Update: Susan Gardner guilty plea

I know there's interest in the case of Susan Gardner, 24, Sugar Creek, who was charged last fall with selling meth to undercover agents four times.

When I posted the above picture of her after she was indicted, lots of readers were offended. Sample:

• Public humiliation of people who have not yet been convicted of the crime? Really? Are we there? Sometimes I am truly embarassed by my home town.
• Uh, isnt a person innocent until proven guilty BY A COURT OF LAW??? I dont think you should be posting unless a fugitive or convicted.

I talked with several defense attorneys in the wake of these comments. They didn't like it very much either, although their main concern was prejudicing any potential jury.

My not-very-well-accepted rationale: local media routinely show photos of persons locally charged, because cops provide them; feds never do. I thought I'd equal things out a bit by digging up booking photos of federal defendants. Two point four million people in prison in this country, a steady flow of defendants through federal court here, 90%-plus convicted, most facing prison time. I wanted to know, who are these people?

Anyway, Susan Gardner has pleaded guilty. From PACER:

• Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary A. Fenner: CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING as to Susan M. Gardner held on 3/14/2006, Plea entered by Susan M. Gardner (1) Guilty Count 1,2-4.

No sentencing date has been set.

Comments

That's odd, she doesn't look anything at all like someone who would be on meth. Ha!

[A]

Yeah really...she doesnt look doped up at all does she? Must be from Independence...

yeah she does,how can you really say that she don't look high when in fact she looks wasted. plus,you have to be really high to be stupid enough to sell to a undercover 4 times...

(Anonymous: In the future, please sign your comments. New rule! Thanks, Greg Reeves)

[Reminder - Please sign your comments]

what happened to her.is she spending her time now and how long did she get

[chris collins]

my sister was set up by josh larough from blue springs ya she was wrong but why does he still walk around our justice system is fucked and fuck all you haters

[sandy]

just to let you morons know she was a drug abuser but is now clean. she stepped up and admitted what she did and is paying for it. she was a little person in a big drug world. she could have walked and gave up the ring leaders but instead she is serving her time for things she did. no matter what any of you think she is a good person and we love her and support her