I always thought the Androscoggin County Jail incarcerated inmates awaiting hearings or trial, violating probation or convicted of minor crimes. I now find the jail substitutes as a wedding chapel.

I – as a taxpayer, resident, parent and a common sense person – am concerned about this action. Do inmates pay for jail (chapel) rental? What reason is the jail in the wedding business? What societal purpose does it serve to have someone awaiting trial for double murder to be allowed to have his wedding in the citizens’ jail? Is this the signal we send our youth? It must be considered OK to allegedly murder two people because the jail will allow you to marry?

The current sheriff needs to explain to the public this ridiculous policy. Local TV and news reporters cover the jail. Have they ever asked the above questions?

Am I the only person who believes when you are in jail usually you are there to receive justice? Justice to me is not a wedding. What next? Should we allow manicures? Massages? Pizza delivery?

Secondly, what inmate worth his soul would want to be married in county jail? Is this a ploy on the part of defense attorneys to play to juries?

Let’s face it, a married man looks better to a jury then a single man facing double murder charges.

Bill Patterson, Auburn

Editor’s note: Gary Gauthier Jr.’s May 6 wedding ceremony at the Androscoggin County Jail was conducted at no cost to the county.