📡 Prosecution declined on all charges facing Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

[TerryP]

All about page views,

I'd bet put this story at another school and Sallee doesn't speak on this, at all. Objectivity and Alabama don't exist in his world. Hell, he may be as bad as Chadd Scott.

 

[OldPlayer]

They are a bunch of dumbasses then. The fact no one took the time to look at the case in detail before posting some bullshit in the comments on an article demonstrates all I need to know.

EVERY attorney I've spoken with agreed this was the right move. Attorney's practicing in Louisiana are among that group.

The mere fact there were two other people in the car—a fact conveniently left out of the arrest report—should be enough to make everyone pause for a moment and take a pessimistic view of the arrest. Suttles mentioned yesterday he'd held hours on hours of interviews with those associated with the case and the only people to mention to other two were Alabama players.

The DA's comments are the issue. If there wasn't enough evidence, say there wasn't enough evidence. If there was an issue with the arrest, say there was an issue with the arrest. But his comments have nothing to do with the arrest or evidence. He doesn't want to prosecute and ruin their lives. How many other people have been arrested in his jurisdiction for similar crimes? But, these are the two that are dismissed for that reason?

 

[Tidestalker]

The DA's comments are the issue. If there wasn't enough evidence, say there wasn't enough evidence. If there was an issue with the arrest, say there was an issue with the arrest. But his comments have nothing to do with the arrest or evidence. He doesn't want to prosecute and ruin their lives. How many other people have been arrested in his jurisdiction for similar crimes? But, these are the two that are dismissed for that reason?

You need to listen to more than just the 1 quote... He goes on to explain why the evidence wouldn't be enough.
DA won't prosecute Alabama's Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones on weapons, drug charges

 

[94 Grad]

It's not against the law to carry a gun in Louisiana. Why on earth should I be upset about someone carrying a gun if it's legal?

You should never drive around with anyone who has a gun? Dude. :smh:

I never said you shouldn't drive around with someone that has a gun... I said, if you are 1 year away from a top 10 NFL pick you should not drive around with someone that has a gun and drugs.

but sometimes you have to use your brain and just not be stupid... and when you're one year away for a top 10 NFL draft pick... YOU SHOULD NEVER BE DRIVING AROUND WITH ANYONE THAT HAS A GUN OR POT.

As for it being legal... I couldn't care less... I'm not arguing what the DA did was wrong or right for that matter. I don't have all the facts of the case, so I really can't decide that. However, I do have enough information to ascertain that it was stupid regardless of being legal.

I have a CCL and I do carry, but what these kids did was just stupid and had nothing good was going to come from what they where doing. Also, I don't know the laws where they were, but in Georgia, you'd need a CCL to put a gun under the seat... otherwise it needs to be in plain view, center console or glove box. I do believe that gun belonged to Cam (at least from the reports I have seen) which is who I was referring to in my post about being a top 1o pick. He was stupid and most likely they were up to nothing good... so I really don't have much if any pity for them.

Now, having said that, Saban knows these kids and a lot more facts about the case that I ever will... I don't think he's ever show a tendency to play let a kid skate by on punishment. I feel confident he will impose the proper punishment and will do his best to HELP these kids understand what they should be doing and to try and get them on the correct path in life. Regardless of what the DA decision was. Also, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see these kids sitting out a number of games... but again, that will be handled by Saban and neither the media nor my opinion will matter much.

If these kids were YOUR sons and YOU caught them in a car late at night parked in a park and they had guns and pot... what would your response be?

 

[OldPlayer]

You need to listen to more than just the 1 quote... He goes on to explain why the evidence wouldn't be enough.
DA won't prosecute Alabama's Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones on weapons, drug charges

It's a stretch. Other DAs would take up the case. His MAIN reason, was to not ruin their lives. His MAIN reason was not the lack of evidence.

 

[TUSKtimes]

It's a stretch. Other DAs would take up the case. His MAIN reason, was to not ruin their lives. His MAIN reason was not the lack of evidence.

I get it. Could have been some undeserved kindness, and if so, the players know how fortunate they are. But the defense attorney went out of his way to publicly describe issues with due-process. So could that have been at least some of the DA's motivation as well?

Either way, they were guilty of extremely poor judgment and for that they deserve what Saban dispenses.

 

[Tidestalker]

It's a stretch. Other DAs would take up the case. His MAIN reason, was to not ruin their lives. His MAIN reason was not the lack of evidence.

