BajaNomad - Nightmare in Algodones

Nightmare in Algodones

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CaboRon - 1-21-2009 at 03:12 PM

January 20, 2009 - 6:15 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER
The sister of the Yuma man and his grandfather, both being held in
a Mexican jail after being arrested earlier this month in Algodones,
Baja Calif., say the allegations against them are not true.

"It has been a heck of a last few days," said Yuma resident Shannon
Perkins, the sister of 40-year-old Yuma resident Gary Crisman Jr. and
granddaughter of 88-year-old Edward Crisman Sr.

"This is a horrendous situation. The allegations are completely
false. My brother would never do this. He is a good person."

According to Mexicali municipal police, they arrested the pair Jan.
8 after Gary Crisman Jr. allegedly offered to pay two girls about $20
to be photographed nude.

Perkins said that is not what happened, and that her brother and
grandfather, who is from Arlington, Wash., but winters in Yuma, have
been wrongfully arrested on false allegations.

"I have seen the photo. (Gary) took a face picture of the family,"
Perkins said. "I have seen all the photos. The Mexican authorities
had them printed out. There are no nude photos."

The two remained in jail in Mexicali Tuesday while prosecutors
determined whether to seek charges against them.

Kathy Carlin, the administrative assistant at the Assembly of God
Church in Arlington, said that Edward Crisman Sr. has attended for
many decades, describes him as a religious and well-respected man.

"He is the most precious elderly gentleman. There is nothing about
him that isn't honorable and upstanding."

Carlin added she felt the circumstances surrounding Crisman's
arrest were unbelievable.

"It is just unreal. How can something like this happen?" Carlin
said. "This is something that you would see in a movie and not ever
expect to happen in real life."

Here is what Perkins said actually happened:

She said her brother, Gary Crisman Jr., needed to go to Algodones
to have some dental work done and took their grandfather, who turns
89 in April, along with him.

"It was Gary's first time to drive across," Perkins said. "They
took the car because grandfather couldn't walk."

After Gary Crisman's dental work, the pair stopped at a convenience
store. Edward Crisman waited in the car while his grandson went to
buy a soda.

"They had been taking cultural photos throughout the day," Perkins
said. "There were pictures of sombreros and sidewalk vendors. He even
had pictures of him and grandfather they had asked people to take for
them."

While inside the store, Perkins said, her brother asked a family in
the convenience store if he could pay them $25 to take their photos.

"He asked the mother if he could take their picture and she gave
him permission, and even took his money," Perkins said. "He only took
headshots of them."

Local police pulled Crisman's car over two blocks later and
arrested both men on a charge of intent for pornography, taking their
money, passports and other belongings in the process.

Perkins said her brother and grandfather were taken to a holding
cell in Ciudad Morelos, Baja Calif., where they were kept for several
days.

She said they were held there for two days and had nothing to eat
and no place to use the bathroom. On the third day, she said, a
charitable organization brought them food, blankets and an old
mattress to sleep on and that her brother asked the man delivering
the items to contact his family.

"My brother snuck him his telephone number," Perkins said. "Had he
not done that, we never would have known where they were."

According to an article that appeared in The Herald, the newspaper
in Edward Crisman Sr.'s hometown of Arlington, after six days, the
case was brought in front of a judge and both men were found innocent.

The judge also said they'd be released the next day.

However, when Perkins' father returned the next day to pick them
up, authorities said the verdict had been changed. Both men were then
transferred to a jail in Mexicali, according to the article in the
Herald.

The Herald article also stated that the day Perkins went to visit
her brother and grandfather, she waited in line for hours to see the
two. They were being held in a concrete cell with 40 other prisoners.
The room had one toilet and her grandfather had been sleeping on a
metal bed frame with no mattress.

Perkins said her family has hired an attorney to fight the charges.

---
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854

LancairDriver - 1-21-2009 at 04:33 PM

Pay someone $25.00 to take their picture? Seems most of us have been taking photos on the cheap.

MICK - 1-21-2009 at 04:37 PM

It seems like there must be more? This doesn't normally happen on the east side.
wish them luck
Mick

Something ain't right

Bajajack - 1-21-2009 at 06:36 PM

I'm in Algodones frequently and I know for a fact the police have standing orders not to mess with people coming over as most of them spend a lot of money in the Pharmacies and Dental Offices.

Most of the time if you don't do something really bad they just escort you to US Customs and say don't come back until you can behave!

woody with a view - 1-21-2009 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

"This is a horrendous situation. The allegations are completely
false. My brother would never do this. He is a good person."

what about Gramps? i'm just sayin'.... does anyone ever admit when they're caught?

David K - 1-21-2009 at 07:00 PM

"According to Mexicali municipal police, they arrested the pair Jan.
8 after Gary Crisman Jr. allegedly offered to pay two girls about $20
to be photographed nude."

and this is illegal in Mexico? How do the events in TJ get a pass?

Mango - 1-21-2009 at 07:52 PM

David K, I read something years ago in a guidebook (Peoples Guide to Mexico.. I think) that production of pornography is illegal in Mexico. If I remember correctly possession of it is illegal too.

I know it seems silly considering all the stuff that goes on in TJ and other cities. I've passed many of newspaper stands that would make sailor blush. But, well.. it's Mexico.

The guidebook I read was pointing out the conflict between the law and what actually happens in Mexico. I knew people that would often take old playboys, etc.. to give to the guys at the checkpoints. But, I am sure the police could hassle you for having them just the same.

I think there must be more to this story. I can't imagine anyone taking a "cultural photo" in a pharmacy.. let alone paying someone $25 to do it.
:no:

biglar - 1-21-2009 at 08:54 PM

If that's what it takes to see those pics and hear more about the trip, I'll be there. See ya in the morning.

Lar.

CaboRon - 1-22-2009 at 09:37 AM

bbbait,

Looking forward to your pics ...

CaboRon

Detentions in Mexico creating an international stir

BajaNews - 2-1-2009 at 01:51 AM

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/01/20090201al...

by Dennis Wagner
Feb. 1, 2009

LOS ALGODONES, Baja California Norte - The pornography arrest of an 88-year-old snowbird in Mexico, along with his grandson, is quickly escalating into an international incident.

