Preface

To the Personal Attention of:
Attorney Roy Cooper
North Carolina Attorney General

Mr. Cooper -

This letter (or book) should have never made it to your desk.  Your colleagues have not only let you down, but have put you in a rather precarious situation while bringing utter shame to North Carolina Judicial System.  Once you read through the details of this matter, you will see the rulings and decisions made by the North Carolina Judicial System were with clear, intentional, and obvious prejudice.  The "Good Ole Boys" practicing within the shrouds of brotherhood found in the police department, the district attorney's office, the attorney law firms, the various bar associations and committees thereof, and even the Courts have now placed the matter in your hands.  You will have to decide whether you want to be "just another chapter" ... or the Final Chapter.  You will have the same decision to make as the ones before you who were challenged with the same evidence and the same options.  You will have to choose between the "Good Ole Boys" of North Carolina ... or ... side with decency, ethics, and the honest and hard working people of this great state - North Carolina.  After reviewing the details of this book, I hope you fully agree - there are attorneys who need to be disbarred.  There are attorneys who need to be removed and barred from ever serving on a Bar Committee of ANY kind.  There is financial restitution to be made.

Chapter 1

I had been a single parent since Tyler was in the fourth grade.  His mother lived just a few miles down the road and he saw her from time to time, but his preference was to spend his time with me on the farm.  We had dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snow mobiles, tractors, an ice skating pond, and 36 acres of wooded area with endless trails leading to more than 100 acres of state forest.  A dream of which any young boy might have.    After the fifth grade, he moved in full time and eventually changed school districts so he could play football with some of his friends from his Pop Warner team. 

During the Summer before Tyler was to enter high school, I decided to pursue options in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The farm was sold and the move to Charlotte was made.  Tyler's mother had also sold her house and moved to a nearby neighborhood in Charlotte and soon found employment.  Once we had all gotten settled and Tyler was officially enrolled in the local high school, I sent the ex-wife an e-mail which basically stated "you have a job ... how about making a contribution".  For years I had paid for virtually all of Tyler's meals, showers, housing, sports, dues, clothes, shoes, activity fees, football helmets, travel expenses, and medical/dental expenses.  She sent a return e-mail indicating she would give me $150 every two weeks.  The sum of the money was never the issue .. it was the principle.  I didn't bring Tyler into the world by myself and she had a responsibility for the cost of his upbringing as well. 

In an effort to reduce any chance of future conflict (based on past history), I decided to hire an attorney to have everything documented by the courts.  I searched the yellow pages and eventually placed a call to the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman law firm.  The receptionist assured me their top family law "expert" was non other than Steven B. Ockerman.  An appointment to visit with him was made and off I went.  We met one afternoon and I showed him the e-mail where Tyler's mother had agreed to the $150 every other week.  I informed Mr. Ockerman of my desire to have this formalized and properly documented by the court for my protection  Standard procedure ... and a rather simple, uncontested matter.  I was asked to put down a $1,500 retainer and a $100 office fee for copies and ... well I'm not sure what else ... perhaps they expected me to pay for the coffee and donuts.  When I complained about the amount of the requested retainer, I was informed that since it was an uncontested matter, I should get most of my money back ,,, but the fees were standard procedure.  With that said, I agreed to the contract placed before me and signed it.  I thought I could trust the guy.  I thought I could trust the firm.  Let this be a fair warning to all ... Do Not Hire Anyone from the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman law firm! 

During the next week or so, Mr. Ockerman had both parties fill out financial worksheets to base his calculations on.  Mr. Ockerman also requested certified documents from the State of Kansas to verify that we had been divorced and to validate and show the State of North Carolina had jurisdiction over the matter.  STOP!  If you are a lawyer reading this, a judge, a professor of law, or a fourth grader ... you can't help but scratch your head and wonder. 

Think about it - The matter as originally presented to Mr. Ockerman was uncontested.  She had agreed to give me $150 every other week AND I had already agreed to accept the $150 every other week.  What were the worksheets for?  Mr. Ockerman, in his original meeting, tried to convince me I was leaving a potential $15,000 on the table.  We discussed how that might pay for the first year of college.  He then spent hours on potential possible child support scenarios ... and then ended up with what was originally agreed to between the parties.  After all, the parties had already come to terms. 

What was the purpose of the certified documentation from Kansas?  It didn't matter if we were ever married, divorced, or living in sin.  The parties had already come to terms.  It should have been no more than a $500 document and a simple court entry,  Instead, Mr. Ockerman chose to milk this simple matter for all it was worth.  He had just finished his stint as a JAG attorney (military).  I think I was his first client in the real world.  Perhaps I looked like an easy target.  Perhaps he had some pressing bills or simply wanted to show his employer just how good he was at fleecing clients.  As the story continues to unfold, you too may question if fleecing is standard procedure at the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman law firm.  You may also question if fleecing is protected by attorney written contracts ... and perhaps even the North Carolina State Bar.

