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11.26.2006

TS - Salzman inquiry to AG

Salzman inquiry to AG
The Times-Standard

TRINIDAD -- Trinidad Police Chief Kenneth Thrailkill said Tuesday that he has sent the investigation of Richard Salzman to the California Attorney General’s Office “for their review.”

”This pretty much concludes this,” Thrailkill told the Times-Standard. He said he would not discuss what his investigation uncovered.

Thrailkill issued a brief press release that stated:
”The Trinidad Police Department’s investigation of Mr. Salzman has been forwarded to the California State Attorney General’s Office for their review.

”Any questions regarding filing of charges will have to be addressed to the state Attorney General’s Office.”

The Trinidad Police Department began an investigation against Salzman, a long-time political activist, for writing letters to the editor under assumed names -- which could be a violation of state law -- and possible identity theft.

Salzman has worked for a number of prominent officials throughout the county, including District Attorney Paul Gallegos.

Thrailkill began the investigation after receiving a complaint from editor Glenn Franco Simmons of the Eureka Reporter.

Once the investigation started Salzman refused to talk with the media, other than to tell the Times-Standard, “I’d like nothing more than to talk about this, but I spoke to an attorney and he said I can’t speak to anyone about it.”

However, an earlier press release from Salzman titled “Confessions of a Prolific Letter Writer,” stated, “Writing letters to the editor to express a personal opinion is an important First Amendment right.”

He added: “As you know I have a lot to say about local politics. I have submitted letters to the editor that have been written by me and letters written by others. I have submitted these letters in my name, I have helped other people draft and submit letters in their name with their permission and I have even submitted letters under a pen name.”

Salzman did not immediately return phone calls from the Times-Standard.

Related:
the North Coast Journal - Web of Lies - Richard Salzman and other email phonies
From the Publisher: An apology
Rhonda Meehan's letter
http://www.northcoastjournal.com/090105/cover0901.html#Rhonda
Letters from "R. Trent Williams" printed by the Journal
Glossary of terms
Another Salzman alias?
Salzman exposed: Local newspapers reveal real names of letter writers
Supervisor Geist wants apology from Salzman
Police begin investigation into fake letters allegedly sent by Salzman
Editor files criminal complaint
Search warrant served in Salzman case
Salzman investigation forwarded on to state Office of the Attorney General
Trinidad police investigate Salzman
The final Salzman tally?
Consultant used others' names in letter-writing blitz to local newspaper

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