Family members of Edward Chrisman of Washington, who was jailed Jan. 8 with 40-year-old Gary Chrisman Jr., say the two men are victims of Mexican injustice.

But the woman who pressed charges for soliciting nude photographs of her 13-year-old daughter said police acted properly.

The Chrismans are about to enter their fourth week behind bars while family members carry on a publicity campaign declaring they are innocent targets of an attempted shakedown. Shannon Perkins, sister of Gary Chrisman Jr., said Mexican officials twice suggested that charges would be dropped if family members came up with thousands of dollars in bribe money.

"The corruption and injustice in Mexico are completely out of control," Perkins wrote in a letter to the media. "When people become so desperately greedy for money that they would fabricate atrocious stories and slander two innocent men's reputations without remorse, we have a serious problem on our hands."

In an interview with The Arizona Republic last week, the 13-year-old girl's mother offered an entirely different account. The mother, who filed the criminal complaint, said she and her daughter are not greedy or corrupt Mexicans, but U.S. citizens who live in Yuma and filed the police report out of fear.

"This is the truth," the girl's mother concluded, her eyes welling. "My daughter is afraid. . . . And all the lies keep coming" in news stories.

Conflicting accounts

Los Algodones is a popular border destination just southwest of Yuma, where tourists seek cut-rate prescription medications and low-cost medical care.

Most of the town's estimated 4,000 residents depend on dollars from American visitors for subsistence, and the community even has a squad of special "tourism police" to ensure good relations.

All of which makes the he-said-she-said incident at the mother's novelty store, Novedades Jasmine, all the more puzzling.

According to Perkins, her grandfather and brother visited the Mexican town Jan. 8 so Gary Chrisman could have dental work done. Although most tourists park at the border and walk into Mexico, Perkins said, her brother drove across the border because of his grandfather's failing health.

She added that Gary Jr., a Yuma security guard, had received a camera for Christmas and was taking cultural pictures in Mexico. So the two men drove beyond the main tourist zone and stopped at Novedades Jasmine to buy a soda. Inside, Gary Chrisman Jr. asked the girl and two young women if he could take their photographs. According to Perkins, one of the women requested money, and Gary Jr. gave her about $25.

The mother's version of the event: The Chrismans first visited on Jan. 5 while her daughter was tending the shop with two other women. The mother said Gary Chrisman entered the store alone and took some normal pictures with permission, then said, "Without clothes, I'll pay more." When the girls refused, the girl's mother said, the visitor displayed a knife and said things would go bad if the girls told anyone. She added that the man wrote his name and phone number on a sheet of paper, telling the girls to call if they had a change of heart.

She said her daughter was shaken that day as she told of the incident.

On Jan. 8, she said, Chrisman returned and again offered to pay for photos without clothing. "My daughter told him, 'No, and get out of here.' "

The girl's mother said she arrived in her car as the men were driving away. She followed, calling police on her cellphone.

As a businesswoman who relies partly on tourism, she said she has no motive to fabricate such a story. She added that her daughter remains fearful and has been traumatized by media coverage.

"They say I'm telling lies, but police have a page with his name and number on it," she added.

Jail conditions

Perkins said her brother and father have clean records, and it makes no sense that they would risk arrest for naked pictures when there is a free strip-tease bar just down the street.

Perkins also noted that allegations about a knife are not in the police report. "Absolutely ridiculous. Gary doesn't even own a knife," she said.

After the arrest, Perkins said, her grandfather and brother were held in horrid conditions, forced to sleep on concrete without food, water or family notification.

The two men had no hearing for five days, she said, and were told they had been found innocent. But that decision was promptly reversed, and they were shipped to a prison in Mexicali, where they remain.

Early this week, Perkins and other family members offered to provide documents for a news report on the case. However, when a reporter arrived in Yuma, a representative refused to divulge the records or the name of the family's attorney in Mexico.

Foreign affairs

Accounts of what happened in Los Algodones merge on one important point: Edward Chrisman did not enter the store.

The girl's mother said she has no idea why the octogenarian was arrested and does not believe he should be in jail.

"We're so outraged that this could happen," Perkins said. "My grandfather wasn't even doing anything. He was in the car."

Even Los Algodones Mayor Hector Guzman said he is mystified and is pressing for a quick resolution to the court case.

Guzman became part of the intrigue early when he did a television interview and declared that photographs seized from Gary Chrisman Jr.'s camera are not illegal. Some media reports indicated the mayor had ruled both men innocent.

In fact, Guzman said, he does not know what happened in the store and will let the justice system determine guilt or innocence.

Media coverage further fueled the controversy. Initial news reports in Mexico contained lurid, inaccurate allegations and distorted mug shots. Subsequent online reports in the United States were somewhat sympathetic to the Chrisman family.

An Internet article by KOMO-TV of Seattle, Wash., appeared under the headline: "Family: Wrongfully held man may die in Mexican jail."

The Chrisman family is trying to apply political and economic pressure on other fronts. Last week, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., announced she would contact the State Department.

Guzman said he is aware that the case has international implications. "It's very difficult," he added. "We never have problems like this. This is a peaceful pueblo, and we always respect people whether they are citizens or not."

Mexico vacation became a disaster

BajaNews - 2-1-2009 at 01:53 AM

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090201/NEWS01/702019903&a...

An elderly Arlington man and his son aren't the first to run into problems with the country's legal system.

By Debra Smith
February 1, 2009

ARLINGTON -- Robert Hood left for a fishing trip along the coast of Mexico, and when he finally returned, he was never the same.

Mexican police arrested Hood on arson charges after someone set fire to a fishing shack near where he was staying in San Felipe. Hood, a World War II veteran with a spotless record, languished for days in a filthy, crowded Mexican prison in 1982.

Hood was eventually released after a barrage of bad press from both sides of the border began to hurt tourism.

He came home 50 pounds lighter and was broken emotionally, said his son, Gary Hood of Stanwood. His father talked of hearing other prisoners being tortured and beaten. The prison was so crowded, his father spoke of sleeping standing up.

