Starr County

I read with great interest your recent Saturday Journal article, “The Tarnished Star of Starr County,” Jan. 30), having only recently returned from a 30-day residency in Rio Grande City while trying a case in Starr County. During my month-long stay and during numerous other visits over the past two years, I encountered only genuine kindness and cordiality from the local people. I never feared for my safety. Sadly, these are statements I cannot make about Los Angeles.

Last September, Sheriff Eugenio “Gene” Falcon Jr. spent the last three days, before he began serving his jail sentence, in our courtroom, where he publicly aligned himself with our opposing party during the jury selection. As each prospective juror passed before him, each paused and acknowledged him. It was clear that the locals held the sheriff in high esteem. Notwithstanding their bona fide regard for the sheriff, the jurors did not permit their admiration to influence their responsibilities. The jury delivered a verdict that rebuffed the sheriff’s adopted alliance.

DON STEIER

Los Angeles