I am sure that U.S. District Judge Dee Benson is unperturbed by Paul Rolly’s unfair attack upon what Rolly perceives as the judge’s favoritism in sentencing based upon a defendant’s religious or political connections ("The two faces of Judge Dee Benson," Tribune, Feb. 3). But I was offended.

I no longer practice law, but for many years I defended persons who were prosecuted by Benson when he was a U.S. attorney and, later, persons who were in front of him as judge.

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Many of these people were as unconnected religiously or politically as one could get.

My final client spent most of his life in prison and had no friends or known relations outside that system, yet Benson treated him with great understanding and compassion.

I usually agree with Rolly, and often disagree with Benson, but I know the judge to be a man who would never be influenced inappropriately by a defendant’s political, family or religious connections. Rolly was out of line on this one.

John D. O’Connell

Salt Lake City