"It changed my dad," Hood said. "He became reclusive, not as happy. He was like a prisoner of war."

Hood can't help but be struck by the apparent similarities in his late father's case and that of Edward Chrisman, 88, who is being held in a Mexican prison, the Carcel de Mexicali in the state of Baja California Norte.

Edward Chrisman, a longtime resident of Arlington, was wintering in Yuma, Ariz., when he decided to take a quick trip across the border with his grandson, Gary Chrisman Jr. Mexican police arrested both men the same day, Jan. 8, saying the pair tried to pay young girls to pose nude for photos.

The Chrisman family maintains the men are innocent. The family said Gary Chrisman Jr. stopped at a convenience store for a soda and, while there, asked a mother if he could take photos of her daughters. He'd been taking photos of Mexican culture all day with a new camera. The mother granted permission and he gave her $25. He snapped head shots of the two fully-clothed girls and left the store. Edward Chrisman never even went into the store.

Family members were asked by an intermediary to pay $2,000 to the prosecuting attorney "to make the situation disappear," Shannon Perkins, Edward Chrisman's granddaughter, said. The payment was not made.

The pair has been held in a crowded Mexicali prison as their family members travel across the border daily trying to get them released. They fear Edward Chrisman, who apparently has contracted pneumonia at the prison, won't survive the ordeal.

Trial could be months away.

About 400 Americans are detained in Mexican prisons at any time, said Charles Smith, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana. His office monitors the Baja peninsula in Mexico, where the Chrismans are being held. Of all Americans arrested on foreign soil, one in five is arrested in Baja California.

U.S. has little recourse

When Americans hear about cases such as the Chrismans, they want to know why the U.S. government can't do something to help. The U.S. Consulate only has the authority to monitor conditions of American prisoners. No other agency or U.S. politician can do much more.

While in Mexico, "You are subject to the same judicial system as the people living in Mexico," Smith said.

And Mexico is no place to get tangled up with the law.

Human rights organizations report problems with overcrowded prisons, corrupt officials and human rights abuses for both prisoners and victims.

Americans won't find that mentioned on Mexico's tourism Web site.

A chasm exists between Mexican law and how justice is meted out, according to a 2007 report from Amnesty International.

Individuals are sometimes detained on the basis of obviously flawed or spurious evidence, often well beyond the country's legal limits allowed for pretrial detention, the organization found. Others are denied access to adequate legal advice at precisely the point when they are most at risk for torture and other abuses.

Joe King, a former U.S. Customs special agent who worked in San Diego, has a more blunt assessment.

"It's a dump," said King, who now teaches about terrorism and organized crime at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. "The prisons are all rat traps and they're all corrupt."

King has worked in law enforcement internationally, including undercover in Northern Ireland and Beirut, Lebanon.

When it comes to Mexico, "The only way I'd go back there is if I were a hostage," he said.

He said it's common for cars with American license plates to get pulled over in Mexico. It happened to him regularly.

"Who are you going to shake down, a local guy who knows you or your cousin? Or somebody who is not likely to complain?" he said.

It's not unheard of for Americans to become entangled with the Mexican judicial system without cause, said David Shirk, a University of San Diego professor involved in the Trans-Border Institute. The research institute advocates for changes in the Mexican judicial system.

"We do see cases of predatory behavior by law enforcement who are trying to extract bribes, especially by tourists in cases where they can extract material gain," he said.

However, Shirk said he doesn't see how police would gain by improperly detaining the Chrismans.

Holes in the system

The concept of Mexico's legal system is similar to that in many European countries. Unlike the U.S. model, two sides do not vigorously compete in front of a neutral court.

In Mexico, a prosecutor gathers evidence and then presents it to a judge, who decides if there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial, he said. It's presumed the court is engaged in finding truth. Until recently, the Mexican court system was less public and relied heavily on slow-moving rulings made in writing.

A legal system like Mexico's works markedly better in Spain and France, where there is well-developed legal infrastructure, Shirk said. Mexico doesn't have the professionals needed to support the system, and that results in backlogs, delays and little ability to determine if someone should be released on bail.

More than 40 percent of prisoners in Mexico have never been convicted of a crime, Human Rights Watch reported in its 2009 World Report. These prisoners are held in pretrial detention, often waiting years for a trial. Inmates frequently are subject to abuses, including extortion by guards.

In 2008, Mexico passed constitutional reform to overhaul the criminal justice system.

Jorge Vargas, a law professor at the University of San Diego, said he receives calls from all over the U.S. seeking his counsel on cases like the Chrismans' ordeal.

"My impression is sometimes the information you get from families is objective and sometimes it's rather exaggerated," he said.

Many Americans arrested by Mexican police are quick to cry corruption, he said.

"In some cases, the Americans aren't truthful and the system is not that lousy," said Vargas, who has worked as an attorney for the Mexican government and in international law for the United Nations.

American prisons have serious problems too, including racial disparities, gangs, drugs, murders and other violence within penitentiary walls.

Harsh conditions

The Chrisman family has been told it may be months before the cases against Edward Chrisman and his grandson go to trial.

The family fears that Edward Chrisman's health is failing.

He appears pale, weak and dehydrated, said his son, Gary Chrisman Sr. The family learned from a prison doctor he's being treated for pneumonia and extreme insomnia. Prison officials moved him to a section for the elderly where conditions are better, including warm showers and a bed with a mattress.

Earlier, Edward Chrisman was kept in a small, concrete cell with dozens of other men. He had to sleep on a metal bed frame with no mattress. That's where his grandson remains.

Mexican prisons generally are overcrowded and often unsanitary, Shirk said. The quality and quantity of food served is often poor. Prisoners have to buy virtually everything they need, including blankets and clean clothing, Shirk said.

On the other hand, Mexican prisoners often have more freedoms behind the walls than in American institutions. Some prisons feature mini-villages where prisoners can set up taco stands. Inmates are allowed conjugal visits.

Still, Mexican prisons are harsh places for the elderly, Shirk said.

"His family has cause to be concerned," he said.

In 1982, it was bad publicity, not the law, that set Gary Hood's father free.

