Ex-cop gets no jail time
Lanoue will spend time in halfway house, home detention for kicking suspect
Lanoue
Video
Police beating
In the left side of the frame, former sheriff's deputy Christopher Lanoue delivers two kicks to handcuffed suspect Joseph Jefferson, then 17, who is on the ground. The video is from a deputy's dashboard recording of the June 2007 pursuit in West Ashley.
Previous Stories
Ex-deputy enters guilty plea, published 04/09/08
Former deputy accused of mooning beachgoers, published 09/06/07
SLED arrests former deputy; Accused of using unnecessary force, published 08/15/07
A former Charleston County sheriff's deputy was given a split sentence of eight months in a halfway house and eight months of home detention Friday for kicking a handcuffed suspect after a car chase through West Ashley last year.
Christopher M. Lanoue, 25, pleaded guilty in April to kicking Joseph Jefferson in the neck and head area after Jefferson was cuffed and on the ground.
Jefferson, a 17-year-old teenager at the time, had just led deputies on a late-night run at speeds of more than 100 mph that ended with a crash near Citadel Mall.
During Friday's sentencing inside the federal courthouse in Charleston, Lanoue expressed regret for his conduct.
"I was completely and utterly ashamed of what I did," he told Chief U.S. District Judge David Norton. "It was a complete lapse in judgment."
Lanoue's legal team had asked for leniency, conceding the federal prosecution of the case sent a message throughout the state that police violence against detained suspects won't be tolerated. Lanoue could have faced months or possibly years behind bars.
"I think he'd seriously be a dead man," defense lawyer Jack Sinclair said, if Lanoue was exposed to a prison population.
The case was separate from the federal investigations of S.C. Highway Patrol troopers who recently were accused of using excessive force on the job. It was prosecuted under the same federal civil rights statute covering excessive use of force.
In trying to avoid prison time, Sinclair argued the former deputy was provoked and reacting after a dangerous hit-and-run/hot pursuit that spanned the length of S.C. Highway 7 in June 2007. The driver refused to stop, endangering police and the public, authorities said.
When the chase ended with a crash, two suspects were apprehended, including Jefferson, the driver. Jefferson was charged with several crimes, including possession of stolen motor vehicle, failure to stop, and gun and drug possession.
A recording of the incident captured on a dashboard camera showed deputies swarming over the car after it had slammed into a retaining wall. Lanoue is seen kicking the suspect twice in quick succession. Lanoue's actions were also reported by a fellow officer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alston Badger downplayed the defense's explanation of Lanoue's reaction to the chase, saying that landing kicks on a cuffed man is not acceptable law enforcement. "It's not his job to exact punishment out there," Badger said.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped a second excessive force complaint against Lanoue that allegedly occurred during his next work shift. It involved a separate suspect and circumstances.
Lanoue was eventually fired as a sheriff's deputy. In documents the Sheriff's Office filed with the state about his termination, he was accused of being publicly drunk and mooning people on Folly Beach just weeks before the excessive-force episode. He was on sick leave the day of the Folly Beach incident, earlier reports stated.
During Friday's sentencing, Norton noted that Jefferson's injuries from the two kicks didn't seem to be severe. Plus, he said Jefferson didn't bother to show up and testify about the abuse, even though he was alerted the sentencing was scheduled.
"Obviously, it must not be that important to him," Norton said.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better (anonymous) says...
I see idiots on both sides of the law on this one. I guess the good news is that they both were caught and both will- hopefully- have learned a good lesson.
October 25, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
WOW! The cop got a slap on the back of the hand!
October 25, 2008 at 2:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dodad (anonymous) says...
I guess if Jefferson didn't show up for the hearing that he is not in jail. Looks like the only punishment he is going to get for endangering all of those lives is the two kicks. I hope the next time he runs from the police he doesn't kill anybody.
October 25, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
DODAD, I wondered is this guy Jefferson in jail? If not WHY NOT! No matter what the cop did it doesn't excuse the 100mph chase that could have ended a lot worse.
The cop was a rouge cop "spankerass" don't lump him in with good cops out there.
You seem to always take the side of the black criminals or the democrat, what a life you must live!
October 25, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
I'm Astounded, An officer assaulting an unarmed citizen....Nawhhhh,but on the other side My family & i was almost stucked by an idiot on a high-speed pursuit & me personally would have honor the favor for the Cops!
