2 teens, 2 holdups, 2 choicesAnthony pleads guilty; Shevlino looks at trial By Ron Menchaca (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Michael Anthony 
Melissa Haneline Sean Shevlino Anthony pleads guilty; Shevlino looks at trial Two Wando High School teens implicated in the 2006 armed robberies of a Mount Pleasant grocery store and a Subway sandwich shop took divergent paths Friday in a court hearing marked by a passionate plea from a schoolteacher and a possible gamble by one of the defendants. Michael Anthony, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery for his role as a "lookout" in both holdups. Circuit Judge Deadra Jefferson immediately sentenced Anthony to concurrent 10-year sentences in state prison as part of a plea deal offered by Solicitor Scarlett Wilson. Anthony will receive credit for any time he has already served and will be eligible for parole after serving 85 percent of his sentence. But Sean Shevlino, the other teen allegedly involved in both holdups and the alleged gunman in both, declined to enter a plea Friday, and his case could go to trial as soon as next week, Wilson said. Though Shevlino, 17, still could enter a guilty plea before a trial gets under way, the 10-year plea deal offered to him is now "off the table," Wilson said. A single count of armed robbery can draw 30 years in state prison. If his case goes to trial, Shevlino could face testimony from eight other teens who pleaded guilty earlier to their roles in the Aug. 26, 2006, stick-up of the Food Lion store on South Morgan's Point Road. According to arrest affidavits, those teens acted as lookouts as Shevlino, wearing an orange mask and carrying a pellet gun, allegedly went inside and forced a store worker to open up a safe. The crew communicated by "walkie-talkies," which they purchased at a local Wal-Mart along with the mask and pellet gun. An undetermined amount of money was taken from the store in a duffel bag, and the teens later split the take. On Sept. 4, 2006, a white male robbed a Subway sandwich shop on Coleman Boulevard. The gunman "said that it was a stick-up and to open the register and give him all the money," Wilson recounted at Friday's hearing. She said the take from the sandwich shop was $151. Only Anthony and Shevlino are accused of taking part in both the grocery store and Subway robberies. Anthony acted as a lookout in both robberies and was aware ahead of time that both would take place, Wilson said Friday. All of the teens involved were between 16 and 18 at the time of their arrests and were charged as adults. Most of the group appear to have continued with their educations, either in college or private school or by being readmitted to Wando. Anthony said in court Friday that he is a senior in high school and had been working at restaurants but is now unemployed. Seven of the teens have pleaded guilty already to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and accessory after the fact of armed robbery. They are: Samuel Perez, Christopher Cousins, Michael Dawley, Max Hartwell, Graham Stolte, Jackie Washington and Vincent Weiner. The maximum penalty for each offense is five years and 15 years, respectively. Their lawyers have asked a judge to consider background information, such as family status, psychological profiles and conduct, before handing down sentences. A 10th defendant, Patrick Brown, was considered a latecomer to the conspiracy. He pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of armed robbery. Wilson is recommending a youthful offender sentence for Brown that could keep him incarcerated for one to six years. Wilson said during a previous court hearing that she expected Shevlino also to plead guilty. But minutes into Friday's hearing, Shevlino's attorney, Frank Cornely, requested a continuance and indicated his client was not prepared to enter a plea. Shevlino and his parents sat near the back of the courtroom during the hearing. They appeared noticeably tense and seemed to agonize as the hearing unfolded. Jefferson turned down the request for a delay, setting the stage for Shevlino to go to trial as soon as next week. Jefferson noted the potential legal gamble, telling Cornely, "Whatever deal or offer has been offered to your client, I assume you know the risk of those being recalled." Cornely could not be reached for comment after the hearing. Shevlino's family also has declined to speak about the case. Anthony's attorney, Bentley Price, said after the hearing that he was not willing to take his chances at trial, where his client could have faced 60 years if found guilty. "I felt like it was the best outcome based upon what exposure he had," he said. Wilson said Anthony has had a brush with police since the robberies. Price described the incident as minor. He said his client was at a party that got too loud and the police showed up. As she plodded through a list of questions to ensure that Anthony understood the implications of his guilty plea, Jefferson asked Anthony if he had consumed any drugs or alcohol in the past 72 hours. Anthony said, "yes," he had recently consumed alcohol. Price said after the hearing that the response illustrates his client's naivete. "He is honest about everything and doesn't understand the consequences of his actions." Anthony was an orphan until he was adopted at age 8. But after the robberies, his adoptive mother wrote him off and he has been relying on friends to get by. Wearing a dark, pinstriped suit and accompanied by a group of supporters, Anthony declined to make a statement during the hearing. Alice Finkelstein, who said she has been teaching in South Carolina for 24 years and recently took Anthony into her home, asked Jefferson to reconsider. "I do not condone Michael's actions and fully realize that he will serve some form of punishment, but 10 years in a state prison is a very harsh sentence, one that I find very hard to understand." Jefferson said she was bound by state sentencing guidelines but acknowledged that in some cases the punishment "seems so completely inequitable." Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. |
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Comments
This article has 45 comment(s)
Posted by mac0cm4 on January 12, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am impressed that the justice system seems to be doing their job (mostly) thus far.