"These border towns need tourists spending their dollars," Hood said. "Even in that short period of time, it was bad enough the mayor and the police chief made things happen."

Hood grew up in the California border town of Chula Vista, south of San Diego, but you won't catch him setting foot in Mexico.

"I wouldn't go to Mexico if they paid me a billion dollars," he said. "My dad was never the same."

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by BajaNews]

Limburger cheese

Dave - 2-1-2009 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNews
Family members were asked by an intermediary to pay $2,000 to the prosecuting attorney "to make the situation disappear," Shannon Perkins, Edward Chrisman's granddaughter, said. The payment was not made.

If my brother and grandfather were in a Mexican jail I'd pay the 2k.

Wouldn't you?

Packoderm - 2-1-2009 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

If my brother and grandfather were in a Mexican jail I'd pay the 2k.

Wouldn't you?

I would if I was guilty.

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I would if I was guilty.

Guilty or not, if it got to that stage, it went too far. The longer one is left in jail on principle, the more expensive it gets.
Pay up and get out then, make it your life's reason to let the world know what happened and didn't.

Packoderm - 2-1-2009 at 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I would if I was guilty.

I know you're correct.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 11:39 AM

I sympathize with these folks and their family but I would also add that nobody here knows what the real story is. What does bother me though is what I hear from the two sides of this story and consider their motivations. On the one hand you have the owner of a business in Los Algodones, who is a US citizen making the charge. Why would she go so far to hurt the very tourism business she depends and on and makes a living from to make a few extra bucks?

Then I read the version of the son who in own his statement says that he offered to pay $25 to take the photo of a young girl. Is there one single Nomad out there who would pay $25 to anybody to take their photo in a similar situation as he described? I seriously doubt it.

I do agree that the old man should be released unless they can show some reason why he is connected to this. Then just let the justice system sort things out as I am sure the truth is out there somewhere.

Just my two cents...

By the way - If it is true that they were offered the men's freedom in exchange for two thousand bucks I would have paid it in a heartbeat. Still can't figure out what the family was thinking there...

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by BajaGringo]

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 11:48 AM

I couldn't live with myself if I left a family member in those conditions to die because I couldn't part with $2k.

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Then I read the version of the son who in own his statement says that he offered to pay $25 to take the photo of a young girl. Is there one single Nomad out there who would pay $25 to anybody to take their photo in a similar situation as he described? I seriously doubt it.

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by BajaGringo]

I thought about that as well. I do think it can and does happen. Asking to take photos is a courtesy, and paying for them in return isn't that too far fetched.

That might not happen to a Nomad in Baja or Mex. but it was asked of me one time in Jamaica. Our tour guide told us that we had to ask people before taking their photos, and if $ were offered you were more likely to get yes for an answer.

We've all seen people flash big bucks around when it really isn't necessary. This could have been one of those times.

Just my two pesos.
P.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 12:08 PM

I gues it is possible - just seemed strange to me.

Since two pesos is worth about 14 cents I guess it beats my two...

Paulina - 2-1-2009 at 12:18 PM

It seemed strange to me too. It does leave it open to suspicion.

I never thought about the value of the peso when it comes to opinions. I'll have to keep that in mind. :lol:

Pescador - 2-1-2009 at 12:28 PM

I was thinking about this story when we entered Algodones last week when we made a quick stop for some liquor and medications. I pulled a little too close to a sign that was hanging precariously and bumped it, which caused it to fall on my camper and pickup. A shopkeeper held it up while I pulled out from under it and then I went and parked in a different area and returned to settle up the charges. A policeman and a shopkeeper were there and I figured to have the little bite put on me and was pretty much prepared to pay. They both said, no, everything is ok, the sign was not put up properly and we hope that you are not too unhappy with our signs and will come back and shop.
Now this presents a different picture from the one being presented in this story, so I sure do have some questions about the whole situation also. Seems that Grandpa got caught up in the wrongdoings of the son who was perhaps pushing a little hard to get a "peecture".

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
I was thinking about this story when we entered Algodones last week when we made a quick stop for some liquor and medications. I pulled a little too close to a sign that was hanging precariously and bumped it, which caused it to fall on my camper and pickup. A shopkeeper held it up while I pulled out from under it and then I went and parked in a different area and returned to settle up the charges. A policeman and a shopkeeper were there and I figured to have the little bite put on me and was pretty much prepared to pay. They both said, no, everything is ok, the sign was not put up properly and we hope that you are not too unhappy with our signs and will come back and shop.
Now this presents a different picture from the one being presented in this story, so I sure do have some questions about the whole situation also. Seems that Grandpa got caught up in the wrongdoings of the son who was perhaps pushing a little hard to get a "peecture".

Mexico is a land of extremes, isn't it. Extreme good and extreme bad.

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-1-2009 at 12:35 PM

My Two Cents says that anyone offering to pay a young girl money to take her photograph in any country is just asking to get arrested. I suggest Grandpa and Granson take a polygraph to help sort out the truth.

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTI8
My Two Cents says that anyone offering to pay a young girl money to take her photograph in any country is just asking to get arrested. I suggest Grandpa and Granson take a polygraph to help sort out the truth.

Yeah...for sure. Any uninvited attention to kids does, and probably should, bring up the red flags.
Buy a good telephoto lens and keep your distance.

vandenberg - 2-1-2009 at 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

If my brother and grandfather were in a Mexican jail I'd pay the 2k.

Wouldn't you?

Trouble is, where is the guarantee that those charges will actually go away and not just enrich the attorney :?:

If the charges were trumped up, what would keep them from some further extortion. :?:

And no matter what, I think it a rather strange story.

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by vandenberg]

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 12:43 PM

Another thing that makes me wonder is if the whole family can't put two thousand dollars together, what is the son doing offering a kid $25 bucks for a simple photograph.

Just my...

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-1-2009 at 12:48 PM

Those are some big pennies. You win hands down!

Loretana - 2-1-2009 at 01:28 PM

"Family members were asked by an intermediary to pay $2,000 to the prosecuting attorney to make the situation go away".......

