Witch Hunt, directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy, is an unprecedented documentary which features the stories of individuals who were wrongfully arrested, charged, and convicted of child molestation in Bakersfield in the 1980's. The documentary was produced and narrated by Sean Penn, who was moved by the compelling stories of these families whose lives were devastated by small town hysteria and government misconduct. Witch Hunt showcased the 2009 San Jose Cinequest Film Festival and the screening at the historic California Theater in downtown San Jose drew throngs of avid Bay Area film aficionados as well as those who sought to learn more about wrongful convictions.The everlasting impact of this horrific injustice is incontrovertible; on the children who were coerced into making false claims of molestation as well as their parents who spent years in prison away from their loved ones.
John Stoll, who was exonerated and released after twenty years in prison exonerated and released after twenty years in prison due to the work of the Northern California Innocence Project, spoke eloquently to the audience during the question and answer period that followed the screening. The viewers were aghast at discovering that Lisa Green and Ed Jagels, who aggressively prosecuted Stoll and other innocent individuals were still employed as prosecutors in Bakersfield. The audience demanded accountability and sanctions for prosecutors: the individuals who wield the most power in the criminal justice system. Green's comments of "you win some, you lose some", after the hearing where Stoll's conviction was overturned, hardly inspires confidence that she has learned from her mistakes or should be running for the District Attorney position that will soon be vacated by Jagels. Stoll, as well as the other individuals, were robbed of decades of their lives, and officials in Bakersfield are back to administering injustice as usual.
From overzealous law enforcement to shoddy investigation, this documentary is heart wrenching. The unwavering spirit of Stoll, who maintained his innocence from the outset, illustrates the importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity. Moreover, the attorneys at the Northern California Innocence Project who worked tirelessly to exonerate Stoll serve as inspirations to champion for change in courthouses and classrooms across the country.
For those who were not able to attend the screening at the Festival, this riveting story premieres this Sunday, April 12 at 7 p.m. (10 p.m. EST).
Comments
Although missing the beginning both times, I have watched the majority of this twice. This was a complete travesty of justice---and the most unbelievable part ( after all the other tragedies) is that the apparently ignorant ( or is it frightened) people of Kern County have kept Jagels , the truest child abuser { albeit psychologically } of the entire affair ( besides the legally, and morally corrupt Judges )--- the citizenry have kept the real villain in public office.
This really burns me up. I am angry. ( Wait a minute, that's an understatement--- I am appalled at the fact that no charges were ever filed against these evil officials---but then: who wouldn't be afraid to speak up in that tyrannically run little town.) Lonnie Ray Fowler
In regards to “Witch Hunt” the victims and their families are not the only victims of the actions and attitudes of Ed Jagles, the D.A.s office and the Sheriffs dpt. of Kern County. My stepfather was an investigator for the Sheriffs dept. at that time and retired immediately after committing those travesties of justice. I haven’t been able to see the movie yet, but I lived in Bakersfield at that time and I remember Ed Jagles and these horrible cases against John Stolls and others. It can safely be said that the attitudes of the people involved in this investigation have changed my mother, and destroyed my family. All of this has drastically shaped the way I think about love and family as well as the law, police and district attorney’s as a whole. People like Ed Jagels and my stepfather sell hate under the guise of righteousness with smiles on their faces. The collateral damage to the people in their lives and everyone they touch is incalculable. They are either ignorant of this fact or don’t have the conscience to care…. And these are the people the citizens of Kern Co. are left to trust with their freedoms and safety.
Special thanks to Supriya, who worked with the Northern California Innocence Project, to clear John Stolls.
The film "Witch Hunt" is available for download or dvd purchase at the following: www.witchhuntmovie.com. I recommend sharing it with all who will listen.
