[hellbender]

Given this prosecutor's connections with fellow baseball-player Bush, I would say the agents' chances of a pardon are zilch. As for his assertions that cops should be prosecuted like any other criminals, that certainly doesn't hold true in the People's Republic of Maryland, where cops can file false reports, commit slander and perjury, and get the full support of the prosecutors and county and state government. Obviously it all depends on who the cops know, and what higher-ups are pulling the strings.

[CindyDawg]

I'm not sure what to think of these mixed messages that are being sent to the Border Patrol and illegals knowing all they have to do is run but even when Governor, President Bush let the justice system play out. These guys I guess can appeal but they shouldn't be in prison while they wait IMO.

[calcowgirl]

As for his assertions that cops should be prosecuted like any other criminals...

The charges that they were convicted of should never have applied to the Agents and are the basis for the lenghthy sentence. What charges are brought against defendants are at the discretion of the prosecuting Attorney. Sutton was definitely overzealous, IMO, despite his continued rhetoric. Read this letter (PDF) from Congressman Walter B. Jones to AG Alberto Gonzales. It's astonishing.

Sutton prosecuted the agents on ATTEMPTED MURDER! At least he didn't succeed in bring that conviction home.