To the Editor:

Once again the victims are victimized.

I find it extremely hard to believe in the case of Eva Waters who suffered severe life threatening injuries as a result of being struck head on by an intoxicated driver was dismissed by Mr. Jerome Richards. Mr. Richards ruled that the arrest was unauthorized because the intoxicated individual was detained by Tribal Police a quarter mile off the Reserve while waiting for NYS Police. Are you kidding me? It’s my understanding anyone can detain an individual who has committed a crime in the interest of public safety.

For the record, this intoxicated individual had had multiple previous drunk driving arrests. My question is whether Mr. Richards would have been just as lenient had this been vehicular manslaughter? Or, perhaps maybe he felt after numerous arrests for drunk driving let’s give him one more chance? Unbelieveable!

Now we come to Mr. Richards’ decision to dismiss the cases of two individuals in unrelated cases; one accused of sexually assaulting a 7 and 8 year old and a second sexually assulting 12 year old. His decision to do so puts these individuals back on the streets to possibly prey on young children again. People of this magnitude must be held accountable with more justice for the victims - in these cases children.

Mr. Richards, time and time again your lack of concern for the safety of the public puts more people in harm’s way. I find it appalling that you continue to victimize the victims not only the citizens of Massena but, St. Lawrence County.

James F. Hidy

Mayor Village of Massena