October 4, 2005

Letter to the Editor

New York Times

Dear Editor:

While your editorial of October 2, 2005 on Frank Tassone recognized correctly some important societal benefits that will emerge from this scandal, the characterization of the disposition of the criminal charges was inaccurate and unfair. The reference to "hapless pot smokers" doing more than 4 to 12 years in prison displays unfamiliarity with the criminal justice system in New York. A person would have to possess more than 10 pounds of marihuana to receive such a sentence. That is hardly hapless conduct.

The imposition of a 4 to 12 year sentence on a 60-year-old individual who has waived all his rights to trial and appeal, forfeited two million dollars without civil litigation and agreed to cooperate in an important ongoing investigation is hardly "misapplied justice."

I suggest this disposition successfully balanced the need to punish the defendant, return the money stolen from the children of Roslyn, and advance the investigation into the wrongdoing of others.

                                                                                        Very truly yours,

                                                                                        Denis Dillon

                                                                                        District Attorney