October 25, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
Check this out
http://www3.charlestoncounty.org/surf...
This guy's parents must be proud......great job!
October 25, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
The above link is only to one page of the criminal records - but wait, there's more........
October 25, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSC (anonymous) says...
Looks like the cop got what criminals usually get, a whole lot of nothing. The kid probably deserved the kicks, if not for that night's activities, then for all the stuff he hasn't been caught doing. Does anyone think he probably will be back in police custody numerous times before the cop's halfway house stay is over?
October 25, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
The prosecutor was irresponsible to dismiss the other charge of excessive force involving a separate person & separate case-regardless of the plea on the 1st charge.
This demonstrates that it was not merely a one time "lapse in judgment" but rather a pattern of unlawful behavior & abuse of power. Perhaps this pattern of behavior is not something that concerns the prosecutor.
October 25, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
if the cops beat the sh*t out of these repeat thugs more often maybe the crime rate would fall some... you should have kicked him a few more times, make sure he remembers the consequences
I'm sure he'll remember being kicked a lot longer than he'll remember which vacation was which in the CCDC
October 25, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
The prosecutor and judges are not concerned about the patterns of unlawful behavior of the repeat/career criminals, including Jefferson.
October 25, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Grinder (anonymous) says...
All of y'all, you might consider holding back on some of these more extreme comments until you've walked a mile in a deputy's shoes. These punks on the street try to get away with anything, the higher the speed the more adrenaline flows, and "street justice" happens. I'm not saying it's right, just that until you know what it's like to work the streets, reseve judgment on what happens out there. Now, public drunk and mooning, even on Folly Beach, well there's a crime wave.
October 25, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
HMMM. Now lets see, the federal halfway house is on old meeting street in north chas. Ya think that pay back was only going to happen if he had went to prison? Now the officer is going to be housed with federal inmates that ususally have just been released from prison. Karma is a mother!!!
October 25, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
We all gripe about over crowded prisons. Now everyone wants to take up space with a cop who kicked a guy twice? We need to prioritize here. I'd rather a rapist or other violent criminal stay in prison for the full term. The guy lost his job,what ever reputation he had(lol)and will be in a half way house and home confinement. I think it's acceptable. I don't see how or why race is brought into this. I agree with the others-these punks need their azz whipped more.
October 25, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Jammer, can I cuff you and kick the sh*t out of you when you do something I don's like?
October 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
counterpoint if I'm a repeat violent criminal then I deserve it...
until that happens try at your own risk :)
October 25, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
CFB- I understand what dealing w/ the "scum of the earth" can do to people. It is very hard not to get cynical & rationalize certain responses to them.
However, a society must work hard not to allow those in positions of authority to demonstrate the very behavior they are policing & striving to stop. They cannot be "making excuses" for their less than lawful &/or unprofessional behavior. This opens the door for those they are apprehending to offer "excuses" for their behavior.
This ultimately is not about "protecting the offender", although at times it seems to be just that. I believe, rather, that it is about holding those in positions of power & authority to strict standards so that they DESERVE to be beyond reproach. Holding them to strict standards enhances their effectiveness & credibility, which is in the best interest of us all.
October 25, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
good cops bad cops are there any good crimminals?
October 25, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
no granny--but sometimes innocent people are charged & convicted due to abuse of power & authority. (That is not the case here, but it has happened more than once..& some innocent people have lost more than a reputation or freedom due to that.)
October 25, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
football (anonymous) says...
Jefferson was not in jail! He just decicded not to show up for the hearing. Obviously it wasnt important. Jefferson was given 1 yr. probabtion for pleading guilty to all of his criminal actions that night. Just 3 months ago he was yet again arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehilce. SURPRISE! The pasanger with him on that night was also on probabtion for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Lanoue was given his sentence b/c he was a former police officer. Food for thoguht: The next time your out at Wild Wings, N. Chas. and see a group of intoxicated off duty police officers getting into their vehicles to drive home. Ask yourself who is going to arrest them? Oh and not to mention what does mooing have to do with this case? Everyone in their lifetime has either mooned or flashed someone! If you say no then your lieing to yourself!
