Wow

[Jeff]

Definitely a shocker.  I guess I don't know what to say.  I didn't know Art or Betty very well, but in my dealing with Betty, I got the feeling they were very good people.  Betty, my thoughts & heart go out to you.  Couldn't imagine what you are going through.

[happybunny187]

I'm sorry, but since when is someone guilty just from being charged??  The correct phrase is INNOCENT UNTIL ***PROVEN*** GUILTY, not guilty until proven innocent.  Remember, guys, Art is our friend (for a lot of us).  He would NEVER immediately assume our guilt, so why not return him the favor?  Does all of the evidence sound overwhelming?  Perhaps.  But what if (and I know this is a big 'if') this actually is a big misunderstanding?  What if someone who was staying in Art's home accessed the computer and did this?  We don't know.  It's the holidays--everybody has family in town.  I'm not trying to turn a blind eye, but what I am saying is what if these charges are all BS and here we are talking about how far the man has fallen?  What happens when Art or Betty reads this and their 'friends' all immediately turned on them?  That isn't fair to Art, Betty, or the rest of the Staples family.  Many of us have been in compromising positions before that, although were completely innocent, could be construed as something much worse.  If Art is guilty, then yes, he should receive a harsh punishment.  But I have a hard time believing my friend that I have known for years is guilty of this kind of evil.  I guess time will tell.  But in the meantime, I will stand by my friend.  I think those of you that claim to be his friend should do the same until we know the whole truth surrounding the circumstances.

[ryan]

just terrible. I really hope he didn't hurt any kids

[buffy]

I agree with HappyBunny. Lets give him a chance to explain. For those like myself that know and love Artand Betty this is heartbreaking. This is not the time to instantly assume anything. I know in the past they have had family and friends in their home for extended periods. Miss Betty and Art deserve the same respect they have given all of us over the years to never judge anyone. We can only hope and pray this will be a big misunderstanding. We will keep them in our hearts and prayers.

[xb9racer]

kinda hard to explain that sick twisted mind away. Too many people pull the old "I don't know how that got there" crap. It got there because you were looking at it. Makes me sick.

[djduc748l]

I'm shocked, and would never have thought, maybe thats why I want to extend him the benefit of the doubt...I don't know, this is a tough one, I have 3 little girls and it hits home...I hope there is some explaination and I pray for all affected...this is truly a tough pill to swallow...

[ryan]

I agree with HappyBunny. Lets give him a chance to explain. For those like myself that know and love Artand Betty this is heartbreaking. This is not the time to instantly assume anything. I know in the past they have had family and friends in their home for extended periods. Miss Betty and Art deserve the same respect they have given all of us over the years to never judge anyone. We can only hope and pray this will be a big misunderstanding. We will keep them in our hearts and prayers.

Hint: They don't do online stings in one day. Chances are they have been building a case against him for a long time.  900 images on the computer, yea I'm sure a holiday guest did that!

[TrophyGal]

I talked to Betty last night on the phone. 

She's handling it much better than I thought she would.  Strong little lady.

She's standing by her man .. come what may.  She said, "I love him so much and I wish I had known that there was a problem earlier so I could have gotten him some help."  (They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary last August.)

She's gotten many calls from racers, CCS staff, and friends. She wanted me to tell everyone that she's holding up okay and she really appreciates everyone's expressions of love and support. "Tell them that it really means alot to me." she said.

[yetidave]

God, that's heartbreaking. Betty is such a sweetheart. She's in my thoughts.

[gpstar1]

Stunned! I didn't see this one coming, my thoughts are with you Betty.

[PJ721]

She's standing by her man .. come what may.  She said, "I love him so much and I wish I had known that there was a problem earlier so I could have gotten him some help."  (They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary last August.)

She's gotten many calls from racers, CCS staff, and friends. She wanted me to tell everyone that she's holding up okay and she really appreciates everyone's expressions of love and support. "Tell them that it really means alot to me." she said.

Hey Jeanne,

thank you for the post - it's great to know the CCS Family is there for Betty - she is such a wonderful lady - and she is one of the best people we've met during our time w/CCS.

Give her our best from up in NJ -

Paul & Lynn Castiglia

[catman]

Well  said ,Paul(Lynn) - Soooo hard for all involved-Being off track for 2 years, Art  (in my memory)  taught me more about the safety side than even my license class(maybe I became even more willing to listen after a few actual races)  I soooo hope this somehow goes in his favor but am unsure based on the posts here-Yes the mid-atlantic region surely suffers from this- I never met Betty but  will surely wish her the best - I hope to get back to the track in 09.........Cat