler’s, I don’t know what I did to be such a horrible neighbor and why she is the only person that has rented that house (there have been 3 tenants) that has had any problems with me. Up until the time her truck got stolen, she had lived there 9 months I barely even saw them so other than her overzealous commitment to be helpful to the police I don’t know her motivation.
As for everyone else this article is the perfect example of law enforcement using the media to their advantage. The comment that I orchestrated this car theft ring is ridiculous to me. If that were the truth don’t you think they would have found some proof, some bit of evidence that wasn’t based on circumstance or the word of someone whom already admitted guilt? It just seems to me that our tax dollars would be better spent on going after the people that are caught stealing, or are caught disposing of cars or even driving them for that matter. I can’t hold you all accountable for your comments you are still under the misconception that what is printed is the truth and it very well may be the truth just not the whole truth! You as readers don’t know me or who I am but before you call names or judge based on the writings of someone else think twice about what might be missing from a story and ask yourself if you are being led to believe what someone else wants you to rather than the facts.
It is my understanding that this is an ongoing investigation and I welcome that it needs to be looked into and I whole heartedly believe in all our rights to protect our property, I just wonder when the investigation is done with, will this paper write another article letting you all know who turned out to have nothing to do with this mess? Will the press be as eager to give you the information that would disassociate people with what they were accused of? I doubt it.
richie on February 25 at 12:09 a.m.
Ms.O…did you engage in the abuse of Methamphetamines with the alleged perpetrators of the aforementioned crimes and did you know that your property was being used as a illegal chop shop? Just for the record please…………
gotya on February 25 at 10:05 a.m.
Look Ms O, I purchased my home on East Columbia 7 months ago I have a birds eye view of your front yard, nice that your writing to cover up ALL your criminal actions, however I have seen more than I care to comming from your home.. How about the late nites moving property from your surburban at 3 am and in a hurry I may ad. Your NOT a victim nor are you INNOCENT here, anyone with any knowlegde of a meth head knows that, you will not convience me or anyone on the columbia block that you have been a victim.
On the other hand I was up when you and your criminal crew stole the Tablers truck I know what I saw. Your meth buds in the white truck came from your home, and from your home they stole the Tablers truck. I told the police what I saw just didn’t want to involve myself with your BS.
The Tablers are a good family you decided to steal a vehicle that you knew wasn’t your’s and everyone I mean everyone knows what your about on the block.
Wowurmadmisso on February 25 at 11:01 a.m.
Miss O, Please take this dose of reality and reassess your life. You are not a victim of circumstance but rather a victim of your lifestyle. You pretend to be a heartwarming, caring individual who wants to help others. Maybe for once you should help yourself. While reading your response I get the sense that you are an intelligent person. This does not mean you are more intelligent than the people who will eventually prosecute you. Justice will win. They usually do. You forgot to mention that you, yourself are a convicted felon. There are some things you can’t talk your way out of. How does such a smart girl end up in such a mess? Meth, that’s how!
MsOifuwill on February 25 at 11:15 a.m.
Yesterday “gotya” said he had been my neighbor for 10 years? As far as covering up do you know what i do for a living? I don’t move property from my car at 3am, supplies, vacuums yes I clean business and do some minor repairs. Most of this work is done at night if you had bothered to check rather than assume I have a business license of file with the city. When the police came to my home their warrant had nothing to do with drugs, the assumption that I have anything to do with them is just that. If you were awake the morning Ms. Tabler’s truck was stolen why didn’t you get a license plate? At 5am that morning not a single person left my house, were they parked in front of my house? Did you see them leave my house? I don’t have a criminal crew, I know people who have criminal backgrounds, did I know what was going on with them at the time all this happened? I knew what they told me! As far as the Tabler’s go I did not have issue with any of them until the truck got taken, at which point Ms. Tabler thought it was appropriate to stand outside and scream obsenities at me every time i left or came home. The police found no evidence that I had anything to do with The Tabler’s truck, I know you didn’t see me take the truck, and as far as I know Mr. Barton doesn’t own a white truck, not to mention he wasn’t at my house at 5am. Whom ever took their truck did not come from my house, it is my understanding that someone dropped the keys with the alarm key fob outside somewhere and that was how the theives bypassed the alarm. It had nothing to do with me and I have no knowledge of who took it, any of the times it was stolen. Gotya it sounds like you were a witness I wasn’t, were you able to identify the theives? The Tabler’s had been videotaping my house if they came from here why isn’t on tape? As far as everyone “knowing” what I am about, you all don’t “know” anything, you assume and the last time I checked people were innocent until proven guilty! Ms. Tabler has a history of restraining orders and lawsuits, I had filed multiple complaints of harrassment against her so before you defend those you call innocent check out your facts. As for “richie” asked and answered, thanks. I said I wasn’t going to comment on this more than once but to be honest I am tired of being accused of crimes that I didn’t and don’t have anything to do with. I don’t and didn’t want trouble with my neighbors and have never had any until all of this, this has been by home for 16 years and I don’t plan on going anywhere.
