George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin Case -- General Discussion #6

Desperation, desperation in the whole Zimmerman family. Npw the parents have a web site begging for money. All else has failed so I guess this is just another attempt to try and get rich off of a killing of a black youth.

Could be that people are seeing the Zimmermans for what they really are. Nothing is going to change the fact that THEIR son killed an unarmed innocent 17 year old for doing nothing but going to the stroe for candy.

There was no need for them to move or have to live in hotels, no one was going to bother the Zimmermans. The Anthony's stayed right where they were as much as they were hated. They too believed in their lying murderess daughter but they didn't run like scared rats.

The Zimmermans are missing the main point, point being that THEIR son is the one that created this entire scenerio, NOT Trayvon. Thier son was the one who wanted to play cop and be a wannabe hero by carrying a loaded weapon to make up his size and to bully with.

Good luck Zimmermans, I doubt that you will be pulling in much more money. You can always go on disability as can your son and his wife

Sorry for the dup. Computer not cooperating thsi morning.

I think by the quote on the site that money is NOT going to lawyers it's a way to reopen the cash stream from those TreeHouse nuts who hate MOM. I have a feeling this is another way GZ is skirting the no back acct rules.
What is it- three or four PayPal accts existing now?
He's awfully high maintainance these days, hopefully BDLR is looking into it.

MOM seems not to be worried about the account - he confirmed that the elder Zimmermans' website is legitimate. I think that they are skating very close to the edge. I'm surprised that MOM would "bless" this scam.

Latest blog from Zimmermans Call elephant in the room... http://zimmermanscall.blogspot.ca/p/elephants.html

Wife of Trayvon Martin's Shooter Pleads Not Guilty

ORLANDO, Fla. July 28, 2012 (AP)

The wife of Trayvon Martin's shooter has entered a plea of not guilty on a perjury charge.

Shellie Zimmerman will be arraigned Tuesday in central Florida after a judge said she lied about her and husband George Zimmerman's finances during a bond hearing.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/wife-trayvon-martins-shooter-pleads-guilty-16874212

Porky wrote:I live here and honestly think they have more to worry about TV cameras annoying their neighbors than anyone coming after any of them. The protests were about getting them to arrest him.

Right Porky - They nothing to worry about but the media - this is simply a greedy money grabbing bunch that is using this horrible travesty to try and live the good life - MARRY WHITE said it all IMO. Actually, by being as paranoid as GZ is acting with the bullet proof vests, guards and survellience cameras, etc., (and now his parents), they are only firmly establishing that GZ and his family are anything but "reasonable minded persons."

Gizmo711 wrote:Desperation, desperation in the whole Zimmerman family. Npw the parents have a web site begging for money. All else has failed so I guess this is just another attempt to try and get rich off of a killing of a black youth.

Could be that people are seeing the Zimmermans for what they really are. Nothing is going to change the fact that THEIR son killed an unarmed innocent 17 year old for doing nothing but going to the stroe for candy.

There was no need for them to move or have to live in hotels, no one was going to bother the Zimmermans. The Anthony's stayed right where they were as much as they were hated. They too believed in their lying murderess daughter but they didn't run like scared rats.

The Zimmermans are missing the main point, point being that THEIR son is the one that created this entire scenerio, NOT Trayvon. Thier son was the one who wanted to play cop and be a wannabe hero by carrying a loaded weapon to make up his size and to bully with.

Good luck Zimmermans, I doubt that you will be pulling in much more money. You can always go on disability as can your son and his wife

Common sense and a bit of knowing your laws does help.
The Zimmermans could have called for PD protection.
Especially sense the father is a former judge.

Surely, he knows that would be proper procedure.

Justice4all wrote:Wife of Trayvon Martin's Shooter Pleads Not Guilty

ORLANDO, Fla. July 28, 2012 (AP)

The wife of Trayvon Martin's shooter has entered a plea of not guilty on a perjury charge.

Shellie Zimmerman will be arraigned Tuesday in central Florida after a judge said she lied about her and husband George Zimmerman's finances during a bond hearing.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/wife-trayvon-martins-shooter-pleads-guilty-16874212

Why is the dateline July 28th when today is July 27th? Apparently, it is already released.

