January 5, 2009
An Appeal for Justice
Office of the Governor
490 Old Santa Fe Trail
Room 400
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Dear Governor Richardson:
I would like to bring to your attention a gross injustice that occurred in your state last week. Since you are the Governor, the highest in command in the State of New Mexico, and ultimately responsible and accountable before God for what happens in your jurisdiction, I make my appeal to you to exercise your authority in the name of justice.
As I’m sure you are well aware, there was a high profile case recently where the State of New Mexico prosecuted Wayne Bent for criminal sexual contact and delinquency of two minors. I was at the trial and the sentencing hearing and heard the evidence presented. I have also known Wayne Bent for almost twenty years. I am his former daughter-in-law.
Both alleged victims and Mr. Bent stated that their encounters were NOT sexual. In the one case where Mr. Bent was found guilty, the only thing that could have been construed as sexual was when Ashleey Sayer stated that Mr. Bent kissed her on the breast. After a little investigation, it was obvious that this was not an accurate term for the anatomy involved nor was the kiss sexual in nature. She was asked to point to where Mr. Bent kissed her. She then pointed to the upper rib area near the sternum, nowhere even close to the pillow portion of the breast or where any normal person would consider the breast. When asked about Mr. Bent kissing her, she stated it was a closed mouth kiss. Mr. Bent also put his hand on her sternum as he spoke words of healing to her that she was accepted just as she was, addressing her issues of deep insecurity about herself.
Mr. Chavez, Senior Trial Prosecutor, belabored the point to the jury that Mr. Bent’s hand was very large and Ashleey was very small, so his hand might have touched the fatty tissue of Ashleey’s breast when he put his hand on her sternum. Mr. Bent stated clearly that he put his hand on her sternum and not her breast, stating that he was very careful and certain not to do that. When asked, Ashleey stated that Mr. Bent put his hand where a person pledges allegiance, near the clavicle. Mr. Bent was fully clothed when this healing encounter occurred. Both she and Mr. Bent stated at the trial that this encounter was NOT sexual. Both Mr. Bent and Ashleey, when questioned, stated that this encounter was religious in nature. And yet, he was charged with one count of criminal sexual contact with a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Now, in contrast, on the day before Mr. Bent’s sentencing to 18 years in prison (eight suspended) for this healing encounter with a minor where absolutely no sex was involved and where there was no intent for it, another case with more egregious charges was adjudicated in the southern part of the State. The defendant was a high school coach in Alamogordo and he admitted to having sexual intercourse with one of his sixteen year old athletes on several different occasions. AP reported:
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) – A former Alamogordo High School girls soccer and basketball coach has been sentenced to 10 months on work release after admitting to having sex with a 16-year-old girl who was one of his athletes last March.
State District Judge Waylon Counts sentenced James Javier Cruz on Monday. Cruz also has to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty in August to three counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.
He originally faced five counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and three of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. According to court records, Cruz would pick up the girl at the school before a class and take her to his mother’s apartment for sex. Afterward, he would return her to school.
Mr. Richardson, don’t you think an 18 year prison sentence (eight suspended) for putting your hand on a minor’s sternum is a little much??? Mr. Bent is over 67 years of age. Ten years in prison is literally a death sentence for someone that old. This man has never had a criminal record and by the testimony of those who know and live with him, they all agree and attest that he is a man of utmost integrity. I personally have known him for nearly twenty years and have never seen him lie, cheat or steal. I have never seen him compromise himself in anyway or use anyone for his own selfish gratifications. That simply is not his way. It has been an inspiration to watch him in the years I’ve known him. He has been a perfect example of true Godliness, but oh, how the liars and false-hearted hate him. That has been something to watch, too.
There is no law that says it is illegal to let someone of any age be naked in your bedroom, so that isn’t the issue here. How can it be that one man can have actual, factual sexual contact and penetration with a minor and not even have to be imprisoned full time and another man who doesn’t have actual, factual sexual contact or have any intent for it go to prison for ten years?
One must come to the obvious conclusion that this is not about sex but a much deeper issue. There is a public outcry because Wayne Bent has said that God told him he is Messiah. But being Messiah is not against the law. During the dark ages, men of God would pay with their life if they didn’t bow to the beast, the Roman Catholic Church which was the civil and religious power of that day, who violently crushed the souls of men. Messiah isn’t received any more graciously in the 21st century than those dark ages or in Jesus’ day. History is repeating itself.
As the Governor of New Mexico, the one who is ultimately responsible for what happens in this state, I would like to know what you are going to do about this innocent man that has been unjustly convicted and thrown into one of your prisons? The fruits that come from such a flagrant violation of human rights are certain to fall not only on the State as a whole, but on individuals as well. The law of cause and effect is not partial to anyone.
As for myself, I will never stop crying day and night to God to avenge His elect. Continually my heart cries for judgment to come to the liars and oppressors of mankind who have participated in this pretense of a trial and totally unreasonable and inhumane sentencing. The purpose of this letter is to expose this gross hypocrisy that has occurred in this state in the name of justice so that you may have the opportunity to to rectify the situation. You will be without excuse if you choose to do nothing about it.
Watching and waiting,
Wendy Bent
