Joe,
I saw a brief "Clip" with Seth Mitchell and Matt Maciarello regarding the Sara Foxwell trial on WBOC this morning and have a comment. If Matt is elected to States Attorney, he plans to use Davis Ruark to help in prosecuting the case. Seth stated that this is possibly because of Matt's inability to prosecute the case himself! I'm sorry, but I don't see this as an inability! Matt is just as capable to prosecute this case as Seth is! I see it as an opportunity to get a conviction for the Foxwell Family and the Community. Davis has been directly involved in the case since day one and there isn't anyone better qualified to prosecute the case than Davis. Seth stated that if he is elected he would prosecute the case himself. As Thomas Leggs Defense Attorney, I don't think Seth can Legally prosecute the Foxwell Case. Not taking anything away from Seth, but I think Matt and Davis would have a much better chance of a conviction and that is what we all want.
Robin Goslee
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
36 comments:
One of the main reasons to vote for Matt is that he will be much better at working with others i.e. attorneys, law enforcement, other jurisdictions, and the judicial system.
I say let him go to jail for his life with out the possibility of parole. It would be better than a death sentence! They will tear him a new one in jail.
I absolutely agree with this. Having Davis Ruark help with the case would be the best thing. It does not show any type of inability, it shows that Matt wants Thomas Leggs prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law...just like we all do!!! Good for you Matt.
This is where Matt shows he has character and will do what it takes to get the conviction. Seth is letting his so-called ego get in the way of common sense.
Davis and Sam were there through the whole investigation process. Let their hard work pay off and not let a wantabee newby try to catch up on the case.
AMEN!!!
i so agree with robin. put the man in there that has been on it since day one, since everyone's end result is that he is convicted. matt has the right idea. he's a smart man and gets my vote
jillb
Very well said..I AM FOR MATT...You have my vote in November...
I agree with his thoughts as well- it doesn't show weakness to retain the person who was involved from day 1. Ruark has been preparing for trial throughout this election process. He knows all the ins and outs, and all the subleties. It makes perfect sense for him to see this through.
To say that you are going to come in, take over an office, establish new procedures, etc., etc., and take on the responsibility of a case this large is worrisome to me. This community needs to see this case through successfully.
12:43...totally agree.
Seth & Matt know just what we (citizens) know about the case. The details & evidence are not available to them as candidates so to hear any idiot could win the case is nuts. We don't know what evidence exists.
12:09 hit the nail on the head! Matt has the ability to work with people. How many Assistant States Attorneys will stay on to work with Seth? Davis from what I hear is excellent in the courtroom despite his other faults. Both Seth & Matt will need to form a team to prosecute and if Davis stays on to prosecute I take it as a win for Wicomico County.
Matt has my vote for putting differences with Davis aside and putting the countys interests ahead of his own.
He will cut a deal for life without and there wont even be a trial.
Robin is right. Matt hasn't even been elected yet and recognizes the need for a solid strategy to assure a conviction and the death penalty for this scum bag.
I have to say. Seth shouldn't be opening his mouth on this. First, people here don't like mud slinging. Ask Mike Castle.
Second, how can he even take a position on a case from which he would have to recuse himself should he be elected (God forbid).
Yes Seth. It is known (and if it wasn't befire, it will be now) that you have defended this animal before.
Do we really need a States Attorney Like Seth Mitchell?
See Below.
Charge No: 001Description:RES CHLD SEX OFF/FAIL REG
Statute: 27.792Description:RES CHLD SEX OFF/FAIL REG
Amended Date: CJIS Code:3 4010MO/PLL:Probable Cause:X
Incident Date From: To: Victim Age:
Disposition Plea: OTHER PLEA
Disposition: STETDisposition Date:05/03/2000
Fine:$0.00Court Costs:$0.00CICF:$0.00
Amt Suspended: Fine:$0.00Court Costs:$0.00CICF:$0.00
PBJ EndDate: Probation End Date:Restitution Amount:$0.00
Jail Term: Yrs:Mos:Days:
Suspended Term: Yrs:Mos:Days:
Credit Time Served:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Person Information
(Each Person related to the case other than the Defendant is shown)
Name:BRATTEN, CHARLES
Connection:COMPLAINANT/POLICE OFFICER
Agency Code: ZVAgency Sub-Code:2201Officer ID:W215
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:ALBERT, BETSY ANN
Connection:BAILBONDSMAN
Address: 30452 BENNETT ROAD
City: SALISBURYState:MDZip Code:21804 - 0000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:MITCHELL, W SETH
Connection:PRIVATE ATTORNEY FOR DEFENSE
Address: 107 N BAPTIST ST STE B
City: SALISBURYState:MDZip Code:21801 - 0000
I agree with this but a couple statements confused me.
"As Thomas Leggs Defense Attorney, I don't think Seth can Legally prosecute the Foxwell Case."
Is this really Leggs's Attorney?
"Not taking anything away from Seth, but I think Matt and Davis would have a much better chance of a conviction and that is what we all want."
I agree but if this is his attorney, is it really stupid of him to publicly state that he hopes to loose his case? Maybe an opportunity for leggs to say he wasn't afforded adequate defense??? Of course I maybe reading it all wrong and in which case I go back to my 1st stament. I agree with what is written and Ruark should prosecute this trial.
EVIDENCE makes the case and if the police agencies produce the incontravertible proof that Leggs is guilty, any decent attorney should be able to try the case.
That said - I think Matt is being smart and KIND to allow Davis to end is Wicomico career with this case. I do think Matt should be second chair if he allows Davis to be first chair.
Ruark has been on this case since day one. Let him finish what he started. He knows more about this case then anyone else.
