I am disappointed that the Deseret News continues to publish half-truths and outright lies interlaced with other reporting of facts, damaging the reputation of individual human beings along the way.
Nothing is accomplished other than what some might term an "interesting story." Case after case, real people are being affected in a very negative manner because of your readers assuming that whatever's in print must be true.In your March 7 paper, along with your reporting of several examples of fraud in Utah that are obviously proven cases, you have included a story about my good friend, Keith E. Garner. The only correct statement in your report, in my opinion, was where you said, "Garner is appealing the case."
The case has gone before the Utah Supreme Court, and the verdict has yet to be handed down. Please, please let the courts decide, and until they do, let's presume innocent before guilt.
Mr. Garner's case is not the only one where you have said too much too soon without proper research. If what you are reporting is allegation, please resist the temptation to take a cheap shot, with no cost to you but at a great, and sometimes irretractable, expense to the individual.
In summary, I think you owe Mr. Garner a public apology for including his case, which hasn't been decided by the courts yet, along with several "proven" examples of blatant abuses by con artists.
Also, let us, as a general public, not be too judgmental of someone just because they are on the losing side of a court case. Our system is not perfect and convictions are not always deserved.
Sherman Anderson
Salt Lake City