NEWS > 31 January 2007

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Port Huron Times Herald - Port
31 January 2007

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Port Huron Police Department M

County leaders take a hard lin

Cop theft case goes by the book

Right is right. Whether the alleged crime is as small as a former Port Huron police officer's use of a St. Clair County-issued gas card for personal use or much greater crimes, the law must be enforced.

David Fajardo is charged with embezzlement of less than $200. He admitted to using a sheriff department gas card for his own vehicle while working with the county's drug task force - and county officials are playing this matter by the book.

The case won't be tried by the St. Clair County Prosecutor's office nor will a county judge preside. Sanilac County Prosecutor James V. Young will represent the people and the State Court Administrative Office will assign a judge from outside the county to hear the matter.
These steps are notable. They illustrate the importance of dispelling any perceived conflict of interest. Prosecutor Mike Wendling was right in asking the state attorney general's office reassign the case. As Wendling noted, Fajardo was a police officer and the county, Wendling's employer, is a victim.

District court officials were right to ask for an out-of-county judge. The court's policy bars cases involving local government officials or their family members, an important rule that should help assure fairness.

Local officials' attention to this case is commendable. It also asserts a new, higher commitment to ethics.

In the past, county sheriff deputies charged with criminal conduct weren't treated to this ethical standard. No out-of-county prosecutor or judge handled the cases.

In fact, a February 2005 arraignment of a jail corrections officer for sexual misconduct with an inmate was conducted in a closed room at the county courthouse. The public had a right to see the proceedings.

Fajardo's case is admittedly small potatoes, but it does set a precedent. The public expects its officials to take a hard line on misconduct - whatever its nature. Treating the former police officer's alleged embezzlement seriously sends a message of zero tolerance.

The drug task force is an extraordinary instrument. It is vital that officers who work in the program are held to proper standards.

Sheriff Dan Lane said officials caught the gas card misuse after an audit. Good for them.

Fajardo's next pretrial hearing has not been scheduled. When a date is chosen, the public can expect justice to be served.

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Article sourced from

Port Huron Times Herald - Port31 January 2007

County leaders take a hard lin

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Port Huron Times Herald - Port
31 January 2007