Freckles wrote:

Justice4all wrote:Wife of Trayvon Martin's Shooter Pleads Not Guilty

ORLANDO, Fla. July 28, 2012 (AP)

The wife of Trayvon Martin's shooter has entered a plea of not guilty on a perjury charge.

Shellie Zimmerman will be arraigned Tuesday in central Florida after a judge said she lied about her and husband George Zimmerman's finances during a bond hearing.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/wife-trayvon-martins-shooter-pleads-guilty-16874212

Why is the dateline July 28th when today is July 27th? Apparently, it is already released.

ABC posted the article from the Associated Press, so I'm guessing the AP dated it for tomorrow's newspapers.

Freckles wrote:

Gizmo711 wrote:Desperation, desperation in the whole Zimmerman family. Npw the parents have a web site begging for money. All else has failed so I guess this is just another attempt to try and get rich off of a killing of a black youth.

Could be that people are seeing the Zimmermans for what they really are. Nothing is going to change the fact that THEIR son killed an unarmed innocent 17 year old for doing nothing but going to the stroe for candy.

There was no need for them to move or have to live in hotels, no one was going to bother the Zimmermans. The Anthony's stayed right where they were as much as they were hated. They too believed in their lying murderess daughter but they didn't run like scared rats.

The Zimmermans are missing the main point, point being that THEIR son is the one that created this entire scenerio, NOT Trayvon. Thier son was the one who wanted to play cop and be a wannabe hero by carrying a loaded weapon to make up his size and to bully with.

Good luck Zimmermans, I doubt that you will be pulling in much more money. You can always go on disability as can your son and his wife

Common sense and a bit of knowing your laws does help.
The Zimmermans could have called for PD protection.
Especially sense the father is a former judge.

Surely, he knows that would be proper procedure.

You are assuming these people are ethical. They know the procedures but see dollar signs.

MollyK wrote:MOM seems not to be worried about the account - he confirmed that the elder Zimmermans' website is legitimate. I think that they are skating very close to the edge. I'm surprised that MOM would "bless" this scam.

I'm not surprised, in fact he probably was the one who suggested it due to all else failing. O'Mara could probably kick himself for using 85,000 to get Georgie out of jail. He probably wishes he had kept him right there. However, O'Mara thought it would be an investment, in order to bring in the one or two million that he would like to have. Surprise, surprise it didn't work.

Porky wrote:

Freckles wrote:
Common sense and a bit of knowing your laws does help.
The Zimmermans could have called for PD protection.
Especially sense the father is a former judge.

Surely, he knows that would be proper procedure.

You are assuming these people are ethical. They know the procedures but see dollar signs.

You are so right, they saw a way to make money from this tragedy. The whole family think alike. I'm sure more will try the same thing, brother, sister etc. I think their hopes are too high, even the haters run out of money (probably way before the non haters do). That first rush of money was exceptional, I doubt that will ever happen again, but it spoiled the Zimmermans as well as O'Mara. I expect anyday to see tee shirts being sold.

I wonder how the judge will handle it when O'Mara has to ask for tax dollars to cover the defense cost? I think that what ever is brought in by the family doesn't have to be counted for Zimmerman. That is probably why they are saying that it is for THEIR own expenses.

The whole damn family is underhanded. I doubt that they are even concerning themselves with the fact that Georgie may go to jail for a long time. Their whole focus now is on getting money, money and more money. They got a taste of it and now that's all they can think about.

Porky wrote:clipped---

You are assuming these people are ethical. They know the procedures but see dollar signs.

LOL! Right you are! My mistake.
The recent scream for money by the family drives home the point they are NOT ethical.

I wonder if/how this may affect the cases the magistrate presided over.
Anyone know how the system worked in Virgina and what types of cases he heard?
I look to see appeals. A big mess.

Another self defence claim by man in Florida whom shot dead a door to door salesman. http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/blog/2012/07/27/florida-man-shoots-kills-door-todoor-salesman/index.html

Porky wrote:

MollyK wrote:I read Robert Zimmerman's website, too. I do feel sorry for the three elderly people, with health problems, whose lives have been disrupted. But I agree with Porky that they should be perfectly safe in their home. And I see no reason why they should not be able to continue doctor's appointments and therapy visits.

