news-record.com

I got an e-mail last night from a reader questioning our thought on running the address of a crime suspect arrested recently by the sheriff’s office on a sex charge.

Her concern? Embarrassment that running such information would cause the man’s wife, who she said is an outstanding citizen and mother. 

I understand where she is coming from. Putting someone’s home address in a story associated with a criminal activity is not something we take lightly.

However, in line with our crime reporting policy, we run the full name of adult suspects, their age, specific address and city when the information is available.

The reason is simply to avoid cases of mistaken identity.

For example, opening the phone book you’ll find nine people named George Smith in Greensboro, seven in Winston-Salem and I’m sure there are dozens more across the state and thousands across the country.

I’m sure some of those men are around the same age as well.

Simply reporting that "George Smith" was arrested on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon  is likely to make all the innocent George Smiths out there pretty angry and subject to odd looks at work or at church.

However, throw in his age, address and city and that narrows the pool tremendously.

It helps, but it’s not a fool proof method by any means.

Just ask the other  Melissa Huckaby that lives near Tracy, Calif.