By Paul DeMarco
Paul DeMarco
Crime and the Alabama criminal justice system continue to be major issues in our state. And unfortunately, despite politicians promises to increase public safety, there is still a long way to go. A horrendous case out of Jefferson County is a perfect example.
Recently, the Leeds Police Department rightfully questioned an incredibly lenient sentence meted out by a judge assuring that a violent felon will merely serve five years in prison even after he pled guilty to 2 counts of first-degree rape. To make matters worse, as part of the plea deal, two additional rape charges and a count for human trafficking were dropped by prosecutors. The five years is all that will be mandated despite the judge sentencing him to 20 years in a state penitentiary. This rapist will then likely be back on Alabama streets despite the devastating crimes he confessed. The convoluted sentencing scheme is referred to as a “split,” and very few victims probably understand the realities of the time an inmate will serve…