Probation fight needs continued Bee scrutiny

Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes hit the nail on the head when he said there were some judges trying to “railroad” Probation Chief Rick Chavez.

That was apparent from the very start when Mr. Chavez was put on administrative leave not knowing any of the allegations of supposed misconduct and with the burden then of having to prove himself innocent. Even a convicted felon wearing a red jumpsuit sitting in a jury box facing a probation violation is accorded the presumption of innocence.

This malicious and vindictive effort to oust Mr. Chavez has repeatedly violated his basic rights as a civil servant and protective statues under the Peace Officers Bill of Rights. With the board of supervisors and a number of high-ranking county officials supporting Chief Chavez and proclaiming publicly they have no knowledge of anything that would even remotely warrant his dismissal, you have to wonder just what is going on.

The situation needs the continued scrutiny of the press, since it is obvious we aren’t going to hear the truth of the matter anytime soon.

This story was originally published September 16, 2016 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Probation fight needs continued Bee scrutiny."