Dear Editor,
In the Tuesday, Jan. 24 edition of the Johnson City Press there is an article concerning the outcome of a trial in which Gregg Masters was sentenced to three years of probation for stealing over $10,000 of taxpayers’ money.
Before he was sentenced Masters said that, “… all I can say is I’m sorry.” I wonder how sorry he would have been if he had never been caught?
Noting Master’s health problems, he was spared any time in prison. The Social Security Administration has classified him as “disabled.” Does this mean that taxpayers will foot the bill for his three years of rest and relaxation?
One of the most interesting points in the article was that the judge presiding over the case has known Masters “for a long time.” One would assume that if you have known someone for an extended period of time, then you are probably more than just acquaintances.
Judge Greer said he that he did not think he had a conflict of interest in presiding over the case. A judge that cannot give a confident answer to such a question should not qualify to be a judge at all.
Greer also said, “I regret I’m having to sentence you.” What message is a statement like that sending to the community?
Greer did not issue a fine, only restitution.
The article goes on to mention that Masters forged “endorsements.”
Unicoi County Mayor Larry Rose seemed more concerned with how it made the county look, and if Masters was subjected to a witch hunt. Rose said, “I’m glad its behind Gregg – that he doesn’t have that over him now and he can go on with his life.”
He added, “As far as a prison term or something like that, that’s not what I’m interested in. Gregg’s health is not good.”
Master’s health seemed to have a large impact on the sentencing stage of the trial. Rose went on to add, “putting Gregg in jail or anything, that’s not going to accomplish anything else. Gregg is already being punished.”
First of all, why did Mr. Rose continually refer to Mr. Masters as “Gregg?” Secondly, what was Rose trying to say by using the phrases, “or something like that,” as well as, “or anything?” I believe that putting Masters in jail would accomplish several things, first and foremost, justice and a renewed respect for the system.
I have been taught that the citizens of the United States have the best form of government on Earth. Seeing the system falter as it has in this case reminds me that it pays to have friends in high places.
Justice has been abandoned, and in its place sympathy for a good friend, who just happens to be an aging criminal.
Jesse A. Ball

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