It is not clear why their daughter was forced to quit her government job. I can see no reason for this. Is the brother not working as well?

His version of George's life story leaves out a few things.

And not to be grotesque but we just had a killing in Colorado so visceral that the entire country is united in disgust yet the parents of that shooter in Colorado did not flee their home, or quit their jobs and business and people are uniformly more upset about those killings. People hated the Anthonys and George and Cindy stayed in their house and may even be there today. It is completely a crock of crap that the entire family is now engaged in public begging.

Very good point! (Bolding mine.)

Rather than donate money to GZ et all, donate money to any of the individuals, hospitals, or organizations created to financially assist the shooting victims in Aurora.

One of the football players for our Carolina Panthers, Steve Smith, donated $100,000 to the CO victims. I wish all the overpaid athletes and also the overpaid politicians in DC would do the same. Especially the politicians, since they don't have to pay for health care and will continue to collect the pay even after they leave office.

So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

I'm gonna call him and ask if I can give him a ride to the courthouse

Porky wrote:

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

I'm gonna call him and ask if I can give him a ride to the courthouse

Porky, are you serious? It isn't as bad as getting arrested for theft.

Alessandra_Deux wrote:

Porky wrote:

I'm gonna call him and ask if I can give him a ride to the courthouse

Porky, are you serious? It isn't as bad as getting arrested for theft.

No I was just messin. I would never call that fool no less let him ride in my car

Porky wrote:

Alessandra_Deux wrote:


Porky, are you serious? It isn't as bad as getting arrested for theft.

No I was just messin. I would never call that fool no less let him ride in my car

@daralene jones
Just confirmed-#GeorgeZimmerman's biggest supporter arrested 4 DUI-Frank Taaffe told me he mixed a drink w/anxiety meds pic.twitter.com/NUMCarMs

so he's giving her this sob story of how he's been having chest pains, dealing with some personal tragedy and wants everyone to make sure & read their prescription labels. I'm having a hard time typing that last part without giggling my ass off. He's now the patron saint of don't mix alcohol & tranqs. hahahahaha

Freckles wrote:Rather than donate money to GZ et all, donate money to any of the individuals, hospitals, or organizations created to financially assist the shooting victims in Aurora.

I'm sure those donations are dwindling away. They only came from haters and usually those type don't have too much money (if they did they wouldn't hate so much). It's obvious that the Zimmermans and O'Mara are getting desperate. Those web sites (including the parents) are orchastrated by O'Mara. He spent that money to get Zimmerman out of jail as an investment (one that went bad) now he's pulling at straws.

Soon O'Mara will be asking the state to fund the cost of the trial for the defense experts (while he's kicking himself in the azz for posting that bond)

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

His face looks as if he has an alcohol burn.

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

They can all compare mugshots. I think "cutie" has an advantage though - I believe he now has three!

Claire C. wrote:

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

They can all compare mugshots. I think "cutie" has an advantage though - I believe he now has three!

HAHAHAHAHAHA HA HA HA This is too funny. The chickens always come home to roost.

Talk about the Three Stooges...

serenaz1 wrote:Talk about the Three Stooges...

I prefer to think of it as a trifecta

Zimmerman's wife pleads not guilty on perjury charge

By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 5:03 PM EDT, Mon July 30, 2012

(CNN) -- The wife of George Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to a perjury charge related to allegedly lying about the family's finances as her husband faced murder charges in the death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, a court official said.

Shellie Zimmerman's lawyer entered the not guilty plea and waived her appearance at her arraignment, meaning there will not be at a court hearing Tuesday as had been scheduled, Seminole County, Florida, court spokeswoman Michelle Kennedy said Monday.

"Neither Ms. Zimmerman or her attorney are required to attend the arraignment," Kennedy said by e-mail. " "Ms. Zimmerman's name will remain on the docket, but her case will not be called."

