False Accusations

by Alan Jacobson

  For a peek at recently released and new, soon-to-be released Alan Jacobson novels, go to www.alanjacobson.com/books.html.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  A book of this nature required input and technical information that could only be provided by those practicing in the field. Sincere thanks goes to Victor Reeve, manager of the California Criminalists Institute (CCI), and Fred Tulleners, program manager of the CCI, for allowing me extensive use of the Bureau of Forensic Services Library, as well as for permitting me to audit the classes and labs reserved for criminalists, FBI agents, sheriffs, and other law enforcement personnel.

  Thanks as well to Nancy Edralin of the Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, for helping me establish contacts within the many departments of the Division of Law Enforcement. Terry Spear at CCI kindly counseled me on the intricacies of DNA testing. John Dehaan, Impression and Arson analyst at CCI, assisted me with the fine points of lip print analysis. Chuck Jones, Manager of the Attorney General’s Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Operations Unit, provided information on the process involving impropriety and penal code violations relative to the California State Crime Lab. Criminalist Mike Saggs assisted me with information on blood alcohol clearance rates.

  Thanks also to Special Investigator John McVey of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office for his time and information. In New York, Police Officer Norene Murray graciously expounded the workings and structure of the New York City Crime Lab and its forensic investigators.

  Extensive assistance was provided by Professor Joshua Dressler, McGeorge School of Law, who literally wrote the book(s) on criminal procedure. I thank him for the many hours he afforded me.

  Also at McGeorge, Professor Joseph Taylor, former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County and former Supervising Deputy District Attorney for Ventura County, provided valuable insight into the mind of a prosecutor. His prompt, helpful replies to my endless follow-up phone calls and e-mails were very much appreciated.

  In addition, thanks to Michael Sands, McGeorge’s former Director of The Center for Legal Advocacy and a criminal defense attorney with invaluable experience in high-profile cases, helped me view the case from a defendant's perspective. He devoted many hours to this project, including reviewing and critiquing the manuscript. Without Don Aron, Esq., I wouldn’t have made the acquaintance of the above professionals.

  Paul Joncich, anchor-reporter for KOVR-TV, gave me a no-holds-barred behind-the-scenes look at television news reporting. To a first-class individual and a top-rate newscaster, thank you. Additionally, thanks to Perry Ginsberg, Esq. whose concern, lawyerly advice and friendship I will always value; to John Lewis, who stood beside me as only a true friend would; and to David Altman, M.D., who without exception made himself available to answer any questions I had at the time.

  Thanks as well to those people who have offered their time, contacts, and expertise in helping me navigate the turbulent waters of the publishing world: author Marion Rosen, Fred Bissinger, Norman Fassler-Katz, and Claude Choquette. I would like to extend a special thanks to Robert Youdelman, Esq., a truly gentle man whose assistance and work on my behalf I will always remember. To Colin Swift, thanks for your encouragement and unending support. And to Steve Gold, a good friend with a heart like his name…a long time ago you tried to expand my horizons—and years later you did so again by sending me my first copy of The Writers Market…(from all of us at The Shea), thanks.

  I would like to express my sincere thanks as well to Justin Manus, Esq., and Canadian barrister Timothy S. Ellam, of McCarthy Tetrault.

  Thanks also to Emily Bestler, my editor at Pocket Books, who added polish in just the right places to help make this novel shine.

  All writers need a “sounding board” in whom they can trust and believe. My wife Jill fills that need and has sat (and sometimes stood over my shoulder) and listened, debated, and insisted at times...but I always knew that her only goal was to improve the manuscript. To my soul mate, thanks for being beside, behind, and in front of me. You made it all bearable. Further, all of the material regarding the Consortium for Citizens With Mental Retardation is based upon information provided by Jill, a special education teacher and resource specialist who holds a Masters in Education.

  And finally, heartfelt thanks to Jillian Manus, my agent at the time that False Accusations debuted. Jillian is so full of energy I sincerely believe that if she were an automobile, other cars would be able to run on the fumes she leaves in her wake.

  Errors of fact, if any exist in the book, are strictly my own responsibility, and should not reflect on any of the esteemed professionals noted above.

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  20110712