Arizona State F.O.P. Response to
Dale Norris's
Misleading and Defamatory Commentaries
In the March 2008 PLEA Recap, A.P.A. Executive Director Dale Norris published one of the most misleading and defamatory commentaries we have ever seen. As we have been forced to do in the past, we must again respond with the truth.
Norris neglected to check with the Fraternal Order of Police to verify the facts relating to the prosecution of Border Patrol Agent Nick Corbett or on the participation of Lee Rappleyea as an investigator for the state. Mr. Rappleyea, a distinguished, retired Phoenix Police Department detective and former chief investigator at the Arizona Attorney Generals Office, does not work for the F.O.P. nor does his work in the Corbett case have anything to do with the F.O.P.
Even in the face of these defamatory comments by Norris, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police has no connection whatsoever with the Corbett prosecution. In fact, neither does PLEA or Dale Norris. Norris only claims knowledge of the case from a website posting! As usual, Norris’ effort is just shameless usage of a very serious and controversial matter in an effort to recruit for the A.P.A. and to bash the F.O.P.
As a result of this article, we have looked into the public record of the case. We suggest all who are truly concerned with justice do the same. You will find that Norris has once again not done his homework. To label this “a shameless prosecution” and “a war on a law officer” and to describe the work of Rappleyea and Woods as “traitorous to the profession” ignores compelling exculpatory evidence that exists in this case. The Corbett case is not about police unions. To use it in that fashion cheapens the work of all law enforcement officers in this state.
It is a shame that Norris is wasting his time trying to slander the F.O.P. instead of presenting the best possible defense for one of his members. It looks to me like he is trying to deflect the blame of poor representation by trying to drag the F.O.P. into this. Mr. Norris, you would be wiser to expend your time and energy ensuring that Agent Nick Corbett is given the best defense possible rather then trying to make other entities responsible for your short comings in this case. Corbett’s life and career are on the line, and all you can do is blame the F.O.P. who has had nothing to do with this case. I’m very disappointed that you would even dare to use this case for your own personnel gain. Mr. Norris never asked the F.O.P. about this case even as he stood just a few feet away from me at the democratic dinner in Phoenix; you didn’t even have the fortitude to verify facts but instead wrote this shameful, untruthful article.
The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police has not, and will not use Agent Nick Corbett’s situation, or any other similar situation, to evoke an emotional response for recruiting purposes. Agent Corbett’s future is on the line.
Fraternally,
Bryan G. Soller
Bryan G. Soller
President |
