Letter to the editor: Innocent until proven guilty

In reference to the article “Release of suspect in $1.6M drug case ignites political firestorm in Allegheny County” (Sept. 20, TribLIVE) and letters discussing it, I would like to ask what happened to the old mantra “innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”? Apparently, any official who actually acts as though the “suspect” is still innocent will be pilloried in the press.

By my reading, this “suspect” has been convicted of two misdemeanors. That’s all. Half the people I know have a record more severe than that. But you can bet that everyone’s crimes will hound them at every job application, or denial of government service, or questioning by a police officer, until they are in their grave.

And very curiously, every article prominently mentions the “street value of $1.6 million.” Without this tidbit, there is no story. Every reader would be asking, “What’s the big deal? Why did they print this?”

So I am asking, if this “suspect” missed his court date, then he most likely lost ownership of that property by “due process.” No small loss — you would think. And the police should be able to sell that property for “$1.6 million” and hire lots more officers with the proceeds. A few bucks to a bail bondsman for cash bail pales in comparison, in my opinion.

Alexander Riddel III

Greensburg