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Norm Ryan and wife insist he’s innocent - Part 3
From the get-go, Norm Ryan seemed an unusual choice as CEO of Haven Humane Society when he took over in May 2007. But Yvonne Preston, Haven board president, pushed hard for him.
At first, some Haven people didn’t know what to make of Ryan. One person described him as having a Johnny Cash swagger. Some animal-lovers were put off by Ryan’s sense of humor, such his wallet photo of rapper Snoop Dog. Others weren’t impressed when he boasted of wearing Armani suits.
Yet others still couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the Norm-and-sons “Picking God” YouTube.com video (that asks for money - send now), so gosh-dern old-fashioned and corny, it almost looked like satire.
People wondered about that guy who worked at Haven barely a year before he resigned.
Was Ryan really so clueless that he didn’t realize a pig-harnessing contest might not fly at an animal shelter? Was he really too full of himself to realize that talking up waitresses at a Chinese restaurant - in Chinese - could appear showy?
But what if Norm Ryan isn’t a criminal? What if his worst crime was being socially clueless, and being a bad fit at Haven Humane Society?
What if he really didn’t embezzle money, as he’s been charged, from Haven Humane Society?
What if he’s innocent?
That’s what he and his wife, Cheri, claim.
I emailed him recently, knowing that if I called, he’d probably hang up on me (a la Yvonne Preston). Much to my surprise (and what do you bet, his lawyer’s?), he replied. At length.
We were even going to meet for coffee, until his wife put the kibosh on that.
Below you’ll find excerpts of emails from Norm and Cheri Ryan. The first two are from him. The second is from her.
Ms. Greenberg,
… I KNOW I’m innocent - so I start from that premise to try to figure out what is motivating the other players in this drama.
…The RPD were called in 9 days after I resigned. Preston’s initial charge was that I had sold pre-1964 silver coins from the Doggie Banks to Chuck’s Coin and then pocketed the money. The part where you write that I resigned in the middle of a police investigation is erroneous.
As far as the supposed irony of my boys and I doing our gospel album commercial; My boys and I have been doing this for years at hospitals, rescue missions, churches, retirement communities and, yes, even Haven fundraisers. Should we stop because some people think I’m guilty of embezzlement? If you were innocent, wouldn’t you continue to act that way?
… You have to understand that there are some serious people who want to hang a felony around my neck and I am not inclined to help them.
… I’m sure you understand if there are elements to this case I cannot address as my lawyer would throttle me.
Norm
Ms. Greenberg,
As the last few months have demonstrated; what affects me, affects my family. I have always valued (Cheri’s) opinion and counsel and she has had to put up with a lot of garbage from the Haven situation. She wanted me to send the attached document to you to explain our position. I agree with the conclusions of this document; that my frustrations with the misinformation that is out there has to take a backseat to my family’s best interests. I don’t like the dynamics of this situation, but I don’t see any responsible way around it.
“Thank you for at least offering me the opportunity to talk about it.
Norm
Dear Doni
… Please consider my thoughts about the current situation with Norm and my counsel to him.
… Things are not always as they seem. It is appalling to see how citizens of our country have forgotten that accusations do not translate into fact. It seems necessary to remind the lynch mob that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. There is a family behind this man. Before the crowd with multiple agendas and histories jumps on the bandwagon, they should stop and think about how they or their families would feel if they were wrongly accused. The process has begun; you can’t unring the bell. What should have been handled as an internal matter with simple questions and simple answers has been taken to a new and unnecessary level of harm for this man and his family (why people have chosen to handle things this way is a mystery).
I would like to tell you all of the details and set the record straight, but Norm’s well-being, my family’s well-being, and the protection of his legal rights would be compromised by further discussion. No good will come out of discussion with people that have already made a decision about guilt vs. innocence (any sampling of the responding blog opinions shows this). We teach our children that it is wrong to judge people. We teach them that people deserve the benefit of the doubt. It is very sad to see adults (at all levels) not take the high road, but instead, the road that best suits their particular agenda and personal biases. …
In order to get the entire story, the truth about all that is involved here, we must wait for Norm’s day in court. …
Sincerely,
Cheri Ryan
(Doni note: I stand corrected. I’d reported he quit in the middle of the police investigation. Apparently the investigation began after he left Haven.)
