District Court Sentencing Called Off

Breaking News: Apparently Judge John Paternoster has called off the sentencing referred to below, due  to stormy weather. See comment and letter about the case.

Editor’s Note:  In the case mentioned below, Town Attorney Brian James  recommends  fining and jailing Mr. Northrup. At the same time Mr. James scandalously  disparages animals and animal lovers, even as he misrepresents the facts in his “Sentencing Memorandum” to the Judge. Why are attorneys allowed to distort and even lie to the courts but witnesses are sworn and subject to charges of perjury (though not in this case)?

On Tuesday last, Commissioner Gabe Romero came out firmly in favor of moving the July 4th Fireworks Display, which apparently causes a great deal of pain and suffering to the caged animals at the Stray Hearts animal shelter. The fireworks controversy is very much a  part of the Northrup trespass case.

(BTW: An animal activist has revealed to the Friction that a prominent local politico has left his long-time family dog chained up outside. The poor pet froze to death. Shame, shame.)

Mr. Northrup  is well known for his courage and even beloved in the community for his activism on behalf of animals, fire prevention, low gas prices, and honest government–especially among la gente, according to anecdotal evidence. Thanks to Mr. Northrup’s sign campaign, we have all been “shocked, shocked” to learn about corruption in the community.

We urge the court to be merciful.

From Jeff Northrup

To my friends; I’m never comfortable asking anyone for help,
regardless of the situation, so rarely do. Nor am I the martyr; I do
what I do, with eyes wide open, and accept the consequences.

But given this, I want you to know that my attorney Justin Lea feels
that if some friends show up at my sentencing hearing in Taos District
Court it might demonstrate to Judge John Paternoster that leniency is in
order for my recent conviction of criminal trespassing on Mayor
Cordova’s property on July 4, 2010.

The incident leading to this conviction occurred at 10:30 pm, about 20
minutes after the town fireworks display ended. While driving past the
mayor’s home I noticed several unsupervised young children setting off
fireworks in front of his home, along the edge of a very dark Merced
street, about 30 feet from the front yard where the mayor was having a
party. The mayor had told me about two months prior to stay away from
his property, but I stepped on the property to alert the party folks to
the danger I perceived with the children. The town also had a total
fireworks ban in place, except for the town sponsored fireworks show.

In any event, Judge Paternoster found me guilty, and the rubber hits the
road in his courtroom at the new Judicial Complex, across from Wendy’s
restaurant, at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 11. His courtroom is
one of two on the second floor, and an elevator is available. Leave
your pocket knife in the car, as all entering go thru a metal detector.

Despite the fact that this crime is a fifth degree misdemeanor (the same
as a minor traffic ticket), the town is asking for three weekends in the
county jail, and 81 days of home arrest with an ankle bracelet, no
internet, no cell phone, etc. I can go shopping, the doctor, and that’s
about it…. certainly no picketing or town council meetings or work!
For good measure, one year probation is also suggested, and 648 hours of
community service, especially if the court decides that I must stay at
home, but with a cheaper GPS devise, not the ankle bracelet. My
attorney has tried to negotiate a reasonable sentencing deal that is
acceptable to us, but the town will not budge from this plan.

I’m sorry to have been so late in reaching out for help. But if you can
fit it into your schedule I would be very appreciative; and, what the
heck, see America in the trenches.

Thanks for your interest, and Happy New Year, Jeff Northrup 770-7555