Councilman Releases Statement on Reports of Involvement in Video Poker
Lexington Town Councilman Danny Frazier released a statement Tuesday regarding reports of his involvement in video poker operations.
Lexington Town Councilman Danny Frazier released a statement Tuesday saying that he hasn't done anything illegal, after reports of his involvement in video poker operations surfaced last week.
The Free Times obtained a recorded conversation of a man identified as Frazier explaining to a potential business associate how to set up a video poker parlor.
Frazier says that conversation was taped without his knowledge. He also says he regrets boasting about his friendships with public officials but he would never ask them to do anything illegal.
"I am embarrassed and humbled by what has happened and this has been a life changing experience for me," Frazier wrote. "I apologize to my wife, my children, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Lexington, the citizens of Lexington and my friends for anything I have said that caused them to be embarrassed or disappointed in me."
Here's Frazier's full statement:
"Over the past couple of weeks, there have been media reports suggesting that I may be involved in some questionable business practices.
At the request of someone I thought to be a friend seeking advice about getting involved in a new business venture, I met with him. Secretly, and without my knowledge, he taped our entire conversation. During the course of that lengthy conversation, I boasted about friendships and said things that were exaggerated or simply not true, which reflected very poor judgment on my part. I guess we all like to think we are more important or influential that we actually are.
As a result of this, I have spent many sleepless nights and greatly regret my boasting. I do have many friends who are public officials, but I would never ask them, nor would they, do anything improper or illegal on my behalf.
I am embarrassed and humbled by what has happened and this has been a life changing experience for me. I apologize to my wife, my children, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Lexington, the citizens of Lexington and my friends for anything I have said that caused them to be embarrassed or disappointed in me.
While nothing I have done is illegal, my error in judgment was a serious one. As I leave today to take a family vacation before school starts, I will use this time to reflect on making sure my priorities are in order and how I can strive to be a better husband, father, and public servant."
G. Carmichael
12:46 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This idiot has a history of questionable ethics and morales. I was a neighbor to his family when Mr Fraizer's wife found out he was having an affair and kicked him out....nice family destroyed by this "upstanding" citizen of Lexington. I believe he meant every word....we just never got far enough for the $$$ to change hands. He embarrassed his family and now he embarrasses our great Town. Resign. Now. Please!
Laura
10:04 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
He knew what he was saying. The only reason he was being recorded was because his friend has heard him talking about his involvement with the gambleing before. So his friend decided to have him recorded for law enforcement. Now he is embarrssed that he got caught? Was he thinking about it before? No. He was thinking about the money he would make. We do not need someone like this in office. I'm sure if more investigations were done, a whole lot of his money making schemes will surface. I can't beleive that he is still sitting pretty on the town council. What kind of message are they sending the citizens of Lexington. These are people who are suppose to look out for the best interest of Lexington. Set the example of outstanding citizen in our community that the people look up to, respect and know that they are doing all that they can to better the community for the people. No bring in criminal activity!
Stephanie
5:48 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I really don't know whether to laugh or cry. it just ticks me off to no end that I pay what I do in taxes to live in Lexington and this is the crap I'm paying for. I believe without a doubt that there is far more corruption than just this one individual. And, I'm sorry, no, I'm not... Lexington is too small for half the town not to know about all this. I have never voted for him and would never vote for him because as he has shown, he is just sketchy as crud. What ever happened to the Rolex incident. That was a payoff. So, now, let's see if any of the other "officials" in Lexington have the gall to show him the door. I'm guessing they won't. If the solicitor can get charged for DUI and only pay a fine while blaming the local Senator for putting the cup in the car, dear Lord only knows what all else they have been doing behind everyone's back. Well, at least the actions of these morons explain what they have (haven't been) been doing on the job all these years. Freaking nothing. It almost explains why 378 is a clogged highway from hell, where 4 new schools, including the church school, 2 frontage roads, and Corley Mill Road, ARE ALL funneling traffic to one red light at I20 and 378. Who the crap EVER thought that would be a good idea? The lack of leadership proves that once beautiful Lexington has been turned over to the dogs, the same dogs that cannot bring anything to town but a mattress store, a bank, a fast food restaurant and stalled traffic.
Anonymous
1:43 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
It's amazing how people can bad mouth somethin they have no clue about how bout this let the law do their job before u start tarnishing someone's names. By all means of its all true then talk but don't comment on somethin u hav no clue about let the investigators figure it out
Stephanie
9:31 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
It's not amazing nor bad mouthing. It's in his own words and all over the media. He wasn't reading from a script. HE is only to blame for himself and the tax payers of Lexington should not deal with this over and over. And, you're right, I didn't have a clue until his tape was all over the TV and paper.
James Sanderson
9:33 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Just a good ole boy yea buddy !!!!!
Delle M. Yarborough
4:10 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I've said and written enough on this today to last a lifetime. Justice will prevail and "Danny Boy" will find himself on the opposite side of the law! The good citizens of Lexington are sick and tired of the "good ole boy" network. Coming to an end people. Morality, integrity and honesty rule; not lies, cheating and stealing. Shame on you, Danny Frazier. I applaud Town Council for their vote to have Mr. Frazier step down. It certainly speaks to his lack of character that he has yet to comply. Perhaps the SLED investigation will encourage him to do so!!!!
Linda Schnackenberg
6:01 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Sounds as if Mr. Frasier has "cooked his goose.". I am reading things I was unaware of. Clearly the taping does not lie. Unwise not to resign from Council, my opinion. His "slickness" seems to have caught up w/him. So true: "We reap what we sow." Unfortunately we have far too many who place themselves above the law. What begins in a small, perhaps, mushrooms. "I did this, it's ok," but greed/loss of what is right or wrong," etc. start a pattern. Unfortunately our society is rife w/dishonesty & greed, or the desires for whatever the reason. I wish this incident would be make a strong impression on those who need it. But I doubt it will make a big difference. The mindset of people who think differently than I and other hardworking, honest people is different.