COMMENTARY
23 carefully thought-out letters were reportedly handed over to a New Mexico District Attorney Monday along with a request that they all be read to a Grand Jury Tuesday.
The letters were written by members of The Lord Our Righteousness Church defending the character–and proclaiming the innocence– of their leader, Wayne Bent (aka Michael Travesser).
Bent is charged with three counts of sexual contact of a minor and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to The LOR’s Web site Monday:
…(the letters) were delivered to the district attorney today, along with a request that he read them before the grand jury tomorrow, in accordance with Wayne Bent / Michael Travesser’s Constitutional right to present a defense on his behalf.
Yes, Wayne Bent is certainly entitled to “a defense on his behalf.” However, that typically comes at trial (if there is to be one).
A Grand Jury’s mission is to consider whether the State has presented sufficient evidence for a trial.
That’s it.
It’s often argued that the Grand Jury process severely favors the prosecution (thus, the ol’ “ham sandwich” line).
Doesn’t seem to be in the State’s interest to be reading letters defending their suspect.
Please stay tuned…