ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA – Soon wives could receive letters from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department letting them know when their husbands are arrested for soliciting prostitutes.
“I don’t think it’s people’s right to do that. I really don’t,” said Trishanne LaFreniere, a woman who opposes the letter.
“She has the right to know,” said Laurie Thuma, who likes the idea of alerting wives. “This impacts her on many levels, including her health.”
Even the men in Escambia County can’t seem to agree whether or not the letter is a good idea.
“This letter’s making you guilty before you get your day in court,” emphasized Jeff Hughes. “You need therapy. You need help. You don’t need to be lambasted by your wife.”
“She should know,” countered Mark Thuma. “The sooner the better, so she can make her own decisions.”
Lt. Pat Spears says the department is still working out all of the legal issues involved, but she says their motive is to protect the women who could become innocent victims.
“We’re not trying to break up homes or tear up marriages,” explained Lt. Spears. “What we’re trying to do is a safety issue; warning women what this guy could be taking home.”
Spears says some of the prostitutes in this area are HIV positive, yet they still work the streets.
She says deputies will always patrol problem areas.
They’re hoping wives can patrol the home front.
