Phoenix NewTimes - Stephen Lemons did some follow-up on my article about Todd Hezlitt and his relationship with the Pima County Sheriff's department. As you may recall, Hezlitt was a co-star of Shawna Forde on the Norwegian News video of the Minuteman American Defense group patrolling the border. Stephen called the Pima County Sheriff's Department and here is what he found out:I called the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Public Information Officer Deputy Dawn Barkman informed me that they did have someone in the academy by the name of Todd Hezlitt at one time, but that he never made it through, and was discharged in July of 2008. "He failed to meet the qualifications of the academy," explained Barkman. She could not say whether or not the PCSD's Hezlitt and the one shown in the Norwegian video were one and the same. The P.O.S.T. document in question is dated January 21, 2009. Lyle W. Mann, Executive Director AZ P.O.S.T., explained in an e-mail to me that the mention of "new charging cases" -- of which, Hezlitt's case was one -- refers to "the step in the process wherein the Board decides whether or not to initiate proceedings against the person's certification." Mann did not comment on Hezlitt specifically, however, the minutes do say under Hezlitt's name that his case was "pulled from the agenda." (This would seem logical if he were no longer with PCSD.)
Cooperation between law enforcement and minuteman groups is a worrisome issue in Arizona, especially with Sheriff Joe Arpaio here in Maricopa County. In a recent cover story, Ja, Joe!, I detailed links between the MCSO and minuteman groups, and the MCSO and neo-Nazis. And then there's the MCSO's posse. I'm working on getting info about who is in the posse and if they're vetted for ties to extremist groups. Stay tuned for that.
If the Hezlitt in the video and the Hezlitt who didn't make it through the academy are one and the same, it would indicate what we already know: that some law enforcement personnel are sympathetic to extremist nativist organizations. In this case, it seems Hezlitt didn't make the cut, according to the PCSD. And that's a good thing.
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My questions are:
1. IF Hezlitt was "discharged" in July, 2008, WHY would he appear on the Jan. 2009 report? Six months seems like a very long time to be placed on a report vs time of discharge.
2. IF Hezlitt was "discharged" in July, 2008, and the Norwegian Video is from October, 2008, did he join Shawna Forde's M.A.D. group because he was MAD at the world?
3. Are these the types of people the Minutemen are looking for?
I worked with Hezlitt and he was never a supporter of anything close to minuteman. And would never do something to bring harm to others. He disliked PCSD.
ReplyDeleteIf he was never a supporter of the minutemen, why did he do this video with Shawna Forde dressed and armed as a minuteman? Please see the video. He was interviewed.
ReplyDeleteIf he disliked the PCSD, why did he try to join? Was it after he didn't make it that he disliked it?
Just curious.
He did not do the video "with" that nutcase Shawna. Watch it again he was asked seprate and at no time do you EVER see him on camera with her. He was a hired as a Guide by the film crew and Shawna to take them into know drug smuggling areas to make it look more intense. Todd has never been a Minuteman nor would he be I really wish you left wing nuts would get your GD facts in order before you put somebody and their family at risk because of your speculation.
ReplyDeleteYou SAY he is a GUIDE but that is NOT what Hezlitt said on the video. He is out there WITH the minutemen Patrolling/Hunting. Hunting for those he THINKS are drug smugglers. And then to validate to himself WHY he does this Hunting, he uses the excuse he is Hunting for Terrorists and it is the Least he can do given what the soldiers are doing.
ReplyDeleteHere are his EXACT QUOTES from the Video:
Todd Hezlitt: "they'll normally come here at night and then by morning they will leave. its not a discrimination thing. it has nothing to do with race. it has nothing to do with indigenous people trying to make a better life for themsleves."
"for myself, its for the drug smuggling that's come in here.
and it is also for the possible terrorists that are coming up as well."
"if my fellow comrades can be over in iraq and afganistan being blowing up and everything
its the least i can do."
You can see his weapons on the video. He is ARMED and DANGEROUS!! Ready to HUNT!!
ReplyDeleteAnd here is what Shawna Forde's brother, M Metzger said about Hezlitt:
ReplyDelete"M. Metzger says:
Yes and we here in California believe that Hezlitt was the other person who robbed me and my mothers friends. I hope the police have his ass in custody and charged as I think he also may have been involved in the murders.
People who hate because of race, religion or sex are nothing more than pathetic worms that need to be permanantly removed from society !"
M. Metzger believed Hezlitt robbed him? Does he know Hezlitt? Sounds like he is attempting to distance himself from a dis-functional family. Does he have facts or superstitions. I do know Hezlitt disliked the PCSD after being involved with the dept. He chose to return to his military career. As far as Hezlitt being armed in the video has no bearing other than practicing his 2nd admendment. Hezlitt does guided tours in southern Arizona. He is the most motivating marine I know.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
ReplyDeleteWhen did Hezlitt go back into the military? In June?
Anon is just trying to obscure the issue.
ReplyDeleteVids and fotos don't lie and when you connect it to his para military website, well, you get the picture
And now this same Todd Hezlitt is wanted by the Pima County Sheriffs Office for sex acts with a minor and is on the run...if you know his whereabouts please conyact law enforcement...he has a 15 year old girl with him and her family would appreciate any cooperation to ensure her safe return...
ReplyDeleteAnd now this same Todd Hezlitt is wanted by the Pima County Sheriffs Office for sex acts with a minor and is on the run...if you know his whereabouts please conyact law enforcement...he has a 15 year old girl with him and her family would appreciate any cooperation to ensure her safe return...
ReplyDelete