MsOifuwill on February 25 at 11:39 a.m.
To wowurmadmisso, your right i am mad, i assumed that being a matter of public record that half of these accusations stemmed from my conviction that is 2 years old. I served my sentance did my probation without a hitch and am done with that life, hence the frustration with unfounded allegations and fingerpointing. You are correct justice usually does win and in this case I look forward to it, but even then damage done I doubt anyone will give a second thought to the fact that my proclaimed innocence turned out to be fact. I have spent far to much time defending myself to people who don’t know me or anything about me. I was merely hoping to point out what you read isn’t always the whole truth and there is another side to every story the readers of this paper and my neighbors are going to believe what they will, I know the truth and I hope it does all come out!
gotya on February 25 at 11:53 a.m.
Miss Nasty O,
The Tablers arent the subject of criminals/meth you know. A law suit filed against a wronful person and a restraining against an ex has nothing to do with your Criminal Crew, So get your facts right, Stop slamming the innocent you victimized.
As we both know your not innocent, Neither are your associates you hang with. I know what I say and I will tell that to the Jury.
As for the Video Taping I was aware and I too would of done the exact samething, I walked the neighborhood at night, your not fooling me, I know what your about, know what I saw. Been in the neighborhood too long. Anyway,
And the thiefs were caught on tape, Oh and comming from your home I too spoke to the WSP and was fully informed of what and who you are. And the chop show is run by you. And the long term investigation .
Stop slamming your neighbors .
And I checked with law enforcement NO harrassment oders were ever filed against the Tablers, you called the police once you were served with a notice that your were the problem on the block and from what I understand today the Prosecutor is handling that case as well. All of the east Columbia Residents you afected have signed and will have their day oin court with you…..
They say it is never to late to BEG for forgiveness, which you don’t deserve.
If I were the Tablers I would of done worse, I applaud them for courage and strength to tolerate your BS.
Your comments prove one thing your doing your best to state false facts about the Tablers and your innocence , slamming others in doing so. Stop shifting Blame you will get your just deserts. Your trying to make the victim slook bad, isnt working
The Tablers were good neighbors, the only complaining about them is You. The only thing they are guilty of is having to of been your neighbor. Get A life and repent for your wrong doings it is never to late To except the lord as your savior, in your case your the devil himself.
Wowurmadmisso on February 25 at 12:03 p.m.
Miss O,
I hope you are right. I am sure that spending an entire day defending yourself is exhausting. Emotional if nothing else. I agree that not all we read is gospel. But they certainly make a point that you are tangled with some truly nasty individuals. Are these people in your life really supportive of you? Do they really want the very best for you? Are your best interests at heart here? I truly doubt that. If you are as innocent as you claim to be, will you be making better choices in the future so that you are not put in situations like this one?
sickofbs on February 25 at 12:22 p.m.
Tracey— How dare you sit there and proclaim total innocence to any wrong doing other than to have “bad judgement in picking friends”. I personally have been affected by your blatent thievery of thousands of dollars & it wasn’t car theft. I knew you before you started ingesting meth and you were a good person, but you chose to live a different lifestyle and now the consequences of that different life are starting to catch up to you & you WILL pay the price. You have known all along exactly what your doing & your cunning enough to convince your own self to believe you have done nothing wrong, but not cunning enough to convince anyone else. You are a disgrace to the uniform you once wore, if I was you, I would be embarassed to even admit I was ever in the service. You are totally srewed up - mentally & physically. Ever watched those meth commercials on t.v. SOBER? if not maybe you should. STOP ACTING LIKE YOU ARE A VICTIM–-YOU ARE NOT.
gotya on February 25 at 2:03 p.m.
You nailed it sickofbs, good for you !!!! someone also telling it like it is.
Who also knows what nasty Miss O is all about.. Innocent my ass!
We all know what Miss O is all about, Its a shame the meth has eaten up her better judgement and soul.
I am sorry to hear you too have fallen prey to Miss O thievery and blatent actions.
Along with the Innocent Tabler family I too wish you the best of luck, anyway Miss O isnt done with the court systems yet hopefully all of her little butt buddies will turn on her and give her what she deserves ” alot of Jail time” can’t wait for the outcome.
Tennilleo on February 26 at 8:43 a.m.
