Pursuit of Justice?

At what point does pursuit of justice become harassment?

Nancy Mason's death was deemed an accident until many months later when, suddenly, the Sheriff's department and others labeled Dan Mason as a murderer. No evidence supports this allegation.

Dan Mason and Mr Gallegos have answered the same questions over and over again since the event. Nothing changed in their description of what had happened and no substantial inconsistencies were uncovered.

Dan Mason's house and vehicle were searched and no evidence to support the allegation of murder was found. Three computers used for running Dan's businesses were removed and not returned. While no evidence was found, false allegations leaked to the press that someone had used a search engine from one of the computers to search for "How to make a bomb". This false allegation was later changed to the more sensational "How to kill a person".

While due diligence in the pursuit of justice is understandable and even admirable, at some point a line can be crossed. Every time that line is crossed, it threatens the civil liberties of each of us.

The Sheriff’s Department told employers that Mr Gallegos and Dan Mason were murderers. They made the same allegations to Dan Mason's doctor and neighbors. Friends and family received phone warnings that Dan Mason was a dangerous murderer. Without a trial, a hearing, an arrest or even any hard evidence, they told people that Dan Mason was a murderer. Dan Mason may not have been convicted in the courts but he was convicted in their minds. As a result, they pressed this unsubstantiated “verdict” on all who would listen.

The hood ornaments on both of Dan Mason's vehicles were at one time broken off and replaced with a detective's business card with the words "Catch you later, Dan!" written on the back.

Every time Dan Mason had to move, he was accused in the press of "running away". The first time, he and thirteen other investors in a business in Colorado decided to relocate it to Atlanta, Georgia. This was hardly a surreptitious move as it involved a 17 foot Ryder truck with a tow trolley rented in Dan Mason's name. Nevertheless, articles were placed in numerous newspapers claiming that he had "fled from justice and was now running from the law."

When their business in Atlanta failed and many of these thirteen individuals cut their investment losses and went elsewhere for work, it was again put reported through public newspapers that Dan Mason was on the run. When Dan temporarily relocated to West Texas to care for his elderly and dying mother in her last days, he was accused in the media again of "running away". Due to an accident, Dan Mason underwent an arm and shoulder reconstruction and relocated to Dallas to undergo at least five more surgical procedures over a period of three years. Nevertheless, he was accused of "running away" to Dallas as well.

Over and over again, false information has been leaked to the media and fictional "reenactments" have been staged. Yet two separate district attorneys have concluded that there is no real evidence to indicate the death of Nancy Mason was anything more than an accident. Despite the fact that no charges have ever been filed, these tactics have ensured that two men accused of a very serious crime can never get a fair trial or even live a normal life without the stigma of “murderer”.

You are a murderer

Imagine that someone you love dies accidentally when you're both on a fishing trip with a friend. Imagine that you try to save your loved one but you're too late. Imagine that you're racked with grief and "what-ifs" about the situation. Imagine that everyone at the time (including the coroner) agrees that it is an accident.

Then imagine that you're accused of killing that person that you loved. Imagine you're called a murderer and hounded wherever you go. Imagine that no evidence is ever found to support any other verdict than an accident, but for over five years people twist the facts, calling your friends, family and employers to tell them you are a "murderer".

I know someone who has experienced this first hand. Dan Mason's wife died in a tragic accident while they were fishing with a friend. Dan suffered from hypothermia and shock as a result of trying unsuccessfully to save her. Everyone who arrived on the scene agreed that this was an accident. The coroner ruled her death an accident. In keeping with her wishes, Nancy Mason's body was cremated. It was all over except for the grieving and pain.

But it wasn't over.

The emotions of Nancy Mason’s family grew in grief, and the need to blame someone became overwhelming. So when a long-time, wealthy, personal adversary became involved, accusations began to fly and a private investigation was financed. While not successful in providing proof of any misdeeds, this privately-funded investigation did manage to produce large quantities of suspicion, propaganda, and political pressure.

Colorado District Attorneys from the 11th Judicial District have instructed authorities that “there was and is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution”. Nevertheless, this advice has been continually ignored and Dan Mason has suffered from slander and harassment to such a degree that his professional life and his personal life are in shambles.

How long could you hold a job if people came to your employers and told them you were a murderer? How many of your family and friends would stand by you if they received calls stating, “This man is very dangerous and you should never be alone with him. Dan Mason is a murderer and you will be the next victim.” How would your reputation stand up to stories in the press painting you as a murderer?