Jan 26, 2015 2 min read

I read with disgust the Jan. 20 letter from Bob Sabot about the decision by Washington County Common Pleas Judge Valarie Costanzo not to accept the plea agreement of Joshua Rush, a Washington police officer. What does Sabot feel would be a fair and just punishment?

In August, we were singing Rush’s praises for a job well done in the apprehension of two men accused of stealing tools in Canton Township. We also put in countless hours and tireless work with the Washington Country Drug Task Force. Rush sacrificed his safety to ensure ours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon his return, Rush remained in the reserves and could often be seen coaching his daughter’s soccer games before heading to the base for the weekend. Let us remember all these things about Rush, for it is not one thing that makes up the man.

Rush made a mistake when he allegedly tipped off a prostitute about an impending sting. No blood was shed, no lives were lost and no bodily injury occurred. What did occur was this: a career was lost; friendships faded; relationships were broken; and a young family was cast into the public eye to be scrutinized and judged. Had the plea bargain been accepted, I find it difficult to believe that Rush would have gotten away with a slap on the wrist. The punishment that Rush endures expands far beyond what you will ever read in the newspaper.

It is the written word of our ultimate judge that teaches us how to treat others: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Leslie Rodd

Canonsburg