October 25, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
abitskeptical- I agree. My point was that he didn't get off scott free. I don't think his behavior(although disgusting) deserved years in prison. I feel sorry for officers. Especially when things like this happen. It's an embarrassment to the dept and its hard working good officers.
counterpoint- This criminal didnt just do something the cop "didnt like". He committed multiple crimes and put the community at risk.
October 25, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
CFB-I understand that often the "out of bounds" behavior of LEO is in an adrenaline driven response to outrageous behavior of a criminal that needs to be apprehended for the safety of us all.
However, LEO are trained in the proper & improper/unlawful treatment of a defendant & most importantly, they swear some kind of oath to follow the law while enforcing it. This oath is what makes it worse when a LEO breaks the law. While all of us are expected to follow the law, most of us have not taken an oath to do so.
I believe the overall "big picture" best interest of the people is served when all branches of government, which includes law enforcement, hold themselves to a very high standard & are beyond reproach.
Granted, this often requires an enormous amount of self control & discipline under very trying circumstances, but to expect or demand less ultimately diminishes their credibility & effectiveness.
October 25, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
There is a very, very small percentage of LEO's who do what Lanoue did. I am not excusing what he did, and I don't think he should go to jail. Jefferson and all the punks and thugs like him should be in jail. Check his criminal records. Obviously, someone with a record like Jefferson's knows his chances of going to prison are slim to none, so what has he got to lose by running from the cops? I wonder if some folks would feel differently if he had robbed your house, stolen your car, hit and killed one of your loved ones while he was on a joy ride, or provided your kid with crack. A couple of kicks are the only punishment he has had in his criminal career. Once again, the judicial system has failed us.
October 25, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
Does these charges bring into question any cases that he pursued while on the force?? Is his testimony even credible now that he is a convicted felon?? Makes you think doesnt it?
October 25, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
wonderdog-the failure of one part of the system does not excuse or justify misconduct by another branch.
Not only is it not the function of a LEO to dole out punishment, it is unlawful for them to do so & is an abuse of power.
An overall low %age rate of LEO misconduct does not mitigate responsibility in an individual case. People who commit murder are a relatively small % of the population, but that is irrelevant when a murder does occur.
October 25, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
quite whining abitskep, cops are just regular people put in irregular situations and sometimes loose their cool... it happens to us all now n then, it shouldn't be a big deal when happens to scum of the earth like this crook
what this cop did has nothing to do with some crooked overzealous cop you heard about from a friend of a friend of a friend
I say kick him some more!! fuk that crook, I'd help kick him if it was legal... lol
October 25, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
football (anonymous) says...
Most people dont know the truth behind this whole mess. So unless you hear it from the horses mouth believe all of what you see and half of what you hear.
October 25, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
football (anonymous) says...
I love it. I know lanoue personally and I see all of you on here expressing what you feel a proper punishment should be.... have you even watched the film of the "kick". Does anyone see how insignificant it is. the "victim haha doesnt even move. the "kick" was not maliciouse in intent and is obviouse from the film.
The most important thing is that the same scumbag that was kicked got a slap on the wrist... probation for: abwik on a patrol officer downtown, failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a handgun( witch was stolen ), and possession of marijuana. HE GOT 1yr PROBATION. If it wasnt for him doing the things he did Lanoue wouldnt have even had to be there in that situation. You people act like you know something about the law or law enforcment for that matter and some of the things being said are only making you sound stupid. You people ar so nieve to think that police hitting on or ruffing up a guy they chased isnt as common as brushing your teeth. Every cop has done it and I have seen it everyday with charleston county sheriffs office. Just look up Lt Scarborough's record and see how many times he was comlained about excessive force.
October 25, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
jammer-So holding LEO to a high standard & holding them to their oath to uphold the laws of the state, county, city, & to upholding the Constitution is whining??? Oh, boy. That sure explains a lot.
What I keep hearing is rationalization/whining that we regular folks "just have no idea" what we are talking about, we have no idea what LEO has to deal with, etc etc.
Most of us do not live in a cave. We are well aware that there are some dangerous people out there.
Likewise, I am well aware that there are some wonderful people serving as LEO. My nephew is one of them. He is a sheriff's deputy. I want him & the position he holds to have respect. Rationalizing misdeeds by some LEO brings them all down.
Football said "You people ar so nieve to think that police hitting on or ruffing up a guy they chased isnt as common as brushing your teeth. Every cop has done it and I have seen it everyday with charleston county sheriffs office."
