Opinion: State should pursue charges over abuse of Native girl
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Filed Under:
Opinion
"The U.S. Department of Justice owes a full, public explanation to Paula Roberds and the other young girls who came forward to report crimes of sexual abuse in the Bill Allen case. It also owes this explanation to their families and the citizens of Alaska, all of whom are victims as well of the department's inexplicable decision not to prosecute.
Media reports indicate the serious felony allegations were corroborated by victim statements and other evidence, and that investigating officers and authorities also concluded they had a strong case which was worthy of prosecution.
So what happened? What really happened? Did the U.S. Department of Justice negotiate away the rights of the citizens of Alaska, and in particular Paula Roberds and other unnamed victims, many of whom were minors at the time the sexual abuse occurred.
We don't claim to know all the judicial intricacies of this case; however, according to the Anchorage Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecuting attorneys this case is worthy of prosecution. Thus, the U.S. Department of Justice has effectively diminished the hard work of Alaska investigators, lawmakers, and victim services advocates by their abrupt and wholly unexplained decision to preclude any prosecution of Mr. Allen in these cases. Such a decision also thoroughly disrespects the victims in this case, as well as other sexual abuse/assault victims who now have yet one more reason to fear coming forward against a perpetrator of means and power."
Get the Story:
Denise R. Morris and Nancy A. Haag: Editorial: As feds inexplicably bow out, state should pursue Allen case
(The Anchorage Daily News 9/2)
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