After Djovani Jean-Pierre, an Alabama teenager, was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and two misdemeanors for allegedly using a gun to steal another loaded gun at a party, his lawyer argues that the charges were racially motivated amid tensions in Albertville surrounding the growing Haitian population. Activists are now condemning the decision to house the 17-year-old with adults in jail.
According to The Associated Press, although an Alabama law gives judges more discretion about whether or not to deny bail for those accused of violent crimes, juvenile justice advocates and other activists have made the case that housing Jean-Pierre with adults puts him in a dangerous situation.
However, Phil Sims, the Marshall County Sheriff, told the AP that removing him from the general population in jail would mean solitary confinement, which is also detrimental to his mental health.
As a result, Jean-Pierre has been stuck in jail awaiting trial, with his attorney, Richard Rice, telling the AP that his client, a strong student, has been denied access to his school materials while incarcerated…