Hart and Branch bear equal blame in Compton case

Duane Mitchell
Published: March 8, 2008

In the Feb. 24 editorial titled "Compton's resignation full of intrigue," the Star- Exponent let Sheriff Jim Branch off very lightly by declaring that he "inherited this mess when he took office in January."

Present Sheriff Jim Branch was was second in command to then Sheriff Lee Hart when the alleged Compton incident occurred.
As such, Branch should have been just as cognizant of the details purportedly reported by two sworn law officers as was Hart. If not, neither Hart nor Branch was fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the residents of this county.

If Compton is found guilty, the black eye should be equally shared by Hart and Branch, and if Compton is cleared, why didn't Hart and Branch investigate the matter when it was reported, and thus avoid the appearance of scandal and the  Compton resignation-