I am referring to one of the articles fromWhat We Missed, June 8, 2009. (I am assuming it is okay to create a new thread to discuss one of the issues from the "What We Missed" thread. If there was a more appropriate way to do this, feel free to let me know.) This article dealt with the gang rape of a 15-year old, where there were pictures, and where one of the perpetrators had made a slight admission.
There were some interesting opinions on the What About Our Daughters link, such as this seems like a case where the victim may be being coerced by the perpetrators or the perpetrators' families to not press charges. Or that she may not be getting enough counseling and support to be brave enough to have to relive the experiences through trial. Also, there were several people who noted that Broward County is known throughout the community for being corrupt - such as an incident of a mother leaving the police station with a head injury that wasn't there before she went to the station.
Here is the information that was posted on What About Our Daughters about how to contact the office to put political pressure on them:
"If anyone is interested in contacting the State Attorney’s Office, be prepared to be transferred 3 times to a recording for a FOI request. The Broward State Att’s office is 954-831-6955
I was very clear with each person that I spoke with. I specifically asked, “Who do I need to speak with regarding the State Attorney’s REFUSAL to charge James Hunte and Ryan Johnson?”. As I stated before, I was transferred 3 times to a recording to submit a request for information regarding the case.
You can either mail in your request to:
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301-3360
OR BY fax TO: (954) 831-6448
201 SE 6th Street
The State Attorney for Broward County is Michael Satz. When I inquired about the agency that has oversight of his office, I was instructed to contact Governor Charlie Crist. I filed a formal complaint against Michael Satz and his office today. You may also write to Gov. Crist at :
State Attorney’s Office
Fax: 850-487-0801
Mailing Address:
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Phone: 850-488-7146"
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That presecutors do not press charges, when they do not have enough material at their hands happens daily, but not pressing charges when there are pictures and what not, is a bit strange.
If the prosecutors don't think that the victim will testify, I don't really think they have any choice but to not press charges.
You could be wrong. Statutory rape cases (which this is, in addition to forceful rape) in most jurisdictions do not require the cooperation of the victim for prosecution, particularly when there is such overwhelming evidence otherwise.
OK. I am corrected. (But I do find it difficult to imagine a court case without the victim. I'm sure a half-decent lawyer would find it easy to beat the rap.)