05/19/2010 16:07 PM
Mr. Wyatt, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during this whole ordeal. Although I know that the Mesquite Police Department, I or Sgt K. Davis did nothing wrong it was the mere fact that there were allegations of impropriety. Being that this involved a Death Penalty case and the defendant was granted a stay because of alleged Brady violations was bad enough but when you find your name in the local newspaper accused of deliberately withholding evidence was a little overwhelming to say the least, (knowing that it never happened) especially after spending nearly 30 years in Law Enforcement with an impeccable record. I called TMPA Headquarters and they immediately assigned me a case number and advised that they would also send it to you along with a phone number for me to contact you. That wasn’t necessary as you contacted me immediately. After explaining the situation and giving you a copy of the trial transcript, (which you read completely) I was assured that there was nothing to worry about. You kept in contact throughout this whole ordeal (9 months) and I really appreciate it. The defendant Roderick D. Newton was released from his death penalty sentence and plead guilty to 2 stacked life sentences on Friday 04-30-2010, one for Capital Murder and the other for Attempted Capital Murder of Police Officer (He will never get out). We come to find out that the reason the plea offer was made was not because of any Brady violation or mental retardation (as first reported) but because of the disparity of sentences given out in this case. Roderick Newton originally received the Death Penalty and his co-defendant received 10 years for Agg. Robbery for testifying against him. I have been a Police Officer for nearly 30 years, 20 of which have been as an Investigator, and have never needed to contact TMPA for any reason but when needed YOU were there, if for nothing other than moral support to which I am forever grateful. Thanks Again it has been a pleasure to meet you and to know that TMPA has our back!
M.V.Meek
Mesquite Police Department
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