Posted by laine61 on January 12, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The judge in this case is a relative of mine and she did do what she had to do. I agree that the laws in SC need to be changed to some degree because not all offenses require harse sentences. Sometimes the person who commited the offense him/herself cannot fully understand the consequences of their actions. The state should allow for some lee-way in cases where it's obvious that the punishment does not fit the crime. It's amazing how some drug dealers or drunk drivers get off with less time for doing a lot more than what those kids did. Yes, punish them. They were wrong. Some offenders get what they deserve, some don't. That's our justice system!!
Posted by SCgal on January 12, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No doubt, IMO SC law needs to be revisited at numerous levels, but what a shame at this kid's expense!
I hope he has the opportunity to finish his education, go to college while serving his time, come out, and establish his own business, write a book about the ordeal, do something, anything to make a difference for the faulty system!
Posted by skeeter on January 12, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Doug_Huffman you really need some new quotes dude. The 2 that you have are really good but you need some new material. :)
Posted by RTC on January 12, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
10 yrs. for being a lookout? He would have gotten off easier if he had killed someone while DUI. These kids need to be punished, but I am afraid that they are going to get the harshest sentences, because this case is under such close scrutiny.
Chances are he won't do anywhere near 10 yrs., but still the sentence is pretty long considering he was not the gunman.
Posted by alwaysamazed on January 12, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In a perfect world he would go into prison and finish going to college...but, welcome to South Carolina folks! I don't believe that they offer any kind of education here. Oh, and forget about rehabilitation...it's called warehousing. He will be locked up with the worst of the worst, will have to defend his life..always watching over his shoulder. The judges in our state have no discretion as far as sentencing. This judge couldn't have given him any less time because it's out of the judges hands, and that needs to change now. I could be wrong about the college courses, but I looked into it for another kid that was sent to prison by a judge that did the best he could with the crappy laws that we have on the books...and now a group of us are paying to have the college courses sent in from out of state. If this boy's family can't afford to do that..(and it sounds like his foster mother is a peach) then he won't get any more out of the prison than 3 meals a day that cost a whopping $1.20(?) altogether, will see violence of the kind that you never see on T.V., and will basically become one of them. I think the post about him coming out and establishing a business...writing a book, and changing our system is a pipe dream. Who is going to give a loan to a convicted felon? Is someone going to set up a trust fund for him while he's in prison? This is a waste of tax-payer money, and what people don't understand is that when he get's out...who is going to be here to take him in..give him a job...because of course, once again..who is going to hire an ex-felon? Maybe in the land of perfect, he can just pick right up and carry on...yeah, right. The odds are good that he will end up back in prison, and we will once again pick up the tab. What else will he know?
Posted by blakelove on January 12, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to all concerned in this terrible situation. As a former teacher I am more than concerned about these young men. They made a mistake, but to put them behind bars with hardened criminals is yet another crime being committed. C'mon you legistators, step in and make some provisions in this law before we waste these young lives. You CAN do it.
Posted by pavrett on January 12, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am shocked at most of you alls comments. Think about the victims. If your son or daughter worked at Subway and had a gun shoved in their face would you be so willing to send that criminal back out onto the street with only probation. This guy pulled a GUN, and all the accomplices new his plan. In my opinion its a shame that non of these victims had a weapon of their own. I get so tired of everyone needing to understand who the defendent is. He is an orphan...booohooo. He had a bad childhood...he didn't know what he was doing.blahblahblah. They did what they did now its time to face the consequence. 10 years is a light sentence when the state asks for 30 when a crime was committed with a weapon. They got off too easy.
