A point of correction
Michelle A. Bianchi Parker, Hayes & Lovinger, P. C.
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Opinion
Editor's Note: In the Oct. 22 issue of The Collegian, a story about Hillsdale's mayoral race included inaccurate comments from candidate Doug Moon relating to current Mayor Michael Sessions. The following letter from Sessions' attorney corrects these inaccuracies.
I was delighted to pick up the most recent copy of the Collegian and see an article regarding the City's upcoming mayoral election. Accurately and succinctly informing the electorate of the candidates' positions on issues facing candidates running for office is one of the critical roles of the media in modern society.
Unfortunately, however, what began as an excellent article regarding the two city mayoral candidates wholly deteriorated when Doug Moon's discussion of the rezoning of the area surrounding the hospital inexplicably segued into an inaccurate rehashing of the legal charges that were brought against Michael Sessions at the request of Brandon Thomas in 2007.
In an effort to correct the inaccuracies once and for all, I represented Michael, and these are the facts as I know them:
1. Michael sessions and Brandon Thomas were high school friends.
2. They were close enough friends that they were aware of the other's passwords.
3. Michael did not "hack" into Brandon's computer.
4. Michael did not affect Brandon's AIM account in any way.
5. Michael did delete Brandon's "My Space" account.
6. Michael did send e-mails to campus authorities and to Brandon's mother (essentially alleging that Brandon was not going to class, was a womanizer and was drunk most of the time).
7. Eastern Michigan University campus police traced the e-mail messages to Michael Sessions simply by using the computer's IP address (Internet protocol address).
8. Brandon Thomas did not have the authority to drop any charges against Michael Sessions, only the Prosecutor possessed that authority.
9. Michael Sessions' inappropriate use of Brandon's password did not cause physical damage to Brandon Thomas' computer.(Michael has surmised that, after the Eastern Michigan University Police investigation of Brandon's computer, software that had been pirated was no longer functional.)
I was delighted to pick up the most recent copy of the Collegian and see an article regarding the City's upcoming mayoral election. Accurately and succinctly informing the electorate of the candidates' positions on issues facing candidates running for office is one of the critical roles of the media in modern society.
Unfortunately, however, what began as an excellent article regarding the two city mayoral candidates wholly deteriorated when Doug Moon's discussion of the rezoning of the area surrounding the hospital inexplicably segued into an inaccurate rehashing of the legal charges that were brought against Michael Sessions at the request of Brandon Thomas in 2007.
In an effort to correct the inaccuracies once and for all, I represented Michael, and these are the facts as I know them:
1. Michael sessions and Brandon Thomas were high school friends.
2. They were close enough friends that they were aware of the other's passwords.
3. Michael did not "hack" into Brandon's computer.
4. Michael did not affect Brandon's AIM account in any way.
5. Michael did delete Brandon's "My Space" account.
6. Michael did send e-mails to campus authorities and to Brandon's mother (essentially alleging that Brandon was not going to class, was a womanizer and was drunk most of the time).
7. Eastern Michigan University campus police traced the e-mail messages to Michael Sessions simply by using the computer's IP address (Internet protocol address).
8. Brandon Thomas did not have the authority to drop any charges against Michael Sessions, only the Prosecutor possessed that authority.
9. Michael Sessions' inappropriate use of Brandon's password did not cause physical damage to Brandon Thomas' computer.(Michael has surmised that, after the Eastern Michigan University Police investigation of Brandon's computer, software that had been pirated was no longer functional.)
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
imbrandonthomas
Brandon Thomas
posted 10/30/09 @ 2:32 PM EST
First of all, why are still talking about this? Also, this article is MOSTLY half-truths and inaccuracies. Another thing, I have completely forgiven Michael, so please let it go people. (Continued…)
Jim Pruitt
posted 10/31/09 @ 8:37 PM EST
Mr. Sessions tried to do community service at a place of his choosing. When the prosecutor learned of this he set up the senior center arrangement.
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