Tracey,
While all of these people lash out at you, my heart breaks. What some of these people lost is of monetary value, we have lost something much more. I have lost my very best friend. My husband has lost his only sister. My children, the best aunt ever. My in-laws…their wonderful daughter. I must watch M. cry for you. She couldn’t even pick out a birthday card for you. She just broke down crying. I am stuck comforting her. She by far is the most affected. J. has almost forgotten. B. is scared for you. We have missed the camping trips, bbqs and special holidays with you. We miss you so much. We all love you more than words can say. Know that out of all of this anger, there are still people who love you unconditionally. We love you Tracey. We will be here when you are ready.
T.
gotya on February 26 at 9:17 a.m.
Yes your right these innocent families lost monetary value that isn’t being replaced or paid for by Miss O,s actions.
Anyway, You might of lost a relationship with your sister in law big deal these families lost more than what they deserved.
How will you feel when the next time Miss O decides to rip someone off and they get killed or she gets shot while protecting their property, how will you feel then?
Will you support a low down criminal when more than monetary value is lost? Such As A Innocent Life!!!!!
Tennilleo on February 26 at 9:45 a.m.
Gotya: While I understand your frustration, this was not directed to you. This is our fist contact to her in over a year. While you are understandably upset, this is a big deal to our family. We do not condone her lifestyle, we do not support criminal activity. I am simply letting her know that when she ready to clean up and live the life she did before that all of the past will be forgotten. Did you know her before all of this? Did you know the kind, giving person she was before? We will not forget that she still exists underneath all of this. I am truly sorry for all the people who have lost something as a result her actions. These things can be replaced. When it comes time for judgment, will it be these things they think of? I hope not. We will only support her if she chooses to live her life clean and sober.
gotya on February 26 at 9:54 a.m.
No I did not know her before, Anyway, I am a retired person whom has owned my home for 30 yeras,living just a few homes from her.
I have watched the traffic and criminal activity comming from her residence for years now. and what she done to the poor Tabler family was and is so uncalled for.
The Tabler family is another innocent family who your sister in law anyway decided to victimise out of the need for drugs and other criminal activity.
What happens to the ftablers she took from and destroyed there property who is going to pay for that?
Maybe tracey should offer to repay the family and thru that they would be willing to drop charges and all can move on.
Stop and think about that? Anyway that would be a step in the right direction.
Tennilleo on February 26 at 11:32 a.m.
Please remember that I am not here to attack anyone, including you. I am not going to allow you to attack me as well. I am also not here to defend anyone. If you have read my posts at all you would know this. We live in a free country, with free speech. While others have voiced their justified anger, I have voiced my concern. This is our right as American citizens. Please respect my voice as I have yours.
aboveandbeyondacitizensduties on February 26 at 4:18 p.m.
You are right everyone has the right to voice their opinion, however do you have any idea how violated the victims feels having their private property stolen, stripped and destroyed without cause, over and over again.?
The Tabler family knows first hand.
Then to read the Lies from Ms Oblenness to cover up her criminal actions, is way to much.
To read her statement is an outrage of her proclaimed innocence, truly the drugs and crimes she commits is taking a tole on her better judgement, better yet I hope she too is living with the fear of what her future will bring, and what her new address will be.
I also wonder if she will remember what fresh air smells like and how beautiful the summers are while she sits and spolis in Jail just where she belongs.
The reporter hit it on the nail telling it just like it is, and if anyone who read the newspaper thought for a second Ms Oblenness is innocent and is a victim then read the paper again its plain and black and white there is no istake here, she is guilty.
Might I also ad No One told Ms Oblenness that any keys were lost infront of the Tablers home, Ms O’s next door neighbor and only the criminal that stole the vehicle would know that info.
After long conversations with both Law enforcement, Detectives and WSp no one mentioned that to Ms O, Read her statement, look at the police reports see it for yourself……
Anyone making excuses or deending Ms O is also involved in her criminal activity, and is doing their best to write statements for her to make her look like a good citizen….
How fearful our country must feel knowing that people such as Ms O served for our country.
The article speeks or its self…Plainly tells it like it is!
SugarShane on February 27 at 9:41 a.m.
@above “How fearful our country must feel knowing that people such as Ms O served for our country”
LOL if you only knew! The military is an all volunteer force, comprised of the poorest Americans. I always find it amusing when people think being in the service makes them a better person, remember it was Lee Harvey Oswald’s excellent marine training that made him what he is today: a criminal.
Soldiers, just like cops, are people just like you and me, not heroes or super people.
the509pimp on February 28 at 1:57 a.m.
