Attorney Brock?s big blunder

February 26, 2012

Keota, Iowa

To the Editor:

I am still in the state of disbelief over the judgment or lack of judgment made by Washington County Attorney Larry Brock ? this in regard to the drunken-driving charges against Keokuk County sheriff Jeff Shipley.

Yes, Sheriff Shipley cannot help but be traumatized by the very recent events that resulted in the loss of a beloved friend and fellow officer. But what was his excuse in 2008 when he pleaded guilty to drunken boating? It is obvious that Jeff Shipley has an alcohol problem, as do many individuals in our society. This in itself does not make him a bad person. He just needs to seek treatment for his addiction ? then possibly be allowed to return to active duty, AFTER he answers to all charges and pays his dues like anyone else would be expected to do.

I do feel sympathy for Sheriff Shipley. I hope he receives the help he deserves. I truly believe he wants what is best for our county. But he should NEVER have considered himself above the law.

Does this set precedent for all our war veterans that live each day with horrors we will never know? Events they have witnessed and been part of that they themselves cannot even bear to verbalize. Missing limbs, lost comrades, suffering from post-traumatic stress, and returning home to find there are no jobs available to them. I must ask, if one of our returning veterans were stopped for a traffic violation, were presumed drunk by all appearances, refused a sobriety test, and obstructed the investigation, would Attorney Brock be fearful that a jury would find it too hard to convict one of our heroes? If one or many fellow combat members were willing to testify in behalf of said veteran, would this too make Attorney Brock fearful that a jury would not rule in behalf of justice? Would the charges be dropped? I think NOT! Guess we should ask Attorney Brock.

I should mention that I grew up in a household of law enforcement: my father, an Iowa State Trooper for 38 year years (deceased); a brother, an Iowa State Trooper for 22 years and counting; and a brother who has proudly served the City of Washington as a police officer for 27 years with the title of police sergeant for over 20 of those years and counting. I am quite proud of them. They do and they must hold themselves to a higher standard of conduct. But in no way are they above the law.

How very sad that Washington County Attorney Larry Brock has made a mockery of all officers of the law and has made it even more difficult for them to be respected and to do their duty to ?Serve and Protect.? At the very least Attorney Brock could have made the charge of obstruction of justice. Maybe he was fearful of that also!

Lori Hansen Cave