Fire Case Sentencing

* Re “Fire Has Done Enough Damage,” Ventura County editorial, May 28.

Much has been made of the upcoming sentencing of Sheriff’s Capt. Jim Barrett’s son. The worry that he might get a break because his dad is a well-known, well-respected community leader and law enforcement professional should be of secondary importance to the mistake that could be made, which might ruin the life of two young men.

No one was injured, the accused cooperated with the authorities, some restitution will be made and other juveniles will take a lesson from this sorry affair. The judge should be reasonable so that a fire with no human casualties to date will not now have its first two victims. A suspended sentence with community service in the tradition of Capt. Barrett’s distinguished record of helping in the Ojai community is the way to go.

JIM CAMPBELL

Ojai