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November 14, 2009

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Letter: Judge’s reason for ruling questioned

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999 | 9:35 a.m.

Just before passing sentence, Judge McGroarty talked about the "harsh criticism" he has received in the past for not following the sentencing recommendations of the Parole and Probation office.

I thought about standing from the second row and yelling, "Judge, it's not about you, it's about the drunk driver that killed a member of our community and nearly destroyed his family," but I feared the banging of the gavel, and hearing the words, "bailiff, remove that man from my court!" After hearing the sentence, I regret my silence. I apologize to Craig's family.

Judge McGroarty did follow the recommendations of the Parole and Probation office.

Fellow citizens, we have a judge in office that makes decisions taking into consideration how the other offices in the legal system will react. Shouldn't a judge stand tall and mete out sentences from the facts and from his conscience? Had Ms. Moulchin received the same light sentence after hearing the judge explain why he felt it was fair, I would have felt justice was done.

FREDERICK ROACH JR.

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