Of all the crimes one could plea bargain guilty to (except for murder) child molestation must be the worst. Artemus Pyle, former drummer for Lynnerd Skynnerd, copped a guilty plea twenty years ago when his ex-wife accused him of molesting their daughters in a divorce and property battle. The girls took mommie's side, and Pyle's lawyers told him he was facing jailtime without a plea bargain. He was naive. His life has been a living hell ever since and no one will take the time to find the truth; the spectre of child molestation is too grisly, the label sticks so tightly, it may not ever be removable.

I have known Artemus Pyle since we were children; I included a short story about him in my book Think About It! 30 Short Stories by Ben King; and I can tell you the man would never molest a child. If you knew the guy - you'd know I'm telling the truth. However, Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard, former Skynnerd members, and the press in general have thrown Mr. Pyle under the road grader. I think it's a shame that a man can be so misused by the justice system of this once-great nation.

If anyone is curious about my words, I wish you'd investigate Mr. Pyle's story - it should be easy to follow. The details could probably be supplied by Artemus himself.

Ben King - Jamestown, Tennessee