by Tina Bennett

Tina Bennet, Democratic candidate for Onondaga County District Attorney responds to questions dealing with whether she would have appointed a special prosecutor under the circumstances involving the matter of People v. Mark Fedeli.

In response to this question Bennet states, that “While it is commendable that the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department referred the investigation to another agency, I am troubled deeply by the fact that the District Attorney did not recognize the identical and inherent conflict.” Bennet further states, “The simple fact that the District Attorney waited eight months to take any action indicates or presumes that he cannot act impartially. Such an abnormal delay erodes the public’s confidence in the District Attorney’s ability to perform his functions impartially. This type of special treatment will not be tolerated in my administration.”

The Fedeli case involves the prosecution of a former undercover drug investigator who allegedly used his deputy position to obtain crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

“In order to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system, a special prosecutor should be appointed in the Fedeli case.” Bennet said today. “The fact that the accused has been involved in ongoing criminal investigations would be sufficient for me to make that appointment in order to avoid any notion of impropriety. Even if the District Attorney felt there was no inherent conflict it would certainly alleviate the appearance of impropriety by appointing a special prosecutor thus preserving the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system, something the current administration does not seem to be concerned about.”

Presently, the District Attorney’s office is comfortable with the fact that they are doing an internal investigation and prosecution. Already they have sent 60 to 70 letters to defense counsel according to the Syracuse Newspapers. The article continues to state that the District Attorney’s office claims that their first concern is the administration of justice.

“If, as Mr. Trunfio stated in his press conference, the District Attorney’s office is concerned with the administration of justice, then they should eliminate any confusion or potential impropriety. Bring in a special prosecutor, Fedeli has a relationship with the District Attorney’s office and can not be prosecuted properly or fairly,” Bennet states.

Bennet continued by saying, “When I am Onondaga County’s next District Attorney, there will be no question that I am going to prosecute all criminals. If the accused has a relationship with my office, no matter how minor, I will appoint a special prosecutor to ensure that the Office of District Attorney for Onondaga County is above reproach.”

Contact Information: Tina C. Bennet, Esq.
472 South Salina Street, Suite 444, Syracuse, New York 13202
Telephone: (315) 422-3029

(MarkBlum.com recognizes its responsibility in this election season to publish viewpoints different than those stated. All submissions that are signed by the author will be posted).