Chapter 2

Several months go by and I receive a statement from the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman law firm (WNH&P) for $1,628.  The bill indicated a balance of $28 was due.  Now I am totally confused.  This made no sense to me what-so-ever.  Surely my statement was mixed up with someone else's.  I sent an e-mail over to Mr. Ockerman questioning the matter. 

He replied, Gary - I understand what you are saying & will adjust the bill accordingly; disregard the statement you received.  She has not picked up her certified mail.  I instructed Ashley to have the sheriff serve her.  Ashley will need Lynn's work address so please call her at 704-716-5230 with that.  How much more work is needed depends on what Lynn does after she's served.  But we have to get her served first, so that's what we're working on. 

I sure was relieved.  A week later I received a check for $28.  Now I am really confused.  Let's get that fourth grader back in here.  I give you $1,600 as a retainer.  You only have $1,600 of my money.  You send me a statement for $1,628.  I question the amount and you send me a check for $28.  You have to be a financial idiot to be able to justify that transaction.  Now I am really worried.  I am now just hoping this gets recorded with the Courts as soon as possible and I can move on.  I can see the writing on the wall ... but I am in too deep to fire and hire another attorney.  Surely the end to this nightmare is in sight.  Surely we have a court date on the calendar and I can't wait for this terrible experience of absolute incompetence to be over!  How could an uncontested matter be turned into such an expensive nightmare?  And more importantly ... why?

I had sent an e-mail over to Mr. Ockerman (I felt it necessary) to explain to him the court documents needed to say $150 every other week and NOT $300 a month.  Over a period of several years ... the difference is substantial.  If you do not understand the math ...check with that fourth grader.  Mr. Ockerman replied back and implied that he fully understood and would make sure the documents said $150 every other week. 

-----Original Message-----
From:  Gary G. Gleason [mailto:tylersdad@xxxx.net]
Sent:  Thursday, January 18, 2007  11:08 AM
To:  Steve Ockerman
Subject:  Re:  Consent order
 

Lynn is obviously not a math major.
Make SURE the order is changed to $150 EVERY two weeks and NOT $300 per month.
(The net result is a $300 annual net gain which helps to make up her tardiness).

Gary
 

Mr. Ockerman responded immediately via return e-mail -

From:  "Steven Ockerman" <steve.ockerman@wnhplaw.com>
To:  Gary G. Gleason <tylersdad@xxxx.net>
Sent:  Thursday, January 18, 2007  11:17 AM
Subject:  Re:  Consent order

Gary - Will do.  This should do it.  I'll get her in Monday to sign it.

**Did anyone notice how we went from certified mail and sheriff's service to "I'll get her in Monday to sign it"?  The e-mail was sent on Thursday.  He simply picked up the phone and called her to come in to sign the documents.  I guess that is how uncontested matters are handled, (or supposed to be handled).

Finally, it was time for our day in Court, January 25, 2007.  It was uneventful since both parties agreed to the terms.  We both had agreed to $150 every other week.  I do not believe we had an actual hearing since the matter was uncontested and both parties had willingly signed the Court Order.  To my recollection, Lynn was not in attendance.  I believe the document was merely presented to the Judge for signature.  I was later sent a copy of the file stamped Court Order.  The Court Order said I was to be awarded $150 every two weeks ... to be taken out via payroll deduction at $300 per month.  Really?  Do we need the fourth grader's assistance here?  The documents are in conflict with themselves and are virtually unenforceable.  The two figures do not match.

I called Mr. Ockerman.  He flat out REFUSED to fix his mistake.  It was an uncontested matter.  It would have required him to re-print the document with the correction and have both parties re-sign and then simply have the judge sign and update the file.  Twenty minutes of effort would have fixed the problem.  Instead, Mr. Ockerman took the coward's way out.  He soon quit taking my phone calls, e-mails, and faxes.  He chose to walk away from his mistake.

I couldn't help but ask myself.  This was the family law "expert" at Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman?  How could anyone have such a pompous attitude?  It was a quick fix.  What a punk move.  Steven Ockerman didn't leave me much choice.  I had to get the documents fixed and re-submitted and I knew the coward had turned his back on me.  Mr. Ockerman had breeched his contract.  I wasn't sure where to turn.  I wasn't sure what to do next.

Chapter 3

As if I hadn't been cheated enough, I soon get a receipt in the mail from WNH&P for $1,673 dated February 20, 2007.  Can you believe it?  Mr. Ockerman hit my credit card on file with additional charges.  What the heck is going on here? 

Sidebar - Mr. Cooper - It only gets worse.  The plot thickens and you will be absolutely shocked who stood by this man.  You will be even more shocked and disappointed who attempted to dismiss and/or cover up the matter.  As the story continues to unfold, you will see exactly why I am bringing this to your attention and asking for intervention, disbarment, and a fair settlement.  Hopefully, drastic change in what is considered "business as usual" will take place.  The pendulum is purposely held far from neutral. 

