Seven teens plead guilty in robbery
Sentencing delayed, but crime could lead to prison terms
The prosecution of 10 Wando High School teens in the armed robbery of a Mount Pleasant grocery store took a huge step forward Wednesday when seven of them pleaded guilty to their roles as "lookouts."
But a huge question remains after their sentencing was postponed: Will they receive prison time?
Also unclear is what effect the pleas will have on the cases of two co-defendants implicated in a second holdup as well. Both teens were listed on Wednesday's docket. Neither was in court.
Inside the county Judicial Center, the seven youths said little more than "yes, sir" to Circuit Judge Roger Young in admitting their involvement in the stickup of the Food Lion store on South Morgan's Point Road.
More than 30 people, mostly parents, friends and family, stood in the packed courtroom to watch the proceedings. Some fidgeted. Others exchanged nervous glances. One woman dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
After the teens entered their pleas, sentencing was postponed when their lawyers sought to lessen the severity of their penalties by asking Young to agree to review pre-sentencing reports on each youth.
The reports, to be compiled by state probation officers, will look at everything from family status, psychological profiles and the students' conduct since being arrested. Such reports are commonplace for virtually every criminal convicted in the federal court system but are more rare among defendants in state court. It could take 30 days or longer for them to be completed.
With the guilty pleas on record, only two defendants in the case remain, including the teen accused of entering the Food Lion armed with a pellet gun.
The Post and Courier
The seven teens in court Wednesday confessed to the Aug. 26, 2006, robbery in which they acted as lookouts in cars parked near the store. A classmate wearing an orange mask and carrying a pellet gun allegedly went inside and forced a store worker to open up a safe. An undetermined amount of money was taken away in a duffel bag.
The group communicated by "walkie-talkies" they purchased at a local retail store along with the mask and gun. They later split the take.
Under the plea offers accepted Wednesday, the more severe charge of armed robbery against six of the seven teens was replaced by charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and accessory after the fact of armed robbery.
The maximum penalty for each offense is five years and 15 years, respectively.
When the sentencing date comes, Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said she will ask for the maximum sentences for each, to run concurrently.
The six originally had been charged with conspiracy and armed robbery, which by itself can draw up to 30 years in state prison. Pleading guilty were: Christopher Cousins, Michael Dawley, Max Hartwell, Graham Stolte, Jackie Washington and Vincent Weiner.
The seventh defendant, Patrick Brown, was considered a late-comer to the conspiracy. He pleaded to accessory after the fact of armed robbery.
Wilson is recommending a youthful offender sentence for Brown that could keep him incarcerated for one to six years.
All the teens involved were between 16 and 18 at the time of their arrests and were charged as adults.
What severity of sentence the teens can expect — and an eighth member of the group who pleaded guilty last week — remains the subject of widespread speculation around the courthouse. Attorneys for some of the teens did not want to make predictions but conceded the threat of prison time is real.
"At the time this happened, I don't think they realized the seriousness of what they were doing," said attorney Michael Uricchio. "But they sure do now."
Since being arrested, most of the teens appear to have continued with their education, either in college, private schools or by being readmitted to Wando. Some also have kept jobs.
As part of their plea deals, the group must also agree to testify against the two other teens whose cases are pending: Sean Shevlino and Michael Anthony. Both are charged with holding up the Food Lion and a separate armed robbery at a Subway restaurant.
Whether the two will go to trial or plead guilty during the January 7 court term remained in question Wednesday.
Wilson told Young that Shevlino and Anthony plan to plead guilty to armed robbery charges. But Anthony's attorney, Bentley Price, said later in the day that his client has not decided whether to accept a plea agreement or proceed to trial. Wilson has offered to recommend a 10-year prison term if the pair pleads guilty to two counts of armed robbery.
Price considers the agreement an ultimatum rather than a serious negotiation because Anthony has little to gain by accepting it.
"It's not an offer. What they have given us is a court date," he said.
Price said his client should be treated as a youthful offender and his attorneys allowed to present mitigating evidence to a judge to help explain some of Anthony's actions.
Price called Anthony one of the more sympathetic figures in the case. He said the teen is "practically an orphan" who has had to depend on the kindness of others for a place to sleep at night.
The woman who was caring for him left for a trip to Europe on the day of his arrest and he spent several days in jail before a friend's mother posted his bail, Price said. He has since bounced around, staying with various people while trying to continue his schooling and work, Price added.
A therapist's assessment found that Anthony doesn't fully appreciate the consequences of his actions, Price said. In his mind, he was just helping his friend, Shevlino, he said. Now, faced with the prospect of prison, his biggest concerns seem to be whether he will have a cell mate and how the food will taste, Price said.
"He just doesn't get it. He doesn't understand at all," he said. "This boy does not belong in an adult prison with criminals. ... He's a great kid. With the right counseling, structure and family this kid can go on to be a very productive member of society."
Representatives of Shevlino have declined comment and could not be reached Thursday.
Wilson told the judge she is prepared to move quickly to trial should the teens choose not to plead guilty.
The case stunned many members of the East Cooper community, in part because several of those arrested were members of the school football team. Some Wando students also suggested the Food Lion robbery was planned to aid Shevlino, who'd temporarily left home after getting in trouble for hosting a party.
Police said that account didn't make sense because the take was reportedly split up among participants.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@postandcourier.com or 937-5551.
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Comments
R_Pusha (anonymous) says...
I HOPE THEY DONT GO TO PRISON LOOKING ALL AFRAID LIKE THEY LOOK IN THE PICTURES..WERE THEY GOING TO SPLIT THE PROCEEDS 10 WAYS? THEY'LL GROW UP IN PRISON, SEEING THAT THERE GOING TO BE THERE FOR THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS...SERIOUSLY, I HOPE THE JUDGE IS LENIENT ON THEM, THEY SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER!
December 20, 2007 at 1:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Only_GOD_Can_Judge_Us (anonymous) says...
Reading this puts tears to my eyes. I can't believe any of this, this past year has been almost impossible for myself and the others involved and the only people that can really understand that are us and our families. I was reading some of the posted comments for the story from earlier this week and it shocks me how many people seemed to be glad that we were being sent off to prison, honestly what kind of people like to see people go to prison. Not just people but 16, 17 and 18 year olds, these are the guys that mow your lawn or help people around the neighborhood. I've really only known the guys for about two years but most of them are just like any other teen boy looking for some fun in all the wrong places with ALL the wrong guidance.
Don't get me wrong, what we did was absolutely the biggest mistake of our entire lives and yes for every action there is a reaction. I'm more than ready to suffer the consequences in its full but is sending us to prison really what a hand full of Juveniles deserve. If you can honestly say yes to that question then you obviously have no idea what it means to go to prison, and if you think "oh that stuff just happens in the movies" then you're greatly mistaken. For me it wasn't just being involved in this, for about five months of my life I struggled with doing what was right and fooling with the corruption of most felons. It took spending some time in the county jail for the Lord to actually reach me and help me realize what I had been doing the past few months wasn't the way for anyone to live their life, I just didn't know how to get out of this continuous streak of evilness. Back to the point, well while traveling through the system time and time again I picked up a lot of knowledge from people that don't know how to fix their lives. I heard stories about prison that would make people sick to their stomachs and wonder how people can be that demented. People get stabbed with ice picks, people get raped by five guys, but most of all people do not get help from getting sentenced to prison.
