Georgia Child Molestation Case Goes National

Tonya Craft was on the stand in Georgia today to defend herself against charges of child molestation, making an already riveting trial even more dramatic. We've covered the trial here and here, but for those of you who've missed it, Craft is facing charges in a trial that's lately turned a three-ring circus — with judges and prosecutors turning to increasingly outlandish tactics to railroad the defendant.

Though her case started as a backwater controversy, it's lately picked up media attention from across the country.

Yesterday, Craft could only answer a few questions before Judge House claimed that her attorney was "playing to the media and jury," and ordered an interruption, retreating into a conference in his chambers (watch the exchange here).

When she returned, Craft answered questions about the multiple affairs of her former husband (and accuser), as well as her relationship with the alleged victims and their parents. At one point, she looked directly at the jury and declared: "I did not and have not sexually abused any child."

Today, in a rambling cross examination, prosecutor Len Gregor tried to link questions about Craft's earlier marriages and her drinking to the alleged child molestation. Yet Gregor hardly pressed Craft on the actual abuse charges before he finished. At the end of the day, the defense rested, and the trial will continue on Monday.

Will Craft manage to successfully fight these charges? She's certainly made a shrewd move of hiring outside lawyers, whose livelihood does not depend on currying favor with local officials, and who have no fear of burning bridges.

Media coverage, too, has proved invaluable for Craft's case. Reporters have managed to publicize the bias-ridden nature of the trial, and likewise exposed the persistent prosecutorial bullying (You can follow them on Twitter at #tonyacraft.)

Meanwhile, Craft's prosecution has revealed a bankrupt judicial system that relies largely on a good ol' boy's network of child advocates, police investigators and prosecutors that are quick to push guilty pleas no matter what. The 98% conviction rate of local prosecutors says less about capable prosecutors than it does about a system stacked in their favor.

But this time in Craft's trial, people are paying attention, and even a small dose of national media spotlight has had a powerful effect. The Today Show has kept viewers updated on the trial, and Bill Anderson's muckraking blog has likewise made the prosecution squirm, as it becomes ever clearer that they'll likely face disbarment after the trial.

When it comes, though, Tonya Craft's ultimate vindication will hopefully just be the beginning. Craft's trial is evidence of a broken, hollow system that allows prosecutors to seek unjust convictions fueled more by public fear than real evidence. Prosecutors are charged with seeking justice, not convictions, but that line has been blurred in this trial and too many others. Craft is fighting a system that's forgotten its original charge of protecting justice and safety. Her case could be the linchpin for real change.

Photo Credit: orin zebest