It seems to me if the Ministerio Publico (Mexican equivalent of the District Attorney) was asking for money it would have been split with the family and the charges would have been resolved right there. He most likely dictated an "Auto Formal de Prision" and now it will cost many thousands of dollars to get these guys out.

Remember, Mexico still adheres to the Napoleanic Legal Code, or "guilty until proven innocent".

If it was my family member, I'de have paid that "fianza" in a heartbeat!!

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I would if I was guilty.

A BIG ditto on that one!

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by ckiefer]

TMW - 2-1-2009 at 01:36 PM

Last year I paid the cops in Mexicali a total of $350 and a bus driver $200 all over a wreck (my fault) to stay out of jail. $2,000 to get out of jail concerning nude pixs of a young girl would take me about 1 second to think it over and pay.

I should add guilty or not.

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by TW]

CaboRon - 2-1-2009 at 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I would if I was guilty.

Sage words indeed Dennis,

CaboRon

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:02 PM

Three observations:

First, I don't see any value except incendiary in the second news posting where the reporter revisits a 27 year old case. Don't see any relevance- just incendiary.

Second, it was briefly mentioned that Mexico has passed an almost complete overhaul of its criminal justice system in 2008, aligning it to our system. They wisely decided to phase in the changes over a period of years, and it remains to be seen how difficult it will be to change from a guilty until proven innocent system, to one of innocent until proven guilty.

Finally, there really does have to be more to this than has been revealed. with the international attention having been focused for some time, it makes no sense to seemingly be stagnant. There are all sorts of cross-border communications between police in both countries. Did someone not pay their phone bill? This ain't Afganistan. It's a walk across the border.
Did I hear someone say "pedophile"?

gnukid - 2-1-2009 at 02:06 PM

Misunderstandings are very common which lead to these miscommunications and perceived or projected wrongdoing, then of course pride gets in the way of reasoning. Even still, if the perp was a criminal it wouldn't be unlikely to be released until trial. Many criminals who photos are in the paper are released daily after their arrest.

I suggest that common sense be used here-

1) no crime was committed-mayor looked at photos and no evidence exists of any crime.
2) The senior fellow was not in the store and can not possibly be a party to a non-existent crime.
3) the woman alleges that a suggestion was made of inappropriate behavior but that it never occurred.
4) Certainly there is no crime, only the suggestion of a misunderstanding on the part of the mother.
5) Police falsely arrested the two men and are too proud to resolve it.

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:11 PM

If you want to disbelieve the mother of the girl who said a knife was displayed by the gringo.....

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:13 PM

I assume that is the way their family sees it.

Of course there weren't any improper photos on the camera - the young girl refused to pose for the man.

How can you say that "certainly there was no crime"? None of us were there as witnesses. Or are you saying that asking an underage girl to pose for nude photos is not a crime???

Sharksbaja - 2-1-2009 at 02:13 PM

"Did I hear someone say "pedophile"?"

ahem..... think you meant "pedophiles"

gosh darnn Viagra!

Yeah sure, we all share our preversions with grandpa. Good grief. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
If you want to disbelieve the mother of the girl who said a knife was displayed by the gringo.....

These "Mothers" can be as predatory as bad cops. The drill is well known. It happened to a good friend of mine. It's all about money.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:18 PM

I would buy that except being a shop owner that DEPENDS on tourists seems to be quite counter-productive. Who knows what the truth is?

Pato - 2-1-2009 at 02:19 PM

I've come across lots of scammers and opportunistic behavior in Mexico. Even many usually "decent" folks will behave opportunistically in order to grab some extra chunk of change. That's not just south of the border either. Too many shady things seem to exist for both sides, so who is right ? Pay the 2k and get the heck out of there.

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:20 PM

Good point, Sharks. There just has to be more to this story. Arresting Grandpa for allegedly sitting in a parked car???

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:20 PM

True...

gnukid - 2-1-2009 at 02:23 PM

Everyone involved says no crime was committed only the allegations of the insuation or suggestion that something inappropriate occur-which did not. This is very vague and by no means a case for heavy prosecution.

Furthermore it is unlikely that the fellow would pull a knife on a young person. It makes no sense, also no evidence or porno, pedophilia, no knife, nothing to support criminal activity.

Let's all agree that no crime occurred by the son or his father aged 80.

However it does appear to be a case of extortion, police wrongdoing and unfair prosecution on the part of the mexican authorities of Albondigales.

Sad news for everyone considering nothing actually happened.

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:25 PM

And then, there's the mother's contention that the guy showed up on two separate days.....after being turned down the first time.(jonesin', I'm guessing.)

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:33 PM

I really am not convinced that no crime was committed. Soliciting a minor to pose for nude photos is wrong. I really don't buy the perps allegations that he was offering her 25 dollars just to take an innocent photo. And that is what he admitted to. Who knows what really happened - it really sounds fishy. Maybe they are both pedophiles and the younger one was just setting it up for the old man. The only ones who truly know what happened are those involved and for any of us to say with certainty that they are guilty OR innocent is pure speculation...

Sharksbaja - 2-1-2009 at 02:34 PM

How odd, no not really.

"The Chrismans first visited on Jan. 5 while her daughter was tending the shop with two other women"

So the first time BOTH were in the store?

(jejeje we have witnesses!)
:rolleyes:

I see collusion!

[Edited on 2-1-2009 by Sharksbaja]

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:45 PM

Point is, and I agree with BG, there is much more to this than meets the eye. This isn't Turkey in the era of Midnight Express. Algodones, by its very nature must be tourist-friendly for its very survival.

Pato - 2-1-2009 at 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNISThese "Mothers" can be as predatory as bad cops. The drill is well known. It happened to a good friend of mine. It's all about money.

"Tourist friendly" my a*s ! One could say the same about TJ, Ensenada, etc. Kidnapping, extortion, colluding authorities, etc. happens a lot if not all the time south of the border. It's a way of life for many.

