The worst fears of honest cops

As a retired New Haven, Conn., detective with 27 years of service, I followed with great interest the in-depth investigation by Southeast Missourian reporter Bridget DiCosmo in the case of Joshua Kezer.

The utmost fear of an honest cop is the wrongful taking of a life or imprisonment of an innocent person. Judge Richard Callahan's 44-page justifiable indictment of the prosecutorial misconduct by Ken Hulshof speaks volumes for the power of such a position. Hulshof is not the first to misuse his office for political gain. The uniqueness is that he got caught, and there must be a penalty for that destructive intent.

The action of Sheriff Rick Walter reopening the case in 2006 and the dedicated commitment of Investigator Branden Caid require appropriate recognition, as does the devotion of attorney Charles Weiss and his law firm.

Kezer was 20 when his freedom was taken away. His strength and belief that truth will light the darkness is to be embraced as an example of this combined compassion.

THOMAS F. MORRISSEY Jr., Hamden, Conn.