3/7/2008 1:05:00 AM Dibor Roberts rejects plea bargain offer on misdemeanor charges
Case moves to trial
Dibor and Merrill Roberts
Dibor Elizabeth Roberts, her husband Merrill and a couple dozen supporters sat in court in Camp Verde Tuesday, listening to the tedious details unfold in preparation for a court trial.
It was the first time the case had appeared in a Verde Valley courtroom. Proceedings had been presented in the Prescott courtroom of Janis Ann Sterling until she announced she would retire ending her tenure in the Yavapai County court. All her Verde Valley cases were subsequently transferred to Judge Ralph Hess in the Camp Verde court.
Presiding Judge Robert Brutinel listened to a settlement conference Feb. 22. The prosecution's offer was declined at that time. Roberts was offered the chance to plead guilty plea to two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and unlawful flight instead of the two felony counts to which she was indicted.
Roberts' attorney Stephen Renard told the Verde Independent, "Don't think it was a good offer because Dibor could not admit to doing anything wrong." Her involvement did not rise to any "level of culpability."
Renard told the judge, "We are ready for trial."
Judge Hess established April 23, 24, and 25 as trial dates and set deadlines for filing exhibits, jury instructions, motions and responses.
Renard says that he will ask the judge for permission to interview the arresting officer. The defense attorney says, at this point, the officer, a sergeant with the Sheriff's Office, has declined to be interviewed citing "victims rights." Renard says the officer's testimony is "essential to the case."
Dibor Roberts was arrested in July after the sergeant attempted to stop the woman for speed as she was returning from her job at an assisted care home in the Village of Oak Creek.
Though she slowed for flashing lights on the rural Beaver Head Flats Road, she said she was reluctant to stop until the cars had reached a well-lighted public location, concerned over police impersonators. On Cornville Road, the officer pulled in front of Roberts to force her to stop. He then reportedly smashed her window as she said she was calling 911 to check his identity.
Protestors have rallied around the case saying the same thing could happen to any woman on a dark road at night.
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008
Article comment by:
Randy Lowe
The Dibor Roberts' issue has been commented on extensively. What I fail to understand is the fact that virtually all if not every comment made on her behalf has been by women. It puzzles me that there hasn't been an equal uproar by the men in the community. I have a wife, three daughters-in-law and two granddaughters. If this is not MY issue, whose is it?? As a man, and a natural protector of the women in my life, I am appalled at the sheriff's explanation. I am equally appalled this is even being considered for prosecution.
There may be a need for apologies on the part of both involved. There is certainly a need for an apology from the deputy. Endangering life over a 'speeding' ticket is over the top. And the prosecution of Ms. Roberts is nothing more that a "persection" of the sensibilities of our community.
Posted: Sunday, March 09, 2008
Article comment by:
punchanella70
What a travesty of justice and waste of tax- payers' money!! All because of the macho sheriff's inability to admit he acted inappropriately!!