Posted by gcmadness on January 12, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do feel that Michael Anthony's punishment is a little harsh, and Sean Shevlino is truly in a world of hurt. I can't condone what they did and punishment is in order, but I do feel that some compassion should be shown to both. I'm sure the majaroity of us did stupid stuff in our youth, maybe not as stupid as this, but for some pretty close. Unless these guys get sent to some reform school, I feel that serving time with adult criminals is going to do more harm than good.
Posted by KnowAllSeeAll on January 12, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This was not a mistake. This was a CRIME that these kids committed. This was not even a serious crime; Armed Robbery is considered a MOST SERIOUS offense, aka a "strike and a half."
Don't get upset with the judge, as she acted within the confines of the law. These tough sentencing laws were passed for a reason, but unfortunately they aren't always followed. I've seen instances where thugs have DISCHARGED their weapons during an armed robbery and beaten their victims and still received probation. Not sure that the punishment fit the crime for Michael Anthony, but like I said, the judge acted within the confines of the law.
For those that are interested in commenting on prisons: they never have nor will they ever serve to rehabilitate anyone. Prisons exist for punishment and to keep dangerous people away from the rest of us.
Like Mr. Price said, very succinctly, neither Michael Anthony nor any of the other co-defendants really truly appreciate the gravity of their actions either immediately nor in the future. If the rest of these kids are placed on probation, they're about to get a wake-up call, as they're sure to be turned down for most forms of financial aid for college and also will be turned down for many types of employment, both now and in the future, because of the crimes they've committed. I think the bottom line is, this is a tough decision to make that has no right answer.
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are a lot of bleeding hearts out there today. These young men commit a crime with a gun real gun, or not so real. They knew what they were doing was wrong for God sake they are 15, 16, 17 year old young men not children and they did the crime any way. If he had gotten a slap on the hand everyone would be crying foul. He did a plea he knew what he was facing he could have went to court but he would be facing 30 years just like Sean Shelving is facing now. I am sorry that he has to spend ten years in prison but the time fits the crime.
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Folks I should have put committed.
Posted by SCgal on January 12, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wasn't this kid just a look-out? He did not hold the gun or point the gun correct, wasn't that the other kid?
And so why does this kid get 10 yrs as a look-out and the other 7 or so a plea bargain?
Why didn't this kid get the same as the other seven?
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Geechie I might be one of the guys you’re talking about. But they were all in this together they split the money for God sake. They knew what they were doing. Bottom line is why should one get a slap on the hand and the others have to serve jail time what one gets they all should get. If it had been one of your family members that were robbed you would want them put away. Go back to December 15 and read comments on this same story and see how people have become bleed hearts.
Posted by Cid95 on January 12, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Read the story:
"Only Anthony and Shevlino are accused of taking part in both the grocery store and Subway robberies."
These two did both of the robberies, thus more punishment.
Posted by jefferymaier on January 12, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If these were two kids from North Charleston High School, most of these comments would be 10 years was not enough.
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jefferymaier you got that right.
Posted by algorelost on January 12, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder if the kids from gadsen green are going to get 10 years?
Posted by nochasgirl on January 12, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If these kids were NCHS students, it would not have made the news! And nobody would sit around waiting to see the sentence they received. (By the way, what happened to those students who brought weapons to school recently?)
I do feel for the victims. I cannot imagine being in their shoes. I believe these boys knew what they were doing, but did not realize the consequences they would face. I have discussed this situation with my teenagers ever since the boys were arrested. This morning, when I brought it up again, they still seem confused about "the hand of one is the hand of all" law. Why? Because they are children, and they think like children. I was sad to hear that Michael Anthony's (adopted?) mother has nothing to do with him now. I have also heard something similar about another one of the boys. How do you abandon your children? Don't you have to care for them until they are 18 yrs old? What is the legal age now, 17 or 18? I have recently heard a similar story about another adopted child (completely unrelated story), whose adopted parents have disowned him, and is at the mercy of others. Isn't this neglect?
