Mark Paschall, former Republican state rep and Jefferson county treasurer will not see corruption charges persued against him. He was accused of asking for a kickback from an employee and twice juries failed to reach a unanimous verdict. I have no opinion about the merit of the charge against him, after all, I assume politicians are corrupt, but I did take interest the statement made after the latest trial:
Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall was fielding calls of congratulations Wednesday after Monday's news that criminal charges against him had been dropped.But it was a hollow victory.
"It's not like he went out and celebrated," said defense attorney David Lane, whom Paschall asked to serve as his spokesman. "From his perspective, an innocent man had to live under this nightmare for two years."
[...]
"In the eyes of the public, you're as good as convicted when you're accused," Lane said. "It's a nightmare. Accusations can ruin anyone and people only remember the accusations. They never remember the vindication. It's been a long, hard road to clear his name and he has been vindicated by two juries."In Mark's case, I hope people remember the vindication," Lane said.
The experience has caused Paschall to re-examine his political beliefs, Lane said.
"I think Mark Paschall now realizes that a police state is a very real concern in America, which is quite a turnaround for a very conservative Republican," Lane said.
Paschall believes the prosecution was politically motivated, Lane said.
"This case demonstrates the incredible power the state has to ruin the lives of citizens," he said. "Our society has given far too much power to prosecutors. The only thing that separates this country from Iran or China is the jury system. This was a huge eye-opening for Mark Paschall."
Lane said newspapers gave front-page coverage to the indictment but less space and prominence to his acquittal and even less or no space to the dismissal of charges.
For those of us who pay attention to these things he's only stating the obvious. If Mr. Paschall can find a way to turn his new found perspective into productive political action then some good can come of this.
