March 27, 2008 - 4:06pm
Wilson gives one last chance to prankster
By EditorGOP State Chairman Tom Wilson says prankster who impersonated him in an e-mail to several Republican County Chairmen can avoid criminal prosecution if he/she comes forward by 9AM tomorrow morning with an apology. Earlier today, an attorney representing Wilson sent a letter to the individual by e-mail stating their intention file charges.
The full contents of Wilson’s e-mail to njgop@yahoo.com:
“Earlier today you received an email from our counsel informing you of our intent to file criminal charges against you for the emails you sent to county chairmen. To clarify, I intend to file these charges tomorrow whether or not you send any additional emails pretending to be me. Your actions are illegal, dishonest, and an affront to democracy and decency. I will not tolerate them. However, as you have represented that this was merely “a prank” committed by a college student who meant no harm, I wish to provide you with the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution. Everyone makes mistakes and I am willing to forgive a youthful error in judgment. To avoid prosecution, however, you must take responsibility for your actions, acknowledge the error of your ways, and demonstrate a commitment to doing the right thing. That starts by contacting me and disclosing your true identity. Next, you will email those who received emails from you apologizing for your deceitful actions and you will sign a consent order agreeing that you will never again send any communication posing as someone else. If you agree to do those things, I will not file my criminal complaint against you. My offer is sincere and heartfelt. If I do not hear from you by 9 am tomorrow, Friday March 28, 2008 I will assume your motives were not as you stated in your email to politckernj.com and proceed as promised with a criminal complaint.”
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Just a thought
Instead of filing charges, why don't you give him your job? He is clearly better at communicating than you.
So, what scandal re unknown Andy is on the schedule for tomorrow? We know you're doing all this to boost his name recognition.
No crime??
This is not that black and white and there is no guarentee a crime was committed. My understanding of the law is that pretending to be someone is not criminal unless you can show that there was some intent to use the false persona to gain access to some type of personal information that is legally protected under privacy laws. Seeking out opinions from county chairmen would not fall under this category.
That said, there could be an action for libel, although this would be a stretch. As a public official, he would have to prove malicious intent and verifiable damages which is probably not possible.
Whoever did this made a dumb mistake and thought they were being funny. Wilson is probably just hoping that they can find out who it is and link it to the Sabrin campaign.
IF THE PRANKSTER IS READING THIS - call a lawyer who deals with online privacy issues. www,eff,org
link isn't working.
can you fix it?
Criminal or Civil??
what are the criminal charges?
sounds like a civil suit at best. Not sure what Wilson would even win there....was he damaged somehow? Could he prove that he was damaged?
Does Wilson have anythng better to do?
How embarssing, not just for Wilson but for Republicans in NJ.
Shouldn't Wilson be more concerned about vetting his US Senate Candidate, then chasing around some prankster.
This nonsense just shows the lack of focus Wilson has as leader. What a joke.
Is it any wonder why Republicans can't win a state wide race with this guy, with his own baggage, at the helm.
Wilson Loves Letters
Is it me, or is Wilson obsessed with letters? Every time he's in the news, it's about some letter. He's upset over this prank. He writes a letter defending Unanue from mean ol' Lautenberg. He cries over Corzine-Katz e-mails. STOP WRITING LETTERS! Instead, start fund-raising so the party can be effective. Work hard on campaigns. You know, do your job.
Wilson Has NOTHING
Don't take the bait. There is no criminal wrongdoing because the e-mailer did not pretend to be him to get any legally protected information and there is no civil suit because he was not damaged and he is a public figure.
No judge is going to order the exposing of an anonymous posters/e-mailer/blogger unless a case can be made. In this case, it is not possible.
Freedom of speech
Dear Tom,
I exercised my freedom of speech and wrote this e-mail. No, not this one, the other one. The one about Andy "the bean" Unanue. Prosecute me if you can catch me!
Thank you.
PS
Do you even know what freedom of speech is?
Who is Wilson's attorney
He should be sanctioned for writing this stupid letter that is a threat to press charges on someone who he knows did not commit any crime or civil infraction.