Believe it or not, I am quite capable of admitting when I’m wrong. (Although those who know me best will snicker at this statement, I’m sure!)

However, whether I like to do it or not is another story. (Key word being… &uot;capable.&uot;)

Nonetheless, in certain instances it must be pointed out that I do in fact err on occasion and it’s best to come clean, especially when that error has reflected badly on another person.

In my column two weeks ago, regarding Alan Gell’s sentencing, I referred to the prosecution as possibly having an ulterior motive in charging Gell, due to his civil suit against them for his wrongful conviction of murder many years ago.

Some people mistakenly thought this was referring to District Attorney Valerie Asbell; however, this was not the case.

I should have clarified what I meant there and that was my mistake.

Many times, when I read over something I have written, it is easy for me to overlook a mistake of this nature because since I know what I’m talking about, I assume everyone else will too.

However, in Gell’s case, Valerie Asbell was not involved at all in his first arrest or murder conviction.

The &uot;prosecution&uot; I referred to meant law enforcement officials who apparently kept a very close eye on Gell after his murder conviction was overturned.

I still stand by the original premise of everything else I stated in my column, though, however wrong some of you may think that is.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Was what Gell did immoral? Definitely. Was what he did sick? Most would say so, yes.

But was it a crime?

According to the state of North Carolina, yes… but my point was that in these circumstances it shouldn’t have been.

In any case, I just wanted to point out publicly that Asbell was not the prosecution to whom I was referring in my November 29 column.

Indeed, Asbell could have gone for the jugular in this case, but did not and for that I think she is to be commended.

She found a good balance between both sides of the problem and went with what was the best solution for all involved.

Is this the only time I have ever been wrong?

No, of course not… nor do I expect it to be the last.

But for any misunderstandings in my column that may have caused anyone involved in this case undue grief, I sincerely apologize.

Want to let me know what you think?

Have a suggestion for a future column?

Feel free send an email to: jennipher.dickens@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7208.