Governor Mike Lowry
Legislative Bldg.
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
fax: 360-753-4110
phone: 360-753-6780

Dear Governor Lowry:

I am writing this letter to urge you to order an independent investigation of the events associated with the Wenatchee "sex ring" cases that have involved accusations against about 40 people so far. As a father, a scientist (associate professor of chemical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and a concerned citizen, I have studied many of the bizarre "sex" ring cases of the 1980's and 1990s. In many cases it is almost certain that many of the defendants are innocent.

While I don't doubt that Wenatchee, as any place has its share of abusers, the pattern of accusations there suggests that many of the accused are victims of overzealous local officials rather than child molesters. I have followed events in Wenatchee through reliable sources including the Wall Street Journal, other national press sources, and internet messages from local journalists and concerned citizens.

In the spirit of true American justice and responsible government, I urge you to have outside independent authorities investigate on and report what is going on in Wenatchee. Such an investigation was employed in a similar situation in Jordan Minnesota and revealed that while there may have been a few legitimate accusations, most of the accused were likely innocent and the local authorities were overzealous and committed gross improprieties. Such action on your part could save many innocent people from much pain and suffering and restore confidence in Washington's judicial system, child protection agencies, and police.

I should close by adding my observations that such improprieties as those alleged in the Wenatchee case have been fodder for groups wanting to abolish government programs that protect children and more extremist organizations like the militias. Hence the importance of prompt action on your part to demonstrate that our system works.

Sincerely yours,

Jonathan G. Harris
Jonathan G. Harris Associate Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT Rm 66-450
25 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
harris@athena.mit.edu (617)253-5273 Fax 252-1651

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