Published: March 05, 2006 04:15 pm      

Henderson supports Faith

Camm family unhappy with former prosecutor

BOONVILLE — Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson hopes David Camm’s second conviction lifts any allegations that former prosecutor Stan Faith acted unethically during the first trial in 2002.

“Hopefully this puts an end to that kind of speculation,” Henderson said in a press conference immediately following the verdict. “I said I was going to look at this case with fresh eyes. It’s common that we both came to the same conclusion. I think what they did was correct, and I think what we did was correct.”

The allegations are based on the testimony of Lynn Scamahorn, a civilian DNA analyst for the Indiana State Police crime lab. She testified during Camm’s second trial that Faith tried to intimidate her during his 2000 investigation of the murders. In particular, he threatened to fire her and to charge her with obstruction of justice if she didn’t report finding Camm’s DNA on a sweatshirt found at the murder scene.

In a press conference during the final hours of the jury’s deliberation, Henderson said, “There is no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing here,” and stressed that his office had no plans to file any criminal charges against Faith.

Camm’s lead defense attorney, Katharine “Kitty” Liell, took issue with Henderson’s comments in another press conference just hours before the guilty verdict was read, saying “lawyers are supposed to report certain things” like allegations of misconduct and crimes.

“He spent 10 minutes in the closing talking about the integrity of the Indiana State Police, and she is a part of the State Police,” said defense attorney Stacy Uliana. “What is he trying to turn against her now?”

“She has integrity, she is honest and she’s a scientist,” Liell said. “She does not have any reason not to be telling the truth on that stand, and I think she came across truly sincere. Somebody should stick up for her. She trusts the system to do what it should.”

Henderson said he believed the accusations were merely a tactic used by David Camm’s defense team.

“He was unfairly attacked by the defense, and I was disappointed in the defense for doing so,” Henderson said.

After several “no comments” on the issue, on Thursday Faith finally spoke out saying, “I’m not simply sitting here and taking this anymore. Any actions that I’ve taken I can justify.”

Scamahorn couldn’t be reached to comment on whether she intended to file a criminal complaint with the Indiana State Police. If she did, he could face being charged with a class D felony.

Jerry Goodin, a spokesman from the Indiana State Police, has said he couldn’t comment on whether or not a complaint has already been filed.

David Camm’s family said they intend to file a grievance, now that the trial is over, against Faith with the Indiana Supreme Court. Such a grievance would only affect his license to practice law.

Charles Kidd, a staff attorney with the disciplinary commission of the Supreme Court, said once a grievance was filed, in writing, their attorneys would conduct an investigation. If Faith was found to be guilty of intimidation, he could face disbarment or suspension of his license.

“There may not have been criminal wrongdoing, but we think there was definitely ethical wrong doing,” said Donnie Camm, David Camm’s brother. “We would like to see an investigation into (possible) ethical violations.”

Former Floyd County Prosecutor Nick Stein said he was glad to hear Henderson express support for Faith, who was Stein’s chief deputy prosecutor during his term from 1983 to 1986. Faith then became his successor.

“(Faith) is headstrong, but he’s fair and honest,” Stein said.

The allegations, Stein said, likely stemmed from miscommunication between Scamahorn and Faith about the DNA that was found on the sweatshirt and whether it could be linked to Camm.

“It was in the heat of the battle, and he expected (Scamahorn) to say something she didn’t say.

“He was just frustrated.”

Stein went on to say he thought the entire situation had been “overexaggerated.”

“There was a heated discussion behind closed doors, I’m sure,” he said, “but no criminal wrongdoing.”