Posted by dianed43 on January 12, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sc needs to change the punishment to fit the crime. i am a mom that knows 1st hand. my son was involved in burglery about 3 years ago. he got caught. we turned him in. he had a documented history of mental disorders and had been away in an inpatient hospital a year before the crimes. he always struggled but he had a huge heart. he made some poor choices. he was sentenced to 15 years, the judge suspended 7. with no weapons involved in these crimes i thought that extreme. again....that is what SC law requires. they placed him in lieber, a level 3 prison which houses the only death row inmates of the state and some of the worst offenders. they housed him in the most violent of wings, were they trying to make an example of him? i still don't know why. he was murdered, stabbed to death by another inmate that was already serving a 30 year sentence for murder. my son was given an 8 year sentence not a death sentence. SC needs to wake up!!!! if they think sentencing these young kids to such harsh sentences is going to make them better they are sadly mistaken. i visited my son every weekend. this is no place for them. changes need to be made. it has got to start somewhere. contact the senate, the governor. be a voice. my sons accused murderer is going on trial for the killing this week in st george. and the best is they are not even going after the death penalty. if convicted he will receive life without parole, another reason for overcrowding. how many lives is one allowed to take? the whole system sucks. i know!!!
Posted by MACOA on January 12, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all this was'nt just one time, these boys robbed several businesses over the summer. And all of them got plea bargans, read the article. "Michael Anthony, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery for his role as a "lookout" in both holdups. Circuit Judge Deadra Jefferson immediately sentenced Anthony to concurrent 10-year sentences in state prison as part of a plea deal offered by Solicitor Scarlett Wilson." If this kid was so concerned with his education why was'nt he at home studying rather than robbing people? Jail is not a cake walk and if it was then it wouldnt be a deterant! He commited a crime and now everyone wants to kiss his ass and down play what he did! What kind of message are you sending to the youth of America. You wonder why juvenile crimes are up? Because everytime a juvenile commits a crime society coddles them and tells them its ok, its not their fault! Thats BS! These children need to be taught a lesson and Im glad Scarlett Wilson is taking this so seriously. Good thing some of the people posting here don't have an opinion in it or we would all be screwed!
Posted by tisktisk123 on January 12, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Buttercup wrote: They knew what they were doing was wrong for God sake they are 15, 16, 17 year old young men not children and they did the
I'm very curious - when are you no longer a child. When should you be charged as a juvenile? Should it be when you ARE a juvenile? Maybe you should be charged as an adult when you ARE an adult.
Posted by tedallen on January 12, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To walk away from your own son. And this lady is teaching your children at jennie moore elementry school....And you wonder why our schools are so messed up...this is how she treats her own son..what would she do to yours?
Posted by dianed43 on January 12, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no one is saying they should not be punished....but the sentence needs to fit the crime. do you all remember the woman who pled guilty to killing her twins.. she got 10 years...that's 5 for each life she took. so is it fair that a young man who was a look out in a robbery ( with a pellet gun ) get the same sentence as someone who killed 2 infants. as i said SC needs to change the mandatory sentencing. and housing...in texas they house those that committed a crime with those who committed a like crime. they don't house a person that is convicted of burglery with a person who committed murder.
Posted by tisktisk123 on January 12, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dianed43 I totally agree w/you and I am very sorry to hear about your son. I hope people will take in what you are saying and stop being such hard asses. These are lives that are changed forever - before they even enter prison. There is a chance that these young men will die in prison for an extremely crazy and stupid crime they committed at the age of 16. 16 year olds think like juveniles - not adults and should be sentenced as juveniles -
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't make the law, the law states that they will be tried as an adult. Don’t tell me that they did not know right from wrong at their ages. I also stated that I am sorry that they have to serve jail time and I also said the time fits the crime. This was not a little brank.It is a serious crime. Next time they will be packing a loaded gun and then I wonder how many people will feel sorry for them when they rob and shoot someone... So don’t hand me any of your crap.
Posted by dianed43 on January 12, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buttercup...hope none of your loved ones ever make a mistake. your a little hard on these kids. no one said they didn't know right from wrong. but kids this age don't realize the consequences. a scared straight program is a great idea. kids don't need probation when they do wrong. they need to be given a 30 day sentence in county or a detention center. let them see what they will face if they keep making mistakes. in NJ where i am from they bring kids on prison tours to show them where they will end up if they mess up. SC is so far behind. no offence but it is a never ending circle. education lacks in SC, and so does the system.