I called the credit card company to dispute the fees.  I had some rather obvious concerns.  The credit card company advised me that I would have a stronger case if I could provide them with the details of any monthly bills I could provide.   I never received any monthly bills or monthly statements  They also wanted a final statement of account ... something I hadn't ever seen.  I had only seen the one statement telling me I was $28 in arrears ( and that was about 8 months after I hired Ockerman).  Apparently (and rather intentional and convenient) statements were something Steven Ockerman or WNH&P rarely bothered to produce for other clients as well  That's part of the "business as usual"  previously referenced that needs to STOP ... across the board.  In the real world, Trust Accounts (bank accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts, etc.) are mandated by law to send monthly statements.  Somehow, attorneys have wiggled around this duty of ethics .. apparently because they can be "trusted".  The fourth grader just raised his eye brows in total disbelief.  Even a fourth grader knows better.  No one person nor entity should be above the laws of decency.

(Click here to read the first Letter to Ockerman)

Obviously, I tried to reason with Mr. Ockerman, but to no avail.  I informed him I was contesting the credit card bill and needed a "final statement" to proceed.  
 

(Click here to read the second Letter to Ockerman)
 

When he did send his "final statement" it was rather generic. (Imagine that)  I had to ask him to send a detailed statement accounting for his hourly billing.  Needless to say, when I finally did get it, it was an eye opener.  The fees were not only exaggerated, they were in error.  His figures were in conflict with our original contract.  Fourth grade math eludes us once again.   I tried to reason with Mr. Ockerman but a pompous attitude got in his way.  Unfortunately, I missed the 90 day window to dispute the credit card fees.  How timely on behalf of WNH&P.  I am convinced this is standard practice at WNH&P.  Just stall the client for 90 days and they get to keep the disputing client's money.  The Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman business model has worked for an extremely long period of time - Ignore the disgruntled client and eventually they will simply give up and go away.  (Please note that is 1950's thinking ... this is the age of the internet ... you can't hide any longer.  You WILL be exposed!  You WILL pay the price!)  My money at this point was classified as stolen.  Monies obtained by false pretense.  Misuse of a credit card.  Credit card fraud.  Yes, Mr. Ockerman ... I am again, publicly accusing you of a crime.

Sidebar - Mr. Cooper -  I have publicly accused Steven B. Ockerman and WNH&P of committing a crime for over five years.  I have publicly accused Steven Ockerman and WNH&P of unethical practices and stealing my money for the same period of time.  I have publicly accused Steven Ockerman and WNH&P of breech of contract as written on their letterhead.  The majority of details are still yet to follow.  Mr. Ockerman nor WNH&P have never brought suit against me for my truthful accusations.  It is plain and simple ... they don't want me in front of a twelve member jury (of my peers) that, as a citizen of this state, I deserve.  You and I both know why.

Chapter 4

My friends, family, and associates were all telling me the same thing - 'You need to turn WNH&P in to the Bar'.  I am sure most of the readers of this book are thinking the same thing.  After all, is it not a common belief the "Bar" was put in place to monitor attorney practices and protect the citizens against unscrupulous attorneys? 

I made the call to the North Carolina State Bar and began to tell them all that had occurred.  It didn't take long for me to be politely cut off as I was told - 'If you have a dispute with the assessed fees ... you need to contact the Fee Resolution Officer at WNH&P'.  Oddly enough, the North Carolina State Bar was able to give me her name ... "Maria". 

As I hung up the phone, various thoughts began to run through my head.  Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman had a dedicated person to resolve fee complaints?  This person, Maria, had the title "Fee Resolution Officer"?  This would indicate fee disputes must be extremely common with WNH&P.  This was clearly not a good sign.  In addition, I now have to seek resolution with a person who is (no doubt) biased towards her employer?  Isn't that convenient!

These facts are extremely important as this book progresses.  It will be shown how the self governing "system" has evolved into numerous layers of self protection and cover-up.  There is no one policing the shameful actions of the attorneys and bar associations found within the State of North Carolina.  Later, you will see how the North Carolina State Bar issues quarterly reports as to how many complaints were made in the previous quarter.  Fee disputes (apparently), whether presented verbally or written to the North Carolina State Bar are NOT considered "complaints".  There must be thousands of complaints made annually.  Let's face it ... it IS a major problem that is conveniently hidden from the public eye.  I believe it is all part of the "Good Ole Boys" cover up.  Having a "closed door" system at any level of the bar (county or state) leads to this protectionism and bar supported fleecing of unsuspecting clients.  Many states have open bar associations.  Every letter sent in and every letter sent out is public information.  It seems rather clear the attorneys and bar associations of the State of North Carolina have something to hide.

