Criminal Cases in the News
Teen Found Guilty in the Michael Brewer Burning Trial
On October 12, 2009, three teenage boys set another teen, Michael Brewer on fire.
One teen doused him with alcohol while the other set him a fire. He survived the burning by jumping into a nearby pool. The alleged ring leader, Matthew Bent was found guilty at trial of Aggravated Battery. The teen faced the more serious charge of Attempted Murder which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. He is now awaiting his sentence and could receive up to 15 years in prison.
His Co-defendants previously agreed to a plea deal in lieu of trial and also agreed to testify against him. Denver Jarvis, Co-Defendant, received eight years in prison, a year of house arrest, and 21 years of probation. The other Co-Defendant, Jesus Mendez, got 11 years in prison, a year of house arrest, and 18 years of probation. Bent could be sentenced to more prison time than his Co-Defendants. Mendez testified that he acted on his on and not at the direction of Bent, where as the other Co-Defendant, Jarvis, stated that Bent offered him money to pour the alcohol onto Brewer. There was also testimony from a few other witnesses stating that they were offered $5 to $10 if they would beat up Brewer.
Bent’s sentencing hearing is scheduled July 23, 2012. According to the Sun Sentinel, the Prosecutor in this case has stated that he will seek the maximum sentence. Broward Circuit Judge Michael Robinson may sentence him from time served to the maximum 15 years, depending on whether he chooses to treat the defendant as a juvenile or an adult.
Every day teenagers commit crimes all over the country. The Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyers atBerman and Tsombanakis, have handled many juvenile cases and cases where juveniles have been charged as adults. In Florida, the State Attorney’s Office looks at the seriousness of the charge as well as the violent nature when determining whether to charge a juvenile as an adult. In this particular case, the crime was so horrific and violent in nature that it gave way to adult charges.
Jerry Sandusky, Former Coach at Penn State Found Guilty
Last week Jerry Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of the 48 charges against him. The Sandusky case shocked the world at the end of the collegiate football season last year, when it was announced that he had molested and raped young boys for decades. This case led to the firing of the late Joe Paterno, as well as the forced resignation of the President of Penn State University. Other high ranking officials have since been criminally charged with perjury and other crimes. Many have also been fired from the University.
Sandusky was an Assistant Coach under Joe Paterno for many years. He used his position at Penn State, as well as his access to the facilities to lure in young boys. Most of these young boys were from disadvantaged backgrounds and homes without fathers. Sandusky preyed on them and potrayed himself as a father figure and mentor to the public. Sandusky could spend the rest of his life in prison for these charges and given the nature of the crimes and the public out cry, he most likely will.
According to NBC News, Sandusky faces a minimum of 60 years in prison because some of the felonies are mandated felonies under Pennsylvania law, and the judge has no discretion as to sentencing on those charges. The University has stated that they plan to compensate the victims.This case has opened the discussion about many other sexual abuse cases involving young boys. Some are even making the argument that sexual abuse cases should not have statute of limitations. Cases that would have been swept under the rug because of fear and embarrassment, are now being talked about and brought to justice.