McLendon: ‘Violent crime is about to get a full-court press’

The Dublin Judicial Circuit’s new district attorney announced Monday that he was ready for the job.

It was standing room only as many supporters from around the circuit watched Chief Judge Jon Helton swear in Harold McLendon, the first African-American to become DA in this circuit.

After taking the oath, McLendon spoke to the crowd, saying the road to becoming the DA had been a long journey. 

“The violent crime is about to get a full-court press,” McLendon said. “We’re talking about doing everything necessary to put a crunch on this. We are looking for a time when my kids came along where Dublin was a safe haven. We’re going to bring back that haven.” 

He and Kelly Weathers, who will serve as McLendon’s chief assistant, recently went to a new DA’s conference where they were instructed not to try cases.

“They did not know me,” McLendon said. “In every major case, if I’m not the first chair, I’ll be the second chair. I’m the DA. I’m going to be responsible. You will see an immediate difference in how we will be operating.” 

McLendon called all of the law enforcement officials in his circuit “great.” They have talked and will continue to talk. He said Dublin Police Chief Keith Moon and Laurens County Sheriff Larry Dean have provided an office for the DA at their headquarters.

“We have a great family here, and we’re going to keep that going,” McLendon said. “Now, one of the pet peeves is that I have to be called for every violent crime. I need to know. I’m committed to responding or one of my staff members. One of the things that I’m really big on is the victim’s assistance. We’re going to beef it up and be accountable to the victims of cases.” 

Helton said it was a honor to swear in McLendon.

“I’ve known Harold for a long time, and I consider him a friend,” the judge said. “I’m very excited about his new opportunity that he’s about to embark upon.” 

The Rev. Stephen Pontzer began the 11 a.m. ceremony with a prayer.

“You call us to uphold the dignity of every human person, respect our diverse cultures and seek common good for all,” Pontzer prayed. “We ask you to bestow your blessings upon our leaders, especially upon Harold McLendon who is entrusted with ensuring that the laws of our community are enforced with fairness and that the work of justice benefits all who depends on it for peace. Give to our new district attorney, and all who works with him, a spirit of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, compassion, fortitude, knowledge and fear of the Lord. May they never grow tired of doing good, especially for those who find themselves vulnerable, for those who suffered the indignity of prejudices and iniquity and for those who have no one to advocate for them. In this important work, grant them your protection from threats seen and unseen.” 

He asked for McLendon’s staff to be able to safely work for those who have been wronged. 

“May they never lose sight to serve the community with every person in it, with humility and honor,” Pontzer said. “May they one day be remembered as friend and protector by the least of our brothers and sisters.” 

Weathers went up against her new boss throughout the years, negotiating many cases.

“The one thing I always knew when I negotiated with Harold McLendon is that he was going to come with the truth, he was going to come with integrity and he was going to come with what justice really looked like,” Weathers said. “He never lost sight that what we did affects human beings.” 

Weathers called it the “highest honor” to serve with McLendon.

“I know he will lead our communities with principle,” she said. “I know that I can trust that he will always be the man of integrity that I know him to be. So, Harold, congratulations and thank you for asking me to join you.”

McLendon recalled a fatal vehicle case where his client went around a double yellow line and killed two people, and Weathers recommended a sentence of 10 years with three to be served in prison and seven on probation. At the sentencing hearing, Weathers was crying and told the judge the defendant was “such a nice person that I hate to see her go to prison.” 

“She had all the power in the world but showed love,” McLendon said.

McLendon introduced each member of the DA team, including the new investigators.

“We have gotten a staff and I was able to select each individual piece of this puzzle,” McLendon said. “We have an A-team. The violent crime has to stop. We have enough resources. Now, law enforcement is going to do their jobs and we’re definitely going to do ours. But you citizens have a role to play. We’ll present a case to you and prove a case to you. If you say no (not guilty), then you are asking for that type of place to live in. Everybody has a role. What I ask you to do is keep your ears open and hold me accountable for everything I say.”