Chapter 5

Anyway, I make the call to Maria and tell her all about the cowardly actions of Steven Ockerman and how I was cheated out of my money.  I read the majority of the letters that had been previously sent to Ockerman to her.  She asked me to fax in the documents so she could make a file and decide on the appropriate resolution. 

Several days later, I receive the following pompous letter from Robert J. Wishart.  (This letter clearly profiles the poor character traits of not only Robert Wishart, but (apparently - as time will reveal) the entire WNH&P professional staff.)

(**These checks were never cashed.)

Chapter 6

After the ridiculous series of events, I can't help but wonder...  (and I still wonder) ... what is wrong with this picture.  Has Steven Ockerman lost his mind?  Does the man have no sense of decency?  Has Robert Wishart lost his mind?  Does Wishart have no sense of morals or ethics?  I am hoping at this point that someone within the confines of WNH&P has a sense of decency about them.  Surely someone in the practice went to law school to stand up for what was right.  There just had to be someone in the practice who was willing to speak out against the insanity.  I decided to write a simple request for intervention.  I included a copies of the letters sent to Ockerman that were filled with documentation and facts, and send it to every member of the practice.  At this point, I am labeled a "disgruntled client".  These are apparently code words for "I really screwed up ... cover for me!"  There was no response from ANY of them.  According to the North Carolina Attorney code of Conduct -
 

"Every lawyer is responsible for observance of the Rules of Professional Conduct. A lawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers. Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the profession and the public interest which it serves."

Am I to assume the code of conduct only comes into play when an attorney can benefit from it ... or are ALL of the members of the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman at fault?  If we get down to the "letter of the law" ... are ALL of the attorneys whose names appear on the WNH&P letterhead guilty of contract fraud.  I believe Contract Law indicates this is the case.  So now we have gone from one man who has broken the law ... to the entire firm and its "letterheaded" members guilty of a crime?  And what happens to attorneys who break the law?  Exactly my point.  The Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman law firm had to dispose of this problem quickly.  They opted to file documentation with the Courts in hopes of Withdrawing from the case.  Can you think of anything more cowardly and inappropriate?  The move was downright despicable.

At this point in time, Mr. Ockerman had been classified by several of his co-workers as "The Black Sheep of the Office".  He had brought great shame to the WNH&P law firm and had been more than embarrassed (and rightfully so!) for his incredible lack of knowledge and professionalism.

That brings us to our first question that everyone asks - "Why didn't Ockerman just fix his mistake?"  Did a pompous attitude get in the way?  As the book continues to offer the facts and happenings of this matter the list of questions continue to grow.  Why didn't "they" just do the right thing?  All the way from single attorney to the entire profession ... we can't help but ask - "Why didn't they do the right thing?"  I often wonder how far a citizen of North Carolina has to go before anyone does the right thing.  After all, I am now at the North Carolina Attorney General's level.  Not much further to go before I get to the Governor's office. I hope that won't be necessary.

Chapter 7

Next I decided to write a formal letter of complaint to the North Carolina State Bar.  The complaint included copies of the e-mails sent, replies, contracts, ... you know ... PROOF.  Because the letter was 41 pages of documentation, the North Carolina State Bar rejected it by saying it was too long and verbose.  Really?  I think the U.S. income tax guide and regulations document is too long and verbose ... should I ignore it?  I was told by the NC State Bar that I needed to re-write the complaint and keep it a single page document.  Is the translation = 'We don't care about the facts, we are going to ignore your complaint and simply sweep it under the filth stained carpets of the North Carolina State Bar'?

I comply with a one page document and submit it.  It listed three complaints and was composed of about 9 sentences as I certainly didn't want to overburden the Bar with proof and facts.  I soon received a letter from the Bar stating they could not see where a breech had occurred and indicated they had closed the file.  One of my complaints was the FACT Steven Ockerman NEVER sent monthly statements.  I then called the Bar to get a copy of Mr. Ockerman's rebuttal letter.  I was told attorney responses are confidential and are not shared or made available to any complaining party.  Really?  The "Good Ole Boys" get to see every word of a complaint ... but the person or client who complains NEVER gets to see the response.  Sure sounds like a cover-up to me!

Let's take it a step further, additional PROOF if you will.  I send a letter to the North Carolina State Bar specifically asking what Mr. Ockerman's response was to my written complaint about not getting monthly statements.  Here is the response letter from the North Carolina State Bar - you be the judge!

Let's get that fourth grader back in here.  I make a very specific complaint about NOT receiving monthly statements and it is NOT addressed in Ockerman's rebuttal letter?  So, what did he write about?  The weather?  According to every fourth grader interviewed, Leanor Bailey Hodge either -

a) intentionally ignored the complaint,

b) intentionally shielded and protected (conspired with) Ockerman and WNH&P,

c) did a really poor job of investigating the complaint/crime that took place,

d) protected a fellow member of the "Good Ole Boys Club",

e) applied the "disgruntled client" rule to the complaint and dismissed it, or

f) all of the above.

