Fraud Suspect Not Indigent

I was appalled at the Nov. 23 article regarding Olen Phillips, described as a fraud suspect, whose defense is costing the taxpayers of Ventura County more than $385,000. Phillips has been declared indigent under the law, despite the fact that he earns about $150,000 a year as a United Airlines pilot and still owns an expensive home. According to the Random House Dictionary (Unabridged Edition), the first definition of indigent is “lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty.” By what distorted and perverted interpretation of the law can Phillips be declared indigent?

CHARLES G. BLAKELOCK Jr.

Agoura