John Sarsfield’s questionable plea-bargaining tactics in the
Santos case should not have surprised any of your loyal letter
readers. Sixteen months ago I wrote,
”
This case is going to be dealt down to a simple manslaughter
based on poor handling of the investigation and prosecution.
”
Editor,
John Sarsfield’s questionable plea-bargaining tactics in the Santos case should not have surprised any of your loyal letter readers. Sixteen months ago I wrote, “This case is going to be dealt down to a simple manslaughter based on poor handling of the investigation and prosecution.”
It didn’t take a crystal ball, Ouija Board or a prophet to make that prediction. All I had to do was pay attention to the plea bargain made by Sarsfield with the Community Center killer and yet another Salinas-based attorney (Free Lance March 26, 2003 “Accused killer to be tried as juvenile”).
Observation: Out of jail after ten months and no probation, the killer is now back in jail for carrying a concealed 9mm pistol, the same caliber weapon he used in the cold-blooded Community Center killing, and yet another sweet deal was brokered – no strike and three years.
I wonder if his attorney Baghdad Bob calls this a victory for the district attorney? I know I feel safer for it.
One of the many things that bother me about Sarsfield is he talks out of both sides of his face. One moment he voices concern for the Santos family saying he understands why they’re upset with the plea bargain; the next moment he’s tearing down the murder victim’s reputation, making snide remarks saying he “was no Mary Poppins.” Another nasty Sarsfieldism that irked me was when John said he knew what the family was going through and then compared the brutal murder of their father to the loss of his dogs.
Apparently when his decisions are questioned he becomes angry and like a spoiled child he flies into a snit, denigrates the victim and publicly rips apart his very own case. I wonder is this because he doesn’t like being questioned or is it he just hates the victim and the surviving family?
John, if you dislike the murder victim and his family that much, let the Department of Justice prosecute this case. These are human beings that you, as district attorney, are charged with protecting. For crying out loud, do the right thing for a change and set aside the plea bargain. Give this family a break.
Bruce Kiefert, Hollister