Football also said "some of the things being said are only making you sound stupid."
I rest my case.
October 25, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DD (anonymous) says...
Abits: Good for your nephew that hes a LEO. Want a cookie? What the hell...lol
Your so ignorant to the fact that people make mistakes. If your nephew works for county I KNOW he has commited actions he's not proud of or SEEN other LEO do it!
October 25, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
abit, please read my post again. I believe you misunderstood what I said.
October 25, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
abit I'm just a local citizen as well but what does that cops kickin a repeat violent dangerous crook have to do with upholding the law?? IMHO he was enforcing the law that the system refuses to do...
I got snatched up by a cop in my early manhood days, it helped straighten me up... that's immediate consequences to your actions, which puts something in your instinct that waiting 4 yrs for a court date that will only give you probation for will NOT
I have no clue why you pretend to be attempting to protect "peoples rights" when in reality all you are doing is expressing sympathy for this crook... and not doing a good job at either
sometimes you have to take one for the team brother, if that means they snatch me up by mistake so be it... they'll figure it out and life will go on, and I'm sure somewhere in my life I deserved it anyway... lol
do us all a favor and quit pretending to protect someone's rights while you stand up for this worthless thug, it isn't becoming and isn't a good way to make any decent point at all
October 25, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Making a mistake & breaking the law are not the same thing.
Thanks, but no thanks on the offer for a cookie.
Something makes me think you did not mean that w/ all of your heart. :)
Besides, based on the mentality & cavalier attitude toward the law I have seen here from people who claim to be LEO or "in the know" about LE, you are not to be trusted much more than the other criminals.
I do not have to hear things from a friend of a friend of a friend. I have seen both honorable & dishonorable behavior from LEO w/ my own eyes.
I have known personally several LEO from various departments/jurisdictions. I have known at least 2 before & after they became LEO. One of the individuals changed not at all from his basic personality. The other developed a Nazi mentality & although we remained neighborly he became a power hungry jerk. We were glad that he considered us friends.
The arrogant & defensive attitude displayed by some against anyone who has a comment about how LEO should be held to the standards they took an oath to uphold, pretty much speaks for itself.
October 25, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DD (anonymous) says...
Jammer, Thank you! I agree with you...
October 25, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DD (anonymous) says...
What Im saying is no one cares that your newphew is a LEO!
What exactly is your point? HaHa :)
October 25, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
If you have read any of my previous posts regarding violent offenders getting a slap on the wrist or being allowed to plea a charge down, you will know I am not defending this repeat offender. I am in agreement that Jefferson should never have been allowed to be a repeat offender. I have been disgusted w/ the prosecutor's office &/or the courts in many cases where a violent offender pretty much takes a walk.
Likewise, I am not PRETENDING to defend the rights to due process, or to be free from excessive force, we all have. I would not treat those rights w/ such a cavalier attitude. Anyone who does, ultimately deserves what he might inadvertently &/or wrongly get one day.
Why do you people think in such limited extremes?
Holding LE professionals to the high standards of their profession in no way can be construed as not supporting them or defending a repeat offender, except by those who actually lack a respect for the law.
That's what your post & others sound like to me. The law applies or does not apply only according to personal feelings about a defendant or when you determine someone deserves or does not deserve it? Do you understand the can or worms that mentality opens up? Neither jammer nor DD have done a very good job at sounding like people who truly respect the law.
Luckily, jammer, LAWS & not OPINIONS dictate how LEO do their job. Kicking a suspect/defendant while he/she is already handcuffed is unlawful, regardless of your opinion.
It is very short sighted to believe that you are "supporting" LEO by accepting unprofessional &/or unlawful behavior from them as they perform their duties, just as it is short sighted to dismiss the idea that holding LEO to a high standard is in the best interest of us all & ultimately increases their effectiveness.
October 25, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
with all of todays camera's in LEO's cars, on the streets, in business's, and the enormous amount of lawsuits everytime someone gets their feelings hurt it's highly unlikey any "rouge" cop will last anywhere long
I wasn't defending the cop as much as I was stating the obvious fact that the idiot thug needs his a*s beat... that's a no brainer by anyone reading this article
give it up abit, your ship is sinking deeper by your own text as you attempt to save it...
you gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them
it's time you fold them... you aren't right in this situation and you won't be no matter how you try to spin it
this article is about THIS situation, the perp deserve that and more... the end
October 25, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
football - "You people ar so nieve to think that police hitting on or ruffing up a guy they chased isnt as common as brushing your teeth. Every cop has done it and I have seen it everyday with charleston county sheriffs office. Just look up Lt Scarborough's record and see how many times he was comlained about excessive force." A BOLD FACED LIE!