Like DENNIS, my wife and I know both gay and straight men who were targeted while partying in TJ's and Ensenada's "zones of tolerance". They were set up by police and the "underage" participants. Mexico is not unastute to the pedophile hysteria which often dominates the media.
The only crime for many targeted guys here is their naivity of coniving extortionists, esp. when inhibriated.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 03:58 PM

Sorry, but I have heard quite the opposite about Los Algodones. To compare it to Tijuana is really quite a stretch...

Woooosh - 2-1-2009 at 04:04 PM

Didn't the story say they went down for dental work? Pedophiles with mouths stuffed full of cotton? I don't know. If it were my relative and he was that sick and elderly I guess I wouldn't have taken him to mexico inthe first place. If I didn't have money to be treated in the USA, I certainlly woudn't be paying $25 for photos either. Innocent or guilty- like most other nomads- I would have paid the $2000 to get the old man home safe at least. The guy taking the photo should have asked first in any case- many arts/crafts stores don't like people taking photos of their objects. JMHO- no centavos.

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 04:18 PM

Cottontown v. TJ! No possible comparison. I'm becoming just a bit disillusioned about this forum, when I continue to see so many posts that are inherently trashing Mexico.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 04:41 PM

Anyone give any thought to perhaps the journalist who submitted the story could have the information incorrect/incomplete? Could have been that he offered, agreed, to give the young girl 25 pesos, I could see if I were a male agreeing to donate 25 pesos for a picture if the girl was unusually striking, just out of courtesy. None of us will really know, unless of course someone wants to interview the guy, come back and report to us. And then again, he could be guilty as h*ll!

Regardless, I would have coughed up the 2K to get the older gentleman out of the pokey.

avid - 2-1-2009 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
Anyone give any thought to perhaps the journalist who submitted the story could have the information incorrect/incomplete? Could have been that he offered, agreed, to give the young girl 25 pesos, I could see if I were a male agreeing to donate 25 pesos for a picture if the girl was unusually striking, just out of courtesy.

That was my take when I first read the story. It seemed to make the whole thing fit together.

gnukid - 2-1-2009 at 04:56 PM

Not entirely on topic-

Police have been going up an down every street to advise people of security issues and check on everyone and everything. Apparently a short time ago a directive was given and security or at least the guise of secuirty has been unleashed throughout BCS. Police have stopped us in the road to say hi and remind people to drive carefully as well as come to our door to remind us to lock up at night and lock the cars. Now, I also have heard of many people being pulled over for minor things and being extored as well a friend who was robbed of many thousands of dollars and computers by the military who also have stepped up presence everyone in downtown regions as well as remote regions.

My personal impression is that true enforcement is a difficult thing to train and these new policies may be misinterpreted by cops who previously have had no contact and now are being requested to get out ad start policing, while all of this is good there will of course be some misplaced energy and misguided policing while the cops get s used to the new policies.

In addition to increased actions by military and federal police riding in the backs of trucks with guns displayed, some city police have been rebranded "preventiva" and they are contributing to cruising every street.

I have seen them pick up many of the bad guys but those same people are often home within a few hours even though the paper says they are charged with multiple forced entry crimes.

All in all the effort seems good though a bit new to most police who will likely be encouraged to find more crimes which don't exist as well as ignore the repeat local criminals as always.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 05:32 PM

An even better reason to have a dog. Although mine just might lick you to death! Still thinking about adding to our family. German Shepherd or Pitbull. Trained of course. I think I'm gonna need a bigger house.....

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 05:38 PM

I tell everybody that they should have a large dog. They are a great deterrent. We are looking for a doberman puppy right now to add to the "arsenal"...

If I ever learn how to type I will have to make a lot fewer edits...

[Edited on 2-2-2009 by BajaGringo]

Bajafun777 - 2-1-2009 at 05:39 PM

It seems no matter what we may think here or guess what happened the fact remains they are both in jail with a system that takes forever to even look at the facts which might be too long for the elderly man. Hell, I seen good citizens everyone looks up to being the scum of the earth going after young children and the truth comes out during their trials. Don't ever second guess what people will or will not do, had a case on a lowlife that was 78 sitting in a childs park with a newspaper he had a hole for him to watch and another hole for his little puppy to be exposed for the children to see. Now, I must admit this old lowlife had priors but do not let the age of the dude fool you. I have also seen grandfathers that had molested their own children and then their children's children, so I have no thought other than I would not be taking pictures of little kids or giving them money for pictures. Now, I would pay money for cold ones being brought to me in a restruant but I don't hire the help just drink what I order. Moral to the story is keep your cute pictures of little kids of your own relatives kids and never bother someone that tells you know the first time as the second time could get you in a Mexicali Prison!!! If they are innocent too bad but unfortunately it is what it is in Mexico with their current legal system. People need to be thinking at all times and avoid even the hint of something that might be twisted to be bad. I do not want to hear stories of people saying that sometimes it is real hard to know if a girl is underage, if you have to guess then for sure they are too damn young period!!!! Keep your behavior in Mexico as you would here in the States, now how many men here would try taking pictures of other peoples kids in a store or offer money to them???? It is what it is and It is probably not good. Now, whether the elderly man knew what the other one was up to is anybody's guess. Later------------------------------- bajafun777

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 05:46 PM

The 25 dollar amount came from the perps own statement, not the young girls account.

Woooosh - 2-1-2009 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
An even better reason to have a dog. Although mine just might lick you to death! Still thinking about adding to our family. German Shepherd or Pitbull. Trained of course. I think I'm gonna need a bigger house.....

All dogs will bark. There are some loud and mean chihuahuas out there, and some mean little mexican dogs too.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 06:03 PM

I love dogs, have an uncanny ability to get even "vicious" dogs to like me and don't get intimidated easily by dogs. That having been said, my daughter's doberman still scares the crap out of me when I walk up to her front door and he barks at me suddenly through the window blinds. He really is a lovable dog but he makes as good a "first impression" as any dog I have seen...

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 06:36 PM

I like cats. Think that will help? :lol:

shari - 2-1-2009 at 08:09 PM

Could go either way...guilty as hell or totally innocent...but seems fishy to me and pretty dumb not to pay to get out of jail.

