Judge dismisses case against commentator

Californian staff writer

Misdemeanor charges that radio commentator Steve Brown failed to return stolen property were dismissed Friday.

The dismissal was favored by everyone – the victim, judge, defense attorney and prosecutor.

The victim was Ryan Vetter, a KERO-TV news photographer whose property – including magazines and a KERO microphone flag – ended up in a stolen car that was returned to Brown’s mother.

Vetter in a court declaration submitted by defense attorney Kyle J. Humphrey said he didn’t want Brown prosecuted and he didn’t believe Brown intended to keep his property.

“This was an unfortunate occurrence in which I hold Mr. Brown blameless,” Vetter said.

Bakersfield Municipal Court Judge Frank A. Hoover dismissed the charges, noting the victim has been satisfied.

Deputy District Attorney Cynthia J. Zimmer said her office supported Hoover’s action.  She said prosecutors offered to dismiss the case before the trial if Brown has apologized, given money to charity or performed some community service.

Brown had rejected that offer saying he felt wronged by the police department and he was willing to take his chances in court.

“I feel totally exonerated,” said the 46-year old Brown, who also works as an advertising salesman for KNZR radio.

In a trial last month, Judge Charles B. Pfister dismissed resisting arrest and destroying evidence charges, leaving only misappropriating stolen property and possessing stolen property charges.

All four charges stemmed from property police failed to remove from a stolen car they recovered Oct. 29.  The car was owned by Brown’s mother, but some of the property belonged to Vetter, the victim of a separate car burglary.

Brown complained how police treated him then and Brown was arrested Dec. 8, three days after Brown’s complaints were published in a newspaper.

Brown said his own illness and bush work schedule, an injury to his mother and Vetter’s property being at three different locations prevented him from returning the property earlier.

Jurors split 7-5 in favor of acquitting Brown of the stolen property charges.

Brown said the case was “a waste of taxpayers money.  It’s too bad my family had to go through eight months of torment because a couple police officers had a bad day.”

Brown had complained that detectives Chad Jackman and Mike Reed mistreated him, but a police internal affairs investigation did not substantiate that claim and jurors said they did not think the officer bullied Brown.