Chapter 8

I soon received the Withdrawal Notice via certified mail.  What was I to do?  Who could I turn to?  I felt as though I had no choice and ended up returning to the Yellow Pages.  I called dozens of attorneys who indicated their specialty was malpractice.  Not a single one of them would meet with me.  Not a single one of them would take my case.  Many of them openly admitted I was not likely to find an attorney who would bring suit against another attorney.  That would be blasphemy.  They would be ousted from the "Good Ole Boys Club".  Of course if my case was against a physician they would have been all over it. 

I kept flipping through the Yellow Page ads and I came across an ad posted by attorney Wayne Heasley, I noticed it said "retired Judge" and I thought this was the guy for me.  I called him and was rather surprised when he answered the phone directly.  I wasn't sure what I should call him.  I went with Judge just to be on the safe side.  I was nervous and stumbled with my presentation.  Once I explained everything to Judge Heasley, I asked him if he would accept my case and help me.  Judge just laughed and said, "You don't need me ... just go the Withdrawal Hearing and the presiding judge will have Ockerman fix his mistake."  I offered to buy him lunch for his time and he politely declined. 

Looking back, I realize most attorneys would have taken $500 (or more) just to stand in the Courtroom with me and nod their head a time or two.  Judge Wayne Heasley was a class act and wasn't going to stick it to me ... again.  It was a simple fix.

Chapter 9

I made my way to the Courthouse with documents in hand.  I say "documents in hand" because I had the original Court Order that was in error AND file stamped copies of the following Pro Se document.  (It is imperative that this document is recognized because a copy of this document makes it to the Judge's bench and is read by the presiding Judge.) 

(Insert Pro Se Complaint)

I sat in the second row and waited for the Judge to enter the courtroom.  I was well dressed in a freshly pressed suit of clothes and new tie.  My shoes were shined.  Mr. Ockerman must have been surprised to see me at the hearing and refused to look in my direction.  I figured that was standard procedure.  I was looking at all the attorneys seated on the benches provided for them.  You can't help but wonder why they are there and if they are working on cases involving famous people.  Some attorneys were quietly chatting amongst themselves; while others were shuffling papers, taking notes, or texting on their phones.  They all seemed to be at ease.  I, on the other hand, was nervous.  I kept looking at the clock.  I knew I would have to speak before the Court and felt uncomfortable with the task at hand.  I thought to myself, I shouldn't have to be here.  I shouldn't have had to take the better part of a day off from work because Mr. Ockerman refused to do his job.  I simply can't believe it has gotten to the point I have to ask a Judge to tell him to fix his mess.  I am a hobby musician and can stand up and play guitar and sing in front of hundreds of people, but today, I was wishing Wayne Heasley had taken the case.  I had more than an uncomfortable feeling as the bailiff yelled out - "All Rise!"

Judge Nancy Black Norelli entered the Courtroom in the customary full black robe.  She had that look on her face ... a "Nothing but Business" scowl.  My heart was pounding.  I was praying that I didn't have to go first.  I wanted someone else to break the ice.  There was some immediate activity at the bench which looked like attorneys jumping in line trying to get their case heard first or asking to be rescheduled.  Then there was a roll call to see who was present to be heard, and after some organizing of the call calendar, Judge Norelli started the process.  I presumed the Judge would call the "simple" cases first in an effort to clear the Courtroom and let the attorneys there on those "simple" matters get on to other cases and clients.  Needless to say, we were one of the first few cases heard.  It should have been simple.  Agreed?

Judge Norelli calls our case.  I stand up and approach a small table equipped with a microphone.  Mr. Ockerman approached the other table and chose to stand.  I followed suit.  Judge Norelli read the title of the Withdrawal document and then looked up and said, "Mr. Ockerman?"  Steve Ockerman told the Judge he had completed his work and was withdrawing from the case.  I thought to myself ... if the work was completed ... what are you withdrawing from?  Anyway, Judge Norelli looks at me and said, "Mr. Gleason, do you have anything to add"?  The lump in my throat caused me to stutter and stammer through most of my presentation.  I felt so much a victim that I had to fight back the tears.  I felt as though I was begging for her help.

I had gotten a few sentences out and was describing the details of my Pro Se Complaint and Request for Correction when Judge Norelli quickly cut me off.  She looked at me and asked me directly ... 'Is there any reason why Mr. Ockerman shouldn't be allowed to withdraw from this matter?'  All choked up, I said, "Yes, Your Honor, the document is in conflict with itself and is unenforceable."  She asked me what I was talking about.  I asked the bailiff if he would take a copy of the document to the bench for the Judge's review.  I pointed out the section where the Court Order said I was to be awarded $150 every two weeks ... to be taken out via payroll deduction at $300 per month.  Once she saw the error, she looked up at Steven Ockerman and said, "Mr. Ockerman, would you like to fix your mistake?"  In one of Mr. Ockerman's proudest moments he said, "No Your Honor, I'm all done with this case."