Now, this may be a bit off topic but I just wanted to mention a neat little scam that a girl/woman does here...this girl is from a...um...questionable mom...ie: mom has quite a rep for...um...well...lets say...does favors for pesos....now, her underage daughter is learning the ropes. Her scam is that she wades into the ocean with her clothes on....as most do...and when there are guys around...she starts flailing around like she's drowning and of course a guy goes to save her...then she screams and claims he was feeling her up....taking advantage of her...and he is accused of sexual abuse....and of course knows its easier to pay her some pesos rather than get reported...even if it didnt happen...

mexicans are wise to the scams...well at least they know that paying now rather than later saves $$$ in the long run....so watch out for this one amigos....never save a drowning girl.

JUST A POSSIBILITY. NOT A FACT YET!

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-1-2009 at 08:11 PM

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 08:37 PM

So, if I see a drowning girl, I'll pick up my phone and dial 060.

lizard lips - 2-1-2009 at 08:49 PM

Never believe anything you read. No one knows the real story except the son, mother and the young girl. We will never get to the truth so the only thing I get from all these posts is you all have way tooooo much time on your hands.

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Albondigales.

And furthermore, let's quit calling that place Algodones. gnukid has the proper pronunciation and spelling. After all, it is the meatball capitol of the world.

[Edited on 2-2-2009 by DENNIS]

BajaGringo - 2-2-2009 at 01:38 AM

I know Dennis - but it just sounds better...

:lol:

[Edited on 2-2-2009 by BajaGringo]

The Gull - 2-2-2009 at 07:11 AM

Pay the $2K to the mother.

gnukid - 2-2-2009 at 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Albondigales.

And furthermore, let's quit calling that place Algodones. gnukid has the proper pronunciation and spelling. After all, it is the meatball capitol of the world.

[Edited on 2-2-2009 by DENNIS]

That's why you need a dog there, because of the meatballs.

JESSE - 2-2-2009 at 05:12 PM

25 bucks for a pic of a girl, makes no sense what so ever.

BajaGringo - 2-2-2009 at 05:35 PM

I like David's idea. Have the perps take a lie detector test and see if they can pass it...

Bajahowodd - 2-2-2009 at 05:44 PM

I have to conclude that after all this time, there must be a great deal of activity behind the scenes. Like a mentioned in a prior post, there absolutely must be communication being carried out between law enforcement on both sides of the border. If I had to hazard a guess, I would bet on the U.S. authorities obtaining warrants and gaining access to personal property, including computers owned by these two guys. This cannot be happening in a vacuum.

BajaGringo - 2-2-2009 at 05:48 PM

It would be interesting to know...

DENNIS - 2-2-2009 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I have to conclude that after all this time, there must be a great deal of activity behind the scenes. Like a mentioned in a prior post, there absolutely must be communication being carried out between law enforcement on both sides of the border. If I had to hazard a guess, I would bet on the U.S. authorities obtaining warrants and gaining access to personal property, including computers owned by these two guys. This cannot be happening in a vacuum.

I don't think there's much, if any, cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in cases like this.....or any other for that matter that don't have cross border implications. Even the U.S. embassy is impotent with Mexican law enforcement and their god-awful system of justice.
Besides, your proposal that the U.S. do legwork in the states sounds like a whole bunch of illegal search and seizure. Why would we break our laws to assist a judicial system that has brutalized everybody in their path for five hundred years.

[Edited on 2-3-2009 by DENNIS]

letter to the editor, yumasun

desertcpl - 2-3-2009 at 08:30 AM

Comments 6 | Recommend 1
February 2, 2009 - 7:24 PM
Calling all Americans, we need your help. I am just another winter visitor who spends a lot of money on medicine and dental services in Algodones. We have fellow Americans being held in jail in Mexicali, having been transferred from Algodones to Mexicali after having been declared "not guilty" by a judge in Algodones.

What is going on here? It seems mighty suspicious that a 40-year-old man and his 88-year-old grandfather would be asking children to pose in the nude when the mother allowed the family to be photographed together and accepted $25 from the Americans for the privilege of taking the photo.

According to the sister of the younger American, there were no nude pictures, just pictures of everyday life in Algodones, pictures of the family in the store, pictures of the Americans, vendors, etc.

Why were the men transferred to Mexicali after being told they would be released the following day? It is time for all Americans, and especially the winter visitors who go across the border for meds and dental care to boycott Algodones and any other Mexican border town, and obtain the services needed right here in the U.S.A.

Sure, we will all pay more for needed medications, etc., but at least we will not be putting ourselves in a position to be exploited by the Mexican government. Right here in Yuma, we have excellent restaurants and hometown activities and here we do not have to be afraid of being charged with a crime we did not commit.

Americans, boycott Algodones, and Mexico in general. We all know Algodones will have to close their doors if we stand together. Stand together and let's get these men out of jail. Stay away from Mexico.

I thank The Sun for bringing this story to light.

--

DENNIS - 2-3-2009 at 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
Americans, boycott Algodones, and Mexico in general. We all know Algodones will have to close their doors if we stand together. Stand together and let's get these men out of jail. Stay away from Mexico.

--

If we were a country known for its solidarity, you might get a positive reaction to your request. Unfortunatly, we are a nation of three hundred million individuals, most of which wont get involved in anything that doesn't directly involve themselves.
This issue has been beat up here in the past but, I'm glad you brought it up again. We need a reminder of our deficiencies.

desertcpl - 2-3-2009 at 09:07 AM

now I didnt write the letter,, it was printed in todays paper

Woooosh - 2-3-2009 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

good point. It also seems that Mexican tourism could completely go away and this country still couldn't improve it's judicial systems to save itself. Not because they don't want to- it's because they can't find the will to. IMHO

Bajahowodd - 2-3-2009 at 12:21 PM

There are so many factual inconsistencies. The letter posted by desertcpl cites that a judge declared them not guilty. However, wasn't it the mayor who supposedly uttered such? I didn't think a town mayor would have any judicial standing.

Other than a letter writing campaign in the local paper, what else has this family attempted? Have they called Flake's or McCain' offices?

We speculate here with what is simultaneously a surfeit and a dearth of valid information.

