Below is an email received by David Unze of the St. Cloud Times from Judge Michael Jesse, who presided at a hearing Nov. 25 in Benton County. He sent it to Mr. Unze within 45 minutes or so of the hearing ending.
“Hello Dave – just wanted to let you know from my perspective, the cameras in the courtroom experience this afternoon went very smoothly and unobtrusively. I appreciate all of your effort to make sure it would happen this way. From what I can tell, the attorneys were also very satisfied with everything. Defense counsel initially wanted the camera placement to be back in the audience where the public generally sits, but I told them I authorized camera presence in the jury box and counsel said they understood.
“Please share this with whomever you wish. I have no hesitation in repeating this experience again.
“Thank you for your help.”