WASHINGTON – October 27, 2010 – Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), and Congressmen Frank (D-MA), Tierney (D-MA), and Delahunt (D-MA) have written to Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke urging him to open a 45 day window for victims of alleged enforcement excesses to come forward and have their cases reviewed by the Special Magistrate.
The delegation has heard from a number of individuals who did not submit their cases to the Inspector General due to fear of reprisal. Secretaries Locke’s recent actions have restored faith in the legal process and assured the fishing community that review of its cases will not be met with retaliatory action by NOAA prosecutors.
“I have been approached by a few people who have asked for an opportunity to present their cases for review by the Special Magistrate,” said Frank. “These individuals did not come forward during the IG investigation because of fear of retaliation, and the fact that they are now coming forward is a clear indicator that Secretary Locke is restoring faith in the legal process.”
"As there are a number of individuals within the fishing community who did not come forward due to fear of reprisal, this 45-day window would provide a fair opportunity for these parties to seek a case review by the Special Magistrate without concerns of retaliation," said Congressman John Tierney. "I stand with my colleagues in supporting the recent efforts taken by the Secretary to restore trust in the legal process and I strongly urge him to consider this request."