Editorial to the Wenatchee World from Karl Ohler, foreman of the Honnah Sims trial.

What Proof? Sims case had none.

Karl Ohler served as foreman of the jury that July 28 acquitted Honnah Sims of six counts of child sexual abuse. He lives in East Wenatchee. Ed.

By Karl Ohler

My conscience just won't let me rest until I've said my piece concerning the trial of Hannah Sims. While I still have some respect for law enforcement and the judicial system, it is at an all time low.

Mr. Clem, the prosecutor of Douglas County, was quoted by the Wenatchee World as comparing the Sims trial to the O.J. Simpson trial. Stating that "if O.J. Simpson gets a not guilty verdict, does that mean he didn't do it?" What an insult to the jury that sat for eight days and listened to the testimony, which was spoon-fed by the court system, and then asked to find a verdict.

When I was summoned to Waterville and ultimately selected as a juror, I had no preconceived notion as to the outcome of the trial. However, when the prosecution rested its case, my immediate thought was - where's the proof?

To arrest and try Mrs. Sims solely on the allegations of two very confused and obviously distraught girls just dumbfounded me. These kids had accused other adults previous to these accusations and then admitted that it was lie. The a witness for the prosecution, who had allegedly signed a confession, got in the witness chair and testified that her confession was coerced by the police. This witness then stated that nothing inappropriate had ever happened at the church with Mrs. Sims, the children or anyone else, that she had ever seen. Next the police officer that is the chief investigator of this (and other similar cases) testified concerning his interviews with these kids and his investigations. Well, he just happens to be the foster father of the alleged victims. A little conflict of interest or what? This goes on and on. you really had to be there.

So, where's the proof? If there were as many as 20 children and 20 adults, as stated in court, participating in sexual activities, why did all of the credible witnesses state that this just did not happen? If in fact there were more witnesses to these so called "sex rings," why weren't they brought to court by the prosecution to testify?

It seems as thought the police, Child Protective Services and the prosecution are running their own show. Who is accountable?

To this juror, there was no proof that Mrs. Sims had done anything wrong and in fact was only trying to help the less fortunate and needy people of this valley in her participation at the church Bible school and food bank.

No Mr. Clem, this was not the O.J. Simpson trial and the next time I am called to jury duty I will remember this trial and the witch hunt.

And by the way, citizens of the Wenatchee Valley, keep a close eye on your children and who they associate with. All it takes is for the right person to accuse you and then the police come for you, and then CPS comes for your children to fill their heads with garbage.

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