Saturday, March 1, 2008

Tiny newspaper scoops Sacramento Bee with more details on child porn story involving Bee's own reporter

The Sacramento Bee got scooped by tiny Woodland Democrat (circulation 10,000). The little newspaper in Woodland has online information about the Gilbert Chan case the Bee doesn't. (From this site, the Woodland Democrat has a circulation of under 10,000.)

The Bee's online version implies but doesn't state Chan's videotape was turned over to the DA's office. The Woodland report has this:

Although Chan was not arrested at the time, Police did review the footage from his camera and sent it over to the DA's Office.
And the Woodland report has this:

Chan's attorney, Stephen Sabbadini, said he is still reviewing the charge but said his client is not a child pornographer.

"First of all, I want to make sure the public understands, he was not in possession of any photos or video of any nude or naked children," Sabbadini said. "Nor is he accused of possessing any photos or videos of children engaged in sexual acts. Nor he is charged with any allegations of any improper touching of any children."


I noted here that the Bee's stories have not been updated with developments since announcing the charges. Since then, Chan posted $50,000 bail. I also note the Woodland reporter went to the Yolo County jail to confirm Gilbert Chan's legal status. There is nothing in the Bee's stories about Chan's prior record. (FYI, Friday's report from Channel 3 television has been posted at MSNBC.)