Ding ding ding! That's a winner!
That and they perceive themselves as above the law, above the rest of us. They "know best" what's needed for the "little people" (that would be us in their eyes). But they don't think they need to be held to the same standard.
Its a law - agree with it or not - it is the law. If he held up a bag of heroin or an iPad playing child porn, would there even be any discussion over charging him or not?
The mindset you describe is exactly the way it is. And you best believe the small town reporter has it too. The MSM has no monopoly on it. It is part and parcel of the modern journalism mindset and it is pretty much taught in J school.