Justice, for Pete’s Sake!

 

 

The Arrest

On April 1, 2013, while returning to college at Cornell University after Easter weekend, Peter Mesko began receiving phone calls from his wrestling teammates and coaches saying that he was going to be questioned and charged with a “sex crime.” Peter, knowing there was no possible way this could be true, simply figured it was his teammates playing a “pretty sick” April Fool’s joke on him. Peter called his family to explain what was happening. Shocked and perplexed, they immediately called a lawyer who advised him to say nothing. Peter was picked up, finger printed, charged, and was taken to county jail.

 

Soon thereafter, he was expelled from Cornell University—all with no evidence, based solely on the statements from the alleged victim. Peter maintained his silence out of the fear he would jeopardize his innocence at a future trial. DNA swabs were taken from Peter for a very detailed comparison to be made against the alleged victim. They came back negative: There was no DNA found linking Peter to the crime. The only DNA found on the alleged victim was that of her girlfriend.

 

The Trial

Many attempts were made by Assistant District Attorney Wendy Franklin to offer a plea bargain low enough for Peter to accept; however, he would not admit to something he did not do. ADA Franklin, knowing of the lack of evidence, offered Peter a plea bargain of six months in county jail. Even knowing the risk of going to trial and potentially receiving a sentence of up to 25 years, Peter still declined, confident of his innocence. The case was brought to trial with him believing that he would be found Not Guilty of the three charges (rape, sexual abuse, and burglary). The jury would undoubtedly realize the ridiculous contrasting testimonies, unfounded by forensic evidence and witnesses. As it happened, none of this mattered.

 

The Verdict

Although instructed by the judge to make their decision based solely on the evidence presented, the jury convicted Peter of two of the three charges brought against him: sexual abuse and burglary. The decision of the jury was reached based on the far-fetched accusations of the prosecutor, leaving Peter slandered and his amateur counsel paralyzed.

 

Both the unethical misconduct by the prosecutor—who painted a horrifically false portrayal of Peter—and the jury’s poor judgment led to a sentencing of five years in prison with three years parole supervision and the title of Sex Offender. Over 100 character letters were sent to the judge written on Peter’s behalf, pleading for a low sentence. Peter is currently waiting an appeal.

 

The Future

We ask that you join us in our fight for “Justice, for Pete’s Sake!” and for the sake of all others who have been falsely convicted of crimes. Let’s bring awareness to how flawed the legal system has become, and to hold accountable the prosecutors who do not uphold the standards of the law, instead resorting to whatever tactic necessary to “win” regardless of who has lost.

 

Facts about People vs. Peter Mesko:

 

• Peter was not read his Miranda rights

 

• Peter chose to exercise his constitutional right to remain silent and the prosecutor used this against him as though it was an admission of guilt.

 

• Although the alleged victim claimed she was penetrated, there was no DNA evidence linking Peter to the crime: no semen, saliva, skin, blood, or hair; no evidence of forceful entry; and a negative rape kit. The only DNA present was that of the accuser’s girlfriend.

 

• Bogus burglary charge: Peter was invited to the house by the residents for a party. He did not “knowingly or unlawfully enter their room with the intent to commit a crime therein.”

 

• The alleged victims’ testimonies were inconsistent, both with each other and with their own witnesses’ stories.