December 20, 2007 at 3:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Only_GOD_Can_Judge_Us (anonymous) says...
I really wish it didn't have to be this way but society is so overwhelmed with the fact of not wanting to seem racist and unfair that they don't see the difference in truly good people with hearts as big as the world, good work ethics and character far more than a man who can look someone in the face and cold-bloodedly kill someone. So Yeah! stick them in prison with the rest of those other crazy people, people like us do not mix with criminals. People like us are eventually shaped into people like them; I would know I was going through the process being labeled as a habitual offender, it took that time for me to realize that I needed to change not ten years. I haven't been in any involvement with the law for a year now, I just rented out a Luxury appt in Mount Pleasant, make a steady income working at a great company with NORMAL people, but wait I have to go get some sleep for work tomorrow but I guess that's impossible because I'm a criminal and deserve to be in prison and can't make any contributions to the community right???
P.S. All my thoughts and prayers go out to the ones that understand.
S. Deaton
December 20, 2007 at 3:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tj66 (anonymous) says...
i dont think they should go to prison for a long time.. maybe 6 months,then they can see how life is in there,the city jail is nothing compared to the big house,they did what they did and now they have to pay,everyone has a choice u either choose to do the right thing or u choose to do the wrong thing.they all should of thought before they acted,but they didnti think its sad that they would turn on their friends to get a better deal,with friends like that who needs enemies
December 20, 2007 at 4:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
R_Pusha (anonymous) says...
WHAT IF THEY HAD KILLED SOMEONE? YALL WOULD BE CALLING FOR THERE HEADS ON A PLATTER! WHAT IF THESE BOYS WERE FROM THE EASTSIDE OR NORTH CHARLESTON, YALL WOULD WANT THE BOOK THROWN AT THEM,BUT SINCE THEY ARE MIDDLE CLASS SUBURBAN KIDS YOU ALL FEEL A SINCE OF PITY.THEY NEED TO GO TO THE PENITENTIARY FOR A WHILE,I'M NOT SAYING A LONG TIME,BUT THEY NEED TO SEE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DECISIONS THEY MAKE.YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL ABOUT "JUSTICE" SO LET JUSTICE BE SERVED.THEY WERE BIG ENOUGH MEN TO DO A ROBBERY ON THE OUTSIDE, SO THEY NEED TO BE MEN AND DO THERE TIME ON THE INSIDE.ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES AND MOVE ON!
December 20, 2007 at 4:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pirate42 (anonymous) says...
sorry Kiddies You need to do sometime not in prison than a bootcamp out of state for a while you still broke the law Grow up now the hard way ( send the parents with them too to parenting classes ...
December 20, 2007 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mac0cm4 (anonymous) says...
They need a little time in prison. Scare them. Sentence them to life, let them sit there a couple months and then let them out with probation for several years.
But we all know that Mt. Pompous mommy and daddy will pay out the nose and they won't get what they deserve. It'll be a story they tell in the future at parties "One time, when I was in High School...lemme tell you what I did....."
December 20, 2007 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
Knowing what we know about prison life; 1 to 15 years in a state prison may not be the right thing here.
Do they need to be punished? YES!
We are making a big mistake if we continue to coddle these young men. They need to understand the seriousness of their actions and that someone could have died. They could have caused someone in the store to have a heart attack, they could have been killed by a police officer if one had arrived on scene during the robbery; it all could have been very bad.
That said, we need to come up with a program that really puts these first time offenders in a very uncomfortable situation for an extended amount of time, but I really believe they would become victims of the serious felons in a state prison.
Rape, murder, beatings and drugs are a reality of prison life. They won't come out as undamaged goods and their attitudes won't be better.
I'm for putting them to work, chain gang style. Put them in orange suits on the side of the road.
Let them pick up the litter, paint signs and clean up around bridges and intersections.
Give them shovels, hoes and rakes, bush axes and such. Clean out ditches, patch potholes, pick up garbage, etc.
Shame them and make them work to pay back their court costs and any other costs they caused. Make it a 2 year deal. House them away from hardened criminals.
To lose them as productive memebers of society would be a shame and certain to happen if we imprison them.
December 20, 2007 at 6:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
swhfd28 (anonymous) says...
do the crime...do the time regardless of their age. They knew exactly what the were doing!
December 20, 2007 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proud2bme (anonymous) says...
As sad as it is, these kids should do jail time. Do I think 5-10 years of it? No, I think 1 year at least would be justice. I believe they knew what they were doing was wrong and should pay for the crime they comitted.
I hope that after doing jail time, they will change their ways, contine on with their education and go on to be productive citizens.
December 20, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10216340 (anonymous) says...
Only_GOD_Can_Judge_Us - No, the legal system can and will judge you as well. In addition, your community will judge you. Sure, you made a mistake.....that is what most criminals do.....make mistakes. The Bible is full of instructions to us (society) about judgement and consequences of actions including punishment for crimes. So, don't tell me that Only God can judge you.
Yes, God will judge you but not in the way society is called to judge and punish its criminals. You deserve more than probation.
I don't believe that 10 years (or even more) are appropriate but I think that some prison time is necessary. If the court system doesn't impose the proper sentence than they are sending a message to other young people and setting a terrible precedent that we will all live to regret.
I encourage other readers to think of it in these terms.....what message will an inappropriately light sentence send.....what will other young people think when confronted with similar temptations? Will they say...oh, it's no big deal, they (society) will only give us probation or a slap on the wrist.....maybe they will think that mom or dad will simply bail them out?
December 20, 2007 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SummerGirl (anonymous) says...
>So Yeah! stick them in prison with the rest of those other crazy people, people like us do not mix with criminals.<
But son, you all ARE criminals. I'm sure everyone else in the big house says the same thing--'I'm not like these others, I'm not all bad, etc'. You knew right from wrong when you took that chance. Would you be this regretful if you HADN'T been caught? Turned yourselves in? I doubt it.
December 20, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCVOTER (anonymous) says...
How would any of these boys feel if their mother was at the store and some hoodlums cam in with guns and robbed her.
I understand kids make mistakes, but there is no excuse. Don't come out after the fact and talk about how great these kids are. Do the crime, pay the time.
For once I agree with Doug Huffman...what if they had forced an innocent civilian with a CWP to shoot them. Then that person would have had to deal with the fact they killed a teenager with a pellet gun.
If these kids get a soft sentence it tells the rest of the state that if you come from the right zip code you can do no wrong in the laws eyes...unless the crime can make the state some money...right Al Parish?
December 20, 2007 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Clemsurf (anonymous) says...