Posted by tisktisk123 on January 12, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are NOT stating the law. The law does not STATE that they must be tried as adults. PEOPLE decide to charge and trie them as ADULTS. They could have chosen to charge them as juveniles. People such as Scarlett Wilson. I did not say that they do not know right from wrong and I DO believe they should be punished. I just feel that they should be in w/juveniles - not hardened criminals. Give them a chance to survive. It WAS a very serious crime and they need help. And NEXT Time there will NOT be a loaded gun because there will not ever be a NEXT time. There will not be a second chance for these boys. I am not handing you a bunch of crap - its just that the TIME does NOT fit the crime. I hope you never have a sixteen year old kid who screws up soooo bad and is scared senseless and you have to tell him "Sorry son, but I can't help you" Time to go to an adult prison and I wish you the best - hope you can live through it... I just think it is unnessesary for you to say anything against these CHILDREN who are already looking at a world of hurt - they don't need your two cents.
Posted by CarolinaWren on January 12, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wasn’t going to comment on this article but after reading some of the comments I am afraid I have since changed my mind. These young men probably thought it would fun to rob the neighborhood grocery store and sub shop. They then decided to go to Wal-Mart where they purchased walkie talkies, masks and a pellet gun. Then off they went on their joy ride. When they were caught they were no longer having fun and it was no longer a laughing matter. I see their pictures in the Post and Courier carrying zero walkie talkies in their hands, no mask and no pellet gun, but I see they are dressed in suits and ties and looking sad and scared. They broke the law and I am sure they scared the hell out of the employees who where working in these stores when they were robbed. They have to be punished. There has been too much hand slapping by society all ready. I am not sure an adult prison is the solution but there has to be a better solution somewhere. Children have been given too much freedom and they do not know how to handle it. That is why they get into trouble.
There is no wonder our youth are as confused as they are today. Who are their role models??? The rapper, the basketball player …who do they have to look up to as a role model????
Now we can all once again watch out tax dollars at work as we house them.
Posted by nochasgirl on January 12, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I was in high school, a fight was a fight. No weapons involved. Guys got up and walked away, and it was over. Today, charges are filed. The BE boys are facing the same "setting an example because everyone is watching" problem that the Wando boys are facing. Face it, if these crimes were committed anywhere else, nobody would care, and there would probably be a lighter sentence. I would like to find statistics on sentences for all armed robberies in SC, and see how this sentence compares. I agree completely that children should not be locked up with adults.
Posted by SCgal on January 12, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do teen girls end up being tried as adults?
What is the determining factor?
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Geechee my children as never been in trouble they know right from wrong. My son is a police officer he sees this every day.
These young adults’ pulling their little pranks as they call it.
When you use a gun to committee a crime like I said that is not a prank. Where would you suggest they be put??? Come up with a solution and so they would not have to go to an adult prison. Put it on the table to your congressman and act don’t just talk about it.
Posted by tisktisk123 on January 12, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buttercup - hats off to you for raising children that have Never been in trouble. I as a parent know what an accomplishment that is & to have a son who is a police officer must make you proud - you should be proud, because that is awesome. But the parents of these children also tried to raise children who know right from wrong & I know they are not proud of what their children did. They are ashamed & appauld. It's horrible! These kids need to be punished & put into a jail that houses juveniles. Maybe they should offer the military as an option - send them to Iraq to fight?? You are correct - we need to come up w/a solution & act on it!
Posted by MACOA on January 12, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ever stop to wonder why these "kids" don't understand the consequences? When I was 16 I understood the consequences of breaking the law. Ignorance to the law is not an excuse to break it! These guys knew the consequences they just didnt expect to get caught! Everyone who blindly thinks that they didnt know i have an experiment for you. If you have teenagers, ask them this question: If you robbed someone with a gun what will happen to you? If your child says "I don't know" then you as a parent have failed to teach your child about about the consequence and repercussions of their actions and maybe it will be a wake up call to you.
Posted by buttercup on January 12, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why can’t they be sent to McDougal It is a medium Security it does house young adults. Just a thought
Posted by tisktisk123 on January 12, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MACOA - You are correct - most teens and I'm sure these ones too would answer, "I will go to jail" They were wrong - no question.... but if it was your son - would you want to help them, because obviously something is not "right" in their head. Or would you like them to be put w/murderers & rapist to receive who knows what kind of punishment? Sometimes even good kids make horrible choices. Never say never - because even your child could get caught up in something (hopefully nothing this serious). Google Sean Shevlino & you'll see all these articles about his crime & you'll also see his alter boy schedule! something went really wrong w/him.
