By Joseph Snook
Investigative Reporter
Wallowa County,
OR – Rancher
David Talbott was arrested at his home on May 31st 2012 and charged with
Assault in the 4th Degree and Menacing
after his wife had called 911.
Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin McQuead and Oregon State Trooper J.L. Reaves
responded to the call and after speaking with Talbott and his wife they arrested
Talbott. A “No Contact Order” was issued and Mrs. Talbott was
forced to leave the family home, as her husband had to care for their cattle
and ranch.
The US~Observer agreed to take on the Talbott case and we soon located and
spoke to Mrs. Talbott. We had already established that Mrs. Talbott had suffered
from a stroke and that her husband was attempting to get her medical help.
Mrs. Talbott assured us repeatedly that her husband had never hit her or
done anything but try to help her. We taped our interview with Mrs. Talbott
and sent it to authorities in Joseph, Oregon on June 25, 2012.
Wallowa
Co. District Attorney
Mona Williams
|
On July 17, 2012 Wallowa County
District Attorney Mona Williams filed a “Motion
For Judgment Of Dismissal” with the Wallowa County Circuit Court. William’s
stated in her motion, “It is in the interest and furtherance of justice
that this case be dismissed.”
Our investigation revealed that
both officers acted properly and followed the law in arresting Talbott.
The officers didn’t have time to do an
in-depth investigation and to protect both of the Talbott’s they did
exactly what they were required to do – exactly what they should have
done. District Attorney Williams did exactly what her job requires of her,
she sought justice.
The US~Observer commends both
officers and District Attorney Williams. We are informed that David Talbott
is currently seeking to get the proper medical
assistance for his wife and we wish this family the very best. We also commend
the friend of Dave Talbott who recognized that he was innocent of the criminal
charges and obtained the assistance of the US~Observer. Dave’s friend
wishes to remain anonymous.
Editor’s Note: The
public should realize that while the US~Observer focuses on the wrongdoing
by
those who work within our criminal justice system,
the US~Observer acknowledges that there are many ethical police and other
public servants, and we highly commend them…