Crush Liberalism

Coakley went easy on child rapist who used hot curling iron

Stuff like this would normally sink a campaign.  But this is Taxachusetts, so you can’t predict.  Details:

In October 2005, a Somerville police officer living in Melrose raped his 23-month-old niece with a hot object, most likely a curling iron. Keith Winfield, then 31, told police he was alone with the toddler that day and made additional statements that would ultimately be used to convict him.

But in the aftermath of the crime, a Middlesex County grand jury overseen by Martha Coakley, then the district attorney, investigated without taking action.
It was only after the toddler’s mother filed applications for criminal complaints that Coakley won grand jury indictments charging rape and assault and battery.

Even then, nearly 10 months after the crime, Coakley’s office recommended that Winfield be released on personal recognizance, with no cash bail. He remained free until December 2007, when Coakley’s successor as district attorney won a conviction and two life terms.

Coakley, now the Democratic candidate for US Senate, has made much of her record prosecuting crimes against children, and says her office handled this investigation appropriately. But the case stands out as one in which she drew criticism for not being aggressive enough. Indeed, the case gave rise to Coakley’s last competitive election.

Exit question: If the late Ted Kennedrunk can allow a woman to die a slow watery death and escape both criminal prosecution and electoral retribution, is there similar hope for Martha Coakley?

January 14, 2010 - Posted by crushliberalism | Massachusetts, shameful