Davis has to be involved. He made decisions in the beginning of the case, while she was being searched for and up to now. So if the defense argues any of those at all, he will have to be involved anyway. So this issue of WHO uses Davis is so irrelevant. They are going to have to. If he is not there, the defense will bring up any issues that the states attorney will not know and then could lose.
Right move Matt you have my vote as well, the results are what matters, and will help the family going into trial for justice and Sarah. God Bless you Matt your smart and have a good heart, I think you just may have Sam behind you as well.
I believe that regardless of who wins the election that Ruark will be assisting in the prosecution of this case. We all want the death penalty and I firmly believe that Leggs will get the death penalty. Ruark has put in countless hours working on this case as has WCSO. Whoever wins the election will prosecute this case as this case screams death penalty.
id like to know how the hell leggs is still alive anyway? someone shouldve taken out that trash a long time ago in my opinion.
I noticed that one of the candidates has way more experience defending criminals than he does prosecuting them.If I were a registered voter in Wicomico,that is a factor I would have to consider.
Following the Primary elections, I have to say that I am stunned my the Wicomico County Dumb-o-crats! Any vote against Davis (or FOR Mitchell) was like begging for incompetence. Thank God I'm a Republican so I can't be blamed.
With Davis out, this is a one-horse race. If Matt is smart, he'll keep Davis around LONG after the eggs trial as his Dep. S/A.
Regardless of his off-duty issues - he is the best S/A in this State - and I've had the opportunity to work with many of them on both sides of the Bay Bridge. You'll miss him when he's gone, I assure you!
From what i heard on the news Seth is already making a defense for Leggs. He stated he would prosecute if there was DNA evidence or a taped confession. I took it as making excuses as to why he wouldn't seek the death penalty and possibly have a trial. I supported Ruark in the primary and will be voting for Matt in the general. Seth Mitchell as State's Attorney for Wicomico will be devastating.
Davis has been on this case since Day 1. I was apalled at Seth Mitchell's arrogance on TV - really - does he think he could do this without Davis?? Matt has my vote all the way!
The best manager in the world, looks at his/her resources, and applies what is best to get the job done. This just sealed the deal for Matt. It takes a man to realize when help is beneficial.
Well if Seth is going to prosecute the case keep you kids inside when Leggs is out next year
I would rather see him get life without parole. He will regret the day he ever saw Sarah!! Those inmates and gangs will whip his butt and probably kill him there. I hope they do get hold of him.
One of the things I think people lost focus of is that this county does by far more jury trials than any other. Granted Sam Vincent did a lot of them and won most. This county is far more experienced in handling crime. The states attorney's office does at leat 5 times as many cases as our neighbor states attorney's office. You can not fill that gap in experience. With Sam and now Davis not in that office, this county has lost an incredible amount of experience and knowledge. It will take years maybe even a decade before we pay for this mistake. Seth is not the answer, Seth did not beat Davis, the vote was against Davis. Seth has been a defense lawyer in this area for 23 years and only has a small rented office space. Look at all the other defense attorney's with the same experience, they all have buildings and buildings of their own and people working for them. Seth does not have either.
Matt is the right choice and I hope he reaches out to bring some major experience over. I wish Beau Olgesby was available. He is an awesome prosecutor.
I hope and prey that we will not be paying for this election in a decade when to people will get out for prosecution of weaker charges or losing major cases.
First and foremost, Seth Mitchell does not believe in the death penalty. This is where you will see him side-step away from this issue.
And 4:30 p.m. Thomas Leggs would not be made part of the population in prison. Our tax dollars will protect "his butt". Solitary confinement. Sarah is too good of a memory to have Leggs be able to spend the rest of his time alone.
Matt is clearly who we need...Seth can spend his time defending Leggs which there is NONE and then maybe with all his time left he can pick up the Pete Croswell CLOWN...there is no way they will put Seth in office so he will have plenty of time on his hands.
seth cant even win a criminal case i know know this as a fact i have had several cases with seth he is a joke and a idot he will never be states attorney all of this was not a vote for seth but a vote against davis. davis should stay and prosecute the case
I agree - I found Seth Mitchell's statements to be very arrogant. It takes a great person to do what is right for all rather than just for himself. I will be voting for Matt!
Way back when Seth Mitchell worked for the States Attorney's office. Left there to jump fences and now wants to come back???? He just got Sam V. votes. Seth's ego would never work for the States Attorney's Office.
This clinches my vote for Matt.
Mitchell may have been Leggs' defense attorney some time ago and isn't his attorney now, but I've seen judges recuse themselves from cases for far less of a relationship in the past than this.
It smacks bigtime of conflict of interest.
If a man isn't smart enough to get how that even looks, then he is not smart enough to be top law dog in the county.
I believe it will be Mike Lewis' evidence that wins the Leggs case, but Matt is making sure and healing the county, putting that first, not his ego.
I don't even know Matt or Mitchell, so I can be objective (I call him Matt because I can't remember how to spell his last name right!)
The guy with the hard to spell last name will get my vote. This decision shows good judgment, and THAT is the most important thing for the S.A. job, good judgment!
Thank God for Davis Ruark, is all I have to say. And for Matt for having the wisdom to keep him on for the Foxwell case.
I don't think we'll have to worry about Stet Mitchell prosecuting this case. He doesn't have a chance in the race for SA.
Ask your local LEO's who they want as SA and you'll get Matt M.
I just hate when people trash talk their competition when running for something. Seth could have just said he would be handling the case himself, he did not have to say Matt was unable to prosecute case himself. He lost my vote for stooping down to that level.
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