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Right ON! This is an awesome use of blogging technology, something newspapers will never be able to capture. Thanks for getting us the scoop from Norm and Cheri’s perspective. Yes, something definitely still stinks in the state of Haven Humane Society.
Dear Norm and Cherie,
I do not know if Norm is innocent or guilty. That will be decided in our court system. I only know that what has happened in the last 1 ½ years has tarnished an organization that I care deeply about. My loyalty is to the dedicated, professional and knowledgeable employees that have been fired, laid off, demoted or chased out of the facility. Another loyalty of mine is to the animals that depend on Haven Humane for their care and their lives.
You are dedicated to your family, your music and political career. I am dedicated to my family and animal welfare.
The problems at Haven Humane did not end when you left. Quite the contrary, they continued to get much worse! I truly hope that when you have your day in court, the public will get answers to some very valid questions. Like Show Me The Money!
I want this to be over and done with, funds accounted for, knowledgeable staff reinstated, alleged animal warehousing ended and Haven on the mend.
Someone commented that this was “old news.” I think not. Perhaps that person did not contribute the amount of time and money that many of us did. Maybe they did not have personal knowledge and concerns about the wellbeing of animals in Haven’s care. The public deserves answers to their questions regarding their donations (and other issues.)
I feel that Dr. Ray John will do what needs to be done to restore Haven Humane to the professional facility it once was. As I said before, I just hope he will be given the opportunity to accomplish his goals without interference and misdirection.
As you said, Norm, “….to try to figure out what is motivating the other players in this drama.” I am waiting to see what other players are involved in this little scenario. It could be interesting to officially hear what happened behind the scenes at Haven. I am confident that there is much more to this “tail.”
I am concerned that the impression is that Mr. Ryan is using his sons to make money. The article implies that the Ryan Mountain Boys are about money, “send now”. It is clearly a commercial about selling records to pay for the expenses associated with their community service.
They came and played at our community room. We tried to pay them, but father and sons all made it clear that we were free to buy their album if we wished (they did bring some with them - but only mentioned it after one of our ladies asked about it), but they would not accept payment for their performance. I did end up buying one because I wanted to support them and they are very talented. It is very uplifting. I can’t imagine what this family is going through, but I have to applaud how they are handling it. I know God is sustaining them and that is what makes their praise of Him so authentic to me.
If there are “players” that are intentionally and maliciously trying to destroy this good family, may God have mercy on their souls.
This story is the most irresponsible “news report” that I’ve ever seen. Doni, why don’t you report on the facts of the criminal case, or actually confront Norm Ryan with the allegations? Or call this what it is - a fluff piece on Mr. Ryan’s family values. I’m sure every thief accused of a crime would love to have a platform on which to extoll his virtues. From the Record Searchlight story of a few weeks ago, it sounds like they have Norm dead to rights on this embezzlement case. Where’s the proof he was going to come up with, the materials from the training he claimed he went to? Non-existent, I bet. The cops and the DA don’t just make stuff up as they go along, like this fool does.
WhateverYouSay: You comment: “The cops and the DA don’t just make stuff up as they go along, like this fool does” makes me to feel that you have not had many dealings with the legal system, ie. cops and the DA.
If you ever find yourself, or anyone close to you, on that end of the situation you will very soon have your eyes opened to the fact that our legal system and it’s people leave much to be desired .
Everything is not always as it appears. Keep your eyes and ears open.
On the other hand, my grandfather used to say (50 years ago), believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. That sorely puzzled me but as life went along, I received clarity and now I agree that it is a saying that holds a lot of validity.
