Court orders woman NOT to Reproduce
Via ABCNew.com:
“I’ve been doing this for 32 years now and I, quite frankly, have never researched that particular issue, but my gut is telling me you can’t do that,” attorney Nathaniel White told ABCNews.com today. “This isn’t something that happens every day. It’s a very unusual situation.”
The demand shocked both the woman and her attorney, who failed to challenge the judge’s request in court Friday but now says he doubts its legality.
Kimberly Lightsey, 30, was facing four counts of child abuse for an incident on Halloween 2011 when she left her four children, ages 2 to 11 at the time, at a hotel while she went out “partying,” her attorney said.
She left her children with another hotel patron named Simone at the hotel who also had children. Lightsey said the woman had agreed to watch the kids.
Several hours later, Simone texted Lightsey to find out her room number.
“Apparently, Simone had been doing a little partying of her own and forgot where Ms. Lightsey’s room was,” White said. “In the meantime, one of the children who has to use a wheelchair because of physical limitations he has, he had gotten out into the hallway and managed to turn himself over in the wheelchair, so he’s out there hollering.”
Authorities were called and Lightsey was eventually charged with four counts of felony child abuse. She was convicted on all counts.
Prosecutors asked for a 32-month jail sentence in court, but Judge Ernest Jones Jr. had another idea.
At Lightsey’s Friday sentencing, the judge proposed two years of house arrest and 13 years of probation, with the condition that she agree not to have any more children during that time.
“I admit that when he threw that out there about no kids, that’s when I was a little stunned,” White said. “I just sat there and I looked at the judge without saying anything because at that point I don’t want to blow it because the judge hadn’t definitely decided yet what he was going to do.”
White said that on the one hand, he was worried that if he spoke up, the judge might get irritated and send Lightsey to jail.
“On the other hand, my mind was screaming, ‘I don’t think this is legal,'” he said. “‘I don’t think you can do that, judge.'”
“The judge looks over at my client and says, ‘Well, what do you think? Or you don’t like that?'” White recalled.
“She had turned around and looked at the back of the courtroom where her boyfriend was,” White said. “And she said something like, ‘My boyfriend and I were thinking once things settle down of maybe having a child.'”
White said Jones answered with, “Well, you’ve already got four.”
[Read entire article here]
Though, ABC is never my first choice for media. I could not find another detailed write up regarding this story from alternative news sources. I post this story and my personal thoughts to bring light on the police state we live in.
The plea held a sentencing of two years house arrest and 13 years probation. With that probation this Florida woman was ordered not to have any children during the 13 years or she violates the terms. The woman’s attorney failed to challenge the legality of this sentencing. So, I ask who’s working for who? This is insanity! Never take a plea!
A few personal thoughts
Ok, let me start my thoughts off with in no way shape or form do I ever condone any short of child abuse or bad parenting. I am not posting this to focus on the “crime” committed. I would like those who read to focus on and think about the punishment handed down for said crime. There are actual victims to this crime, so I personally classify what this women did as a crime, therefore should hold punishment.
Let’s take a long look at the punishment handed down to this mother of four. Two years house arrest and 13 years probation. What are the terms of her probation? She cannot have anymore children during the 13 years. To me this is plain insanity and illiterates show of force and or controlling. Are the courts testing us in ordered to see just how much we will allow them to do? What is the punishment or real reason behind NOT allowing this woman to reproduce? Are the courts setting her up to fail? Did they add the no children for 13 years in hopes one crime will turn into multiple crimes therefore they can cage her and stack on the fines for financial gain?
The court system has been out of control for decades, but most recently is getting worse. We need to start holding not just cops, but judges accountable for their actions as well. I can continue to go on about this matter, but I think ill end it here to leave room for others’ comments.
This post was submitted and authored by Jeff Herrmann. Anyone can share their stories, ideas and/or thoughts on police by filling out the form on CopBlock.org’s submit a post tab, just click here.