Only_God_Can_Judge_Us,
You did the crime, now you must pay the time. Just because you have changed now doesn't mean you should get off the hook here. You still committed a serious crime and you must pay for your actions. If you and your buddies were sent to prison, I bet you would learn your lesson and not do anything like this again. However, if you are let off the hook, you might just do it again since you got away with it the first time. I don't care if you are a juvenile or not. I was a juvenile 8 years ago and I did some stupid things. I was in my right mind and I knew what I was doing. I had to pay for some of my consequences and I learned from those mistakes. If you don't pay for what you've done wrong, you won't learn your life lessons.
December 20, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
capnphil (anonymous) says...
"I've really only known the guys for about two years but most of them are just like any other teen boy looking for some fun in all the wrong places with ALL the wrong guidance." My boys were from Mt. Pleasant, they are "like any other teen boy looking for fun"...they played baseball, basketball, football, dodgeball, capture the flag, guitar and worked. They did not commit "ARMED ROBBERY". Chain gang is good, but cleaning out cesspools by shovel and wheel barrow would be the best, for at least two years!
December 20, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
motherof3 (anonymous) says...
I agree with 1 year jail time and community service. These kids had a lapse in judgement; however, that doesn't excuse what they did. Someone could have gotten hurt. Many store owners in bigger cities (new york) have guns for protection. They are lucky that the police or the store owner didnt open fire on them. Then we would be looking at a funeral.
They need to be held accountable. Those parents need to have a heart to heart with those kids. There are no easy answers to anything in life, including stealing money. We have seen in past, if not caught the robbers continue on a spree and usually to a higher degree.
December 20, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Unbelievable how these juvenile delinquents feel they are somehow ENTITLED, to be treated differently, then the rest of society.
December 20, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
laine61 (anonymous) says...
I agree with most of the comments here. Those "kids" knew exactly what they were doing. If they were older they would be sent to prison for doing the exact same thing. No, I don't believe that the judge should be lenient. They did the crime and pled guilty. Community service is not good enough. Just like so many others have stated, if they were from a different area then these kids would not be getting off easy. Let them serve their time. What good is community service going to do? If these kids think that all they have to do is to plead guilty and say "I'm sorry", then what is to stop them from doing it again? Not all of them will learn from this. My guess is that one or two of these kids will think of this as a joke and become repeat offenders. They did it so they should go to jail!
December 20, 2007 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charles (anonymous) says...
OnlyGodCanJudgeUs writes "I'm more than ready to suffer the consequences in its full..." but apparently ISN'T ready to suffer the consequences.
If you think jail time for armed robbery is an inappropriate punishment, the way to change that is by our civil process of making and changing laws. But once you've committed the crime, it's too late.
The repeated comments that you're just like the rest of us are an insult to those of us who are law abiding citizens.
Want a proven method to avoid going to jail: don't break the law.
December 20, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
Only_God_Can_Judge_Us,
You are wrong about that, yes god will judge you when it's time for him to do so. You will pay twice for what you have done. You will pay here on earth and when you meet your maker. But in the mean time the courts will judge you that is their job you did the crime so now you have to do the time. If you get a slap on the hand then our judicial system needs and overhaul.
December 20, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
These 'PUNKS' were raised with every advantage in life, that many others never get. Both them and their parents, need a reality check...
December 20, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flinsc (anonymous) says...
Key things to remember in Prison:
1. Beat someone up the first day or become someone's B#tch
2. Don't drop the soap.
3. Lean up against the cell just the right way, and get an extra ham sandwich.
December 20, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
This judicial system blatantly exhibits one law for some and different laws for others and this clandestine undercurrent is evident also in SOME of the public's stance on this issue in comparison to other instances of juvenile felony offenses; for example non-violent drug offenses by those of a different socio-economic background in which I have seen this forum erupt in the sentiment of "make an example out of the offenders" in those instances.
The isms are still present through judicial process, economic/employment processes and socially. Though passively cognizant sometimes and sometimes actively cognizant, the effects are just as devastating to the life of the disadvantage group in comparison to their fellow citizens for whom they compete.
December 20, 2007 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Sean, please take to the time to think about what you and your friends have done. What all of you have done is very serious and not just a game.
You have embarrassed your families, your school, and the whole community. You all are lucky that no one was hurt.
Stop being selfish and realize the trauma that you all have brought on your victims, not to mention the emotional and financial toll each of you has unloaded on your parents.
It is time to stand up like men and face the consequences.
December 20, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Hmmm...one wonders if these kids listened to the constant barrage of gangsta, thug (c)rap music that glorifies this kind of lifestyle. I know one thing, rock 'n roll was in no way close to this kind of destructiveness. Just a little observation of the signs of the times...
December 20, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerrecord (anonymous) says...
What does being from MTP have to do with anything in this case.? It's merely the location of where the robbery took place.
This is easily a direct example of reverse discrimination in your correlations. If I told you that because these kids were from North Charleston, Summerville, or West Ashley and because of that they should add an extra ten years you would easily think that I discriminate. However, for some odd reason, it's perfectly okay for others to place EXTREME stereotypes on people from MTP. It's like the pot calling the kettle black, and as a lifelong resident of MTP, I am saddened that you can't even recognize your own ignorance. Don't cry wolf again if you aren't willing to hold yourself to the same standards of political correctness.
December 20, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
If the PRIVILEGED feel they should be held to a different standard then those BENEATH them, then maybe we SHOULD agree with them.
However, it should be a HIGHER standard, NOT a lower one.
After all, they don't have the EXCUSE of, poor living environments, extreme poverty, or limited job prospects, now do they...
December 20, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
I agree with Minority South, the hypocrisy in people's reactions to this case as opposed to other juvenile cases is amazing. Either they are all "animals" as people on this board love to call teenagers when they commit violent crimes or they aren't. There is only one law and its time that the judicial system upholds the "one" legal system and the public stops picking and choosing who they will be sympathetic to. This was a horrible crime, they should pay for their actions and all that other fire and brimstone people on this board love to spill in "other" cases.
December 20, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Icbmman - If a type of music "makes" you do anything then you need to be locked up for being an IDIOT. The same way people blamed Columbine on Marilyn Manson. Don't blame the music, blame the idiot.
PalmettoMan - Um, are you talking about the 12 year old kid who shot his grandparents in cold blood then set a fire to cover it up??? Kid or not, he is a MURDERER. That being said, these kids annoy the hell out of me. They all mostly come from "good" families but I am supposed to feel sorry for them because they made a "mistake"? You are a criminal. I think they should look at comparable prison time and give it to them. I feel bad for their parents but no one ever thinks they are raising a criminal. They always say "He's a great kid". Yeah, okay.
December 20, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
I wonder how different the posts would have been if the article had been about the 'Jena 6', instead of, the 'DELINQUENT 10' ...
December 20, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
It has everything to do with this article and YOU know it...
December 20, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
now_here_this (anonymous) says...
