Our son-in-law, Tim Scannell, was shot and nearly died while serving this community as county attorney last year. It pains us to see citizens creating a false impression about Tim and seeking to drive him out for something that occurred as a result of the depression and anxiety he has suffered from the shooting.
In his depression Tim acted in a way he never would have acted before. It is false to suggest that Tim engaged in any inappropriate behavior toward this young woman before she turned 17 or with any other young people at any time. He admitted that he engaged in an inappropriate emotional relationship, not a physical one, last summer. We believe that the criminal investigation launched in the matter will be closed without charge.
Tim has sought and received intensive inpatient treatment at a respected institution that specializes in trauma therapy. He has suffered in the last year as a result of the lifechanging trauma. He has expressed his deep sorrow and amends for any harm he caused this other family, his own family, and our community.
Tim has work to do to repair the hurt this matter has caused. He knows that and is trying to do that work for everyone’s sake. We support him in his efforts to make amends and heal. It hurts to see others carelessly seek to hurt him when he is down and then rebuff his efforts to make amends. It also hurts to think what this added harassment does to Tim’s immediate family and that it could cause them to leave our community. We should all be extending a compassionate hand to everyone involved in this situation, so that healing can begin for everyone.
The anger of the girl’s parents is understandable. Community support for their family is a good thing. We support them, as well. But revenge is not a healthy response. We hope the anger raised by this case will lessen and that healing will be allowed to occur, for everyone.
Dick and Bonnie Swanson
Grand Marais
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