Chris Berhalter - Belmont County Prosecuting Attorney
Article by Jean Israel
I had the opportunity to meet Belmont County Prosecuting Attorney, Chris Berhalter a few weeks ago at a luncheon for the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce, and since then have also been able to speak with him on the telephone and would like to share my thoughts with you.
Mr. Berhalter struck me as someone that most of us can relate to, in that one of his biggest issues in the world and most especially in our own communities, are crimes against children. In the less than four years that he has been the Prosecuting Attorney for Belmont County, the way with which he has swiftly and harshly dealt with these cases shows how strongly he feels about anyone who takes away the innocence that every child should be entitled to. Crimes against children haven't "risen" in these years, but what HAS risen, is the COURAGE for victims to come forward, not only right after an incident has occurred, but even years later, some have finally found a voice to fight for them.
Chris Berhalter has even more plans for the future of helping children in the area, and I hope that you will consider checking out his website ( www.chrisberhalter.com ) and reading more about him. I feel that he is someone who is a great asset to Belmont County and a wonderful advocate for children, which I hope is as near and dear to your heart as it is to mine!
Although Prosecutor may be a good man, he is not a good prosectuor and is entirely too content to sit back and allow others to do his job.
The money that has been paid out for special prosecutors over the past four years totals almost $400,000. This is money that could have well been used elsewhere in Belmont County. God knows we need the money as our economy is crashing.
I am also absolutely disgusted that he has not pursued the prosecuton of Joshua Ridings. He cites the reason as he wants to save the victim from having to testify three times. This is certainily not true. We could have prosecuted first. I want to see our children protected and not have a prosecutor who is content to let somone else do his job. He is trying so hard to get Eugene Blake to be tried in Ohio, yet has completely washed his hands of Joshua Ridings. Unacceptable.
God forbid anything happen to a Belmont County child, I want a prosecutor who will go to the gates of hell to prosecute these monsters. I think Ed Sustersic will be that man. My vote goes to him.
You say the Prosecutor is one for protecting our children. Great! But I have been closely associated with my son and grandchildren and the grandchildren are constantly being watched by an unruly neighbor in Belmont County. For almost two {2} years this has been going on and many reports have been filed, but nothing done. This man has threatened my life and my son's life many times. Oh, the time in 2008 the neighbor was convicted of disorderly conduct in Belmont county Court {Northern Division}, but on August 8,2009 this neighbor threatened to kill my son again. What makes matters worse is this neighbor exposed his privates towards my son and it was in the presence of my grandchildren! Well, Sheriff's deputy showed up and made a report but nothing done about it. My son filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's office on august 17, 2009. My son called Prosecutor on August 18, 2009 and was informed no charges would be filed against this neighbor. SAD, SAD!! This neighbor has a past history of felonious assault in Guernsey County and has spent time in the WV Penal System. The neighbor at one point told me he could do and say anything he wants as long as he is on his property. Seems he is correct.
In an article I read the Prosecutor said lying is breaking the law and that is a crime. Do I have to wait until this neighbor does something 'crazy' to my grandchildren for the Prosecutor to take action? I sincerely hope not.
Chris Berhalter is the biggest joke I have ever seen. Even worse is Helen Yonak.. They do a crap job... the only person they protect is the criminal..... I was a victim.... who was treated like shit... thru the entire ordeal. I was to the point of hiring a LAWYER of my own to help make sure I had any rights!!! because they didn't allow me to show up in court. So I had the pleasure of living in fear and do still...