Doni. It looks like there is much more to be investigated regarding Haven. It is odd that so many are leaving the Society. Let’s hope Mr. John can get things “back to normal”. it has been a great organization in the past. Pat
justme - the article a few weeks ago said that there was a falsified itinerary from Southwest Airlines and proof that Mr. Ryan had been going through customs in Guam when he claimed to be at a training in Chicago. And they have proof from both Southwest and the U.S. Customs officials. Pretty damning evidence, I’d say. But sure, I’m sure the cops have made up all of that…
http://www.redding.com/news/2008/jul/26/prosecutor-ryan-was-in-guam/
Whateveryousay - You say “evidence” when you mean “allegation”. I read the article you linked. Mr. Ryan doesn’t claim he was anywhere - Yvonne Preston does. So you’re right, they have him “dead to rights” if everything Ms. Preston says is accurate. Given what I have read about her, I’d say that is a big IF.
I am very distrustful of exaggeration. Can this truly be “…the most irresponsible ‘news report’ that I’ve ever seen.” ? I thought Doni did a pretty good job of being fair. I can’t say the same for you. Matt
I think the city of Redding should be done with Haven. We should build a new county shelter bigger and better and Haven could be gone. I have recently had dealings with Haven and its not very impressive to say the least. I am with Doni on this one. Thank you Doni for going this extra mile for the animals . Oh thats right the city of Redding wants a bigger and better jail to house more criminals so us tax payers can pay their way. A shelter is not important. As one council meeting put it. Bosenko wants his jail.
My wife and I have know Norm Ryan and his family here in Long Beach. Some times in life you have to rely on ones understanding of character. It is almost impossible for us to believe Norm was engaged in any criminal conduct, period.
One does not start criminal behavior at age and certainly not for a such a small sum. It makes no sense what so ever.
Would a man with a devoted wife and 4 children do this thing? No.
Why would others ruin this mans reputation? I do hope when he is found not guilt, he will get plenty of publicity to clear his name. Please keep up the coverage of the situation.
Dan,
I understand what you are saying, but think of all the times neighbors or co-workers tell the press how the perpetrator of a horrible crime didn’t seem like the type! After saying that I agree that I don’t think Norm Ryan will be found guilty of anything. This just smells like such a set up. I knew some people at Haven. From what they said, most of the firings were done after Norm Ryan left. That sounds like he wouldn’t do it and paid a price for it. Hell hath no fury like a Board President scorned.
What is with selling coins to Chuck’s Coin? Was he even charged with that? It can’t be too hard to ask Chuck.
Appearances are deceiving but it didn’t take long to see through Norm when he came to Redding. He is an egomaniac, woman hater if I ever saw one. It was disguisting to watch.
The people who left after Norm were all due to the piss poor management of Yvonne Preston and Cheryl Wright. Had nothing to do with Norm.
So by that logic: Most people stayed because Norm Ryan was a better manager than Yvonne Preston and Cheryl Wright. Woman hater? Where did that come from? Is it because he didn’t like you? Maybe he was “disguisted” by poor spelling ; ).
–Matt
Matt Grant- I’m just a witness to Norm’s character. You should hear both sides before you come to your conclusion. And excuse the heck out of me for making a typo!! How petty.
BecauseIknow - How can you be a witness? No one knows who you are? Your testimony has no credibility. You’ll have to excuse me if I ascribe the worst motives to people who hide behind fake names. Dan is “a witness to Norm’s character” when he knew him. Who are you? When did you know Mr. Ryan, and in what capacity? As far as being petty, maybe, but my remarks were at least backed up by evidence. You just throw out unsupported accusations. “You should hear both sides before you come to a conclusion”. I haven’t come to a conclusion, but it is obvious you have. I don’t expect that I’ll get the last word on this ; ).
M. Grant - How do we know that “Dan” is his real name? What is his last name? There could be circumstances that we are unaware of that preclude people from stating who they are at this time. “Your testimony has no credibility” seems a little harsh since this is not a court of law but a forum to voice ones observations, opinions, ideas and experiences. I welcome comments from everyone, it’s a great way to learn what has happened at Haven Humane.
