SOURCE: PETTIT IS IN NEW ZEALAND

SOURCE: PETTIT IS IN NEW ZEALAND

January 18, 2008

Washington-Sources have confirmed that former District Attorney John Petitt is on his golfing trip in New Zealand. The once powerful District Attorney has according to our sources taken a trip down under to golf, while staying at a property owned by a fellow district attorney friend.

Pettit, who had numerous friends within the state’s law enforcement community, apparently has finally taken up a personal friend on the idea of taking a trip to New Zealand according to our source.

But most observers are wondering if Pettit will remain in New Zealand if a Grand Jury’s testimony appears to be heading towards an indictment on January 22nd. Sources have told us the current grand jury is a newly seated one and that past grand juries that have heard evidence might have been only been seated to hear grand jury evidence.

If the current grand jury is being held to indict the long time District Attorney, many political observers and former close allies of Pettit believe that he will be unlikely to return.

But Pettit has made every indication that he will return to the United States. When he recently moved out of his office, he moved all of his furniture to his former office down at the corner of West Chestnut and Beau. He has also made steps towards creating a more permanent residence than his apartment in the city of Washington.

Pettit’s move to an apartment was made necessary by his estrangement from his wife of over 30 years Sandra Pettit. Though little information is available, Pettit and his wife have been having hard times for the past few years according to a variety of sources. Most observers believe that the two are likely to head towards a divorce in the near future.

The question remains though, will John Pettit return to Washington County if he would be indicted?
Though Washington County has been his home for his entire life, Pettit would appear to have little reason to return in the wake of a possible indictment. While he has two sons, that he is very close to, they could visit him overseas. New Zealand has a warm and pleasant climate with a population that speaks English. The extradition from New Zealand would most likely take so much time that Pettit at his advanced age might not live to see the end of the process.

But other sources believe that Pettit will return home, rested and ready to defend his reputation. The vaunted trial lawyer could challenge the federal governments case and prove again part of the basis of his reputation in court. Few local political figures have been known for their tenacity as much as John Pettit. If there was one word to describe the well known political figure, it would be a fighter.

One reason for Pettit to fight for his reputation is the effect that his actions have on his beloved sons. Few local political figures are as close or devoted to their sons as John Pettit. His current reputation with the public has doomed any chance of either of his sons running for public office in Washington County and possibly the six neighboring counties also.

The result is a man that has a reason to fight and it is very possible that he will return and fight to save the reputation of one of Washington County’s most storied families. John’s father was a long time County Commissioner and the family has a century of involvement in the county political life.

Only time will tell what is learned on January 22 and beyond. But most observers believe that the Federal Government would not have wasted millions on investigating the District Attorney’s office if there was not a case. But others point out that Pettit could very well be guilty of nothing. Some even have stated that the prosecution could be politically motivated. Though most believe this unlikely now that Pettit is out of office.