Read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/30/justice/florida-zimmerman-wife/?hpt=us_c2

I have lost track.
Is Shellie out and walking about?
Did she have to post? If so, what terms, amount?

Thanks for updating me.

Zimmerman judge to make ruling on recusal request

July 30, 2012

Judge Kenneth Lester's spokeswoman said he will rule by the end of the week on George Zimmerman's request for him to step down.

Lester was on a two-week vacation, but Monday a court spokeswoman said he is back and will rule by Friday if not earlier.

Zimmerman is asking Lester to recuse himself, arguing the judge's ruling on Zimmerman's latest bond request shows a lack of objectivity toward Zimmerman.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48400762

Blogger who outed ‘Witness 9′ in George Zimmerman unmasked

by Joy-Ann Reid
July 30, 2012 at 4:42 PM

The blogger who revealed the name, address, and photos of a cousin of George Zimmerman, the man charged with killing Trayvon Martin, has carefully guarded his own privacy. Known on the Internet only as “Sundance Cracker,” the anonymous blogger has posted potentially embarrassing personal information about several figures in the Martin case — people who fellow posters at “Cracker’s” website derisively call “Trayvonites.” The punishment for supporting Martin’s family, or for opposing Zimmerman, who has developed a following on some conservative blogs, is often to have intimate details, including photos, posted to the site.

Read more: http://thegrio.com/2012/07/30/blogger-who-outed-witness-9-in-george-zimmerman-unmasked/

Freckles wrote:I have lost track.
Is Shellie out and walking about?
Did she have to post? If so, what terms, amount?

Thanks for updating me.

--she was arrested, and then out on ($1000.00) bond within an hour.

--omara was rather disappointed that he hadn't been given a head's up on her arrest.

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/attorney-george-zimmerman-concerned-wifes-safety-a/nPS66/

--June 13/2012--

Attorney: George Zimmerman concerned for wife’s safety after perjury arrest

--article


http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/raw-omara-talks-about-zimmermans-reaction-to-wifes/vcGKd/
--video---Raw: O'Mara talks about Zimmerman's reaction to wife's arrest

Freckles wrote:I have lost track.
Is Shellie out and walking about?
Did she have to post? If so, what terms, amount?

Thanks for updating me.

"2012-06-13: SANFORD, Fla -- SANFORD, Fla. - George Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, was arrested Tuesday after being charged with one count of perjury for allegedly lying under oath at his bond hearing about whether she and her husband had access to any money. She quickly posted $1,000 bond and was released."

Oh good! With witness 9 they said she had "aliases" turned out to be her married vs given name... They went on about her being tattooed- it was some sweet little Harry Potter thing in her wrist or ankle. Just silly desperate dudes trying to prove they have a shred of superiority over others. Pathetic bunch!

Justice4all wrote:Blogger who outed ‘Witness 9′ in George Zimmerman unmasked

by Joy-Ann Reid
July 30, 2012 at 4:42 PM

The blogger who revealed the name, address, and photos of a cousin of George Zimmerman, the man charged with killing Trayvon Martin, has carefully guarded his own privacy. Known on the Internet only as “Sundance Cracker,” the anonymous blogger has posted potentially embarrassing personal information about several figures in the Martin case — people who fellow posters at “Cracker’s” website derisively call “Trayvonites.” The punishment for supporting Martin’s family, or for opposing Zimmerman, who has developed a following on some conservative blogs, is often to have intimate details, including photos, posted to the site.

Read more: http://thegrio.com/2012/07/30/blogger-who-outed-witness-9-in-george-zimmerman-unmasked/

Freckles wrote:

Porky wrote:clipped---

You are assuming these people are ethical. They know the procedures but see dollar signs.

LOL! Right you are! My mistake.
The recent scream for money by the family drives home the point they are NOT ethical.

I wonder if/how this may affect the cases the magistrate presided over.
Anyone know how the system worked in Virgina and what types of cases he heard?
I look to see appeals. A big mess.

