THE BEATING OF STEVEN UTASH

[Duchess]

We have a little something like that here. They aren't in chains but I do refer to them as a chain gang when I see their orange buses & them alongside the road picking up trash.

[SIXFOOTERsez]

We have low risk guys working on the side of the highways here, shoveling and picking up trash.
One of then took a pot delivery on the side of the highway the other day, right in front of the guard.

[HairOfTheDog]

All 5 Defendants Pleaded Guilty to Assault to Commit Great Bodily Harm (not murder) -- Hate Charges Dropped Against Juvenile Defendant

Today, Latrez Cummings, 19, James Davis, 24, and Wonzey Saffold, 30, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm, saying they intended to hurt the driver, Steven Utash. Bruce Wimbush, 18, pleaded guilty Monday to the same charge, admitting that he punched Utash in the jaw.

All four adult suspects face up to 10 years in prison. They are scheduled to be sentenced in July.

A fifth suspect, a juvenile, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. A charge of ethnic intimidation was dropped in return for the plea. The juvenile remains in police custody, awaiting placement by the Wayne County Probation Office.

The family of victim Steven Utash has collected $200k in on-line donations. Utash is continuing to make progress in his recovery and rehabilitation.

[BlueTiki]

A charge of ethnic intimidation was dropped in return for the plea.

Of course it was.

The nation hasn't paid it's reparations for the death of "Skittles" Martin, in full.

Darkie still gotta lotta payback owed him, by the Man!

[HairOfTheDog]

SENTENCING

Sure does seem like these assholes got off easy.



(Left to right)

-Wonzey Saffold, 30, was sentenced to 6 to 10 years. His sentence was the harshest because he has multiple previous felonies.

-Latrez Cummings, 19, -- sentencing was delayed so the judge can review whether he's in school, as he claims.

-James Davis, 24, was sentenced to 1 year in jail or work release with 5 years of probation.

-Bruce Wimbush , 18, was placed on 3 years probation.

-The juvenile (not pictured or named) who was originally charged with ethnic intimidation will go into a residential placement program. The teen is to be back in court Sept. 17 for a review/release hearing.

Looks like the fact that the defendants apologized to the Utash family went a long way with this judge.

Utash's brother and daughter spoke at the sentencing hearings today and expressed their disdain for the defendants. Steven Utash reportedly has some permanent brain damage, but continues to progress in his recovery.

Refs:
http://www.freep.com/article/20140707/NE...sentencing
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140...st-Detroit

[Maggot]

We have low risk guys working on the side of the highways here, shoveling and picking up trash.
One of then took a pot delivery on the side of the highway the other day, right in front of the guard.

I can see THAT happening!