In your own words you stated his comments have nothing to do with the arrest or evidence. That's just wrong.

Just as you've pointed out how the DA claims he may come back and prosecute the case... Yet can't find the link.

"Other DA's would take up the case".... Just as other police officers would've arrested all 4 guys in the car or gathered sufficient evidence...

Let it go

 

[TerryP]

It's a stretch. Other DAs would take up the case. His MAIN reason, was to not ruin their lives. His MAIN reason was not the lack of evidence.

I think it's fair to assume the main reason it's not being pursued is if it was, it would be lost in court.

His air conditioner comments were ... can we say weird? But, there's a question I believe deserves note, and answer.

What was he supposed to say? We're dropping these charges because the police report isn't accurate? We're dropping the charges because there was an issue with the search?

BTW, all of that we know to be true.

 

[TheChief]

The DA's name is Jerry Jones. There's your answer. I wonder why no one else thought of that.

 

[TerryP]

I have a CCL and I do carry, but what these kids did was just stupid and had nothing good was going to come from what they where doing. Also, I don't know the laws where they were, but in Georgia, you'd need a CCL to put a gun under the seat... otherwise it needs to be in plain view, center console or glove box. I do believe that gun belonged to Cam (at least from the reports I have seen) which is who I was referring to in my post about being a top 1o pick. He was stupid and most likely they were up to nothing good... so I really don't have much if any pity for them.

"...so I really don't have much if any pity for them."

H/T.

This, I respect. I don't have any pity for them. None. Anyone knows the risks involved. Simply put, it's part of 'the game.'

I do know it's not against the law in Louisiana to have a gun in the car. That is a point that's been offered here on more than one occasion but seemingly ignored. There's a lot about this whole thing that's being ignored.

It does make headlines and lead to reactions ... can't complain about that at all despite their content.

 

[Bama Ravens]

I spy some "internet lawyers" up in here.

 

[TUSKtimes]

I spy some "internet lawyers" up in here.

And it won't cost you 40% of your wealth.

 

[OldPlayer]

In your own words you stated his comments have nothing to do with the arrest or evidence. That's just wrong.

Just as you've pointed out how the DA claims he may come back and prosecute the case... Yet can't find the link.

"Other DA's would take up the case".... Just as other police officers would've arrested all 4 guys in the car or gathered sufficient evidence...

Let it go

I'm not hanging on. I'm happy they won't be prosecuted. My comment is that 99% of other DAs would pursue the prosecution and these kids are lucky. I'm sure there were behind-the-door negotiations going on to help the DA make his decision.

BTW, here's the link: DA declines to prosecute Alabama's Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

"...the local clerk’s office said the case “could proceed in the future if new evidence is presented.” New evidence could be the officer clarifying his report.

 

[Tidestalker]

I'm not hanging on. I'm happy they won't be prosecuted. My comment is that 99% of other DAs would pursue the prosecution and these kids are lucky. I'm sure there were behind-the-door negotiations going on to help the DA make his decision.

BTW, here's the link: DA declines to prosecute Alabama's Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

"...the local clerk’s office said the case “could proceed in the future if new evidence is presented.” New evidence could be the officer clarifying his report.

Fair enough... Good work OP. RTR

 

[TerryP]

I'm not hanging on. I'm happy they won't be prosecuted. My comment is that 99% of other DAs would pursue the prosecution and these kids are lucky. I'm sure there were behind-the-door negotiations going on to help the DA make his decision.

BTW, here's the link: DA declines to prosecute Alabama's Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

"...the local clerk’s office said the case “could proceed in the future if new evidence is presented.” New evidence could be the officer clarifying his report.

I'm certainly not trying to be argumentative here, OP, but I have to call into question your assertion "99% of other DA's would pursue the prosecution."

If I take that at face value you're saying 99% of the other DA's would take the case to court with insufficient evidence. That doesn't pass the logic test from my perspective.

 

[OldPlayer]

I'm certainly not trying to be argumentative here, OP, but I have to call into question your assertion "99% of other DA's would pursue the prosecution."

If I take that at face value you're saying 99% of the other DA's would take the case to court with insufficient evidence. That doesn't pass the logic test from my perspective.

