|
|
There are no guarantees that the state will pursue the case, but Alaskans should be glad that Attorney General Dan Sullivan is reviewing the sex-abuse investigation of former Veco president Bill Allen. The decision this summer by the federal Department of Justice to drop the case against Allen -- a convicted felon and key government witness in the state political corruption scandal -- angered many Alaskans and left alleged victims wondering why they endured the pain of coming forward.
Investigators from both the Anchorage Police Department and the federal government concluded they had a solid case, at least worthy of a grand jury indictment and then trial. The feds declined to pursue the case. They gave no reason. Federal silence led naturally to speculation that the feds made a deal with Allen to spare him charges involving sexual abuse of minors. That's not a deal anyone should make. So now the state's top law enforcer has ordered a review of the case. Beyond that he's saying nothing. Reticence is right until the review is done. But the review is essential to make sure justice is done, and to make good on Gov. Sean Parnell's pledge to stand against sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence. If the AG finds sufficient grounds to go where the feds won't, he shouldn't hesitate.