Judge: Chief deputy must stay away from daughter
Published: June 26, 2009
Barbour County Sheriff Leroy Upshaw and Chief Deputy Ronnie Benefield have been ordered by a federal judge to stay away from Benefield’s daughter and her boyfriend after an alleged racially motivated assault against the boyfriend, according to an Associated Press story.
According to the AP story, “U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins on Friday extended until July 6 an order prohibiting Upshaw, Benefield and several named deputies from approaching Tera Benefield or her boyfriend, Ray Charles McCloud, except on official law enforecement business.
“Tera Benefield said the lawsuit was filed after her father and other deputies raided her home on June 1 and beat McCloud,“ the AP story states. “Tera Benefield, who is white, said her father had been upset partly because McCloud is black. An attorney for the sheriff and chief deputy, Gary Willford, said his clients would obey the order.“
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My understanding is there was a 911 call from the daughter to the BCSO b/c she was being beaten by the man. The BCSO responded. BCSO was in the house for 4 mins. (video verifies this)then they left when they were asked too. About 1 hour later the man was in Eufaula b/c EPD had to respond to a call that he was beating on another woman in Eufaula. My question is: if he was “beaten up” by BCSO how was he able to travel to Eufaula and assault another woman? Why didn’t he go to the hospital right away? Why didn’t someone call an ambulance? I’m not defending BCSO, I know there are a lot of things that go on, that should not with them. But, like “Ah Please” said-there is more to this story. And it is not about race…
No doubt there is more to the story on this. But even if there are crimes, etc… happening. I don’t think Daddy should have been there in a “Raid” of sorts. No doubt, As a parent there are worries and concerns with any child at times in their lives. Been there done that. And I am believer in Tough Love. Too bad it did not happen tougher yrs ago. But it is never to late to make that stand and make it clear of what relationship you are willing to have in this situation with a grown child. Yes, hard to do, but no harder than what has and is going on now. As far as running back & back,that goes back to the tough love. Don’t enable,You made your bed now lie in it or change the sheets and make it. Had it done to me as a child and I learned the hard way. I use it in my child’s life as well. I know what works and don’t as I was Tara growing up. I just pray that all turns out well in this family.
Yes, I agree she and her family need prayer, all of society needs prayer, America(the whole world is in a mess). I am not throwing stones at her. I agree she has made mistakes in the past and ALL of them are suffering because of them. Yes, we all make bad choices, we/our family have to suffer for them, especially if family loves each other.As for me, I really don’t care what she does or does not do with her life. I don’t know the cause as to why her Daddy was there but, as a parent myself, I am sure it wasn’t without cause or concern. I am fairly confident it wasn’t because he is Black but because of another reason. Sometimes there isn’t a 911 call to Law Enforcement, they can hear from other sources. My biggest problem is, every time society turns around, LAWSUIT. I get so tired, along with society, some, not all people, use the race card. Not any race gets treated fairly but everyone aren’t filing lawsuits. I agree Daddy should just leave her alone, let her live her life just the way she wants, let her and only her suffer the consequences of her choices, even God don’t force himself on anyone. But good Lord, she would go running back to her parents for help, help, help, seemingly only to keep on making the same ones over and over. Have you ever heard of Tough Love? It is the hardest thing a Loving Parent can do but sometimes you have to do it. As I said before, as a parent, sometimes you have to step back, let go and let God. Tough Love is a heck of lot easier said than done. This is only my opinion which I am entitled. You are entitled to your opinion. Remember, when you talk about throwing stones, Jesus did tell the woman, to go and sin no more. Being in love with another race isn’t a sin, that isn’t what I am saying, but you can bet the bank there is an underlying reason as to why her Daddy and other Law Enforcement raided her house. But,hopefully, THE TRUTH, will come out, eventually, but even the truth isn’t my business other than LAWSUIT.
Tara has made her own decisions in the past that have been hard on her and her family. But throwing stones at her alone is not getting it. She has made her choices in life,rightfully so,she is now 30 something.If she chooses to go with whatever race,Christian or criminal is hers to make.Not Daddy’s, The BCSD’s or mine. Was the Man arrested that night? Was there a 911 call for BCSD to be there with Daddy? Why were they there at that time? And jidderbug you seems to know a lot of the past with Father of her child. Tell us why same thing happened back then with that B/F? Except Daddy did not have the badge then. The Benefield’s are good people mind you,but this is a recurring occurrence between them on this subject. And yes they all love the child like crazy,who would not love one of their own. Just like their love for Tara. Yes,Tara could have made a better choice this time (man choice) and I wish she would. Things Tara does will have to be answered to God. Right or wrong. But same will go for Mr. Benefield and any others. Right or Wrong. This family needs prayers whatever the cause, reason and outcome.And Duke, I believe it is because he has A record but there was no dutiable cause for them to be there that night.
Oh, please give us, society, a freaking break,don’t use the racist card again. Haven’t you heard Obama made it to the White House. Not any race can use, poor old me attitude anymore. Anyone can do anything they want with their life, it is their choice. Some just choose to take the wrong way. Tera and her boyfriend can’t use racist in this situation because Tera has a sixteen year old son whose Daddy is a Black man. Her parents have helped raise him just like any of their other grandchildren. Tera is just a rebellious child, trying to blame her parents and society for everything that goes wrong in her life. Face-up girlfriend, you get back from life what you put into it. Don’t blame the law enforcement or your parents for the mess you and your boyfriend have gotten yourselves in. Anyone in society who has any sense knows who is at fault here.
From my knowledge of Tara’s past she has heartache for her parents who are very good christian parents. Sometimes you just have to let you children go and let God do his work. A parent can’t make their child live the way they want them to live. I really hate this for her parents….this just really shows how much love she has for her parents.
IF McCloud is a convicted violent drug dealer as claimed, on what basis would judge issue the restraining order AND the sheriff state intended compliance?
and don’t forget every happening MUST be racially motivated! No matter what the facts might be there seems to be the race deal thrown in there….why can’t anyone suppose that there could be other circumstance involved? Look around people it is not necessary anymore we are almost a nation of mixed races I’d be willing to say that no one can say without a shadow of a doubt that they are 100% any race. That makes us ALL a minority race of some degree.
I don’t suppose the fact that her boyfriend is a CONVICTED drug dealing felon with a history of violence has anything to do with their house being raided. Funny how those facts are always left out of the story when someone wants to complain about our law enforcement officers.
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