The following email from Police Chief Joyce arrived on 22 Dec 2008, a week ago Monday, and I didn't notice until now.  My abject apologies.

Mr. Sauvageau waived legal counsel and accepted a dismissal of the complaint upon payment of $50.00 court costs, so he must have understood there was a factual basis for his arrest. Neither the judge nor the prosecutor ever made any comment about there not being a basis of fact to support the charges.

He claims there was no record from the Registry. Of course there wasn't. Vehicle suspensions are issued by the Registry and delivered by certified mail.

The police report was completed before 4 A.M. and was in the court whether Mr. Sauvageau had knowledge of it or not.

I can't, nor did I, have anything to do with his suspension.

Our officers routinely back up one another during vehicle stops, especially in the early hours of the morning. That's the way we work. The fact that a 3rd car arrived at the scene indicates our officers wanted witnesses to prevent false claims against their performance and their remarks.

It is profoundly sad when town leaders deny responsibility for their own affairs, then accuse the police of orchestrating violations, and complain they're targets of police harassment. "It's someone else's fault!"

Mr. Sauvageau's license was suspended effective 12/1 and was reinstated on 12/18, the day after his arrest.

Last edited by billw (2008-12-28 06:59:09)