Chere - Unlike from you, I have learned nothing about what has happened at Haven from the anonymous bloggers. Becauseiknow held herself out as a “witness”. Though, as you rightly say, this is not a court of law, if you are going to throw out legal sounding self-descriptions, you should know what they mean. It is not harsh to point out that she is not what she claims to be. A witness establishes their credibility by stating who they are and at what vantage point they saw an event, or what their background is that would allow them to render a professional opinion. Come on, Chere, does Becauseiknow really qualify as a witness?
I agree with you that the anonymous blogger can stimulate dialogue by injecting opinions and ideas, but they shouldn’t mislead people into thinking that they are reading “facts” derived from “witness” testimony. In dealing with the internet I have had to learn to be discriminating. I don’t know whether someone is fearful of retaliation or just wants a risk free opportunity to slander someone. Because of this I tend to disregard most of what they say because I am someone who wants to put forward and receive “informed” opinion. –Matt
BecauseIKnow:
So what you are saying is; if someone is arrogant and a woman hater he is guilty of a felony????? Well, heck. Half the population would be in prison.
Whateveryousay:
If the DA and cops know everything and if they are correct then why do we have defense attorney’s?
Hope you never are a juror.
One point that nobody seems to pick up on. I disagree that somebody with a family should be treated differently than an orphan. Allegations effect the spouses, parents, children, siblings. Of course that it true. But because somebody has no spouse, kids, parents, siblings, there is no reason to be harsh to them. The criminal charges against Ryan like the recent mud slinging against Franklin Cibula do effect the families as well as the accused, but the actions of the accused are to be examined.
The local DA’s and police agencies of the area have made some serious mistakes in going after innocent people who were found not guilty despite all the mud in the world being thrown when arrested. When the old rich guy from Red Bluff who supposedly was caught naked in bed with another young boy in Oregon. He got off on all charges. Turns out he wasn’t naked and wasn’t in bed, despite the police story. When the cops and lawyers lie, who can we trust if the newspapers just reprint the stories without any investigation?
I see that my request has been removed, so I will ask again. Doni, what exactly are the charges against Mr. Ryan and what are they based on? For example, Mr. Ryan is charged with ——-, for doing —– . I have seen nothing like that in any of the things I have read about this situation.
Arlene,
you are on the wrong article. Look for Police Summaries in the ‘browse by title’ tool. I have made the same request. I don’t think Mr. Ryan was charged with Doggie Bank theft. I don’t understand why there is such vagueness about his charges.
Thanks Dear
I pushed the send too soon. What I meant to say was thank you Jamie. Also I apologize to Doni for saying that you removed me.
Why are people still looking at this article? It and Norm Ryan do not deserve the attention they get.
Debate and public opinion are fine for gossip but hardly the forum for facts and proof. There is no requirement for source materials. There are no incentives to produce truth, facts or reason. Standing in the middle of the town square and airing grievances will certainly get attention. Lots of attention. It’s *dirt*. It’s *Scandal!*. It’s salacious! It’s Titillating.
However, it is also never fair. It is universally one-sided.
Facts. Information. Sources. Paper trails. Proof.
These things are required for us as a society and as a people to punish someone. Why? Why not just hang someone because they are unpopular or because someone has a grudge?
Because we’re prone to excitement and love to believe all the little evil things we hear about other people. It makes us feel better in our heart of hearts on some level. We’re human.
We also, as a people, realize this. So we have something called the Justice System. There must be proof positive of guilt. There must be the opportunity to address one’s accusers. The classic “Look me in the eye and say that in public.” There must be a review of evidence.
We require these things to actually prove that someone did anything, really.
The truth of things is that if people didn’t like Norm Ryan before this came out, then they probably believe all of these accusations. It justifies their dislike and no amount of proof will sway them. They will just think he did some slick lawyerly trick to get off and they know he was really a bad guy.
If people liked Norm Ryan before this, then they are going to side with him and wait for the facts to come out.
They (the facts) always do.
If people are on the fence, however- this has been a classic case of, as it was put earlier, Character Assassination.
To sum up pretty much everything I said, I will rely on the oft quoted Winston Churchill
“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
— Winston Churchill
Sit back. Gather facts, not opinion. Watch the trial is that is what you really want to do. Wait for a decision to be made that is based on facts, not opinion and conjecture.