Dear Source:
A criminal charge of aiding and abetting or accessory can usually be brought against anyone who helps in the commission of a crime, though legal distinctions vary by state. A person charged with aiding and abetting or accessory is usually not present when the crime itself is committed, but he or she has knowledge of the crime before or after the fact, and may assist in its commission through advice, actions, or financial support.
The above definition clearly applies to Mr. Turnbull and his blanket pardon of convicted criminals. Essentially he has come to the assistance before the crime of several of those that have been released. Clearly it can be assumed that a two-time offender can be expected to follow a proven pattern and commit another crime and without the assistance of Mr. Turnbull which would not have had a change to happen. If by chance anyone of those release wind up in court for a similar crime I hope the prosecutor names all individuals that directly assisted in making the crime possible.
Larry Boecker
St. Thomas
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