Comments on: When A Criminal Is A Hero

By: The Ugly American

The Ugly American — Wed, 10 May 2006 05:41:00 +0000

His heroic actions should eclipse any punishment he is supposed to receive as a potential third-stirker.

Sorry, but I must dissent.

As we've all said time and time again within the context of the immigration debate.....our laws must be respected and upheld.

What he thankfully did was out of an innate sense of morality [at least in regards to sex crimes] and quite frankly should have nothing to do with the fact that he committed a crime.

As a past victim of both burglary and armed robbery, I'd be very curious to know how his victims would feel about it.

By: Dave J

Dave J — Wed, 10 May 2006 01:49:00 +0000

"If he was never arrested the source of that memory stick would still be anonymous and the tipster unknown."

Yeah, and then good luck getting any of that stuff into evidence. Without Hahn, I doubt a jury would ever hear about it.

As for Hahn's future, I agree with XRLQ up to a point. No mercy in prosecution now, yes, but since he's facing life on a third strike, I'd say there's fair grounds for the Governor to consider clemency at some point.

By: Xrlq

Xrlq — Tue, 09 May 2006 23:39:00 +0000

I agree, this guy should NOT get any leniency. It would be different if his third strike charge were for this particular incident, and he had only been arrested because he did the right thing and went to authorities. Then, I’d say give him a slap on the wrist, if only to encourage the next burglar who happens upon a child molester to do the same. But this guy faces third strike charges independently of his semi-good, non-Samaritan burglary. No leniency there – I hope.

By: political_junkie

political_junkie — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:03:00 +0000

I am going to throw a “ditto” to St. Thor. There is a distinct chance that this man is reedemable. The three strikes law has some deep weaknesses and this is one of them. I hope that a way is found to achieve true justice in this situation and for this man to pay society for his crimes in a way other than to go to jail. As for the molester… Well, prison has a unique way of dealing with monsters like that, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy….

By: St. Thor

St. Thor — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:44:00 +0000

I note that Mr. Hahn is only 26. Around 40 years ago a wise judge told me that one of my burglarous clients would grow out of it at around 30 to 35 when his anti-social personality changed to law abiding. And, sure enough, my client, who had been having fun with the legal system from 18 until 30, changed his ways, settled down, and became a law abiding citizen. If you met him today you would never guess that his profession was burglar in his younger days. Fortunately, although our state had enhanced sentencing up to life in prison for prior felonies, he was able to avoid a life sentence due to a combination of wise judges and mistakes by prosecutors. Mr. Hahn should e commended for his actions, and his present trial should be tried as a first offense crime. He may be salvagable. The pedophile is not.

By: Marie

Marie — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:27:00 +0000

I agree with Tink...I think probation with mandatory job training to complete his second chance to become a honest member of society...

As a Grandmother of three, I want to thank Hahn for his selfless act of courage..

Aitken, he needs to die...I still think we need to bring back public hangings...c'mon, it's just a thought!!

By: Tink

Tink — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:02:00 +0000

This guy has obviously proven that his conscience is still operational, so I would without question let him off with probation and community service. He deserves at least one more chance. This could be the big turning point in his life. God works in mysterious way.

By: ahwatukeejohn

ahwatukeejohn — Tue, 09 May 2006 17:58:00 +0000

It appears that I find myself in the akward possition of being too nice a guy.

By: predoc

predoc — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:55:00 +0000

Hahn most certainly did the right thing by the child, but I think he should still face the consequences of his criminal actions. I see them as two separate events. I don’t have a problem commending him for one action while at the same time condeming him for the other.

By: marianpaul

marianpaul — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:07:00 +0000

I have to agree with Canadian Infidel. What he did getting that pieceo of scum off the street was a great thing but he is still a criminal and he needs to pay for the actions he did. He did the right thing so even someone like him can have a streak of decency but in the end he still is self-absorbed and will try to use his deed to knock some time off of his sentence.