McMartin Case

I wish to take exception to your editorial (Dec. 3), “McMartin Debacle.” In that editorial you not only question the ethics of my conduct and my motives as a “whistle blower,” but also blame my conversations with a screen-writer for preventing the “McMartin” trial from getting under way.

Abby Mann and I met in March of 1986 and agreed to produce a book and/or movie about the “McMartin” case. It was understood by both of us that nothing would become public until the trial was over, and all appeals were exhausted. This is a very important part of the overall story. Mann released the tapes to the attorney general and the defense attorneys on the advice of his lawyer who concluded that not to do so might be an obstruction of justice. In fact, I repeatedly argued that we must never interfere with the trial, and the tapes should be protected. These conversations appear on the tapes.

While a deputy district attorney I did inform my superiors that the case had serious problems and should be re-evaluated. This was done in writing. I also asked to be removed from the “McMartin” trial team in October, 1985.

I did not delay the trial. The defense attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case using the tapes as a legal ground.

Your opinion, like anyone else’s is your right. It should, however, be borne out by the facts.

GLENN E. STEVENS

Los Angeles