DA CLIAM OF EXTORTION A LITTLE RASH

Muskogee County District Attorney John David Luton mistakenly called
three civil lawsuits -- and the reporting of them by the Phoenix -- a
"smear campaign" and extortion.

A state audit of Luton's office more than a year ago pointed out
problems related to the recording, handling and sale of seized
property by the office.

The state requires accountability from all district attorney offices
to protect not only citizens and their property, but district
attorneys and their workers, and taxpayers as well. The record keeping
may be cumbersome, but it is in everyone's interest and should be
followed strictly.

If these three lawsuits are the result of the neglect or failure of
the Muskogee DA's office -- which will be decided by a court of law --
then that is not an attempt "to extort money" from taxpayers.

While Robert Haupt, the attorney handling the suits for the
plaintiffs, most certainly wants to see his court actions in the
paper, to call the reporting of the filings extortion is extreme.

Luton and his office have been aggressive in prosecuting drug
offenders and those involved in property crimes, and the county is
thankful for their efforts.

Also, no honest citizen wants to see their community leaders sued
unjustly or harassed by people with a grudge or gripe.

But that hasn't been decided in any of these cases either.

It will be, though, and as Luton knows well, America's justice system
moves slowly. But it does so for a reason, and while everyone is
entitled to an opinion, until these cases reach their ends, the
judgments that matter will have to wait.