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began documenting nearly every interaction he had with Tell that to Durham County Criminal Magistrate Steven R. anyone involved in his case. Storch,who was cited with illegally removing one of Lynch's signs in April.He is scheduled to appear in court on July 21. Almost two years after the investigation began,Lynch's case remains open,and his safe is still missing.But the return of his Storch was cited after he allegedly boasted at a city council safe is no longer Lynch's top priority. meeting that he had removed the sign. Sheriffs Deputy Ricky Buchanan,who at the time,was running against Andrews, "That comes second,"Lynch said. "I've got to get them first reportedly overheard Storch and relayed the information to for what they've done.I've got to expose the corruption,and Lynch. then I'll get my safe back." Lynch then reported Storch to Durham police. But exposing corruption isn't cheap.Lynch,who became unemployed after his auto mechanic business burned down, "They charged me with a statute from 18-fucking-85," Storch estimates that he has spent more than$24,000 from a savings said. "I did no wrong.I broke no law." account in his crusade. Storch said the statute is outdated;it originally prohibited "I've spent every dime I have to fight these people,but I'm not people from tampering with signs ordering the return of loose going to give up,"Lynch,44,said. "If I have to be homeless, livestock. I'll be homeless." "I'm not a sheriff.I was just personally offended by the signs," �^ Storch said. "They make the whole town look bad." Lynch responded by posting several anti-Storch signs. Storch ' `" ► said he contemplated suing Lynch,but he decided not to after checking Lynch's assets,which are few. Hundreds of pages of notes lie neatly in manila folders covering Lynch's kitchen table and counter.These folders contain what Lynch says is"criminal evidence,"enough to send Andrews and several other current and former employees of the sheriffs office to jail. Lynch said he believes his evidence proves that Andrews lied to him in an attempt to protect his colleagues,whom Lynch + — had already filed complaints against,and to cover up the theft of Lynch's safe. Photo by g Lisa Sorg Whether Lynch's"evidence"is conclusive is James Michael Lynch estimates he's spent about$5,000 on 50 signs and questionable,but its thoroughness is not.Fearing that nobody $20,000 on legal fees. would believe him if it came down to his word against the sheriffs,Lynch recorded almost every phone call and in- person conversation he had with anyone connected to his in- Over the past few months,the Durham City Planning person than four hours'worth. Department has fielded a number of complaints about Lynch's signs.However,Assistant Planning Director Patrick Young "Thank God for a motherfucking recorded phone call," Lynch said Lynch has complied with the city's sign regulations, said. which fall under the Durham United Development Ordinance. Lynch says his friends have urged him to abandon his two- "This is certainly unusual and unprecedented in terms of year fight against the sheriffs office. number of signs and the duration of time they've been up,but he's not breaking the law,"Young said.