Ashli Ford's attorney criticizes reporter in email response
Responds to questions about sharing photos of a child-rape victim without addressing legal or ethical concerns it raises
SANDUSKY — Ashli Ford recently shared graphic photos of a 5-year-old rape victim on social media, saying she had “accepted” the case as an advocate.
I asked her attorney, Peter Pattakos, about the legality and ethics of these posts, including whether they constitute protected speech under the First Amendment. Pattakos responded in writing but did not provide substantive answers to the questions.
WATCH: ‘Freedom isn’t free.’ Peter Pattakos live from the Erie County Courthouse
Questions sent to Pattakos on Wednesday
Dear Peter,
It came to my attention that your client, Ashli Ford, has shared photos of a 5-year-old rape victim on her Facebook page. She also stated that she “accepted this case.” Are you familiar with this, and are you able to comment on it?
State law prohibits revealing the identity of sexual-assault victims, and it’s highly unusual to see such images posted publicly. Do you condone this action, and have you spoken with Ms. Ford about it?
