On the one hand, if the invitations got there, they obvious knew where these people were and could have simply served a warrant. On the other hand, tricking people into a big group bust like this is safer than doing SWAT raids, where there would inevitably be a few wrong addresses raided. Not that the options should be limited to those two.
David | 11.05.07 - 11:09 am | #

Actually, to add on to the "Super Bowl" comparision - the other big difference is that, if a bar advertises a "Super Bowl" party, without being the "official" bar or some such, the NFL generally sues the pants off them.

Wait until late January this year - and pay attention to the ads on the radio, at your local bar, etc. See how many advertise parties to watch the "Saints play the Colts in the Super Bowl" parties. And how many advertise "New Orleans and Indianapolis in the Big Game".

It'll be the latter. And I guess I just betrayed my allegiances. Or, in retrospect, I probably didn't.

In summary, Ozzy should sue the Sheriff's pants off. He'd probably win.
Displaced New Orleanian | 11.06.07 - 6:25 pm | #

I can understand the apology for using Ozzy's first name, maybe asking ahead of time would have been even more appropriate. But I think the criminals were just pissed that they were outsmarted by the officials. I think the few hundred dollars for the sting compaired to the thousands of dollars to take in that amount of criminals was very intellegant. If the people lived an average of a few hundred miles away and out of state, the money was wisely spent. Why are we mad at the officials for doing their jobs efficiently. Promoter & Understanding tax payer.
Jerica | 11.06.07 - 6:30 pm | #