A Call For Accountability: Terron Gerhard Dizzley, The Unanswered Plea for Justice From Ten Years and Counting of Being Held Illegally Incarcerated

In a time where the legacy of civil rights and justice remains a critical part of the American narrative, a troubling story emerges from the heart of South Carolina. The case involves Congressman Jim Clyburn, a prominent political figure and descendant of the historic struggle for equality, who is at the center of an allegation that raises serious questions about political accountability and familial duty.

The crux of the issue stems from a distressing claim made by a family member of Congressman Jim Clyburn, Terron Gerhard Dizzley, who is related to Congressman Clyburn through his Grandparents, now deceased, Leroy and Carrie Dizzley, long-time residents of Bishopville South Carolina who have deep historical roots in the community. On several occasions Terron had his family to reached out to Congressman Clyburn, seeking assistance under the Thirteenth Amendment which abolishes slavery and addresses involuntary servitude. The plea highlights concerns about Terron Dizzley’s illegal incarceration for ten years and counting in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. In 2012, in Georgetown South Carolina, while maintaining his innocence, Terron Dizzley was tried for the 2008 murder of Aundry Evans, Jr. At the time that the murder occurred Terron was a resident of Orangeburg South Carolina. During Dizzley’s first trial of 2012, the Honorable Judge Michael Baxley stopped the jury from deliberating after only three to four hours. His decision to stop deliberations and discharge the jury was “a strong message to prosecution that they are unable to meet the burden of proof to the extent that they can bring back a unanimous verdict.” According to United States Supreme Court precedents on judgments of acquittals: U.S. v. Martin Linen Supply Co., 430 U.S. 564 (1977); Burks v. United States, 437 U.S. 1 (1978); and U.S. v. Scott, 437 U.S. 82 (1978), when a trial court establishes that the prosecution failed to meet their “burden of proof” to the extent that they can bring back a unanimous verdict, that ruling is an “acquittal” which establishes that person’s “innocence” and “lack of criminal culpability” to have committed the offense charged despite whatever “label” the judge places on the ruling as a mistrial or whatever, and the the “only” just remedy after establishing that the prosecution has failed to meet their “burden of proof” is to enter a verdict of acquittal, and double jeopardy bars retrial. Despite this, Terron was unlawfully tried again for the same offense two years later in 2014 and unlawfully convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison. It has been established for over 150 years in Exparte Lange, 85 U.S. 163 (1873), that a sentence imposed on a person which violates the Fifth Amendment Double Jeopardy Clause is “void for want of power” to hold the party a prisoner and he must be discharged. Therefore, according to clearly established United States Supreme Court law, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has no legal nor jurisdictional authority to hold Terron in prison under such sentence, which is is literally kidnapping/false imprisonment. Despite this, the courts has refused to rule on countless motions filed by Terron for his immediate release, thus, refusing to afford Terron equal protection under the law —a situation that exemplifies the ongoing struggles against systemic injustice.

Terron’s family reached out to family member Congressman Jim Clyburn and met and spoke with his constituents at his Columbia office and provided them with documentation of proof of Terron’s illegal incarceration, only to be told that they would not intervene. The Dizzley family also provided Congressman Clyburn's constituents with the laws established under the second section of the Thirteenth Amendment which affords Congress the authority to enforce legislation against “all” forms of “badges and incidents of slavery,” and that Terron’s illegal incarceration was just that, an “unlawful subjection to slavery.”

Despite the direct connection to the Dizzley family, a lineage entwined with the very struggles that shaped civil rights, the plea seemingly fell on deaf ears. The response from Congressman Clyburn's constituents raises significant concerns about the accessibility of political representation for marginalized communities. It also highlights the potential disconnect that can occur between elected officials and their constituents, especially those who share a familial bond.

This incident signals a broader issue within our political system, where the voices of individuals grappling with injustices may be overlooked—even by their own representatives. The Thirteenth Amendment stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s commitment to freedom and equality, yet instances like this underscore the urgent need for action and intervention when individuals face legal predicaments that resonate with the historical injustices the amendment sought to abolish.

For many, Congressman Clyburn symbolizes hope and the legacy of progress. However, this incident urges a re-evaluation of the impact he has as a leader. The constituents who look up to him for guidance and protection cannot afford to feel abandoned, especially under circumstances that reflect their personal battles against systemic oppression.

As the story unfolds, it demands accountability—not just from Congressman Clyburn and his constituents but from all elected officials. The citizens of South Carolina, and Americans at large, deserve to see their hopes for justice reflected in the actions of those they elect. The cries for help from families like Terron Dizzley’s must be heard, responded to, and addressed with the seriousness and gravity they warrant.

As we reflect on this situation, it becomes clear: Each voice matters, and every plea for justice deserves a response. The legacy of our leaders ought to be measured not only by their words but by their willingness to act in the face of adversity, particularly when it comes from those who share their lineage and history.

For progress to continue, it requires accountability, compassion, and a commitment to dismantling the remnants of the injustices that persist in our society. Let this serve as a reminder that the work towards equality is far from over, and it is a call to action for all of us to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight for justice.

The Dizzley family's struggle has taken on a life-threatening urgency as they confront the egregious injustices perpetrated against their loved one. Their outreach to organizations like the NAACP, including the President of the Georgetown County branch, Marvin Neal, underscores the severity of the situation. The Dizzley family also reached out to, spoke to, and provided local representative Tom Rice with Terron’s case and petitioned for help, yet their response has been shockingly inadequate.

In a desperate measure to force the issue into the public consciousness, Dizzley bravely resorted to petitioning the South Carolina Court of Appeals, where his case has been pending since 2022, and the Supreme Court of South Carolina with a hunger strike, an act that should have drawn immediate attention to the life-threatening conditions he faces. Despite the Dizzley family presenting irrefutable evidence of his illegal incarceration—evidence that clearly highlights the grave violations of his civil rights—those in power have turned a blind eye. This willful blindness to the blatant criminal acts committed against Dizzley is not only an affront to justice but also constitutes criminal complicity.

The indifference shown by representatives who are meant to uphold the law is both alarming and unacceptable. The refusal to acknowledge the threats to Dizzley’s life and well-being reveals a disturbing pattern of negligence and disregard for the fundamental rights of individuals. It is imperative that these egregious acts are recognized and addressed, as failure to do so not only endangers Terron Dizzley but sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of others who may find themselves in similar predicaments.

Terron Dizzley’s story was aired on Live 5 News on April 16, 2024 by Court Reporter Emily Johnson. Terron and his family sends thanks to Emily Johnson and Live 5 News for having the courage to tell his story.

This story is brought to you by the civil rights movement, “I AM NOT A SLAVE.”