Dismissed indecency case angers hotel staffLaFollette Press
By Susan Sharp
A group of local women are upset that a man charged with indecency had his case dismissed last week.
Fredrick Viener of Florida appeared in Campbell County general sessions court on an allegation that he had exposed himself to other guests staying at the Hampton Inn in Caryville.
A lack of necessary paperwork resulted in a dismissal of the case, according to court staff. “We didn’t want this man to walk,” said Teresa Green, the assistant manager at the hotel. She and other staff members had been instrumental in detaining Viener until police arrived on that morning in June. “We are just disappointed by the lack of action,” said Sherry Muse, hotel manager. “We wanted to see justice served.”
Viener had been staying at the hotel while traveling on business, according to the staff.
But his stay was shortened when other guests reported he was standing in a window exposing himself, police reports said. Green stationed a housekeeper at each end of the hall in an attempt to stop Viener from leaving until police arrived, she said. Once Viener learned that authorities were en route, he attempted to leave, according to hotel staff and police. At one point, he became increasingly combative while trying to shove past her and other guests, Green said. “I wouldn’t let him out the door,” she said.
After the arrest,
Caryville Police Chief Bill Widner said Viener had prior arrests for similar acts in Florida. Last Tuesday, the local charge was dropped. Green and other employees had gone to court to assist prosecutors, she said. Instead, they were disappointed to learn Viener's charges were about to be dismissed. “We are not the morality police, but he exposed himself to my guests. That makes it my business,” Muse said.
What the women found especially disturbing is that two children were among those who witnessed Viener's alleged exposure, they said. “We are just disappointed by the lack of action,” Muse said.
The case can still be presented to the grand jury in October, and the women plan to pursue Viener’s prosecution. Widener was attending a law enforcement conference and was unavailable for comment.
http://lafollettepress.com/News_3.html *** - There once was a man named Viener,
accused of showing his wiener.
Despite being a jerk,
the cops botched their work,
and dismissed the damned misdemeanor.