Sep 25, 2012
Daily Beast, Fiona Apple, Hudspeth, Ray Fleming, Sierra Blanca
As we covered earlier, Fiona Apple was recently arrested for possession of marijuana and hash in Sierra Blanca, TX. Penalties for hash are severe in Texas, and Apple is facing up to ten years in prison. She is out on bail and was able to perform on stage. In response to some statements Fiona Apple made about her treatment after being arrested , a spokesman for the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office fired off an interesting letter.
From the Daily Beast:
First, Honey, I’m already more famous than you, I don't need your help. However, it would appear that you need mine….
Two weeks ago nobody in the country cared about what you had to say, — now that you’ve been arrested it appears your entire career has been jump-started. Don’t worry Sweetie, I won't bill you…
Next, have you ever heard of Snoop, Willie or Armand Hammer? Maybe if you would read something besides your own press releases, you would have known BEFORE you got here, that if you come to Texas with dope, the cops will take your DOPE away and put YOU in jail…
Even though you and I only met briefly in the hallway, I don't know you but I'm sure you're an awesome and talented young woman and even though I'm not a fan of yours, I am sure there are thousands of them out there, and I’m sure that they would just as soon you get this all behind you and let you go back to what you do best—so my last piece of advice is simple "just shut-up and sing."
Sincerely,
Rusty Fleming
I'm not sure what is more disturbing: the fact that Fleming is reveling in the fame he gets by wasting taxpayer dollars going after high-profile, non-violent marijuana users, or the condescending, paternalistic tone he uses to try to belittle Apple.
If you have a problem with this sort of behavior from a public official, please call the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office at (915) 369-2161 and politely let them know.