Reader comments
Lee Benson: Not guilty — and not the same

hc | 8:03 a.m. June 22, 2009

Nice balance to the former column a while ago by another columnist who claimed that she was "weirded out", or something like that, by watching the accused at the trial. It is sad what one accusation can cause. It seems like almost everyone has to live and act very defensively now for fear of accusations and lawsuits.

John K. | 8:15 a.m. June 22, 2009

That's a good portrayal of what it's like to be unjustly accused, I suppose. Mr. Fanjul is learning what doctors learned some time ago -- watch out for unhappy women and always have another person in the room during anything that might be compromising, like a pelvic exam. I think it's too bad that this teacher (who may or may not get to teach again in this state) had to go through this ordeal, then change the way he is with students to accommodate American sensitivities. If I were him I would leave West High behind. He's been found "not guilty". His false accuser, already temptress to another teacher now in prison, should be the one who is punished. Mark my words -- she'll end up in prison for something.

Jill | 8:21 a.m. June 22, 2009

You people are kidding yourselves if you believe that just because someone is acquitted that they are innocent. Our legal system is biased in favor of the accussed and against the victim. The standard of proof is so high that someone who committed a crime is often found "not guilty." The fact remains that every other man who this girl said victimized her eventually admitted that the abuse did happen. That certainly bolsters the credibility of this victim.

Comments continue below

SG | 8:25 a.m. June 22, 2009

Unfortunately once blamed, Fanjul will always have a cloud of suspicion surrounding him. Look at John DeLorean, victim of a bad sting operation. He was acquitted and never served time. However his car company went bankrupt and people ask today if he is still in jail, getting what he deserves.
Fanjul can survive, but life will be different.

Re: Jill | 9:03 a.m. June 22, 2009

Don't worry Jill, he may have been acquitted, but there are still plenty of people like you around willing to forever judge anyone convicted of a crime.

Why do we even have courts anymore? Let's set up an online poll and then people like Jill can get on and vote based on their very limited knowledge of the case. That way, we can make sure that everyone who is convicted gets punished.

RE: Jill | 9:17 a.m. June 22, 2009

I am with Jill. The student was vilified and treated as the criminal. There as sufficient evidence to go to trial. Others have gone to prison with less evidence than was presented at this trial.

Fanjul's behavior with this child was questionable. It drew the suspicions of even his wife.

He does not deserve to ever teach again in Salt Lake.

I do not have limited knowledge of the case. I am a peer of Angela Fanjul.

Re: Jill | 9:19 a.m. June 22, 2009

Sorry, I meant to use the word 'accused' above instead of 'convicted'. I wrote my reply too quickly I guess.

Roger S. | 10:47 a.m. June 22, 2009

I don't sympathize with Mr. Fanjul. Common sense dictates that if you are a high school teacher, you don't give students your cell phone number or your email address and you don't send text messages/emails like the ones Mr. Fanjul sent to his student.

Fanjul's "unconventional hands-on teaching style", as Lee Benson terms it, is what got him into trouble. He either was doing what the student claimed he was doing, or he lacks the common sense every high school teacher must have.

Anonymous | 11:05 a.m. June 22, 2009

AS people have brought up here you must cover yourself. Always have witnesses. If you're a teacher, Bishop, whatever; never be alone with a woman in the performance of your job. In fact, keep three feet of distance between you at all times.

Phoebe | 11:35 a.m. June 22, 2009

Dear "Roger S.":

Even Mr. Fanjul acknowledges that he should have been less forthcoming with his students. But the issue at trial was whether he had sexually abused his student. There's quite a gap between engaging in an "unconventional teaching style" and being a "criminal." So give the guy a break, maybe?

BH | 12:43 p.m. June 22, 2009

Jill should be more worried about how many innocent people go to prison every year.

In a perfect world Mr. Fanjul should have been able to use the style he used, to help students with personal difficulties. Unfortuneateley, we do not live in a perfect world. We live in a world where bad people gain the trust of others by showing kindness, and then do bad things. This makes it hard for good people to do kind things without critics suspecting the intent.

It makes it necessary for good people to always be on guard. On guard against those such as this false accuser. But also against those like Jill.

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