Reply #45: I admit they did not - certainly.

[We_Have_A_Problem]

I also recognize their behavior as suspicious.

My example is not bogus - an off-duty cop is a private citizen. Further, just because we have the police, does not in any way mean we have completely ceded our rights to them.

One need not be "trained" to recognize suspicious activities. Some things are pretty obvious to those who are able to tie their shoes without help. What these girls did was legitimately perceived as suspicious.

Some other little facts for you from the article to consider:
The girls were questioned by the police. Why would the police do that if they also did not believe their activity was questionable?

The people who were charged were NOT taken into custody by the cops. That rather indicates that the cops on the scene didn't see anything wrong with what they did.

Charges were filed after the fact when some prosecutor read the report.

The individuals were arraigned and released ROR. Had the court actually believed they had committed a crime worthy of up to 20 years in jail, they would have at least had to post bond.

Ultimately, this is a total non-starter. The case wont see trial, and if they are smart, the homeowners won't even consider a plea. Proving an actual crime would be virtually impossible. Remember, the state has to actual prove they acted with ill intent. Doesn't take much to create reasonable doubt on this one, or even to create a situation where the jury will see they acted in good faith.