Response to Janet’s post

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:56:22 -0400
From: Rita Marley-McKenzie
Subject: response to Janet’s post

Janet, thank you for your kind words about the man who has been sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. I too have known this man and have trusted him to provide quality, honest service for the past several years. He truly is a good man, with a big heart. He did not commit this crime. In his naivety, he brought someone into his home and provided shelter for him. He was repaid with dishonest and illegal behavior in his home.

It is my understanding that no one was allowed to speak on his behalf in court, and he was not given a chance to defend himself, either. He was forced to agree to a plea bargain, or his pregnant wife was also going to be charged. He has a beautiful adopted son and another child on the way, and yet, he won’t be there for the next two years to provide for and raise them.

This man is a hard worker who worked 60+ hours a week and is completely honest. I can’t see where he would have found the time to be involved in criminal behavior. He was ALWAYS at work! In addition, he has volunteered his time to help others in need. He has helped several of my clients over the past two years individually and even taught a two-hour workshop free of charge in the past. I sent a letter of appreciation for the court’s review, but it is my understanding that the judge never saw it. I have a client who I will have to tell tomorrow that this person won’t be able to provide a free service for him as promised, at least not for two years.

It is a real travesty when people are given prison sentences for non-violent crimes (guilty or not), and yet, violent criminals and child abusers can walk the streets free and clear.  Why couldn’t the judge have placed him on house arrest or intensive probation? It’s my understanding that he didn’t have a record. Why so harsh a sentence???

It’s true that all of us will be paying his room and board for the next couple of years, and his wife probably will have to apply for welfare and food stamps to get by. He had hired a lawyer at the expense of $11,000, and yet, that attorney stood by and allowed a judge to impose an unreasonable, harsh sentence, creating an even greater hardship on this family.

Deeply saddened with our court system,
Rita.

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