|
JESSICA LUNSFORD One of the most chilling child abduction cases occurred this Spring when convicted sexual predator and pervert, John Couey tortured and killed the beautiful Florida girl, Jessica Lunsford. During the search, Couey had family members hide him, and actually lie to police about their knowledge of the case. It seems that every day, in cases that are not as disgusting, sad, and serious, that police arrest people for police interference. Nothing and I mean NOTHING has been done to these scumbags who purposefully withheld evidence regarding the Lunsford case. Florida State Attorney Brad King has not pursued any legal charges, which is troublesome for many, including XEKE.com. XEKE.com contacted Governor Jeb Bush urging him to step in and put some pressure on the State Attorney's office to make necessary arrests of John Couey's family members. Governor Bush did respond, and XEKE.com agreed to publish their response to our request for more arrests in the Jessica Lunsford abduction and murder. Thank you for your letter regarding the abduction and murder of Jessica Lunsford. Governor Bush is following the ongoing investigation and prosecution of this case closely. He understands your concerns about State Attorney Brad King's decision not to prosecute John Couey's relatives for lying to law enforcement officers during their search for Jessica. The Governor asked me to respond on his behalf. The Florida Constitution limits the Governor's intervention in matters that should be resolved through the court system. The elected state attorney has the sole discretion to file or decline to file criminal charges in a particular case. There are ethical and legal considerations based on both the quality and quantity of evidence guiding the state attorney's decision. The Governor is not vested with the same authority and cannot intervene in the decision making process even if he were to disagree with the State Attorney's decision. There is understandable outrage over the failure of John Couey's relative to inform police that a sex offender lived in her home . However, according to the state attorney, there is no evidence to suggest this relative knew Couey had abducted Jessica when she was questioned by the officer. While, in certain circumstances, Florida law requires persons to come forward with information concerning the commission of a crime, there is no statute requiring an individual to notify police of the presence of a sex offender or the whereabouts of someone with an outstanding arrest warrant. After a thorough review of the facts and the law, the State Attorney determined the relatie's actions did not constitute a crime under present Florida law. If you disagree with this decision or believe that the State Attorney misapplied the law, I encourage you to contact Mr. King's office directly. Although no action will return Jessica Lunsford to her family and friends or diminish the seriousness of the horrible crime committed against her it is Governor Bush's hope that crimes such as these can be prevented from occurring in the future. On May 2, 2005, Governor Bush signed House Bill 1877, also known as the Jessica Lunsford Act. This new law enhances penalties for those who commit sexual crimes against children and provides advanced methods of tracking convicted felons on probation. The Act also supports strong penalties for those who fail to comply with registration requirements and those who harbor and conceal sex offenders. Further information about House Bill 1877 and its complete text may be viewed online complete text may be viewed online. Governor Bush believes violent, sexual crimes against children are among the most heinous imaginable and encourages all concerned about this case to remain patient as the investigation and prosecution continues. Thank you again for writing. Our prayers go out to the Lunsford family and all affected by this tragedy. Sincerely, Warren Davis Office of Citizens' Services WD/h We greatly appreciate Governor Bushs response. We encourage everyone to call, fax, write, or email Florida State Attorney General Brad King to continue to apply pressure and force future arrests to be made in the sad case of Jessica Lunsford. Here is his contact information: Phone number: (352) 620-3800 Address: Brad King, State Attorney 19 NW Pine Avenue Ocala, FL 34475 |
|
Archive | Home |