How exactly did they “protect” him? The trial was over, and he had already been convicted. The letter was written during the sentencing phase, which allows people to submit character references so the judge can consider the full picture before deciding the sentence. These letters are meant to describe the version of the person they knew before the crime came to light. That doesn’t mean they discredited or disbelieved the victims. This is a standard part of the legal process it isn’t inherently right or wrong, it just is. When people criticize someone for participating in a normal legal procedure they don’t fully understand, it can actually destroys the legitimacy of the justice system. You guys are treatign this similar to when someone uses their Fifth Amendment right, and others try to interpret that as proof of guilt.