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Hernando Today

Sheriff Should Have Pursued Felony Charges

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 25, 2008

Re: Nugent Defends Deputies' Actions in the July 23 edition of Hernando Today.

A single quote from Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent's Tuesday interview in staunch defense of his deputies, concerning Emily Vernon's (sheriff's finance director) DUI property damage case, has me concerned about his genuine commitment to the citizens of Hernando County. He states, "They're (his deputies) not concerned with public perception." Making this statement a basis for his defense naturally follows that he is also not concerned with public perception.

Also, I question why the state is not pursuing felony reckless endangerment charges? And "dancing in the road" and not knowing your name, face in the ground and stumbling warrants lesser charges of (by Florida definition) public intoxication.

Reckless endangerment: The offense of recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to another person. Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor but sometimes rises to a felony, as when a deadly weapon is involved.

Recognizing that Vernon asked if she hit anyone, she acknowledges her own threat to the public's safety and wellbeing. Elevating the reckless endangerment charge to felony is the fact that she is behind the wheel of a deadly weapon.

Additionally, Nugent states his sympathy for Ms. Vernon's second bout of cancer.

Fact is, medical evidence concludes that consumption of alcohol increases cancer (any cancer) risks in patients present with cancer or recurring cancer and, under chemotherapy, complicates treatment and survival odds.

This is basic knowledge to cancer patients. So, seriously, how concerned can Ms. Vernon be about her cancer?

Garrett Hood

Spring Hill

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