WTF: “Concern” about registrant paralegal?
These stories really piss me off.
The headline of an article on the “Crawford County Now”, reads, “Tier 1 sex offender assists in …jury selection.” Naturally I had to click on this rag to find out what happened or what the issue was.
Turns out just that…
An anonymous tip was verified revealing that a Tier I Sex Offender was assisting defense attorney Adam XXXXXX during jury selection.XXXXX XXXXX is currently a paralegal at XXXXX’s law firm.
During the course of discovery, trial preparation, and today’s jury selection, XXXXXX was present with XXXX and actively participating in proceedings.
When reached for comment, Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall noted that his office policy is to not publicly comment on issues regarding an ongoing trial. No comment was given by Adam XXXXX or representatives of his office in response to inquiries made by Crawford County Now.
I’m sorry, but what’s the story here? That someone on the registry has a job as a paralegal? Is there a problem with that?
It’s not like he has a job in a preschool, he wasn’t exposing himself to potential jurors or masturbating during cross examination. Why does the writer think this is a story, why would they prejudice the jury, and why do they need to mess with someone who has paid their debt to society and is working?
Every so often we come across these B.S. stories with the general theme of “would you believe they let someone on the registry be a garbage man?” and I have to wonder how society expects anyone to return to a viable life, when they crap all over them for doing something productive such as working!
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If sex offenses require counseling it’s a medical issue and should be protected under hippa not advertised to humiliate the patient.
FAC should collect all the details of this story, the information of the news media site or paper that ran it and use it in your lawsuits as part of your argument of how people ARE being punished by being registered and it’s effects on those who offer employment to them.
This being an issue with a law firm is maybe a bit better of an example than a McDonalds employing a registrant.
I wrote to the staff through their “Contact” email, asking exactly that. Not holding my breath for a response.
I think the writer had an issue with the “jury selection” participation by the registrant. I’m only guessing, but probably thought that the registrant would be able to influence potential jurists, or able to choose people more likely to be forgiving or open minded (fair).
I reached out to the Comments Desk and wrote:
Your story is a weak attempt to make a mountain from a mole hill, to create a sensational story where one does not exist. Your Crawford County Now Staff did your readers a complete dis-service by trying to cause problems where there are none. How is the paralegal a problem? IF he was previously a problem I am sure the legal system would have put him into the prison system instead of supervision. He has paid he debt and is working as part of the community. SO what gives you the right to shame him? The company he works for? Is this the quality reporting you want to be known for?
I am sure Mr Tanner’s life was turned upside down in 2013 due to his illegal activity. He lost his teaching career at a minimum. What else did he lose? Has he done anything prior or since? Does your online readership get updates on individuals arrested for DUI back in 2013? Shame them by name? Call to the world, LOOK this person is now working as a (fill in the blanks). You owe Mr Tanner and the legal firm he works with a formal public apology and then take down that shoddy story.
Empirical data (that has been found honestly gathered) is responsible reporting. Crawford County Now Staff should be ashamed of themselves.
Just to let them know someone is watching and willing to make a comment.
This doesn’t appear to be a legitimate news site. They don’t post a physical address. This is probably just some fearmonger working out of his basement.