What's the difference between these kids and the Gadsden Green kids? Armed robbery with a pellet gun. Everyone is ready to throw the book at the GG group, but the Mt. P crew are just good kids making a bad decision. Maybe we should make the Mt. P kids move into Gadsden Green and let those families move into Park West. It'll be just like Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd in "Trading Places"
December 20, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
I agree Test and Early.
This seems like it will be an interesting board to spar with people today....BUT holiday packing calls.
I'm off on vacation tomorrow, where I regretfully/thankfully won't be able to follow this board and all of my favorite people on here.
I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!! :)
December 20, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Test2007, I just think that it's interesting if you look at the trends of teens in the 50s to teens of today and the music that they listened to. I agree with you...the person who committed the crime should be held responsible, not the music. However, you've got to wonder if teens would do this if The Beach Boys or Elvis Presley were still being considered as "cool" music. Somehow, I doubt it!
December 20, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Sean---would you have turned yourself in? NO! Found God now, great! (He was never lost, you were just too arrogant to listen.)
The hand of one is the hand of all.....they will all do the 3-5 years in the Youthful Offender Program.
And this isn't their first brushes with the law....
December 20, 2007 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yougogirl78 (anonymous) says...
You do the crime you pay the time.
December 20, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Like I said before. If you are influenced by music, tv or movies then you are an IDIOT. I don't care what period of time you grew up in. I have grown up in a generation where I can watch disfigured hillbillies kill people with an axe (The Hills have eyes). I can watch countless serial killer movies. I can also see movies where dead zombies eat the brains of the living. Does that mean I am going to take my ax and start swinging it at the general public? um no, because most people have common sense. They can tell the difference between real and fake. Speaking of fake, most RAP is just that buddy. FAKE. Most big time hardcore rappers from the day are indeed MARRIED with children and have been for years. So all of that "pimpin" crap is a LIE. In fact most of them have wives that look like they could indeed whip their butts from time to time. Their kids all go to elite private schools and live the good life. Puhleeze. It is all a front.
December 20, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Citizen Early, I said it. There are several isms that take place over several facets that when reduced to the lowest common denominator is about competing for status of various facets in this society.
I don't have to fill in the blank for there are a litany of inhibitory issues that can be attributed to, for example, whether you live on Plantation Acres in Mount Pleasant or whether you live on Freedom Drive on the side. There is nothing new in the sand all has been here since time began.
December 20, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
ONLYGODCANJUDGE: "I really wish it didn't have to be this way but society is so overwhelmed with the fact of not wanting to seem racist and unfair that they don't see the difference in truly good people with hearts as big as the world, good work ethics and character far more than a man who can look someone in the face and cold-bloodedly kill someone. "
what do you mean? difference between who/what? don't want to seem racists? are you referring to the fact that almost all of the young men in question are white & middle class? versus the black kids from N.Chas or downtown?
good work ethics & character? these guys robbed a store and terrorized workers/customers! as far as those at Food Lion were concerned, these men could have been cold blooded killers. they didn't go into the store with a sign "DON'T WORRY WE'RE NOT LIKE THOSE BLACK PEOPLE IN CHARLESTON, WE ARE ACTUALLY GOOD PEOPLE AND WON'T HURT YOU" no, they came in there armed and masked.
there's no fear of seeming racist. white or black, men walked into a store, with a weapon and committed robbery, and their cohorts helped them before, during and afterwards.
these men are being judged as they should be. You invoke God's name but the bible CLEARLY states "render unto to ceasar what is ceasars..." you follow man's law and are judged by it. there is nothing in the bible that states that committing robbery is God's will so it's appropriate to do so in spite of man's law.
i'm heartened by the fact that many who go out of their way to slam minorities every chance they get, understand that hypocrisy has no place in this forum.
many commenting see this for what it is, human beings being so selfish about what they want that they broke the law, their communities' trust and their families hearts, deserve to be punished regardless of race or ethnicity.
December 20, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leblackw (anonymous) says...
A kid who makes "an adult decision" or an "adult error" is NOT an adult. If someone is not "adult" enough to vote, they should not be considered adults under the judicial system. Try those of legal adult age as adults and those not of legal adult age as juveniles, because that is what they are. The South Carolina legal system is turning into such a disappointment for me. Punishment sucks, but guys, that is what you signed up for when you committed this crime.
December 20, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Ironically, the group living on Plantation Acres will have the advantage over a group from Freedom Drive on the side cross the tracks. You fill in the details.
December 20, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
I believe that they all should do some time. There is NO excuse for committing an armed robbery. They certainly knew better. They deserve the same time anyone else would get. They are lucky that they didn't hurt someone or get killed. They need to shut up and take it. They terrorized the people they robbed and those people deserve justice. Do I feel sorrow or pity for them? No ! They certainly didn't mind hurting others to get what they wanted now they have to pay the price.
December 20, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
'...people like us do not mix with criminals. People like us are eventually shaped into people like them; I would know I was going through the process being labeled as a habitual offender...'
How sad it is that he STILL doesn't realize that he DOES hang out with criminals and that he himself, a CRIMINAL, is well on the way to becoming, a 'CAREER criminal'.
Past experiences with the law were obviously no deterrent to him, LIGHT consequences considered a mere JOKE.
Only the possibility of REAL jail time seems to have scared him and that unfortunately, is what he and his cohorts now DESERVE...
December 20, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
The problem is, there are "Black" and "White" youthful offenders who if given a good dose of the penal system but substancially short of the total penalty, will never be a problem again but who is the prophet/genius who can tell whether or not these children can be rehabilitated or whether they will go on to be more creative recognizing that they could move on to "White" collar crimes once this is behind them and they have a college degree under their belt.
HELLO ENRON PART II...???
December 20, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SummerGirl (anonymous) says...
>OK, I did some crazy $hit when I was young, I mean some crazy $hit but never ever crossed my mind to rob a store. Sorry dudes this was a well thought out plan which gave you the time to consider the consequences, you MUST do the time.
The problem here is that you guys are middle class Americans not needing the income and you kinda just did it for the fun of it. Nice knowing you, see you in 3-5<
Exactly, Early. I bet many of us got into some type trouble at one point or another as a youth. But the overwhelming majority of teens exhibit better sense than to engage in reckless criminal behavior that could potentially end in violence. That sort of poor judgement, if left unchecked, will lead to further bad calls down the road.
December 20, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justtryin2survive (anonymous) says...
Only_God_Can_Judge_Us you have to be kidding. Like you didn't know the trouble you would be in IF caught. Do your time. Pray for your family not yourself it is their embarrassment.
December 20, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
It doesn't make a difference if these young men were from middle, upper or poor class families they committed a serious crime and need to be punished. They are no better than anyone else who has committed a felony. Sorry, but they have to be punished ! They should thank God that they live in America and not a Middle Eastern country where the punishment would be of a very more severe nature than jail or prison.