Posted by nochasgirl on January 12, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have an experiment. Ask your child if there is a difference between walking into a store with a gun, and walking in with a guy with a gun? I bet they will think there is a difference. I know boys that grew up with my brothers that were raised in very good homes, and some made mistakes. Guess what, even in perfect families a child can make a mistake. I think my children are pretty good kids, but I could not, and would not say they have never done anything wrong. They have never broken the law. I cannot fathom a child who has never done anything wrong??? Sometimes parents would be shocked if they knew what their perfect little angels have done.
Posted by carolinapanther on January 12, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish the clerk had a gun and shot these guys for self defense, then we wouldnt have to have this debate. People need to be armed against people like Michael Anthony and Sean Shevlino. Criminals are Criminals, quit making an excuse for these punks!
Posted by carolinapanther on January 12, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a difference between a child making a mistake and committing an armed robbery!!!
Posted by MACOA on January 12, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tisktisk123 -
This guy might have been a good guy, but it is apparant that he cannot be relied on to make good decisions. If it was my son I would be sad, but what can you do? He commited the crime and he is being punished. I dont think that I should expect different treatment for my son, just because he is my son. He will be put into the jail where murderers, rapist, and armed robbers go, because thats what he did! Now, if you know anything about SC law you will realize that offenders rarely serve half of their original sentence so this boy is likley to get out in 5 years or less. Also he had a choice, he could have gone to trial and might have been found innocent. Instead he confessed and aggreed to the sentence. The lesson here is allowing people to be held responsible for their actions.
Posted by MACOA on January 12, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just learned that michael anthony will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence before parole eligability, roughly eight years. Im ok with that!
Posted by nochasgirl on January 12, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The 85% sentence before parole eligibility is in the second paragraph of the article.
It's easy to say what you would do, when you are far removed from a situation. It would kill me if my child was in this situation. I would do anything to help them.
One dumb mistake can ruin your life--and it can happen to anyone.
Posted by RTC on January 12, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nochasgirl, you know these kids are going to get the worst sentencing possible, because they live in Mt.P and must be made examples of to appease the general public.
There is a place in the mid or up state where they put kids like this. I don't know the name of it, but they make the kids build their own shelters, and they work them at hard labor from dawn till dusk. It is very tough, and I have heard that their success rate is great. It is a shame that these boys will not have that option.
They must be punished, but I just believe there is another alternative to housing these young men with hardened criminals. They will only come out worse than ever if they make it out at all.
Posted by phoenixdown on January 12, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First off, everyone who is banging on his adoptive mother, you have no clue. Don't listen to what his DA is saying. She helped him out loads, she wanted him to sit in jail a little bit before bailing him out so he would REALIZE the severity of his actions. She OFFERED her house for him to live in after he got out, he declined. She has been paying his MEDICAL bills, on a TEACHERS salary. She has put up at least a few grand I would believe in keeping him good and well since this incident. You do not know this woman, and you have no idea what she has done to try to help him. All she wanted was for him to apologize, and realize what he did and he was welcome back into the family, he could not do that though.
And for everyone who is letting their hear bleed over this, think about it this way: If they didn't commit the crimes, they would not be facing this. Its that easy, they knew 100% it was wrong. So many things could have happened, someone else could have had a gun in either store and used it in self defence, the police could have showed up as they were leaving, and a multitude of other things. While the sentence is harsh, they had the choice to NOT COMMIT THESE CRIMES. They are now no longer young adults, but criminals, by their choice. They became criminals with that act, so in jail they will be with other criminals. At any time they could have chosen not to do what they did.
And before you tell me I don't know jack crap, I was the one in Food Lion that night held at gunpoint.
Posted by patricia on January 14, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What these boys did was wrong and they should be punished, but they should not have been tried as adults and sentenced to adult prison. What purpose does this serve? I urge you all whether you agree or not agree with these cases, to help get the laws changed as your child could be next. South Carolina has MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS, South Carolina does not have a MINIMUM AGE for sentencing as an adult, and South Carolina does not have a MINIMUM AGE for mandatory life sentences. Kids do foolish things, it has been proven their brains aren't fully developed and they don't think and act like adults, that is why they can't vote, buy cigarettes, buy alcohol, and require parental permission to leave school. etc. SO WHY ARE WE SENTENCING THEM AS ADULTS? Help bring about change, sign this petition http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeactio...