The Des Moines Register Saturday, May 25, 1996, Page 10A. letters@dmreg.com The Register's Readers Say Trimble sentence a travesty of justice Is it any wonder that we continue to have a drug problem when the judges refuse to sentence the school drug officer to prison for illegal drug activity? Is our judicial system committed to expanding drug usage by sentencing James Trimble to probation despite his visible position in the drug discouragement (supposedly) process? What a terrible example this sets for our young people. - Murl 0. Black, 1199 Fifth St., Lohrville. I've heard of diplomatic immunity, but I've never heard of police immunity. You mean to tell me that what James Trimble did to the children of Urbandale by "not doing what he said" is not punishable by more than a $l,000 fine and 100 hours of community service? Where will be do his community service - in the Urbandale schools? This man could have been made an example of for the children he deceived. Now he is an example of what it means "to get away with it." - Lorraine Powell, 211 Seventh St., Nevada. The next time any of us wonders why there is steady moral decay in our country, all we have to do is look back at Judge Leo Oxberger's decision in the case of ex-Urbandale Police Officer James Trimble. This decision was a mockery of our system of justice. Not only did Trimble break numerous laws, he broke the public trust. He worked with kids in an anti-drug campaign. Now he has to do 100 hours of community service, again telling kids the "evils" of drug use. Judge Oxberger's decision further erodes the public trust. - Ron Nesbit, 1816 79th St., Des Moines. The sentencing of James Trimble was such a travesty of justice. Judge Leo Oxberger said because Trimble was not on duty, he would sentence him as an average citizen. Now, many "average" citizens are in prison for using illegal drugs, let alone being a police officer who stole drugs from the police department with the intent to use and sell (i.e. deal). The sentence Trimble received was just this side of nothing. The "average" law-abiding citizen works more than 100 hours in a two-week period making an honest living. And, in this day and age, what is $1,000? What complete hypocrisy serving 100 hours of community service by going into schools and telling students that drugs are wrong. Wasn't that Trimble's job at the time of his arrest? No thank you; I don't want this man in the same town as my children, let alone going back into the schools to tell them using drugs is "wrong." - Cleoda M. Mikesch, 2419 Tomlin Ln., Des Moines. I was sickened and appalled over the sentencing of former Urbandale Police Officer James Trimble. How can such a sentencing be justified? Would he have received such a sentence had he been a poor white or minority represented by a public defender? What message does this sentencing send to the public about the importance of public trust, the abuse of drugs and hypocrisy? It is true, as stated by Judge Leo 0xberger, that the defendant has lost much. But can you imagine the impact his crime had on the young people in Urbandale, the police department and the public's faith in the system as a whole? The judge's reasoning is warped and amazing. If the president of a bank stole $5 million from the bank because of his position and the trust of the bank customers, should he receive the same sentencing as a person who attempts to pass a check at the bank? I think not. It amazes me that members of the judiciary and other political persons want the citizens to believe that the system works the same for all people who are involved in it. This is obviously not the case. Frankly, I am getting sick and tired of it all! We need more responsible judges. - Lynne Harrell, 4206 S.E. Fourth Ct., Des Moines.