Only_GOD_Can_Judge_Us , Your comment, "I've really only known the guys for about two years but most of them are just like any other teen boy looking for some fun in all the wrong places with ALL the wrong guidance." No, they are not just like any other teen boy! Please don't insult the young men and women who are trying to make a difference in our society by comparing those young men to them! These young men were not playing Cops and Robbers but committed armed robbery. Someone could have been killed! By their stupidity and lack of common sense their little game of fun will follow them the rest of their life as they now have a police record.
In reply to the statement, "It took spending some time in the county jail for the Lord to actually reach me and help me realize what I had been doing the past few months." May I ask why did it take going to jail for you to find the Lord??
December 20, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
So given the quandary that I stated above regarding the potential for rehabilitation (Socio-economic status is not a fair litmus for the potential for rehabilitation though it seems to be the frequent litmus:), the dangerous nature of the crime and maintaining our judicial integrity across all socio-economic lines, these young men should be punished according to the average punishment issued for violent offenders...
We should not take chances with those who bring about that kind of selfish violence in the community. I am tired of looking over my shoulder at night in the Malmart parking lot.
December 20, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SummerGirl (anonymous) says...
>"It took spending some time in the county jail for the Lord to actually reach me and help me realize what I had been doing the past few months."<
Was it the lord or your conscience? Most criminals behind bars claim to be christians, and that's neither here nor there.
Don't hide behind religion now, after the fact. Many of us have never needed it to recognize right from wrong.
December 20, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
PLEASEEEE, Michael Vick too, found the Lord and FEIGNED being miraculously reformed.
Thankfully most of America didn't FALL for it and neither did the Judge.
May the Judge in this case, be just as WISE...
December 20, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Strider (anonymous) says...
I'm at a loss why anyone would have any pity for these punks. I can understand the parents feelings but these kids planed and executed an ARMED ROBBERY. They deserve time in prison! If they had successfully done this robbery, what would have been next? Rape, murder more robberies?
December 20, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
They shouldn't BE treated any differently. That is the POINT...
December 20, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Haven't they been MOLLYCODDLED enough???
December 20, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
no they shouldn't but should they be sent to prison for 10 years?
December 20, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Strider (anonymous) says...
If they get off easy I don't think race will have anything to do with it, I think it will be the money that will get them off. That's why we need more standard sentencing guidelines. Judges have to much flexibility and are prone to do the political, racial, monetary thing than do what is right.
Strider
December 20, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
The Michael Vick reference is an excellant point. As heinous as dog fighting is, if you really want to offend me point a gun at me.
I think dogfighting pales in comparison however in spite of Vick's economic status, the government was fain to serious penalties for that very reason to make an appropriate example out of the rich and even in lieu of federal punishment he is in a second jeopardy of State punishment.
The feds may have it right this time. Does this dogma apply to all, SC Court system?
December 20, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
"Show_me_someone_who_cares", just curious, have you ever been held up?
If it had been your mother or grandmother who was working that night and held up with a gun, would you STILL ask that?...
December 20, 2007 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Citizen Early, are you for real. You know that if the group were all "Black" except for one upper class "White" person it would make the difference of MEN committing a crime must do the time versus risk taking teenagers who also have sex without condoms...
Come on, I actually think you make sense sometimes but you have jumped the shark with that comment.
December 20, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charles (anonymous) says...
These criminals knew at the time that what they were doing was wrong: one wore a mask, others were lookouts.
I doubt that a long sentence in this case will deter desperate criminals who steal because they need money. However, I assure you that a stiff sentence here will dissuade any kid considering doing a crime just for kicks.
December 20, 2007 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Test, so what is your point? What else would make teens think that robbing stores is a cool lifestyle? What other influences would tell them that being a thug demands respect and fear? Who gives a damn if these rapper thugs are married with children...they PROMOTE THE FRICKIN' LIFESTYLE in their songs!! I'd bet my house that these teenagers are fans of the rap industry, regardless of their skin color.
You're right, anybody who lets movies and music influence their choices is an idiot. And I'd be willing to bet that these teenagers are the exact idiots we're talking about.
December 20, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
cold beer get a life
December 20, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Personally I think most jail sentences are far too, LENIENT.
All TV, radio and exercise equipment should be BANNED from jails.
Chain gangs doing hard labor should be brought back in full force.
ONLY when we make jail a punishment, instead of a glorified rite of passage, will it ever become a TRUE deterrent to this new generation...
December 20, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Well, as heinous as dog fight is, it is not a societal threat however the act of holding people at gun point alone is enough to give a heart attack. The last thing on ones mind is whether the gun is real or not.
By the way, a shot with an air gun to the vulnerable points in the neck could be more trouble than anyone would care to experience with the possibility of death looming.
December 20, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Citizen Coldbeer, what is a "euphemism"?
December 20, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Dog Fighting IS most certainly, a societal threat.
Such violence MASQUERADING as sport, quickly desensitizes a person to VIOLENCE, thus making it all the more easy for them to move on to even more violent crimes against society...
December 20, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
And we truly digress from here;
I must ask Citizen Early... At what point were the dogs used as a weapon against people in the Michael Vick incident and why was he not prosecuted if he was sicking dogs on people.
It has been interesting.
I wish you all well.
December 20, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Given that logic citizen Poisonivy, boxing, mixed martial arts, tap out, high school grappling, football, rugby, hockey, etc should all be seen as a danger to society.
Let's just agree dog fight is bad.
I am starting my vacation. Again I wish everyone well.
December 20, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
Committing armed robbery more than once is a little different from kids out looking for fun and making a mistake. These kids and their families think that they should be treated differently because they're good kids. Once you commit armed robbery, you lose that label. I think that their "good backgrounds" make them more deserving of punishment than a kid who has nothing.
I do think that if they are sent to prison, then the prison system should be obligated to provide reasonable safety to them as well as the rest of the inmates. I don't think that it should be accepted as part of a prison sentence that you be subjected to violent attack.
December 20, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
Don't be RIDICULOUS.
The MURDER of innocent animals is hardly comparable to legitimate sports.
Have a good vacation...
December 20, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
PoisenIvy would you even be writing on this right now if one of those guys were somehow related to you or if you happened to know them personally? I'll tell you right now that you wouldn't and you'd be saddened by half the stuff people are writing on here, but you wouldn't have any idea.
December 20, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
Rggr I think you forget that the second robbery only involved two of the young men.
December 20, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
By the way, some of the sports named above have resulted directly in human death. My perception of dog fighting is that there are generally no direct intents for violence against humans, just poor fido's demise, though there is a collateral human risk associated with breeding a dog for fighting.
December 20, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Don't be ridiculous in the fact that I was truly making a comparison and not compensating for your fallacies.
December 20, 2007 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...
I taught my daughter from a very young age that IF she ever shoplifted or got in trouble with the law, not to call me, that I would leave her in jail.
TOUGH LOVE works.