BajaGringo - 2-3-2009 at 12:22 PM

I still say they should just take offer to take a polygraph. Would sure make me more sympathetic to their plight if they could pass one...

:rolleyes:

DENNIS - 2-3-2009 at 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
I still say they should just take offer to take a polygraph. Would sure make me more sympathetic to their plight if they could pass one...

Years back, an aquaintance who was a retiring police chief of South Gate was being given a guided tour of the Ensenada police station when one of the guides opened the door to a small room with a car battery connected to I think a coil or something like that. The guide told the US cop that it was their lie detector. They all laughed.

[Edited on 2-3-2009 by DENNIS]

Bajahowodd - 2-3-2009 at 01:06 PM

Those old-fashioned appliances. Worked forever.

BajaGringo - 2-3-2009 at 06:28 PM

Worked for me. How do you think I got this current hairdo???

:biggrin:

bajabound2005 - 2-3-2009 at 06:58 PM

bajagringo: I liked your old avatar better...this one is just....weird.

BajaGringo - 2-3-2009 at 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
bajagringo: I liked your old avatar better...this one is just....weird.

I can't seem to make everybody happy. Some tell me they LIKE this one better. Go figure.

What can I do anyway? This is the REAL me....

:?:

Sharksbaja - 2-3-2009 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

What can I do anyway? This is the REAL me....
:?:

Mow yer head?

BajaGringo - 2-3-2009 at 08:43 PM

And ruin a perfectly good lawnmower???

Woooosh - 2-3-2009 at 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
And ruin a perfectly good lawnmower???

what more damage could a weed-wacker do?

:biggrin:

BajaGringo - 2-3-2009 at 09:19 PM

Thought about a weed whacker until I saw this...

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/559264/

Woooosh - 2-3-2009 at 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Thought about a weed whacker until I saw this...

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/559264/

ewww. I thought I had learned not to click on those.

Bajahowodd - 2-4-2009 at 12:24 AM

Glad to see that the video was shot at Fox, so this thread has not gone off topic.

BajaGringo - 2-4-2009 at 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Thought about a weed whacker until I saw this...

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/559264/

ewww. I thought I had learned not to click on those.

Bajahowodd - 2-15-2009 at 04:24 PM

Just wondering what all happened here? There's a sort of companion thread involving the two U.S. sailors and the prostitutes in TJ. What strikes me is that the sailors were closely monitored by Navy officials, even as they were transferred to prison in DF. So, I can't imagine that our two hotshots from Yuma have disappeared off the face of the earth. Anyone have an update. click

BajaGringo - 2-16-2009 at 12:49 PM

Here is something I found online with an interesting opinion on the case. Makes a lot of sense...

Two Foreigners Jailed in Los Algodones

CaboRon - 2-16-2009 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Here is something I found online with an interesting opinion on the case. Makes a lot of sense...

Two Foreigners Jailed in Los Algodones

Bajagringo,

Well written blog ....

The guy was either a pervert or very, very stupid.

CaboRon

Bajahowodd - 2-16-2009 at 01:36 PM

I don't think it's an either/ or situation. He's both. To leave his name and phone number? I think it's a case of cultural prejudice by a stupid perv.

BajaGringo - 2-16-2009 at 02:24 PM

It is really sad if poor old grandpa is going to have to pay for his sins...

Bajahowodd - 2-16-2009 at 02:45 PM

Maybe they think the old guy is the Mexican equivalent of a material witness. (especially since no one thinks he's involved in any wrongdoing)

Also note that the blog is two weeks old. So, basically nothing has come forth on this for awhile.

[Edited on 2-16-2009 by Bajahowodd]

Oso - 2-16-2009 at 03:38 PM

The last time I started to take a picture of anyone in Mexico, it was the guy in the Aztec getup at the blowhole. Before I could snap it, he demanded a dollar. I said gracias and passed.

today in the yumasun

desertcpl - 2-27-2009 at 08:31 AM

Release granted for winter visitor detained in Mexico
Comments 3 | Recommend 1
But Washington man says he's not leaving without his grandson
February 26, 2009 - 6:50 PM
BY GEOVANA RUANO FONSECA
An 88-year-old Yuma winter visitor has been approved for release from the Mexican prison where he has been held with his grandson, a Mexican judge said.

Whether Edward Chrisman was actually free could not be immediately confirmed Thursday by The Sun.

Chrisman, a winter visitor from Washington state, and his grandson, Gary Lee Chrisman Jr., a 40-year-old Yuman, were arrested in January by police in Los Algodones, Baja Calif., based on allegations that Gary Lee Chrisman Jr. had offered to pay two minors to pose for a nude photograph.

Judge Sandra Sofia Rubio of Court of First Instance in Ciudad Morelos, Baja Calif., who is presiding over the case, confirmed that an amparo had been secured for Edward Chrisman allowing his release from the Centro de Readaptacion Social prison in Mexicali. An amparo is a legal protection offered in the Mexican judicial system that grants defendants freedom from incarceration pending a court date.

She declined to comment further on the case, but Hector Guzman Hernandez, the Algodones municipal delegate, said the elder Chrisman does not plan to leave the prison without an amparo being issued for his grandson's release as well.

Family members either could not be reached for comment by The Sun or declined to comment. The attorney for the Chrismans also could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Family members of the Chrismans previously have denied the allegations, saying Gary Chrisman Jr. had brought a camera to Mexico to take cultural pictures but that he never made any request to photograph two girls, ages 13 and 17, nude. He and his grandfather were arrested on allegations by one of the girls and by the mother of the other.

See archived 'News' stories »

avid - 2-27-2009 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbbait

The new road from El Golfo to Rocky Point is finished and the distance between the two towns is about 85 miles. This makes a nice shortcut and really opens it up for travelers heading to Rocky Point from Yuma and points west. We are from Blythe and it knocked at least a hundred miles off, of the route thru Ajo and Sonoita. Beautiful views of the gulf and the eastern Baja coastline, from Mexicali to Puertecitos. I will post some photos as soon as I figure it out, maybe Biglar will see this and come up front and help me!

Thanks for this report and I am looking forward to the photos.

[Edited on 2-27-2009 by avid]

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