___________________________________________________________
Football=Lanoue/ It is interesting that you bring up the LT/officer that reported the misconduct.
I meet you when you got hired and knew you had Napolean's disease, a piss poor attitude(arrogant) for the job, drink to much,and had the symptoms of steroid abuse. Just my observations from a two minute meeting before a concert.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK THERE IS A THIN BLUE LINE PROTECTING IDIOTS LIKE THIS, YOU ARE WRONG. HE WAS TURNED IN BY FELLOW OFFICERS.
This is one Deputy(never gotten a complaint) who is glad you are gone and will continue to try and gain the community's trust and serve with honor. Thanks for the BLACKEYE!
October 25, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pithy (anonymous) says...
Well said Outrage - this "officer" is/was an embarassment to the Sheriff's office and to LEO in general. It's a shame that "one bad apple" taints a group of dedicated people trying to help others. Good riddance Mr. Lanoue.
October 25, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
football (anonymous) says...
OOOHHH outrage, look how angry you get after a couple of things are brought to attention. There is no need to call Chris any names because obviousely you did not know him, especially not from "a two minute meeting before a concert". And it is funny because I am sure these are things you would never say to my friends face but it is always easier to say things hidden behind a computer. There obviously is no thin blue line when the object is to look out for the other officers back and help them, not to turn them in.
Again people are trying to get off topic. I have seen how the first article was written to the last and thru out it all the press has never given the full story. I know Chris, and he should be seen for all the good qualities he has. Haha.......This should be your new name for posting comments "This is one Deputy (never gotten a complaint)" Haha. That is a crock, I hope at some point you get off your high horse. As far as the BLACKEYE I am sure you deserved it.
October 25, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
football - "And it is funny because I am sure these are things you would never say to my friends face but it is always easier to say things hidden behind a computer."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Why would I not say it to his face, would he beat me up? That is the mentality that cost him his job.
I do not think he would hit me anyhow, I am not cuffed!
October 26, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
football (anonymous) says...
well we do have a funny one here. Like I said talk is cheap when you are hidden behind a computer. It is obvious you are sensitive about the matter "A BOLD FACED LIE!" when I brought up Chris' commanding officer earlier but please this is juvenile. Sometimes the truth hurts peoples feelings. The important matter is that Chris will overcome the adversities he is facing and move forward in his life. I guess you know better than I would that excessive force is wide spread and abundant thru out the police force in the charleston area. That was the initial point I was attempting to get across.
October 26, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
jammer--
I have been discussing this case. It seems you just can't get over the fact that the law dictates that Lanoue was wrong. You are off base & it is a good thing you are not a cop or you'd be disgracing the profession like he has done.
You are spinning so much you cannot even keep up with yourself.
You said " I wasn't defending the cop as much as I was stating the obvious fact that the idiot thug needs his a*s beat..."
But earlier you said "cops are just regular people put in irregular situations and sometimes loose their cool.."
& you said
"if..cops beat the sh*t out of these repeat thugs more often maybe the crime rate would fall some..."
& you said
"sometimes you have to take one for the team brother, if that means they snatch me up by mistake so be it..."
I agree this article is about THIS situation so why your opening comment on the 7pm post? What does that have to do with this? NOTHING
Also, read outrage's post.
Now it is a no brainer to everyone reading this that Lanoue probably did not get what HE deserved.
The thug may have deserved to get his fanny kicked, but not by a copper...
The end.
October 26, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
ok abit, I'll agree to disagree
no biggie, we're just looking at two different coins I guess... that's what makes the world a more interesting place to live
October 26, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yes, jammer I was thinking the same thing as I was sanding some woodwork in prep for painting this afternoon(always a good time for thinking).
I'll agree to disagree.
I do share your frustration that those criminals who put the rest of us at risk are not meeting the consequences of their behavior at a rate or level that they should. That is mainly the fault of the prosecutors & the courts.
October 26, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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