Cases have gone to court with less. Many have jumped on the "insufficient evidence" claim since it was announced but these are the same people who screamed about how stupid the players were to 1) be in the closed park at 2 a.m. smoking and 2) having any firearm with them and wondered how Alabama can find a left tackle before the opener because there was no way he could weasel out of the charges. I'm not saying they would be found 100% guilty, but you don't have to be a serial watcher of Cops to know that a cop smelling weed is sufficient reason for probable cause and gives them the right to search a vehicle to find illegal substances (the argument about whether or not weed should be illegal is irrelevant). Finding a gun while searching for pot is a legal search.

Having a gun with pot is the main crime. Hootie admitted to the cop that he had a gun. Pot was found (it doesn't matter how much). An additional gun, that was stolen, was found under the driver's seat of Cam's car. Cam was the driver. The driver/owner is responsible for what comes into the car. That's a lot of evidence, even if circumstantial.

Remember that they weren't starting the trial last week. It was the arraignment. The DA could use the time between the arraignment and trial to strengthen any weak points in the case. The arraignment is when they show that there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The DA pulled the plug without disclosing ANY evidence. He just said there wasn't enough (even if there was).

I'm not arguing that they should be locked up. I'm pointing out that these two were very lucky.

 

[PhillyGirl]

Anyone else see this letter from an LSU fan? Someone added a "crying Jordan" to it ..

 

[OldPlayer]

We're all probably beating a dead horse here, but this article today outlines the punishment already administered by CNS to the players. If you read it, it's probably consistent (maybe more) with what they would get if the case went to trial and they were found guilty (except for the felony record Cam may have received).

The punishment Alabama has already doled out to Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

 

[psychojoe]

We're all probably beating a dead horse here, but this article today outlines the punishment already administered by CNS to the players. If you read it, it's probably consistent (maybe more) with what they would get if the case went to trial and they were found guilty (except for the felony record Cam may have received).

The punishment Alabama has already doled out to Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones

Bingo. 1st tome offenders weren't likely to receive jail time anyway. Counseling, rehab,community service, regular testing. If, as seems likely, the prosecutor communicated with CNS and staff, he was satisfied with what was being done. These guys have gotten a second chance, and they would do well to take advantage of it.

 

[planomateo]

Interesting comment below on his reputation for a light touch with nonviolent crimes (this article August 2014).

He's on his 5th term as District Attorney of which 4 were unopposed (1996, 2002, 2008, and 2012)

DA Jones wins 5th term

------------------

Jerry Jones, already the longest serving 4th District Attorney in modern history, won his fifth, six-year term after no candidate qualified last week to challenge him in the Nov. 4 election.

When Jones, D-Mer Rouge, won his first term in 1990, the former criminal defense attorney never thought it would be a long-term career move.

“My idea was to serve two terms and come back to my personal law practice,” said Jones, 67.

But Jones, who has a reputation for a light touch with nonviolent criminals and an iron first with violent ones, said he still has “a passion and energy” for the job as Ouachita and Morehouse parishes’ top law enforcement official.

Jones still prefers a courtroom to an office — he won a murder conviction in Bastrop earlier this month — but administrative demands prevent him from trying as many cases as when he was first elected.

“I’d much rather be in the courtroom, but the office has grown significantly,” he said.

As his time in the courtroom diminished, Jones began focusing on advocating for sweeping statewide legal reforms.

He was a champion for passing more severe penalties for domestic abusers, he crafted one of the first video voyeurism statutes in the country and he shepherded legislation making failure to pay child support a crime.

“We’ve been able to literally change the legal codes and state constitution on some issues,” Jones said. “My highest priority has been as an advocate for laws designed to better serve victims who are women and children.

“They are often the most vulnerable in our society, and they need and deserve protection and justice.”

Among other key Ouachita Parish officials elected without opposition: 4th District judges Carl Sharp, D-Monroe; Alvin Sharp, D-Monroe; Scott Leehy, R-Monroe; Sharon Marchman, R-Monroe; Wilson Rambo, no party-West Monroe; Stephens Winters, R-West Monroe; Fred Amman, no party-Monroe; Wendell Manning, R-Monroe; and Danny Ellender, R-Mer Rouge.

Also winning office were Sterlington Mayor Vern Breland, R-Sterlington; West Monroe City Judge Jim Norris, R-West Monroe; Monroe City Court judges Tammy Lee, D-Monroe and Jeff Joyce, no party-Monroe; West Monroe City Court Judge Jim Norris, R-West Monroe; and West Monroe City Marshall William Guyton, D-West Monroe.