December 20, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
To those involved-I think it is wonderful that you have realized the consequences of your actions and been able to learn from them. The fact that you did not sit in the county jail until your sentencing was in fact a gift from God, or your parents, or both. Many times, an offender has a bond that is so high for similar circumstances that they don't have the chance to volunteer at the SPCA, get a job, or go to church. They sit and wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. They wait sometimes a year, in the county jail, waiting for the absolution of sentencing, and that is before being convicted of anything. You got a gift of freedom for the time that you've been free to do things you want to do, before having to face the sentencing that is mandatory for crimes such as yours. Yes, I think they should take into account some of your achievements thus far, but it's also amazing how many people find God, find a conscience, find anything, once they're staring their consequences in the face. I think you should all be sentenced under the YOA guidelines, and spend a year in a facility with others of your age who have made the same decisions, and you can share your insights on how to make a positive change with them.
December 20, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
YOA is an excellent idea, but I believe that it's only ten months and thats to short for some of these people.
December 20, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhatswithallthisPC (anonymous) says...
"They later split the take."
GUILTY! MAXIMUM PENALTY NEEDED!
Get these criminals off the streets and out of the schools. Let them see what a real thrill is!
December 20, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
Whats withallthisPC must think taking it up the A$$ is a thrill, good luck with that buddy.
December 20, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pelicanwoman (anonymous) says...
I used to work in a Medium Security Federal Prison. Rarely did an inmate think he deserved the sentence he got, but 99% of the time, this was not the first time he was incarcerated. It always starts out small- robbery, theft, "just messing around". The majority of life criminals became that way because their early penalties were not severe. Getting by with minimum punishment became an expectation, and when they finally got 10 years for armed robbery at a bank, they were shocked and surprised. They had used up their chances.
These young guys have messed up. They need some kind of punishment. I am not a judge, so I can't say what would be most effective for them. Letting them off scott free would be the wrong decision. Community service and fines is the least they should get. And the fines should be worked off by the youth, not paid off by their parents. Some confinement would not be out of order.
The point is these young men need to learn NOW that there are consequences for their bad judgement. They want to be treated as adults in the rest of their lives, they commited a grown up act, and they need grown up punishment. If they learn today, they won't end up in the Federal prison someday. They still have some chances left, lets hope the result of all this is that they appreciate that fact.
December 20, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coahtrtaylor (anonymous) says...
These children are morally bankrupt. That is what puts a tear in my eye, not the posings; Only_GOD_Can_Judge_Us.
These children are going to be adults and running the country when we are elderly, that should put a tear in your eye.
December 20, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Ok so we have a group of "kids" that carried out a well thought up plan and carried it out and some people feel like the punishment is too harsh?
Criminals that get caught are always remorseful when they are caught. 10 months is a short period of time. Did these boys even apologize yet to EVERYONE that they hurt?
Just because he found God does that mena he should not be sent to prison? Alot of prisoners find god in prison. Once there they got plenty of time to talk and do a lot of soul searching.
Remorseful give me a break!!!
December 20, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
My post is not meant to argue whether it was real or not, but mass murderer Ted Bundy said he found God while on death row. In an interview with James Dobson, Bundy said that BECAUSE he found God, he understood justice and said he would drop his appeal of the death sentence because he realized he deserved to die for his crimes. Again, not to argue whether his conversion was real or not, that's for God to decide, but I am very wary of the "I found Jesus, let me go free" argument. The Bible teaches about social justice. You do the crime, you do the time. Things like age, past record should determine the LENGTH of the sentence, but they are not relevant in terms of guilt or innocence. Give them a year and teach them a lesson. They're young. They'll have their whole lives in front of them when they get out.
December 20, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vbenfield (anonymous) says...
Just one thing to say... some of the citizens of Mt. Pleasant live in poverty, live in poor living conditions, have broken families, no father figures at home, and aren't given every "opportunity"... please don't assume that all these young men were born with silver spoons in their mouths to upper middle class families just because they are from Mt. Pleasant - because they weren't. There are families in Mt. Pleasant that are struggling daily to feed their kids, take the bus to work, visit the ECCO, and that pray that Christmas will bring presents from a 'helping hand.' Granted, there are fewer than other areas of our community, but they are here and several of these young men are from those types of homes...
NO EXCUSES though... wrong is wrong... whether you grew up in the poorest community in inner-city Chicago or wealthy Mt. Pleasant... you don't take something that does not belong to you. Period.
oh and coahtrtaylor... these are not the kids that are going to be running the country one day... Those kids are in school finishing their education, making good decisions, and staying out of trouble... cheer up! THOSE are the kids that will be running the country when you are elderly and I have faith in those kids!
December 20, 2007 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
Show_me_someone_who_cares, you're right; I should have made it clear that they were not all involved in the second robbery. The point I made still applies even if there was only one robbery.
December 20, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
vbenfield nicely put, it's nice to know that their are people that actually care about the welfare of these young men. "their are two paths you can go by but in the long run their's still time to change the road your on" Led Zeppelin'
Do your time, mind your own and good luck to all involved.
December 20, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...
These kids irritate me so bad. You are criminals. You did this crime, wiliingly, knowingly and without regard for anyone but yourselves. I used to work for the Public Defender's office and I saw a man get 20 years in prison for armed robbery (he had his hand in his jacket, shaped like a gun) and he was trying to feed his family. Those boys need this punishment so bad right now. The one that was selfish enough to insult people on here this morning has no idea that he is a CRIMINAL. Shame on you kid! And one more thing, I have spoken to hundreds and hundreds of criminals and let me tell you they all find RELIGION in jail and prison. Try a new game man...no one wants to hear it. Damn, these kids make me som mad!
December 20, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Icbmann, you are going to think what you want either way. You have an opinion of rap and that is that. I am sure ALL bank robbers listen to rap music and the lyrics TOLD them to rob a grocery store. Also, if you listen to a beatles album backwards satan is speaking to you and telling you to kill your family. wtf
Um I can't stand Michael Vick myself but seriously endangering an animal vs endangering a person. NOT THE SAME!!! PETA should focus their energies on abused kids but I guess children are not as important. The lady in Tennessee who shot her minister husband in the back got less time for killing a person than Vick did for the dogfighting. Give me a break.
These kids held up a grocery store. For what reason? For fun. Who does that for fun?
December 20, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Corder2007 (anonymous) says...
HEY EARLY HAVE YOU BEEN TO COUNTY LOCK UP LATELY? I ASSURE YOU THAT THERE IS NOTHING LIKE YOU DESCRIBED.....SO UM RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!! 3 HOTS AND A COT IS ALL U REALLY GET. 20 HOURS IN THE ROOM AND 4 HOURS OUT SPLIT 2 WAYS. these kids definitely deserve to be punished b/c no matter what they knew stealing was wrong but to send them away for the next 5-15, no. probation and maybe a year in then penn NOT county.......now the 2 that committed a robbery a second time, lock them up and make them do the time.
December 20, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johnsmom (anonymous) says...
