Arraignment of Lafayette teacher Michael Merrick was put over until Sept. 8 after his attorney phoned in to report she was caught up in the after effects of Hurricane Irene.
Merrick, 48, was scheduled to be arraigned before Superior Court Judge Brian Haynes Tuesday. But attorney Elizabeth Grossman was apparently among thousands of travelers caught in the air travel tie-up triggered by the weekend storm. She called the court to say she would be unable to make it back to California from the East Coast.
The Stanley Middle School teacher faces 24 felony counts of child molestation and a single misdemeanor charge stemming from his relationship with a 14-year-old student he was tutoring.
Prosecutors allege that Merrick forced a sexual relationship upon the girl, "grooming" her for sexual advances she told police he made during tutoring sessions in his office.
Investigators found that the teacher texted the girl - once more than 100 times in a single day - and sent her inappropriate photos of himself before he was arrested last October.
Good morning. I deleted your post for two reasons, primarily because of your presumption of guilt and secondarily because your post was anonymous. An opinion of someone's guilt would be just that, your opinion, but only if your name were attached. Anonymous accusation leaves a bitter taste. Thanks, Editor
I think the only way to "make it stop" is to catch and lock up the offenders, as seems to be happening here.
I think it's a bit too slavish an adherence to the "Presumption of Innocence" concept to deny that which is now staring us in the face.....
I hear you, believe me. But the anonymous posts of "he is guilty" take on a weight of their own and I would prefer that if they are to be made the person making the assertion identify themselves. "RFL" actually made some great points in support of his/her stance, I would just be more comfortable with a name behind the position. That is all... Coffee again, soon? JD
Oh wait. That wasn't fiction. And it was in the U.S. And it happened this year: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/courtney-stodden-pamerla-anderson_n_927961.html
A true name, Miles, rather than a screen name. And for the reasons stated.
I think the right rule is that folks should have a registered account and use only a single name -- to avoid the whole Mary Rosh stuff -- but if you want transparency, then demand it universally and see what happens to your user base.
Thanks for your kind words and for reading us. I am aware interest in this case is high, though we have been scolded for following it too closely. We are attempting a balancing act, as court coverage outside our given area does tax our staffing (we're looking for one, solid reporter to help with the news flow by the way). Thursday's appearance before Judge Haynes was brief, with the prosecutor on hand and other counsel appearing for Mr. Merrick's attorney, Elizabeth Grossman. Arraignment put over until Sept. 22. Beyond that, we had little to pass on and other stories to write, so pardon our terseness. Thanks for your continued interest and communication. Editor
Allow me a bit of Irish testiness - but what a ridiculous statement to make. We're either too aggressive or not aggressive enough for some people, it seems. That comes with the territory. We remain committed to covering this and many other stories underway in our area - as you can see by reading the stories we put up every day. If you happen to know of a good, solid reporter with crackerjack writing and reporting skills, please send me their name as we're hiring - and we need another body to keep pace with all that's going on. Thanks, Editor