(1/10/08 – Initial BBT Report)
Anthony B. Cardiel, 80, who retired from Washington High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2003 has been bound over for trial on allegations of possessing child pornography.
Cardiel was arrested in December at the conclusion of a year-long investigation.
Cardiel, who came to the attention of authorities when his son allegedly discovered child pornography on the man’s computer, has entered a plea of not guilty.
04/17/09 – Guilty Plea
In a plea deal with prosecutors, Anthony B. Cardiel has reportedly pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In exchange for that plea, three other child pornography charges were dismissed, according to District Attorney Joe DeCecco.
Cardiel was reportedly sentenced to 30 days in jail and 60 days under house arrest to be followed by two years of probation.
Cardiel will also be required to register as a sex offender.
References:
Retired teacher gets jail on child porn charge (04/17/09)
Retired teacher to stand trial on porn charges (1/10/08)
Background:
Entries (RSS)
Unless it has been experienced firsthand, it is difficult to imagine, let alone express in words, the isolation that results when a heinous charge is publicly leveled against one by a credible agency. It matters not how unjust the accusation, nor how reputable the accused. Fear and loathing of any association with the ugliness of the purported crime makes difficult the expression of support by friends, associates, and sometimes even family.
The really frightening part of this is how that effect perpetuates a process that could otherwise be quickly revealed, and curtailed, for its insubstantial and mistaken basis. Public resources are wasted and the innocent are prosecuted–sometimes even convicted–when there are so few advocates willing to set aside fear to publicly express faith in a person whose goodness they know, while so many strangers stand eager to condemn.
Your willingness to reference the link to our support website is an appreciated step toward balance and fairness. Thank you.
I’ve included the link to the site set up in support of Anthony Cardiel under the references section of the original post. This to let those that do not scroll down to view to the comments section to be aware of the support site.
Though this posting does simply present the facts about Sheboygan County’s case against my father, this presentation in itself has the effect of tarnishing his reputation. The fact of his innocence, of his decades of honorable devotion to his teaching profession, of his quiet, law-abiding enjoyment of the retirement he earned over 75 years of life are not presented. Please visit the website his supporters have created to present those easily overlooked facts:
http://www.tonyoftheheart.com
There is much I would like to add with regards to my feelings about the sham that is Sheboygan County’s pedophile witchhunt, but I will leave it at this sentence. I have my father’s defense to consider. Thanks to this case I now understand the vital role legal representation plays in a free society. Without it, even well-intentioned laws may be used by misguided, misinformed, and/or misbehaving individuals in positions of authority for the purpose of unjustifiably persecuting those they have selected as targets. Though safe today, tomorrow you may be the target. Your virtue is no guarantee of immunity. My dad’s case proves it.