From what I remember from reading here (maybe THM?), magistrates in VA are appointed by elected chief circuit court judges for a four-year term. They don't have to be lawyers or have any special training, just live in that particular judicial area and, of course, a US citizen. They do things like issue arrest, civil, search warrants, subpoenas, administer oaths, and probably a few others I don't remember. They can also issue temporary detention orders if they have the appropriate psych paperwork (used to be called "green warrants" back in the day). One thing I do remember reading is that magistrates are not to give legal advice. (That sorta blows for GZ since whatever advice he received initially from ZimmSr didn't go so well .. .. .. ) snort-giggle

All magistrates are supervised by chief circuit judges (or designee), but all districts have a Chief Magistrate in charge of daily supervision of the appointed magistrates (who can be re-appointed). -- I wonder how closely this is monitored on a statewide/Commonwealth level? If Zimmerman was re-appointed several times by the same chief judge, I can see the good-old-boy network in place; like most southern areas where it's barely underground anymore IYKWIM. IMO, maybe that's why Daddy Z thought he was so important (but only in his own mind). It's become obvious, to me anyway, he doesn't have the support of the "old money" that's so important around here. Without that behind you, you're SOL. That is the way it works in these parts; it's unbelievable sometimes ~~C
Disclaimer: This is just what I remember and it was a while back. Also, not proofread.

Justice4all wrote:Blogger who outed ‘Witness 9′ in George Zimmerman unmasked

by Joy-Ann Reid
July 30, 2012 at 4:42 PM

The blogger who revealed the name, address, and photos of a cousin of George Zimmerman, the man charged with killing Trayvon Martin, has carefully guarded his own privacy. Known on the Internet only as “Sundance Cracker,” the anonymous blogger has posted potentially embarrassing personal information about several figures in the Martin case — people who fellow posters at “Cracker’s” website derisively call “Trayvonites.” The punishment for supporting Martin’s family, or for opposing Zimmerman, who has developed a following on some conservative blogs, is often to have intimate details, including photos, posted to the site.

Read more: http://thegrio.com/2012/07/30/blogger-who-outed-witness-9-in-george-zimmerman-unmasked/

This 'sundancecracker' writes for The Conservative Treehouse. He is a true nut!

Claire-
So essentially, in short-hand, a magistrate in Virginia is just a paper pusher doing the mundane (but needed) paper-chase work?

Justice4all wrote:Zimmerman judge to make ruling on recusal request

July 30, 2012

Judge Kenneth Lester's spokeswoman said he will rule by the end of the week on George Zimmerman's request for him to step down.

Lester was on a two-week vacation, but Monday a court spokeswoman said he is back and will rule by Friday if not earlier.

Zimmerman is asking Lester to recuse himself, arguing the judge's ruling on Zimmerman's latest bond request shows a lack of objectivity toward Zimmerman.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48400762

I wonder why Judge Lester would wait until Friday to recuse himself. I am hoping that this is a sign that he may night step down so the order will take a little longer to write. I guess I can hope.

Freckles wrote:Claire-
So essentially, in short-hand, a magistrate in Virginia is just a paper pusher doing the mundane (but needed) paper-chase work?

Well, that's my take. Matter of fact I had to check myself in that post because I referred to the things magistrates do as clerical in nature. Like you said, a bunch of much-needed routine paperwork that allows a REAL judge to take care of important stuff. Freckles, I would even guess that anyone here could do this job .. .. .. and know better than to give legal advice ~~C

ClaireUncensored wrote:

Freckles wrote:Claire-
So essentially, in short-hand, a magistrate in Virginia is just a paper pusher doing the mundane (but needed) paper-chase work?

Well, that's my take. Matter of fact I had to check myself in that post because I referred to the things magistrates do as clerical in nature. Like you said, a bunch of much-needed routine paperwork that allows a REAL judge to take care of important stuff. Freckles, I would even guess that anyone here could do this job .. .. .. and know better than to give legal advice ~~C

So. What occupation was he employed in PRIOR to this desk job?
Was he ever a judge dispensing judicial wisdom?

Why do I think I am just now understanding the reluctance of the magistrate to appear in court, the small errors he made when entering the court (which I mistook for nervousness) and taking the stand?

