While he rightfully points to the standard of “innocent until proven guilty,” as a lawyer, Mr. Salsman should know the rest of that phrase: “before the law.” The presumption of innocence in court is a bedrock principle of our justice system, one which every defendant should expect – including Mr. Salsman.
But the general public is not required to pretend that such accusations have no impact beyond Mr. Salsman himself. They affect the people and the work of the district attorney’s office, and they affect the people of Bradford County individually and as a whole – regardless of political affiliation – because our county DA is a man credibly accused of serious crimes spanning many years and many vulnerable victims. The cloud of doubt and distrust cannot help but taint every case in that office and harm every victim in those cases – particularly those involving sex crimes.
As residents and taxpayers of Bradford County, the Strong Women of Bradford County believe that – for the good of the county criminal justice system, for the good of the citizens he is supposed to represent, and for the good of crime victims who need justice – Mr. Salsman must resign now in order to restore public trust in the integrity of the office and the rule of law in Bradford County.
(Signed)
Amanda Wakely, Athens; Kathe Vergason, Athens; Jennifer Knecht, Athens; Jennifer Rought, Sayre
Amanda Conklin, Athens; Elizabeth Owen, Sayre; Charlene McSparron Benson, Sayre; Lisa Baker, Sayre; Jan Lewis, Towanda; Melanie Knecht, Athens; Bri Lowell, South Waverly; Trula Hollywood, Sayre; Mary Prough, Ulster; Miriam Ling, Gillett; Margaret Belokur, Towanda; R.A. Socha-Brown, Towanda; Melissa Mitchell Post, Sayre; Dorothy K. Stevens, South Waverly; Denise Wells, Athens; Annie Caplan, Sayre; Brittany & Paul Zagosewski, Sayre; Joi D. Hunsinger, Sayre; Penni & Brooks Eldredge-Martin, Towanda Susan White-Alvino, Sayre; Julie Larnard-Newbury, Towanda; Amy Swingle.