SUGAR WELL SAID !!!
gotya on March 01 at 5:23 p.m.
the509pimp & Sugar Shane well said!
Our community will stand behind the Tablers and what they have suffered and experienced at the hands of Miss O’s criminal activities.
In NO way is Miss O innocent along with the side kicks she associates with. She stated poor Judgement, really now, she still has these criminals frequent her Northside Home Daily.
The Newspaper reporter has the facts and stated it as it is right from Court House reports.
Don’t fall for More Bs from Miss O.
Bee509 on March 02 at 4:04 a.m.
Wow. Aren’t we a smart bunch? I’m so glad I live in my “yuppy” Valley neighborhood! I’ll pay a mortgage to the hilt as long as I don’t have you folks qas neighbors… (movin’ on up tune plays now fyi)
((shakes head)) - no really… I’m really shaking my head at you.
In case you didn’t, can’t or refuse to read this: “Please keep it civil. Don’t post comments that are obscene, defamatory, threatening, off-topic, an infringement of copyright or an invasion of privacy. Read our full forum standards and community guidelines.”
Ah what the hell, we’re all experts here right? Social media… meet social justice or hell even social dysfunction for a lack of better words. But you know what they say “There’s nothin’ like show business!”…
Keep it up guys! I’ll check back in a couple of days and next time I’ll bring some pop-corn. This stuff is juicy! NorthXnorthwest, I think I’m on to something.
gotya on April 04 at 10:42 a.m.
One of your wanted criminal buddies is found dead read the paper
mrs_s_barton on April 05 at 11:56 a.m.
i wanna commtent on talbert truck being stolen on columbia, shawn barton did not do this, kinda funny that the same truck that belongs to rich hoffman(also involed in the shooting in december) was the same truck witnesses saw at the same time, same place the talberts truck was stolen, so put 2 and 2 together, maybe it was a mistaken identity when the witness pointed out shawn bartons mugshot as the person who is being accused of stealing it, take a look at the mugshots of the other people that are of question.
gotya on April 06 at 12:43 p.m.
MS. BARTON NO, NOT MISTAKEN IDENTITY . Maybe your a victim too or maybe your just as involved as the rest of the criminal crew especially if your married to Shawn. A repeat criminal
mrs_s_barton on April 10 at 3:31 p.m.
SHAWN HAS HIS SHARE OF RUNNINGS WITH THE LAW.INNOCENT BY FAR. BUT PEOPLE CAN CHANGE.AND HE WAS CHANGING,HE HAD A GOOD JOB,WORKING,COMING HOME EVERY NIGHT.HE WAS BEING RIGHT.THEN THAT WARRANT CAME OUT FOR HIM.AND THEN HE WAS GONE.HE DIDNT DO,WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.HE WAS HONESTLY CHANGING.I SEEN IT.WELL NOW HE IS WAITING TO SEE HOW THIS ALL END.HE HAS THE LORD ON HIS SIDE NOW.AND HOPEFULLY WITH THAT,HES PAST WONT WONT HURT HIM.AND HE WILL BE OUT AND CAN PROVE EVERYONE WRONG.ITS NOT ONCE A CRIMINAL, ALWAYS A CRIMINAL.THAT JUST ISNT TRUE.I HAVE FAITH IN HIM.AND SOON WE’LL ALL SEE.I’M SORRY THAT U’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH THE STUFF YOU HAVE.STEALING IS WRONG.NO BODY HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE SOMETHING THAT DOESNT BELONG TO THEM.AND THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR THEIR ACTIONS.BUT PLEASE PUNISH THE RIGHT PERSON.SHAWN DIDNT DO THIS.
Wowurmadmisso on April 12 at 9:58 a.m.
If Shawn was doing the “right thing” Mrs.Barton why was he hanging around Miss.O? He and Miss.O have a history that spans several years. He has gotten in a lot of trouble with her (including being shot). If he was trying so hard to be “right” don’t you think he would have been entertaining better company? Are you delusional or just plain stupid? He is a criminal….has been a criminal….and will continue to be a criminal as long as he is allowed. This is all your dear husband knows. Hopefully he will find God. He certainly needs him.
hippichix on July 11 at 10:20 a.m.
ATTENTION: MRS BARTON/TRACEY OBLENESS, if shawn barton, richard hoffman and the others were INNOCENT WHY DID THEY ENTER A GUILTY PLEA AND GET [ALOT OF PRISON TIME} not enough time as far as were concerned……..and by the way Tracey Obleness YOUR NEXT AND WE ALL CANT WAIT………..
Pied_Piper on March 07 at 2:02 a.m.
Hopefully with the fresh article, this can of worms can be opened again. Very entertaining indeed!