Strong Content - Well, This Probably Explains His Resignation From The Aprl...

rogdcam, I'm missing your point. Are you referring to the thread as a whole, or the post above your first one, which is now removed? If the former, I disagree, if the latter, I agree (I saw it before it was edited).

The latter.

I support Don's decision to keep this thread here. I feel that since this is an APS/APRL News thread, the head of the APRL resigning due to being charged with a crime would fall under that umbrella. He is of course innocent until proven guilty and due his day in court, but there should be transparency. It is uncomfortable and makes us think about things we don't ever want to, but all the original poster has done is state the facts.

4 of the 6 charges have been Nolle Prosequi'd, leaving two outstanding. Looking somewhat better, fwiw.

There has been some resolution to this case, as part of a deal cut with the DA he plead guilt to one count of a sexual offense in the third degree, sentencing will be first week of October.
Don

§ 3-307. Sexual offense in the third degree.

(b) Penalty.- A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the third degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

According to the court records, Steve received 18 months probation, register with sex offenders unit and other costs assessed by the court.

I also understand from a couple of judges that the wonderful book he had written, Path to Gold, has been removed from sale and all copies have been shredded.

What a waste, both for us as collectors and especially for him and his victim.

COURT (MASON, J.) SENTENCES THE DEFENDANT TO COUNT #1 - 18 MONTHS SUSPEND ALL BUT 2 DAYS, MCDC WITH CREDIT FOR 2 DAYS TIME SERVED; 5 YEARS SUPERVISED PROBATION WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS; COURT COSTS ASSESSED.

So, suspended sentence and then probation.

I do not see a need to shred sold copies of his writings. Apparently embezzlement can be forgiven.

I agree.

My understanding is that the organization which printed the book did not want to have anything which tied them to him once he plead guilty.

Evidently, there was quite an inventory which had yet to sell. To remove all ties to him, they decided to destroy that inventory.

We, as collectors, lose out.

I would agree that unsold stock may be scrapped as publishers do especially when value has been reduced.

Destroying the books is an emotional reaction. Really not much logic to it.

Respectfully disagree, I think it was a business decision. The sales of one book by a convicted sex offender probably did not justify the cost. Why expose the organization to the possible bad press and social media push back (often including boycotts) by distributing the remaining books?
The 'Me To' movement is having a significant impact.
Don

True enough Don. It just gets my hackles up. The social media police tend to be selective in what and whom they target. I wonder if he was a serial bank robber if the books would have been shredded. It is certainly their decision. I just think that the consumer should be able to make their own decision. I am not into punishing a publisher for an authors actions. It is as if the implication is that the publisher somehow condones sexual assault by making the authors work available. Makes no sense to me. Mein Kampf is still in print.

This is 100% the case. In the age of social media mob justice, if you say "XXX should not be fired/jailed/killed" or don't immediately conform with the mob's accusatory stance, it means that by definition you therefore support any acts the person in question is accused of perpetrating. A lack of immediate condemnation and distancing yourself from the party implies you are in agreement with what the party thinks/says/did. It's all black & white. Gray is a thing of the past.

It's wrong, but that's what the current societal approach seems to be.