Eye on Politics
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 pleaded guilty to two 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 the 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.
Most folks can agree that serving five years for the horrible crimes committed is not justice for those victims. In addition, police believe there were more crimes perpetrated by this violent felon, and they have asked other victims to come forward.
It is hard enough for law enforcement to do the difficult work to conduct an investigation to provide the evidence to arrest and have a criminal convicted. Thus, to turn around and allow the rapist to serve so little time behind bars is not fair either to the detectives who made this case.
Lawmakers recently passed legislation that gave more latitude for judges to give “split sentences” for convicted criminals, which means a lot less time in prison for serious crimes. This type of injustice for crime victims should be the impetus for Alabama state representatives and senators to fix the problems with split sentences when the legislature is back in session.
Actually, Alabama leaders should take the best next step and pass truth in sentencing, as other states have done recently.
Public safety and crime victims in Alabama deserve no less.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.
