Greg Haidl Case

The link to the article is: http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/26/local/me-haidl26

After further research into the Greg Haidl case, I found one Los Angeles Times article in particular that struck my attention as to how the media portrayed Greg and his father. Although the title of the article is “Son of former O.C. assistant sheriff released from prison,” it does not focus on the punishment or wrong actions taken by Greg and his fellow abusers as one might expect, but rather why he was released early from his sentence for being a “model prisoner.” The article focuses more on Orange Count Sheriff Michael S. Carona’s loss of his position as sheriff because of federal corruption against Carona. The greater focus is not why Greg was released early from jail but rather the blame placed on his father who as a chief witness to Carona’s case. Carona is accused of allowing Don Haidl access to his office for tens of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts.
Rather than focusing on the correct punishment he deserves for his actions, Greg’s father claims his son was “a model prisoner” who took advantage of educational and vocational programs at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga. How does this excuse him? Just because he was “a good boy” in prison excuses him from fulfilling his sentence of 6 years in jail and is assumed to perform good behavior outside of jail too?
But furthermore, police know he does not have a good record outside of prison, in fact he has a criminal record and is considered a high-control parolee. One specific example of this was a marijuana case (one of many) where once again he was given preferential treatment by Jaramillo, Carona’s likely successor, who consequently ended up being sentenced to a year in jail himself for misusing department resources. This begs the question to me, does status and money in a community really allow a criminal this much lenience?
Although he is scheduled to serve three years of parole, he could be released from supervision earlier if he stays out of trouble. Another exception? I think so. It seems as though he is finding the easy way out and many allowances are being made for him because of the status of his father. On the other hand, the other two accusers must remain for the entire term. This begs the question, should special privilege be given to Greg because of his fathers career? Why or why not?
The article goes on further to explain how because of Greg’s prosecution, the relationship between Carona and Don Haidl has been damaged and therefore Don lost his job. Should the blame be on Don and as a result the focus be on his loss of job and status in Orange County or are we really turning a blind-eye to what the real situation is here? The man is a rapist, why should be allowed preferential treatment?

Questions: Do you agree or disagree? Who do you think should be at blame? Why?