Dear editor:
In the July 3, 2005 edition of The Moultrie Observer, there was a front page story on the indictment of James Ray Newton, 29. He was indicted on rape, child molestation, aggravated sodomy and incest.
Alleged offenses occurred between July 2003 and November 2004. This alleged action was with his own daughter. He has been indicted and after some two years has not been brought to trial.
Is our district attorney soft on these types of cases? You would think, considering the severity of these charges and after this length of time, he would have been brought to trial.
Considerable testimony was accumulated in this case. Why Mr. District Attorney has this case not been brought to a conclusion for either a guilty or not guilty verdict?
We are the great grandparents and have custody of the two children. The alleged victim is a sweet 7-year-old child who is in therapy and counseling and doing her best to cope with the deal that has been handed her.
All we ask is that the district attorney fulfill his responsibilities and bring this matter to a jury for a verdict.
We, and other family members, have called the district attorney’s office with always the same answer: “He is not in.” And there is the promise of a return call. The call never comes.
Please Mr. District Attorney, do not let this case slip through the cracks. We are entitled to a jury trial.
Robert Buckler
Moultrie