Sidebar - Mr. Cooper - It is important to recognize two very important things here.  First, Judge Norelli and the Court recognized a mistake had been made.  Secondly, there was never a moment of time spent on my Pro Se Request.  It was file stamped and was a legal Court document.  It was merely brushed aside.  So much for fair Pro Se representation in the Courts of North Carolina.  We, as the citizens of this state deserve better. 

After Mr. Ockerman's cowardly statement, Judge Nancy Black Norelli looked at me and said, "Mr. Gleason ... You paid for a Court Order, you received a Court Order, if you have a problem with the Court Order, you need to go to the third floor and get it corrected."  I looked right into her eyes and I didn't have to say a word.  The "You have got to be kidding" look was all over my face.  I packed up my papers and I glanced over at the other attorneys sitting on the bench.  Many of them had the same look on their face.  I couldn't help but wonder if things would have been different if I had a life size cut out of Judge Wayne Heasley propped up next to me or perhaps I would have been better off with a blow up doll wearing a name tag of Attorney Jane.

What should have been a simple matter has just turned into a living nightmare.  We all know what the correct decision from the Bench should have been.  We don't need hindsight to know what should have done.  That fourth grader could have done a better job making the correct decision.  It was more than obvious to every one in the Courtroom (except Judge Norelli) ... I got screwed over because I was Pro Se.  Welcome to the "Justice" system of North Carolina.  I had just gone from being frustrated to absolutely bewildered. 

We now have two questions every one asks -

"Why didn't Ockerman just fix his mistake?"
 
"Why didn't Judge Norelli force Steve Ockerman to fix the mistake she fully recognized?"

(The list of questions grows exponentially throughout the series of events that take place over the next few years.  The sad part is - I'm not making this stuff up.)

Chapter 10

I made my way down to the third floor and found the Self Help Center.  A young man approached me with a clip board with a stack of papers on it and said, "Fill these out, I'll be right with you."  I flipped through the papers and I quickly realized, I am NOT an attorney, I do NOT want to be an attorney, and I do NOT want to pretend to be an attorney.  I put the clipboard on the counter and walked out into the hallway.  I called Judge Wayne Heasley.  Once again, he immediately answered the phone and I said, "Judge, you are not going to believe what just happened."  I told him the story and he was just as upset as I was.  He asked me to come to his office immediately because he had someone he wanted to introduce me to. 

I left the Courthouse and made my way over to his office.  We met briefly and he shared his thoughts with me about the matter.  I can only say his comments were not very flattering.  He then introduced me to my new attorney, Christopher Johnson.  There was no need for me to tell Attorney Johnson about the hearing ... he was there.  He was just as shocked at the Judge's decision as I was.  Needless to say, Attorney Johnson wasn't going to work for free.  He offered to correct the documents and try to get my money back but required a $1,000 retainer.  I wrote the check.  I now have $4,273 invested in an extremely simple, uncontested matter.  This IS the Mecklenburg County Judicial System in a nutshell.  Keep in mind, this is only the very beginning of the story.  It gets much worse.

Looking back on the hearing, one of the attorneys sitting on the bench should have stood up and said something.  The decision made by Judge Norelli was that outrageous.  Just imagine what would have happened if one of the attorneys had stopped the hearing for a moment, asked me if I had a dollar bill, taken that dollar from me, and introduced themselves to the Judge as my new attorney.  That would have been a bold move.  That action would have spread through the Courthouse like wild fire.  That attorney would have been hailed "hero of the day" in my book.  It would have been the right thing to do ... however ... that attorney would have probably never won another case in front of Judge Nancy Norelli.  That's not just Mecklenburg County ... that's the entire world of "Justice".  No longer can a person do the right thing without having to pay a price.  So much for that silly and worthless attorney oath.

Sidebar - Mr. Cooper - It is worth noting Judge Nancy Black Norelli later told attorney Christopher Johnson she 'could have made a better decision'.  I respect her for that.  I have learned from my experiences that an attorney will NEVER admit he/she was wrong.  With that said, Judge Norelli's comment meant a lot to me.  Later in the story, she even offers to provide up to six hours of mediation to help resolve the issues that are now before you ... still unresolved. 

