Tag Archives: Jason Gross

This is not a 30-minute crime show…

Earlier this week, I found myself regretting that the process of justice moves so slow. It seemed to me the whole investigative process followed by the prosecution phase of the investigation(s) into Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) was taking too long. Then I had to ask myself, “Compared to what?”

Soon, I admitted that my perspective of the length of this process was skewed because of the 30-minute crime shows I have watched over the years. These shows are popular and much of the “forensic” evidence is very interesting. Reruns of these shows feature my favorite narrator- the late Peter Thomas. His voice talent has been a signature feature and fit the show extremely well.

However, in my admiration for the show, I assumed with no basis in reality; that crimes are solved quickly. This is simply not true. What was lost in many of the shows is the fact several of these episodes span many years, if not decades. Not every criminal is caught. Not every criminal receives justice to fit the crime. Some of the accused plead out to avoid the embarrassment of a public trial and get shorter sentences. The fact that these crime shows are 30 minutes with commercials has nothing to do with the difficulty of solving the crime.
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Unforgettable Day in Asheville (video)

US District courthouse 100 Otis St.

Thursday, I drove to Asheville and took pictures of the courthouse and asked questions of those working in order to be prepared for Friday. Friday would my first trip to witness a session in this courthouse and I wanted to leave nothing to chance. This move turned out to be worth the time and effort.

Friday’s schedule included a 9:15AM plea hearing for Jason Gross and a 10:00AM plea hearing for Dr. Jerry Gross. In front of these two hearings, another man was before Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell. This man was already incarcerated and was facing additional charges. His hearing ended and Jason Gross and his attorney took their appointed seats.

Before the Judge could address the plea agreement, he moved through several required steps including an initial appearance hearing and an arraignment. Jason was advised of his rights, informed of the charges, advised he could have a public attorney and told the difference between and indictment and bill of information. Jason had already secured David B. Freedman as an attorney. Upon entering the courtroom, the Judge acknowledged Mr. Freedman and said it had been years since he had seen him. This was typically southern friendly.
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Scheme or God’s plan?

Dr. Jerry Gross and his son, Jason Gross take plea deals in US District Court.

My first memories of Jerry and Bobbie Gross are from a visit they made to the Greenville church in the early 90’s. They came preaching a Word of Faith – Kenneth Hagin type of message. Even then I could tell they were not fully on board with the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) message. Their delivery conveyed their background and that was all about to change.

As we learned later, they cashed in that traveling preacher gig and moved to Spindale. Jerry took up a broom and began “getting to know God” as he swept up constructions sites for Carlson Farmer. If I remember right he talked of how it felt to earn minimum wage. Sweeping up sawdust became a spiritual adventure for him. Do others remember his journey?

Occasionally, he was allowed to speak in front of the congregation. He told stories of humbling himself and learning the ways of God. As the years passed, Jane would help him hear the next step was to reapply to medical school and become recertified as a podiatrist. He had closed his practice in the mid-west years ago.

As the months and years passed, Jerry shared stories of “taking a stand for righteousness” amidst the medical community. He shared stories about Doris. Was that her name? His dry sense of humor was moderated by an occasional redirection or rebuke from the front row of the congregation. Jane.
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