It is all over in the court system in Kern County...Family Law..everywhere. They all are in a circle and they do not care...Why is it that this can continue? Why are we not taking a stand..I am in the process of fighting for custody of my son in Kern County Family court...they gave my son to my ex who is a foreigner unemployed and cannot work over here in the USA because his visa expired..His wife is from Canada and she works as a big Oil Tycoon over here. They have big money. I was transferred with my job to Florida and filed for a move away...My company was merging with another co on the east coast and I would not have a job if I did not transfer. Judge Judith Dulcich whom was under Jagles for years (no experience in Family Law)She was a Prosecuting attorney was ELECTED to be a Judge..Long story short, she was in her position 9 days when she heard my case. I was in pro per. She took the opposing parties attorney Micheal Kilpatrick in her chambers and discussed what to do with my son...I was not able to hear anything. Hearing took place and they denied me the move away..I am a wonderful mother that had sole physical custody of my son.Went to court 4 times in two years and have spent over $30 k in fees only to have more time taken away from me. I only now can see my son once a month vs I was flying out to California every 2-3 weeks to visit him for 6-8 days. I am not allowed to do that anymore. Minors counsel is all in the same boat as the judges. It is clearly a vicious circle..and if we do not fight and take it above their heads...Then who will fight for our children...our rights as parents..If you feel that you have been a victim of the Kern county judicial system..Please share your story at kerncountytruth@gmail.com. There has to be a way to hold these people accountable. Thank you
I also have a personal e-mail from Judge Sharon Mettler who was the presiding judge over Family Law when I filed for sole physical of my son..I have the e-mail from her and I was quit surprised to hear what she had to say...And if the Paternity cases are confidential then how was it that she was able to pull my case and make the judgment that said"I left Florida for a man and not a job"..She placed a phone call to Judge Dulcich and that is what she said I did...See I was engaged to be married to a man in Florida and when I was informed of the transfer, I was asked where would I be most comfortable..CT,VA or Florida. Well, naturally Florida..I even have family here. Sharon Mettler back in 2005 granted me a move away and called my sons father a controlling man..Now all of the sudden he is a saint because a new judge has stepped up...Corrupt system...and I am going to fight it...
I handled your family law case in 2005, giving you everything for which you asked. I retired in 2008. You personally emailed me after I was retired, and I told you I could not help you. You refused to take no for an answer, and, based on my memory and what you told me, I formed the opinion that you choose your boyfriend over your child. I NEVER ACCESSED ANY PATERNITY FILES TO RESPOND TO YOU. I NEVER CONTACTED JUDGE DULCICH ABOUT YOUR CASE.
Is this the Sharon E. Mettler the same judge that wrote in our statement of decision that my husband and I made everything up without proof. If this is the same judge she is completely out of line and if my huband and I are hurt by her remarks I believe she can get into trouble and have to answer to that with the judicial commitee.
I lived in Bakersfield and Kern County for 30 years and my family for 60 years. I was present before, during and after these Witch Hunts. Hats off to the producers and Sean Penn. I hope to see it here in Northern Ca.
These cases smelled from the beginning. Claims of babies being sacrificed and massive conspiracies of child molestors and baby killers. Again and again they sufaced. Yet, as low as we would consider these families of monsters, none of them would take a deal and turn on the others even though they were facing hundreds of years in prison and could assure their own freedom. Hard to believe these depraved monsters had a code of honor that bound them to silence John Gotti would have envied.
Jagels and crew saw the political opportunity and ran with it. They are still running and lack any kind of integrity to admit the unspeakable damage they perpetrated upon many families.
One of the prosecutors used to march into court with his Bible tucked under his arm and place it prominently on his table. A woman from the sheriff's department whose tactics were a guide for contaminating child witnesses eventually went out on stress leave. Poor thing. Bearing false witness must take a toll.
My prediction is that Jagels and his cadre will write this off to the Hollywood "Liberal" media. That always plays well in Bakersfield.
This is the city where good citizens burned and banned John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath when it was published in 1939.
As far as journalistic pandering, look at the Bakersfield Californian for bending over for the right wingers and banning Doonesbury from the impressionable minds of Bakersfield.
Kern county is the land with some of the lowest test scores in Calfornia schools, highest teen pregnancy rates but oh how they love Jesus and Rush Limbaugh! Don't try confusing them with facts! Gay Marriage, Flag burning and Creation "Science" - that's what makes it a great place to raise your kids!
Just give me that ol' time religion, Just give that ol' time religion...
I missed the show when it aired on MSNBC. Is it possible to find a rerun of the broadcast anywhere? I like to read about criminal lawyers and watch movies and TV shows about law enforcement. They've got some interesting shows that are intriguing and suspenseful to watch. But I also like the documentaries too. Anyone know where I can find Witch Hunt? http://www.utahdefenseattorney.net
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