You be the Editor

A once-prominent merchant, who disappeared from public life 20 years ago after a trial and conviction of fraud, dies. He had been well known, not only for the store that bore his name, but also because of his community service as head of several local fund-raising charities, his membership in leading civic and social clubs and because he was a decorated Second World War veteran. He served a short term in prison, his store was sold and eventually closed.

Do you:

A.  Instruct a reporter writing the obituary to include details of this disgraceful episode in his life because his trial at the time was a major news story and to leave it out would look like a cover-up.

B.  Tell the reporter to leave it out in deference to the family. The man hasn't been in the news for 20 years and nothing will be served by rehashing his misdeeds. Let him be remembered for his accomplishments.