BOLLINGER COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS STORY CONTAINED INACCURACIES

To Readers of the Southeast Missourian:

Last Sunday in this newspaper was a printed article by Mr. Grebling entitled, "Bollinger County/Law Officials at Odds." I would like the readers of this newspaper to note the following errors in Mr. Grebling's article.

Statement about Paul Hahn

1. Mesey describes Hahn as an intelligent man, a good man.

2. He was raised and grew up in Bollinger County.

MISSING STATEMENT: The problem, I think that confront Paul and I.

3. He has not had the same life experiences that I have had.

MISSING STATEMENT: So we view things differently.

Statement about Paul and Dennis Willis:

IN ~ACCURATE STATEMENT: Mesey has barred Hahn and Dennis Willis, who was with Hahn that night, from everywhere but the Lobby area of his office.

TRUE STATEMENT: After I and Marble Hill Police Chief, Gary Shrum, interviewed the witnesses who reported what took place in the building. Chief Gary Shrum agreed with my decision.

STATEMENT NOT PRINTED: Three or four weeks after the incident, Judge Limbaugh and Police Chief Shrum interviewed the three witnesses separately and found no discrepancies in their original statements. After the interviews both Judge Limbaugh and Police Chief Shrum continued to support my decision. Mr. Grebling asked me if I thought Paul Hahn was trying to steal the book. I told him I could not say that. I then went on to say that I only had what was reported to me by the witnesses. I told him I didn't know why Paul had the book in his possession.

Mr. Grebling printed "Based on the accounts of his two witnesses, Mesey is convinced Hahn tried to steal the book." I never stated that.Three paragraphs earlier he quoted me as saying that Paul may have a logical explanation for his actions. At no time during the interview did Mr. Grebling say that I was being accu~sed by Paul or ~~anyone, that I was telling this rumor. In fact I stated to Grebling that this incident happened several months ago and I refused to go to the news media because I didn't want to hurt Paul in anyway.

I find Mr. Grebling's article distorted and biased with my statements, juggled to suit him!

Isn't it IRONIC that Paul Hahn is quoted as saying I want him out of his job. He's not up for re-election in a few days, I AM.

Isn't IRONIC that this article is printed now, at election time. Isn't IRONIC that this article is the second one written by Mr. Grebling concerning myself that was distorted.

Isn't it IRONIC that Mr. Grebling is the Political Editor.

ISN'T POLITICS DIRTY!

Daniel F. Mesey,

Sheriff of Bollinger County

(Editor's Note: We stand by our story written by Jim Grebing.)