Comments of Steve Meadows on the latest filing in the Girls Gone Wild
case:
"In typical fashion, local media outlets were afforded, by Mr. Black, the
opportunity to review the motion, before I saw it. The defense, through this
motion, continues its campaign to influence this case through a multi-media
blitz.
While we will respond, appropriately and in writing, to the motion; there
are a number of false statements included that must be corrected.
First, the edited tape provided to ABC news, as required by Florida public
records law, contained no visuals of nudity or sexual conduct. Thus, the
tape, as provided, does not constitute child pornography as recklessly
alleged by defense counsel.
Also, contrary to defendant’s motion, the videotape in question is still
admissible evidence against the co-defendants and relevant in response to
false statements characterizing the conduct depicted.
Defense counsel, through his motions and television interviews, containing
false and inflammatory rhetoric, in conjunction with the professionally-run
media and internet campaign, misrepresents the basis and evidentiary
foundation of this case. These distortions should not go unanswered.
This type of conduct by defense counsel and Mr. Francis’s public relations
firm is precisely why the National Prosecution Standards, of the National
District Attorneys’ Association, state the following:
Nothing in these standards should be deemed to preclude the prosecutor from
making reasonable and fair response to comments of defense counsel or
others.
Once again, defense counsel and Mr. Francis seek to make a one-sided
presentation of their position; in an effort to shape public opinion.
It is the goal of this office, in this and every other case, to insure a
fair trial for the defendant as well as for the people of the State of
Florida. |