Chapter 11

Attorney Christopher Johnson eventually got Ockerman's mess straightened out and I finally got the benefit of child support several years later than I should have.  Tyler had to do without any additional support until he had fully graduated from High School.  Yes, Steven Ockerman not only screwed me over ... he screwed over an innocent child.  A real class act.  The "expert" on family law.  Attorney Johnson had several opportunities to exchange words with Ockerman.  On no less than three separate occasions, Attorney Johnson asked Ockerman to refund my money.  On the final request, Mr. Johnson informed Ockerman that we planned to file a suit against him in Superior Court if the fees were not refunded in full.  Ockerman, in his usual "class act" fashion said to Attorney Johnson, 'I'm not giving the mf'er a dime'.  Was that a challenge?  If so, Ockerman clearly challenged the wrong guy.

***Insert NC Bar complaint as written by Attorney Christopher Johnson
***Insert Chris Johnson affidavit
***Insert NC Bar phone call to Chris Johnson

Chapter 12

I decided to form the Legal Justice Corporation as an extra layer of protection from the ever growing members of "The Good Ole Boys Club".  It didn't take long to have all of the documents completed and submitted to become a bona fide corporation in the State of North Carolina.  The corporation has since been moved to Delaware to protect it from in-state "tampering". 

The first order of business was to place flyers on the windshields of the cars at the Courthouse parking decks. 
 

**Insert copy of flyer

You would have thought the embarrassment caused by this flyer would have been enough for someone at WNH&P to demand Steven Ockerman do the right thing.  That clearly never happened and I had no choice but to turn up the heat with a little more exposure.  The following announcements were posted in local newspapers -

**Insert copy of announcements

**Insert the numerous phone calls and affidavits received from other "disgruntled" WNH&P clients

The Legal Justice Corporation then awarded Steven B. Ockerman the "Violator of Decency Award".  Just Google his name and you can see the Press Releases on the first page of the search results.  I believe it is listed several times.

Still, there was no proper response.  Instead, Pamela Duffy (of the WNH&P law firm) decided to file a complaint with the North Carolina State Bar and accused the Legal Justice Corporation and Gary G. Gleason of practicing law without a license. 

**Insert copy of Duffy complaint

I found it rather amusing that Jeffrey A. Bunda stated in his e-mail to WNH&P that he found the attached "libel" ... and it was decided that Jeffrey Bunda get recognized on the Legal Justice Corporation web site as well.

***Insert Bundy Award

Since the North Carolina State Bar had already determined that my 41 page original complaint against WNH&P was too long, (but readily accepted the 58 page document from Pamela Duffy (WNH&P), I decided to send my response to the North Carolina State Bar in a ## page bound book.  I have attached the book below. 

***Insert NC Bar Book

If you take the time to read this rather lengthy document, you can't help but see where WNH&P is in the wrong.  The evidence is clearly laid out before the bar ... and it is swept under the carpets.  The facts are ignored.  The "Good Ole Boys" stand united.
And now we have three questions before us -

"Why didn't Ockerman just fix his mistake?"
 
"Why didn't Judge Norelli force Steve Ockerman to fix the mistake she fully recognized?"

"Why didn't the North Carolina State Bar take appropriate action when they were presented the Facts?"

Chapter 13

It was time for some more exposure.  Time to turn the heat up a bit more.  I couldn't help but think - these guys must be slow learners.  Evidently the WNH&P think tank was convinced Gary G. Gleason would simply give up and go away some day like all of the other disgruntled clients before him.  I decided to have some fun with my old 1951 Chevrolet pick-up truck.  I put a couple of signs on the back of it and drove it around the courthouse once or twice a month.

I sure had a lot of people waving and honking horns. I had a stack of flyers explaining the situation and I would ball them up and throw them into the open windows of the people's cars next to me who were asking what it was all about.  Once I got to the courthouse, people would come up to the truck to get the flyers.  The sheriff's department had me stop so they could get a picture of the signs.  A phone call had been made previously to the sheriff's department letting them know what I had planned to do.  I had offered to let them search the truck since I was circling the courthouse.  They declined to inspect the vehicle but did appreciate the notice they were given.  They too had a good laugh.  One of the judges asked if my truck was for sale.  He wanted to buy it!

Chapter 14

Still no correct response from Ockerman, WNH&P, or the North Carolina State Bar.  "The Good Ole Boys" were hanging tough.  They were determined ... and I was determined to let the world know what kind of law firm WNH&P was.  I was having a ball!  There was NOTHING they could do to me.  They didn't want to allow me the 12 member jury I so desperately wanted and deserved.  So I then decided to hire a sign holding company out of California.  Eight foot signs were held one day a week at the courthouse and one day a week at the WNH&P law offices.  This occurred in Mecklenburg County AND Alamance County.  Every 10 seconds the sign holders would flip their signs.  One side said - Steve Ockerman Awarded "Violator of Decency" and the other side said - Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman voted "Worst in the County". 

Chapter 15

You have to understand that while all of the exposure tactics are going on, the legal side of things is going full force as well.  It is difficult to put everything in an exact chronological order.  A police report is filed.  Needless to say, the police report was NOT granted on the first visit to the police station.  One the first attempt, Attorney Johnson and I went to the police station together.  We were denied.  We were told this was a matter for the Bar.  Once I realized you could make a police report over the phone, I made several  calls to the police department.  No luck.  Finally, I found someone who was willing to listen to my story.  She checked with her supervisor ... and Bingo ... we had the police report.

