White House puts a price on justice in local murder case

If Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins and members of his staff are forced to go to Brazil to try Claudia Hoerig for the murder of her husband, Karl of Newton Falls, the federal government should be made to foot the bill.

Why? Because the Bush administration has refused to force Brazil to extradite Mrs. Hoerig to Trumbull County to stand trial — even though the South American nation has an extradition treaty with the United States.

The administration’s posture has deprived Karl Hoerig’s family of their day in court. In addition, the White House has clearly signaled that when it comes to America’s trading partners, money is the root of all policy.

That’s unfortunate, because such an attitude will embolden other foreign countries that have extradition treaties with the U.S. to become safe havens for their citizens (even those with dual citizenship like Claudia Hoerig) accused of committing serious crimes in this country.

Ever since Karl Hoerig, a commercial pilot and a highly decorated major in the Air Force Reserves, was found dead in his home on March 12, 2007, his wife has been the only person of interest. That’s because she flew the coop — literally. She used her husband’s Southwest Airlines pass to fly to New York City, and then took a flight to Brazil. She left her 2001 BMW at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Grand jury indictment

Prosecutor Watkins has been tireless in his effort to bring her to justice. She has been indicted by a Trumbull County grand jury on a charge of aggravated murder with a gun specification.

There are many telltale signs that serve to implicate her, such as her buying a .357-caliber handgun just two days before the murder and his telling friends that the marriage was over and he was planning to move out of the house.

But the most compelling reason for going after her is the fact that she fled the country and has not chosen to return — even after the Brazilian government was informed of the criminal charges against her.

The Bush’s administration’s refusal to take any action against Brazil for not living up to the terms of the extradition treaty is unconscionable and unacceptable.

U.S. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, has tried to reason with the State Department and with officials of the Brazilian embassy, but to no avail.

His attempt to force the issue by pushing legislation that would impose economic sanctions against Brazil has failed to yield results.

Thus, the Trumbull County prosecutor is now considering the possibility of Claudia Hoerig being tried in Brazil. That would necessitate his traveling to South America with members of his staff.

It would be an expensive proposition and Congressman Ryan should make it clear to the White House the federal government would be expected to bear the cost.

The taxpayers of Trumbull County should not have to pay for a lack of action by the Bush administration.

Watkins has written a letter to a prosecutor in Brazil asking for Claudia’s Hoerig’s return to the United States. He also wants a copy of Brazil’s law that would support the government’s contention that the country’s constitution does not permit extradition of a Brazilian citizen to stand trial outside the country.

We urge the state department to lend its authority to Watkins’ attempt to get a legal clarification from the Brazilians.