The Big Lie In Hartford

Lie often and boldly and you just might be deemed to be telling the truth. Isn't that what Orwell taught? Daryl Roberts of the Hartford Police Department appears to have read his Orwell.

Roberts, the chief of the city's police department, testified yesterday before the Connecticut Legislature about the arrest of a client of mine, Ken Krayeske. Krayeske was arrested as he took pictures of the governor during her inaugural parade. One Press Account

Just why he was arrested has become a topic of much discussion in the state. Legislative hearings have taken place before we've even had our first pre-trial.

Three lay eyewitnesses have come forward to say that they saw the arrest. Mr. Krayeske stood taking photographs when he was taken into custody.

A police report by the arresting officer notes that Krayeske was targeted by the state police as a potential threat, as were, apparently, other people designated as activitists. Roberts testified that Krayeske was not targeted for that reason. Who to believe, the arresting officer or the bureaucrat playing spin doctor?

Eyewitnesses say Krayeske was doing no more than taking pictures. The chief testified that the man "breached the parade route." The spin doctor is out of control.

Eyewitnesses say Krayeske was taking photographs when he was arrested. The chief isn't sure whether the man had a camera.

The case is a frightening prism through which to consider civil liberties. One lawmaker at the hearing thought it unfortunate that law enforcement was questioned at all. Had the arrests occurred immediately after 9-11, the lawmaker mused, we'd be congratulating the officer. Perhaps that lawmaker would have. I count him a casualty to the war on terror.

I wish Chief Roberts had competent and admissible testimony to offer in the Krayeske case. Something tells me he'd be singing soprano shortly after his cross-examination began.

Comments

[JB]

Of the many lessons Chief Darly Roberts of the HPD never learned is that it is unconstitutional to maliciously or recklessly deprive someone of their rights.

Roberts is not alone, here in "Corrupticut" as evidenced by the press, Stan Simpson, and some legislators applauding this false and politically motivated arrest, the truth and the law are just minor annoyances that get in the way of governing.

And isn't five years enough time to stop using a terrorist attack to justify every deprivation of our civil rights? With "leaders" like this we are going backwards.
I know Roberts, he is not malicious, he is also not qualified to be Chief of Police and he certainly is more of a "danger to the community" than the hapless peacenick Ken Kreyeske!

[Kevin Keenan]

I am a journalist and worked with Ken several years ago and am shocked and outraged by the thuggish behavior of the Hartford police. He was taking pictures of an inaugural parade? The abuse of power is outrageous..

[Steven G. Erickson]

If you complain to the Governor about the Connecticut State Police or even the Commissioner of the Connecticut State Police, your name and address and your complaint is turned over to the Commissioner of the Connecticut State Police.

When Arthur L. Spada was in as Commissioner, you were guaranteed to be investigated and probably arrested and worse, just for complaining about police.

If you propose laws to elected officials regarding police, your name and address is given the Commissioner of the Police. You are then investigated. A liaison from the Connecticut State Police interacts with legislators to tell them what they can and can't do in regards to police. It sounds like the police are in charge, not the populace paying taxes.

Governor Rell nominates Judges and the legislature approves them. It is mostly lawyers on the Judiciary Committee. If a lawyer complains about a judge or acts in the best interest of the people against the Judicial Branch, that lawyer can end up disbarred or worse. Practicing lawyers should not be on the Judiciary Committee.

There is supposed to be separation of powers. If lawyers that are elected officials are intimidated out of serving the people they are not serving the people. There is supposed to be separation of powers.

There is not now.

Judges need to be prosecuted for wrongdoing. This will not be done by lawyers afraid of being arrested and disbarred for doing so.

Ken's case opens up a long chess puzzle, a gambit. I think those corrupt judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and police are going to eventually lose this latest round.

[Jen Montgomery]

I am a Connecticut attorney who is currently abroad (in Fargo, ND) clerking for a federal judge. My question: who else is on that flyer and how can I get a copy? Is it like the No-fly list? Is there just serious offenders or are they mostly no-good political protestors like myself? Makes me think twice about attending any Rell-based events in the future. Hopefully this doesn't screw up Ken's ability to get a law license. After listening to your interview with McEnroe I don't know what kind of crapass antics the prosecutors are planning. Good luck.