The folks supporting this are as out of touch as the guys running the National Football League Players Association. Sheesh...

Oh Geez, here I go. You know I can't resist playing devil's advocate Dave. I'm also a sucker for folks who hit hard times, had a few myself over the years.

What Lasseter did was certainly wrong and deserves to be punished, and will be. But in the big scheme of things it appears to be fairly small potatoes compared to most political corruption, including the financial shenanigans of our current Governor, Nathan Deal.

From what I know of Lasseter's past there doesn't appear to be a pattern of corruption that funded any lavish lifestyle. In fact it appears that Lasseter served her community humbly and honorably for many years before making what was obviously a very bad decision. So if some of her friends want to raise money to help her out, what's the big deal? I don't see where that's any of our business.

Brian, consider the implications of your statements.You're essentially saying that if a public official engages in illegal activity and pleads guilty or is found guilty of committing a crime, it's really no big deal if in involves "small potatoes"-- and that it's "the right thing to do" for friends to raise money to pay for the legal representation which will be able to do little more than petition for minimal penalties.

well said Dave

It sounds like she pled guilty because she was caught red handed. Not because she was taking the high road. The FBI has her on tape and heard by an undercover agent that she was fine with helping more drugs come to Gwinnett. Not to mention the money laundering and other gangster activity she was willing to bring to our doorstep. The children that could have been in danger or even killed by this is obvious. It's sad that people would forgive that willie nillie like that wasn't part of the equation. The bottom line is she was willing to allow drug dealers to murder children so she could get money. There is no other way to look at this. The fact that Danny Porter was willing to turn this over to the feds speaks volumes about his integrity. If you knew me personally you'd know that opinion doesn't come easily to me. That was a tough decision for him that was selfless. It will be interesting to see how her "talking" reveals more about other problems we have.

This county needs a enema ! go into that little booth and let it rip ! and dont forget to wash your hands !

Seems to me corruption is corruption no matter how big or small. If you'll compromise a little today, you'll compromise a lot tomorrow. Your conscience gets a little more seared each time you do. My line of work brings me in contact with criminals; even gang members, and among them are some really nice people. I've come to like a lot of them and show them the same respect that I would show anyone else. But while nice and likeable, still criminals in the eyes of the laws that they have broken.
When you make excuses for her, ask youself this question: How many did NOT compromise? How many are still serving the people that elected them? Excuses, excuses, excuses. Sounds like some are saying, "Well, yeah, I broke into the house but I only stole $25 worth of stuff. It could have been $2500". Give me a break.
I agree, let people raise money and give all the support they feel is necessary; not our business to judge what they do. In the end, it comes down to what a judge says anyway.

Someone help me here....falling on hard times? $30,000 a year (and part time at that)? That's more than I make. Not an excuse. Good gosh, I remember trying to raise 3 kids on a salary in the low twenty thousands. Just reduced living expectations such as eating beans 3 times a week, not going out often, and shopping thrift stores. Nope. compromise once, you'll do it again and again. In the end, you have betrayed the people who trusted you.

Hello People,
What would the tone of these comments be if the person that started the bank account had entitled it "Food, Shelter, & Utilities Fund" instead of the "Legal Defense Fund"? Would there even have been an "Opinion" article even written? Not all human beings forget what was taught in church on Sunday as soon as they put their key in the car's ignition.

Rosemary Vollmar

She should have set aside some of her "bride" money for the eventual defense it would require! There are consequences to choices.

If people want to donate to her defense, no skin off my nose. She admitted her guilt, and will serve her time. There really isn't much more to add.

Dave, totally agree with you. I guess I was saying that it is their right, just as you said, but it is also our right to expose it and let it be known to the public (maybe I should have added that). Personally, when a person has taken bribes, I'd be pretty embarrassed to be among those raising money for her. From the christian perspective, many get this one wrong. Pray for her, give her moral support, and be kind to her (in hopes that she will turn it around) but nowhere does it say defend her actions. In fact, I can show them where it says that you become a party to someone's sin yourself when you do. Forgiveness is one thing, but excusing actions is another. Totally differnent things.
I've been poor and without food as well but did not steal. I doubt this woman was without food. It appears that she wanted a more lavish lifestyle without considering that her way of obtaining it is to let a criminal element into my neighborhood and my children's schools.There are much better people out there to serve our community. Let's elect them.

Apparently Lasseter has friends who are willing and able to help financially. So why didn't she avail herself of those resources rather than choosing the criminal path. One obvious answer is that she chose her pride over her ethics and morals. We can forgive the sinner without excusing the sin.
I also have to wonder about her ethics in appointing her son to the Zoning Board of Appeals. REALLY?!? - does Gwinnett County not have an anti-nepotism policy??? Obviously relying on our elected officials to do the right thing hasn't been working out too well.

Not quite big enough for an episode on CNBC series Money and Greed, but ya gotta wonder who/what triggered and FBI sting. Seems like going after what appears to be a down on their luck public servant is a little too easy. Yeah appointing her son is a dumb move as is compromising your supposed values and falling for the trap, but it really smells funny...is this to deflect attention from the bigger fish?