Drew Peterson's latest "Hemorrhodial Discharge"

For several weeks news surfaced that former ex-wife Vicki Connolly (once married to Drew Peterson) and step-daughter Lisa Ward had planned to write a book about the former Bolingbrook Sergeant now behind bars for allegedly murdering wife #3 Kathleen Savio. Officially, the announcement was made by Lisa Ward on ABC’s Good Morning America program.

Similar to a “hemorrihodial discharge” the legal team representing Peterson quickly had their media dispatchers issue a press release pertaining to the “private correspondence” that my favorite legal marshmallow roaster sent to Connolly, Ward and USA Today Journalist and Co-author, Michelle LeFort. Detailed information and news on the entire Peterson case(s) can be found over at Justice Café.

The press release included the demands likely sent via certified letter to all 3 women-below is a synopsis:

"As I assume that Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly are not aware, Ms. Michelle LeFort had entered into a written contract to collaborate and co-write a book about the life story of Drew Peterson from Mr. Peterson’s perspective in February of 2008. Ms. LeFort breached her agreement and then withdrew from this collaboration agreement in March of 2008. In withdrawing from the collaboration agreement, Ms. LeFort agreed that any work she did concerning the life story of Drew Peterson belonged to her collaborating author, who still owns those rights."Therefore if such a book is written, shown, marketed, or published, this office will pursue vigorous legal action to protect and enforce our clients rights."We demand that Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly cease and desist from working with Ms. LeFort regarding any part of the life story of Drew Peterson, and we further demand that Ms. LeFort cease and desist from any project which concerns the life story of Drew Peterson."
The letter concludes with “Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly are absolutely free to tell their story, just not with Ms. LeFort as the author.”

The first question I have is why release this in the first place? The correspondence was obviously private and if the Co-Author is in some type of contractual dispute the lawyers can either work it out or file suit in a court of law before a judge, not the public.

Given the alleged abuse that step-daughter Lisa Ward endured, she, like so many others, are often silenced and paralyzed for years after being victimized. It's no surprise to me, as a former police officers daughter growing up in a violent household and working with thousands of abuse cases for more than 20 years, that she would wait until now to talk.

Think about it for a moment. Drew Peterson has been a free man since Kathleen Savio’s death. It would be 18 months and a lot of chicken wings later, before the Will County State’s Attorney’s office received an indictment from a grand jury to charge Peterson. In May of 2009 he is charged and arrested for Kathleen’s murder. If I am a victim I would immediately think that the person who allegedly harmed me is going to make bail and be released back out onto to the streets. So I would wait a bit as many victims have to be sure that the individual cannot harm them before they attempt to come forward.

Years ago I was involved in a case where a woman by the name of Gail McGrew was shot 5 times in the Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago and survived. Little did we know while she was recovering that the offender had committed murder 5 years prior in the State of Ohio. He escaped during extradition, changed his name and moved to Chicago and met Gail a couple years later. Gail believed because he escaped before he could do it again. Fearing for her life and living with permanent disability after the shooting she felt if he came after her she would not be able to get away, again. I know this sounds crazy but in a clever move she married him just long enough to be sure that he would be behind bars forever. When she knew for certain that he would never escape again, she divorced him.

In my opinion, Lisa Ward and her mother remained silent until it was safe for them to come forward. Stacy Peterson and Kathleen Savio will never have that opportunity. But, if this continues to keep Stacy and Kathleen in the news then those who attempt to discredit and try every voice that comes forward, I say Bravo!

"Stranger Danger" and Your Children

This is Important, ask your child's school when was the last time they had a "stranger danger" education awareness class. Maybe this is a good reminder to refresh their memories and yours.

What about your local church-how about asking them to post tips on kids safety in the bulletin this month.

Not a week goes by without a report of a child abduction, molestation, or a loved one who has turned up missing. An adult's worst nightmare can be minimized through proper safety tip education with a youngster about "stranger danger" and what to do to keep a loved one out of harm's way.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers the following safety tips for parents to discuss with their youngsters:

•Travel with a friend, or better yet, a group of friends when riding your bike or walking to or from school or other destinations.

•If a stranger offers you a ride somewhere, say no, and run away. Adults should define "stranger" and give safety tip examples to help youth, especially young ones, know what you mean.

•If someone follows you on foot, get away as quickly as you can. Find Local Sex OffendersSearch Over 400,000 known sex offenders for free.
Updated daily. http://www.childsafenetwork.orgGo to someone's house they know, or run to other people, or just teach them to run away.

•If someone is following you in a car, turn around and go in the opposite direction or take a path where a car would not go.

•Never leave school or any other extracurricular activity or event with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Moms or dads should tell their youngster that it is okay in these circumstances to not ride home, but that also means adults should have an established communications method along with these safety tip guidelines so that the kid does not end up stranded or alone.

•If a stranger tells you that there is an emergency or that a family member is hurt or that a pet has been in an accident, always check with your mom or dad or other trusted adults. This is a common trick used by many molesters or kidnappers.

•For more information about safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, call 1-800/843-5678.

Other general safety tips include:

•Grown-ups MUST establish "safe houses" where kids feel comfortable in knocking on their door at any time a situation warrants it. Be sure to get approval from the neighbors/homeowners first before designating a home as a "safe house." If possible, have a neighborhood safety tip meeting and have residents agree to watch after one another.

•Parents should not become lax about kids going to a friend's home in a neighborhood--even if it is only a few doors away. Snatchings can happen in an instant; even under a parent's watchful eye. The key is to keep an eye on a youngster when out front. Older youth should be instructed to call when they arrive at a friend's home for peace of mind and as a good safety tip practice.

•Never let kids play out in the front yard alone without direct supervision by an adult. There are too many opportunities for endangerment or other types of accidents. A back yard is a much safer, and more private, option.

•If at all possible, an adult should greet youngsters as they get off a school bus, and not have them walk home alone.

•Parents should be cautious about blatant use of a child's name on a back pack or jacket. Kids sometimes believe that a person can't be a stranger if they know them by name, when the reality is that their name was easily readable on their attire or the individual heard a youngster's name mentioned.

•Adults should understand that boys are at just as greatest of risk as girls. It is a common safety tip misconception that child molesters or perpetrators are typically men and seek only girls. Molesters come in all ages and both genders, and their victims can be of either sex.

•Parents should begin reinforcing these safety tips as soon as a kid is old enough to understand, and above all, ensure that their child feels comfortable enough in discussing these issues, their concerns or fears, or any potentially inappropriate events that have possibly transpired. Awareness of these safety tips can help kids be less susceptible to any stranger dangers.

If you have childen in school or daycare, print a copy of this off and give it to other parents or school officials.