>> "I want each of you to understand that as attorney general, I have not agreed to this disposition, and I will continue to strongly voice my objection," the letter says. "Despite their desire to admit to the charges against them, I was unwilling to recommend or agree to the sentences that I have been advised the court will impose. Most significantly, I strongly disagree with the court's intention to sentence Jeffrey Derderian to less than jail."
>>Kathleen M. Hagerty, who represents Michael Derderian, last night told The Providence Journal that it was Lynch's office that proposed the sentences to which Darigan agreed.
>>She said lead prosecutor William Ferland offered the sentences Aug. 10 and again in a handwritten note on Sept. 7. Ferland told Darigan that Lynch had authorized the offer, according to Hagerty.
>>But, in a Sept. 12 meeting -- the day after the Derderians agreed to the proposed deal -- prosecutors told the judge, with the defense lawyers present, that Lynch wanted to "pull it off the table," according to Hagerty.
Providence Journal online archive re: the fire:
http://www.projo.com/blogs/stationfire/
100 dead, scores injured, slap on wrist.
I drove by the site of the Station a year or two back
(Cowesett Ave., Warwick RI). It was a tiny plot of land.
Subtract the parking lot and imagine how small the club
must have been. 400 people packed in, and only a couple
minutes for them to get out once the fast-moving fire
started.
Cheap, flammable foam apparently put up by the owners.
A trial could get the whole story out, including what
local authorities may have failed to do (inspections, etc.)
But it is not to be.
I know these guys are 'legally responsiible', but the real culprit is the guy who setup and lit the pyros. these guys represent mostly the deep pockets of their insurance.
i certainly would think twice about opening a night club if I was going to be pilloried for the actions of others.