Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah judge to keep eye on new plea deal in fraud case embroiling Shurtleff

Reader comments
Utah judge to keep eye on new plea deal in fraud case embroiling Shurtleff

Can anyone tell me? | 12:57 a.m. May 28, 2008

Why exactly is Brent Hatch's parentage relevant to this story?

Mahonri | 4:32 a.m. May 28, 2008

I know a 22 year old kid who went to Utah State Prison over a $125 dollar bad check. Why is this thief not being put away for 20 years or more?

Judge | 5:51 a.m. May 28, 2008

Is this really a good Judge?

Comments continue below

Phoebe | 8:30 a.m. May 28, 2008

Brent Hatch's parentage is relevant because the crucial issue in this case is whether either party used inappropriate political pressure to affect the terms of the plea bargain. In the real world, Brent Hatch's family connections have played a huge role in his legal career. It would be naive not to wonder if those connections played a role in this case, too.

John | 9:46 a.m. May 28, 2008

I don't see how Brent Hatch's parentage is relevant. Attorneys are hired by defendants and they are obligated to give them the best defense possible. Just because someone's father is in politics is not reason to cast aspersions on both of them. As far as Mr. Hatch benefitting from his father I would like to see more evidence of that as opposed to some comment without facts. I would expect if he was cashing in on his father he would be in some huge New York or Washington law firm making millions. I doubt he is making that kind of money.

DBG | 11:32 a.m. May 28, 2008

The article states that Shurtleff was bribed and he reported it to the FBI and provided no further details. Did the paper verify this? or is Shurtleff just trying to avoid any further scrutiny?

His "professional staff" may have done "no wrong-doing" but by who's terms? Just because it may be legal, doesn't mean it's right.

C4mackk | 3:55 p.m. May 28, 2008

I would think that a least 2 years in prison and full restitution of funds would fit the crime. It says the he has already time for bank fraud. No club Fed this time. Put him the general population at point of the mountain. He may of not used a gun to rob a 7-11 but still a criminal just the same. Hey I'll even throw in some soap on a rope for the shower Mr. Dufrense.

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