Freckles wrote:

ClaireUncensored wrote:
Well, that's my take. Matter of fact I had to check myself in that post because I referred to the things magistrates do as clerical in nature. Like you said, a bunch of much-needed routine paperwork that allows a REAL judge to take care of important stuff. Freckles, I would even guess that anyone here could do this job .. .. .. and know better than to give legal advice ~~C

So. What occupation was he employed in PRIOR to this desk job?
Was he ever a judge dispensing judicial wisdom?

Why do I think I am just now understanding the reluctance of the magistrate to appear in court, the small errors he made when entering the court (which I mistook for nervousness) and taking the stand?

What did he do?

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

I guess he'll have a web site asking for donations for his defense also.

This guy is a nut, he needs to be put away and off the streets just like his best friend Georgie.

I guess he wont make such a good witness after this.

Gizmo711 wrote:

serenaz1 wrote:So it looks like that creep Frank Taaffe got busted for DUI, look how messed up he looks! Maybe him, Georgie & Shells can all be cellies!

http://www.bustedmugshots.com/florida/sanford/francis-taaffe/59699981

I guess he'll have a web site asking for donations for his defense also.

This guy is a nut, he needs to be put away and off the streets just like his best friend Georgie.

I guess he wont make such a good witness after this.

Actually, since he's a witness for the State, will that make him a 'hostile witness'? IIRC, there are different rules of how they can be questioned. The prosecution can go after him a bit harder and unless he's tranq'd to the gills, they can get him so pissed, he'll lose it on the stand.

Scary! Gun owners know and many love the SYG law.
They'd like to use it as a get out if jail free card!

ecossie possie wrote:Another self defence claim by man in Florida whom shot dead a door to door salesman. http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/blog/2012/07/27/florida-man-shoots-kills-door-todoor-salesman/index.html

WeeBonnie wrote:Scary! Gun owners know and many love the SYG law.
They'd like to use it as a get out if jail free card!

ecossie possie wrote:Another self defence claim by man in Florida whom shot dead a door to door salesman. http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/blog/2012/07/27/florida-man-shoots-kills-door-todoor-salesman/index.html

THis ludicrous law is a law that I predict will be gone soon. All it probably was meant for was to reduce the trials and save the state money. They don't really care how many innocent people are being murdered for no reason as long as it saves them money.

Gizmo711 wrote:

WeeBonnie wrote:Scary! Gun owners know and many love the SYG law.
They'd like to use it as a get out if jail free card!

THis ludicrous law is a law that I predict will be gone soon. All it probably was meant for was to reduce the trials and save the state money. They don't really care how many innocent people are being murdered for no reason as long as it saves them money.

I am a firm believer in the Castle law or the SYG law. The issue really is that most/many people really don't understand the law and the intent. The person in the above story obviously didn't either. It is not about being able to shoot and kill anyone who comes on your property. It is not about saying "I was afraid" and then making ludicrous statements afterwards. There are many instances where there have been home invasions where everyone in the house was murdered. The law is there for protection not for permission. MOO

Freckles -- Early on I read that RZ was retired military but don't know from which branch. From ABC Action News back in Mar 2012:

Kristi Wright with the Department of Legislative and Public Relations wrote us this email in response:

“Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006. Please be advised that in Virginia magistrates are judicial officers, but they are not considered "judges" and do not possess trial jurisdiction. More detailed information on the role of the magistrate in Virginia is available on Virginia's Judicial System Website .”

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/zimmerman-dad-worked-as-magistrate

(Hope the link comes through. It's my very first one ever; please be kind )
I found "Iam absolutely zero" first remark kind of typical for around here (about 6th one down). Not because I agree with what he/she said, but living here for about 25 years makes me a fairly good judge (no pun intended) of folks around here. (I've moved quite a bit -- 7 different schools by 9th grade -- and 3 more states in my 20's, job related, before ending up here.) IMO, Manassas is a nice little town & fairly close to DC. Maybe since Manassas isn't too far from DC, GZ & family thought inserting the word "Federal" magistrate/judge/whatever would sound so much more important. I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I certainly recall that not one of the Zimmerman clan was quick to correct the impression that "magistrate" wasn't the esteemed "judge" position that was being assumed ~~C