***Insert Police Report and happenings thereafter

A case is also filed with the North Carolina Superior Court.

***Insert Court Filing.

WNH&P has hired their first attorney (insert name) who, after review of the matter, allegedly withdrew because he couldn't win the case.  A second attorney (insert name) was hired.  She didn't last much longer than the first one.  Enter the third attorney - Mark W. Merritt, Chairman of the North Carolina State Bar Ethics Committee.  This is where it starts to get rather foul on the part of Merritt and the North Carolina State Bar.  An attorney friend of mine once told me ... 'If it stinks ... it is probably illegal'.  This had more than just a nasty stench.  If "despicable" had a smell ... this was it!

***Questions to Ponder ...

        If certain members of the WNH&P law firm had "inappropriate" conversation with NC State Bar Committee Members after filing a complaint against Gary G. Gleason ... should they be sanctioned or disbarred?

        Should ANY committee member who takes part in "inappropriate" conversation be removed from office?  Sanctioned?  Disbarred?  Or is it safe to ask - should the NC State Bar enforce their own rules of conduct upon the members/employees within?

        If Mark Merritt (Chairman of the NC State Bar Ethics Committee) had "inappropriate" conversation with ANY other member of the NC State Bar ... should he be removed from office?  Sanctioned?  Disbarred?  After all, is it plausible to think he said nothing about the complaints and/or certified letters received by the other ethics and administrative committee members?  Did he take an oath of "silence" after taking on the WNH&P case?  If so ... shouldn't he have been removed from his post?  Did he by chance tell other committee members that Gary G. Gleason was a "disgruntled client"?  If so, is he guilty of "inappropriate" conversation?

        If Mark Merritt committed a "conflict of interest" by accepting the case and representing WNH&P in an Ethics Case ... should he be removed from office?  Sanctioned?  Disbarred?

        If Judge Richard Boner instructed the opposing attorneys (Mark Merritt and Christopher Johnson) to settle this out of Court because he was not going to hear the case ... is Mark Merritt in "Contempt of Court" since he NEVER made a single offer or attempt to settle the matter?

        Is it plausible to believe a Civil (if not Criminal) Conspiracy has taken place ... and continues to take place?
        (and if so ... shouldn't they ALL be disbarred?????)

    According to Wikipedia -

A civil conspiracy (or collusion) is an agreement between two or more parties to deprive a third party of legal rights or deceive a third party to obtain an illegal objective. A conspiracy may also refer to a group of people who make an agreement to form a partnership in which each member becomes the agent or partner of every other member and engage in planning or agreeing to commit some act. It is not necessary that the conspirators be involved in all stages of planning or be aware of all details. Any voluntary agreement and some overt act by one conspirator in furthance of the plan are the main elements necessary to prove a conspiracy. A conspiracy may exist whether legal means are used to accomplish illegal results, or illegal means used to accomplish something legal. "Even when no crime is involved, a civil action for conspiracy may be brought by the persons who were damaged."

        Isn't it time to bust up "The Good Ole Boys Club" and return Fair and Equitable Justice to Our State?

***The answers should be obvious!  (As they are more than obvious to honest, ethical, hard working North Carolinians!)

        Wouldn't it just be easier to DO THE RIGHT THING?? 
The "Good Ole Boys Club" members scour this book every day trying to find one single flaw,
one miswritten item, one little piece they can make a case with. 
Again I ask - Wouldn't it just be easier to DO THE RIGHT THING??
Wouldn't it have been easier to do the RIGHT THING from the start?

 

More to come ... stay tuned!
(Hang in there folks - about 10 more chapters and I will release the YouTube videos
which will allow the "book" to be easily promoted and "shared" on FaceBook!)
*updated - 5/14/2012

Reader Comments welcomed (and may be published)
Send to - tylersdad  *at* earthlink.net

*** As the author of this book, I (Gary G. Gleason) reserve the right to change, edit, delete, and add material at will.  This on-line version is a rough draft of the final letter (book) being sent to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper and may currently contain errors in chronological timing.  The final edit will have all known errors corrected.  Any misspelled names of persons, places, documents, etc. is unintentional.  If you don't like to read ... wait for the movie.

*** Be advised the format will be changing to a PDF file to allow for the inclusion of various file stamped Court Documents, various letters received, and ease of printing/binding. 
 

*** The Summary Chapter(s) will only be viewable by Attorney General Roy Cooper in the bound version allowing him time to review, comment, and take action as needed.  Upon resolution, (if ever), the Summary Chapter(s) and Resolution Chapter(s) may be openly published at the author's discretion.

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