My heart goes out to everyone involved.what was done was very wrong , and they should face the consequences. But a 15, 16, or 17 year old does not deserve to go to prison.these are the ones that we can rehabilitate and save.As a careing people in a careing society we should want to help them , not send them to be totally destroyed by the rapist and murders they will be with .If we send them to prison we are letting them down, just as they let everyone down. Two wrongs don't make a right, turn the other cheek, isn't that what we were taught. Yes things would and should be different if someone had been hurt, but this is not the case.Let's not make an example out of them in the wrong way, let's do it by making sure we get them the help they need. I would much rather be working next to these guys in 10 years if we make sure they get the right help, not 10 years of prison.they will be going in as kids having physically hurt no one, and come out as men with having no guidence on being a man.the parents have gone through enough without everyone belittleing their parenting.we should feel sympathy for everyone that is haveing to go through this , even the victems.I hope that one day they will be able to make a difference in our lives , just as we have the opportunity to make a difference in theirs.all my hearts and prayers go out to the Shevlino family as well as the others involved.
December 20, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johnsmom (anonymous) says...
My heart goes out to everyone involved.what was done was very wrong , and they should face the consequences. But a 15, 16, or 17 year old does not deserve to go to prison.these are the ones that we can rehabilitate and save.As a careing people in a careing society we should want to help them , not send them to be totally destroyed by the rapist and murders they will be with .If we send them to prison we are letting them down, just as they let everyone down. Two wrongs don't make a right, turn the other cheek, isn't that what we were taught. Yes things would and should be different if someone had been hurt, but this is not the case.Let's not make an example out of them in the wrong way, let's do it by making sure we get them the help they need. I would much rather be working next to these guys in 10 years if we make sure they get the right help, not 10 years of prison.they will be going in as kids having physically hurt no one, and come out as men with having no guidence on being a man.the parents have gone through enough without everyone belittleing their parenting.we should feel sympathy for everyone that is haveing to go through this , even the victems.I hope that one day they will be able to make a difference in our lives , just as we have the opportunity to make a difference in theirs.all my heart and prayers go out to the Shevlino family as well as the others involved.
December 20, 2007 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
SC Law: You will serve at least seven years at hard labor if convicted of armed robbery. I know a man who did this at the age of 19. He was sent to CCI in Columbia. Years later when he got out his mind was messed up due to being kicked in the head by his fellow convicts.
Boys serve your ten years or so and don't cause trouble while you are in. You'll still have time to make it up to society.
The fellow who is special needs should not be sent to prison. He needs help. It sounds like his guardian let him down.
December 20, 2007 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hopeful (anonymous) says...
Wow, most of these post are so full of hate, how very sad. Unless you are directly involved in the lives of these young men you have no idea what their lives or families are like, yet you make comments like you know everything.
Godcanonlyjudge, thank you for having the courage to speak your mind. Know that while there are some very critical, and hard hearted people in this world it has nothing to do with you, it is a total reflection of themselves, so please don't take it personal. Good for you that you found a road free from the troubled past you had. If you ever feel like these negative people are getting you down stop and remember not to take it personally - as hard as that might be. Remember God loves you for who you are and what is in your heart, as he does everyone. There is a great book called the four agreements. I highly recommend reading it...
Hugs to you
December 20, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Angmacb (anonymous) says...
This is not the first time these "young men" have had a brush with the law. This was an incident that could have gotten somebody killed, think about that.
December 20, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
A 15,16,or 17 year old deserves to go to prison for this crime...ITS ARMED ROBBERY ! Whats the disconnect here? Question 1. Did they know it was wrong to rob someone at gun point? YES
Question 2. Did the plan out the robbery with look outs and communication? YES
Question 3. Did they do it? Yes
Case closed.
December 20, 2007 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...
So hopeful, what youre saying is that we should all have compassion for people who are obviously so full of compassion that they took a weapon and instilled ACTUAL FEAR into innocent people and all for a little bit of money?
December 20, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Show_me_someone_who_cares (anonymous) says...
wow swift N easy so you know about jail house religion, so what! you have no right to judge anybodies faith in any situation.
December 20, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hopeful (anonymous) says...
so allwomen you know everything right because you get your information from the media? Please do yourself a favor and educate yourself on human behavior and juvenile crime.
December 20, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hopeful (anonymous) says...
Swift N Easy, I am not condoning the behavior of these boys or anyone else who commits crimes, however, I am not so hard hearted to know that there is more to people then what they do. Nor am I so filled with hate and anger that I can not forgive. I believe that these boys and others who commit crimes need help, but help, not spending time in an adult prison where they will get no help at all. I personally believe that the way the prison system is set-up - to punish - doesn't stop criminals. We live in a world that is full of violence, yet we have been punishing people for years, seems to me the system is broken.
December 20, 2007 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
oh well stupid is as stupid does !
December 20, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
hopeful- people are defined by what they do! I forgive them! I am sorry they have to go to jail! without laws we have Anarchy and chaos! If they need help, not prison, they should have done this in the liberal northeast! restorative justice! My mother always said, "you should have thought about that before you did it" about punishments for my misdeeds! A world of violence, the system is broken! I don't think so, hopeful! I think some people are bad, or broken!
December 20, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
If S. Deaton or any of the defendants are reading this, I have some questions:
1. Why did you do it?
2. Did you think about how your victims felt at the time of the crimes?
3. Were you afraid that you might go to jail if you got caught?
I would really like to know, and I think many others would as well. These are sincere questions....I would like to know what your thoughts were at the time of the crimes, not now.
December 20, 2007 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jid1122 (anonymous) says...
I love one of the young men involved more then life so obviously anything I say here will be biased, but do you all really believe that taking these young lives out of school and away from their families and thrown into prison is the actual answer....wouldn't rehabilitation, community service, and eventually college degrees in most of their cases help our society more? I can assure you that they will be learning their lesson for a long time to come.
Yes this was a thought out crime, but at least a few of them never believed that it would actually take place and considered it a "joke". Yes COMPLETELY IDIOTIC, but 16,17,18 year old boys don't ever have a whole lot of common sense. And by the way, I can say for sure the "take" was not split.
Merry Christmas to all, don't waste your time responding directly to me because I won't be coming back to read these comments as some people are heartbreaking in what they write here.
December 20, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charles (anonymous) says...
It doesn't matter if the criminals thought it was a joke, what matters is the victim was terrorized.
Jail time may not be the best for these particular criminals, but it will serve as a strong deterrent to other middle class kids who might consider crime in the context of a prank. The jail time that these kids serve will therefore be of additional benefit to society at large.
Typically the punishment fits the CRIME, not the criminal's personal promises.
December 20, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
"I don't think they realized the seriousness of what they were doing"
"the only people that can really understand that are us and our families"
"just like any other teen boy looking for some fun"
"I haven't been in any involvement with the law for a year now"
"people like us do not mix with criminals"
Some free legal advice, Sean...save the self pity, and don't think that you are better than anyone else. You better be glad that you are not being judged by a jury of your peers, read the comments... you would be in big trouble.
