“A lot of ordinary people have looked at this and said, ‘this is outrageous,’” says Barbara Latrell, a Sedona community leader who is advocating to appeal Roberts’ convictions. “Many people are saying ‘this could be me,’ and they see it as an over-exaggerated use of police force.”
Supporters have launched a statewide campaign called “A Woman’s Right to Light” and want Arizona law changed to assure this doesn’t happen to another frightened woman, whether on a lonely rural road or a dark urban street. Supporters also are trying to raise money for an appeal – if the felony conviction stands, Roberts’ life is ruined.
“I became a citizen in 2006, and the first thing I did was register to vote,” Roberts says. “Now I can’t vote again.”
The felony also means she likely can’t use the nursing degree she’s pursuing at Yavapai College.
Roberts could have avoided all this if she’d taken the two plea deals. If she’d just pled guilty – letting the sheriff’s office save face – the felonies would have gone away.
“But I did not want to plead guilty because I did nothing wrong,” she says.
Anyone as outraged as I am should check out the Website devoted to Roberts’ cause: awomansrighttolight.com. And if you’ve got a couple extra dollars, Roberts’ appeal fund could use it.
— Jana Bommersbach can be reached at phxmag@citieswestpub.com.
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