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My husband passed me an article that is both heart breaking and frightening.
The story comes from The Columbus Dispatch. According to the story, a 13 year old boy is currently facing 128 FELONY charges in Athens County Juvenile Court.
The list of charges is unreal. They include burglary, theft, vandalism, witness intimidation, stealing checks from elderly people, and breaking into both homes and businesses. Apparently he beat one of the witnesses who turned him in.
Because of his age, he will be in juvenile court, and could be free when he turns 21.
Here is a quote from Prosecutor C. David Warren:
“You’re getting into his violent nature. We either get him rehabilitated now in the juvenile system or we will be dealing with him for the rest of his life.”
He also says that he is proceeding with ALL charges, hoping for some restitution for the victims. In my blog on property damage I explained some of the limitations that may be in place in seeking restitution. I hope this young man has to make some kind of restitution so that he gets the message that his actions have consequences.
In my opinion, the prosecutor has the right idea.
“It is very difficult to explain to a victim whose business has been broken into to say we are going to charge on this but not on yours.”
I can identify with the victims as well.
The FullBrooks Cafe, a popular Nelsonville coffee shop, was struck twice, WBNS-TV (Channel 10) reported.
“It sort of like took all the air out of me the first time, and the second time I couldn’t believe it,” FullBrooks owner Miki Brooks told WBNS.
Being victimized once is hard, even if the offender is your own child, but repeated attacks leaving you feeling incredibly vulnerable.
The biggest thing that struck me about this boy’s photo is the angry, yet empty look in his eyes.
So many kids that have been through the trauma that foster kids have, get the same look in their eyes. There is no life there. No sadness. Nothing to indicate that this child has any remorse or fear. It’s both scary and sad.
I wonder what’s in this child’s past. Was he a victim of abuse or neglect? Did he watch domestic violence in his home? Did he have anyone to pick him up and comfort him when he was baby? Does he have a parent who is an alcoholic or drug addict? What brought this young boy to where he is today?
Sammy is the same age, but with everything we have been through with him, I can not imagine him being the subject of this article. All of his damage and violence has been done at home, since he felt safe here. While I can’t undo his past, we have provided him with a loving home for the past 8 years. He does have a conscience, even if it’s not at the level I’d like it to be.
I truly hope that there is going to be someone there for this boy as this all unfolds.
