Roeding sex-sting cases in doubt. (The saga continues)

The Fresno Bee ^ | 02/12/07 | Chris Collins /

[Enterprise]

Until last month, everything was going just the way Fresno County sheriff's deputies and prosecutors had planned.

A 2002 sex-sting operation aimed at cracking down on lewd activity in Roeding Park bathrooms caught about 40 men. Most of the suspects accepted plea deals. Three went to trial and were convicted of misdemeanors. Five more are awaiting trial.

[Enterprise]

"But then, on Dec. 5, a panel of three Fresno County Superior Court judges startled prosecutors and law enforcement officials with a stinging decision: They overturned the conviction of one man accused of soliciting sex acts — and, in doing so, signaled that others arrested on charges of lewd activity could possibly have their convictions or pleas reversed."

As I understand it, part of the reason of the courts is that the males could solicit each other, and as long as no one was around to witness their activities, they couldn't be arrested. What can I say - it's Kaleefornia!

[Red Badger]

I thought there had to be a money value discussed to get a conviction? Or is California different?..........

[Enterprise]

Ping

[Calpernia]

McGreevey is deeply saddened.

[RSmithOpt]

Kalifornica is different. I think it is 'vote' value is not considered legal tender, rather barter. i.e. vote buying for Dems is legal if only a service is exchanged.

[ConservaTexan]

California different?..........

California is definitely different, but that is another topic altogether!

[Enterprise]

If it was a solicitation for an act involving sex for pay, a conviction can be had because money was discussed. My sense of this case is that if one male solicits another male for a sex act, but no money is involved, it's not illegal. Then, if they perform the act where no one can see it, no law is broken.

[Enterprise]

"McGreevey is deeply saddened"

He's probably headed west about now.

[Calpernia]

Not if they are cracking down on sex stings.


Well, maybe he musunderstood cracking :P

[Enterprise]

Maybe he won't go West. He's from New Jersey and it might bother him to know it's legal to whack people in California.

[YOUGOTIT]

I would guess that the judges no longer want anyone in the parks except for those that want to obtain AIDS. A good way to save taxpayer money: Close the parks down because they facilitate transmitting killer disease's.

[Enterprise]

Update ping:

"The Fresno County Superior Court was forced to start six trials simultaneously Thursday for men arrested more than five years ago in a sex sting operation that targeted areas in and around Roeding Park restrooms.

Each trial had to start or the men's constitutional right to a speedy trial would have been violated and the cases dismissed."

Court starts 6 Roeding Park sex cases at once

[Bulldawg Fan]

One of the defendants is happy his conviction was overturned so he can go ahead with his teaching job now???

Even in California, there should have been sirens and warning bells going off on that one. Somewhere, a sexual devient is out there teaching your kids, thanks to the open mindedness of the California court system.

[Joe 6-pack]

"Then, if they perform the act where no one can see it, no law is broken.."

Apart from the laws of nature, that is.