Not The Whole Truth

The Boston Globe, which claims to be among the nation's largest newspapers, has been owned by the New York Times for almost two decades. Which was obvious from Monday's nutty Metro section story headlined "Couple found love at Occupy Boston." The article, by Martine Powers, focused on a "bond forged in crowd who shared fervent beliefs" between 25 year-old Robert Stitham and 18 year-old Anya Karasik. The piece included a picture of the two (Stitham shirtless) embracing as if it were Times Square on V-J day.

One problem--according to the Boston Herald, Robert "Red" Stitham, "is a Level 3 sex offender":

A quick Google search of his name turns up his sex offender notification -- complete with his photo -- on the website of the police department in Plymouth, where Stitham grew up. A search on the state Sex Offender Registry Board website shows Stitham now lives in a homeless shelter in Boston.

"The Board has determined that these individuals have a high risk to re-offend and that the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification," the registry site reads.

In 2007, a Barnstable County jury convicted Stitham of two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, and he was sentenced to 18 months with time served, court records state.

According to online state Appeals Court records, the victim testified that she was assaulted by Stitham and another man after the trio decided to go swimming at a beach after midnight on June 7, 2005. The victim testified that she did not consent to having sex with Stitham or the other man, according to court records. The state Appeals Court denied his appeal for a new trial in 2010.

Reached by phone yesterday, Stitham acknowledged he’s a Level 3 sex offender. He also said his girlfriend, Karasik, knows all about his criminal history.

The Globe added a note to the story Wednesday:

Editor’s note: A story in Monday’s paper about relationships that began during Occupy Boston featured a man, Robert Stitham, who is a registered sex offender. Had his status been discovered during reporting, the story would not have been published.

Translation: had Ms Powers known how to use Google, the story would not have been published.

The Boston subsidiary of the New York Times failed to live up to its motto and print the "whole truth." Why does anyone believe the media? Good thing the Internet led to Layne's Law.

(via reader Warren)