For over 25 years, Laura Marshard has worked tirelessly for the district attorney in three separate jurisdictions, her prosecutorial record unblemished. For the past three-plus years, working out of the DA’s office in Falmouth, she has received no complaints. There are many Vineyarders who are better off today because of the work Laura has done.

On Oct. 22, the final decision on Laura Marshard’s hearing was released by the Supreme Judicial Court. Of the three alleged ethics violations she faced, she was fully exonerated on all but one, and on that one violation, District Attorney O’Keefe saw fit to compile a significant rebuttal, including salient court transcripts. We feel the reporting of the findings did not sufficiently take account of the compelling arguments Mr. O’Keefe advanced on Laura’s behalf, and has therefore left the public with an incomplete understanding of what Laura is being taken to task for.

There is nothing in the findings that implies Laura had inappropriate or malicious intent. She made a mistake in speaking with a witness without his newly appointed attorney present, but her own extensive testimony amply explains how that one mistake occurred.

Laura Marshard has been more than punished for that mistake, both officially and unofficially in the fiesta of malicious and ill-informed commentary on the proceedings in the media. As her friends, we ask the community to look deeper at the full facts as set forward by District Attorney O’Keefe.

And if unwilling to take the time to do so, then please refrain from reckless commentary and allow our hardworking and dedicated neighbor to put this matter behind her at last.

Rebecca Miller

Chilmark

This letter was also signed by 65 other people.