Recent Usage - Jackson County, Illinois

Defendant: Melisa B. Vistain

      Back in March of 2012, Jackson County resident Melisa B. Vistain told police that she had been sexually assaulted. After a thorough investigation, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, along with Murphysboro Police Department, found that Vistain's claim was unfounded. Since then, she has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for this "untrue claim."
     At 29-years-old, Vistain has entered the Alford Plea on Friday, June 28th. A judge has since sentenced her to 12 months of court supervision and ordered the defendant to pay a $450 fine.
     Since sexual assault charges are one of the least reported crimes in the world, it is imperative that we explore the idea that the defendant has been wrongfully convicted of this felony disorderly conduct charge. WPSD Local 6 explained that police had looked into her accusation and said that the claim was untrue, however how can we be certain that Vistain wasn't actually sexually assaulted? Not only does this use of the Alford Plea bring up questions, it also forces us to question what we accept as "finding a claim to be untrue." To what point are we willing to investigate a claim before deciding that it's untrue? And at what point are we willing to say their accusations are unfounded and the individual should be persecuted for lying?
     As always, comments welcome!


Info Source:
WPSD Local 6