Allegations of Sexual Harassment in Newport

As the founder and president of the 10-4 Club, which has supported the Newport Beach Police Department for more than 22 years, I have tried to stay away from the Arb Campbell-Tony Villa issue so as not to get the organization involved until we know the facts.

But as a private citizen and 30-year resident of Newport Beach, I can’t accept the recent actions of the city without protest.

I don’t know whether Campbell or Villa are guilty or not. But neither does the city manager nor the council.

What has happened so far is that a number of very serious and incendiary charges have been made in the media. So far, absolutely nothing has been proven. On the basis of unsubstantiated charges, two lives--two careers--have been destroyed.

Whatever happened to due process? Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Whatever happened to the integrity of our City Council and city manager? Have we reached the point that we only have to accuse a police officer of a crime, and then he is publicly excoriated and loses his job?

Have we reached the point where any time two or more employees who don’t like the boss, and want to get rid of him or her, they can simply go public with charges of harassment or take an employee vote?

A City Council member can be accused of a felony, but until proven guilty, he or she can continue to hold a council seat and vote. Sen. (Bob) Packwood (R-Ore.) admitted harassment, but he remains in the U.S. Senate.

These two officers say they’re innocent, but the city has already punished and now has banished them. I expect better from my city leadership.

BILL LUSK

Corona del Mar