EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GARY JONES

By Steve Fair- From Washington DC

Do you feel vindicated by the indictment of Jeff McMahan?
I have known this information for three years, so his indictment wasn't a surprise. The surprise is how long it took.

Were there more or less indictments or accusations than you anticipated?
More- I knew they were involved in scheming with Steve Phipps, but the alleged taking of cash was something I did not anticipate.

Do you think McMahan will go to jail?
If the allegations are proven and he has broken the people's trust, yes he should go to jail.

Did you suspect his wife was as involved as the indictments allege?
No, she on numerous occasions accused me of making false accusations and lying about her husband's activities, but I never suspected she was involved to the extent the indictments allege.

In point #17, on page 5 of the Overt Acts section of the indictments, it is alleged the McMahan's solicited CASH donations to their campaign. Was this a surprise to you?
Yes, the fact they took straw donations was not a surprise, but when it alleges they were taking cash it was a shock.

What should McMahan do?
If he is innocent as he claims, he should at the very least take a leave of absence until this situation is resolved. I believe the Governor has asked him to do that and I have released a Press Release echoing that.

Will you be scheduling a press conference next week to discuss these indictments?
We'll see. The disappointing thing is that once again a state-wide elected official from the Democratic party has allegedly violated the citizens trust.