December 20, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
"at least a few of them never believed that it would actually take place and considered it a "joke". Yes COMPLETELY IDIOTIC, but 16,17,18 year old boys don't ever have a whole lot of common sense"
It was a funny little, silly joke wasn't it?
You sound like an enabler.
Just keep making excuses for that kid,
it's worked so well for you thus far.
By the way, we can all go to the Charleston County Courts website and see the various other funny little silly pranks that these punks have been involved with.
December 20, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lionelat (anonymous) says...
If these were kids from North Charleston High School, Stall High School, or Burke High School, we know what most people would be saying, now don't we?
December 20, 2007 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rethink75 (anonymous) says...
I hope some people on this blog actully read the article. You are all arguing over somthing that has no relavance. It is clear that all these boys are going to serve prison time. The least amount of time that is going to be served is no less then 1 year for Patric Brown (The only one of the group to recive a YOA) The other 6 will be issued longer minimums, definatly all not charged under a YOA will recive multiple years in adult prison. Shevlino, the youngest of the group, 15 at the time of the crime, has no previous record at all. He will serve a minimum of 10 YEARS in prison with 85 percent parole eligablity, along with michael anthony. I for one feel that this is rediculos, i have followed other Teenage vilont felony cases in mount pleasant, none were ever sentenced this severely. These boys are being burned. The other cases, where no media attenition was rasied ended up in probation, in one case the gun was even disharged.
These boys are all remoursfull, but that does not chnage what they did, and they know this. They know they deserve to do time, but ten years for a 17 year old juvinile is crule and unusual. Im sure that Shevlino would love to be sentenced under the Youthfull Offender Act ( A law designed specificaly for cases like this). but this wont happen, its a matter of re-election to scarlett wilson. These boys are nothing but pawns to sway the public into voting for her. We all must look through this blowing smoke, and see that we as a community need to punish these boys fairly, and accordinlgy. I wish these boys were inner city kids.
This crime would not have been so public, and it would not have forced the prosocuter to be so unuasaly harsh to a group of juviniles that commited a crime.
December 20, 2007 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbeast420 (anonymous) says...
If they had spent as much time contemplating the consequences as they did planning the crime,it would have never happened.
Planned + committed + caught = prison w/no parole
December 20, 2007 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rethink75 (anonymous) says...
d beast (420)
yeah we all know why somone would choose thier name to be specificaly 420. This makes me ask myself, how hypocritical can one be? And why should i listen to somone who blatenelty glorifies breaking the law.
D beast 420 you should not be so quick to judge.
Im sure if they had once thought of the consequences that they would not have done it, but they didnt, becuase they were 15-17 years old, how often did you think about consequences at that age?
December 20, 2007 at 11:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johnsmom (anonymous) says...
There are to many people on this board that have nothing better to do than to destroy peoples hopes.These could be your children or brothers. If that was the case i am sure you would not be running off at the mouth so rudely.It is sad to think that all these people are someones children and it is sad to think that your parents taught to be so hateful.we learn from our parents, right????
December 21, 2007 at 12:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhatswithallthisPC (anonymous) says...
If armed robbery was a THRILL; then serving the proper prison time and getting it up the A$$ will give them another! YES YES YES CRIMINALS IN TODAY'S WORLD HAVE NO EXCUSE TO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU DO THE CRIME.
December 21, 2007 at 12:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hondais1 (anonymous) says...
Hey johnsmom, Nobody is trying to be hateful, the fact is that they committed a crime and need to take their punishment. Yes, they could be our children or brothers--so what? If they did something as bad as armed robbery I would expect them to get the punishment they deserved. When my children were teenagers, I called the police MYSELF on my daughter when she got into a car with her friends who had a bottle of liquor. They didn't even make it out the driveway before 3 police cars converged on them. Guess what--she never committed a crime or went to jail and she knew I wouldn't tolerate breaking any laws. I also told my son repeatedly that if he ever got arrested NOT to call me because I WOULD NOT get him out of jail, and I meant every word! Guess what--he never committed a crime or went to jail either. You can't be an enabler!! That just gives the perpetrator the idea that they can do whatever they want and get away with it.
December 21, 2007 at 1:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rethink75 (anonymous) says...
I am truly sorry for you, who ever wrote this last comment. Why not add your name at the bottom of this list so we can all know what kind of backround you have. I would really like to know. You are a sick person for one, and i personly know that none of those boys would ever wish anything like this upon their worst enemy. You have no idea what they have been through, or how they have changed. You cant sit at your home and write lies about this large group of boys that you obviously dont know, or never tried to know. You are a coward hiding behind a screen name.
Only god knows if Deaton is trully sorry and is a changed person, but it is not for you to decide weather he will be going to hell or not, or weather he has changed or not, you base your facts of assumptions. Hopfully god can forgive you for trying to be him, and being such a digusting person. If i was just another person reading this blog, and didnt know these boys personly, i would still have more respect for them. You trully are extatic over anothers missery, and it is a horrible thing. I very much feel pity for you Sean Deaton, im sure you struggle to make it through every day. Remeber you are not alone, and people are always praying for you, and all the other boys. It is such a tragedy to wittnes all the lives deeply affected.
For those of you who actully know whats going on in this case or know these boys personly, i advise you not to try and change peoples minds on these blogs, you will be digusted by the hatefull people, and you will be hurt.
PS: where are all you haters on my last comments, it seems to me that you have no arguments. Maybey your starting to see that this case is a hoax, and that these boys are actully scapegoats, and they are definetly reciving specail treatment becuase of their names and address. Not the kind of treatment you think, they are being punished more becuase of the color of thier skin. Why should they be made examples of when the inner city kid robs a place, he is given a YOA. So why cant it just be fair. Thats all im asking
December 21, 2007 at 4:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rethink75 (anonymous) says...
Posted by hondais1 on December 21, 2007 at 1:06 a.m
Guess what--she never committed a crime or went to jail and she knew I wouldn't tolerate breaking any laws. I also told my son repeatedly that if he ever got arrested NOT to call me because I WOULD NOT get him out of jail, and I meant every word!
I don't belive a word of this ludacris. Bla bla bla you and your perfect kids that never once drank underage, but wait didnt your TEENage daughter have a bottle of liquor, in the car. She broke 2 laws right there, underage possesion, and more then likley open container, possibly a 3rd DUI, zero tolerance. Oops. I garentee that if your son was 16 and in jail for commiting a crime, which im sure he did plenty of. you would eventully help your son out. And if you dont do evrything that is humanly posible to help your crimanal son, then you are a horrible mother. Try and put your perfect self in sombodey not so perfects situation, if you can do that, then maybey your views on enabling will change.
December 21, 2007 at 4:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charles (anonymous) says...
rethink75: The criminals are not scapegoats if they pleaded guilty. They are simply guilty. The punishments that will be assigned will be in accordance with the law. Many posters in this group have put out reasonable arguments. Wanting criminals in jail is hardly mean-spirited. Rather, we want to protect our society and deter crime.
If anything is to be gained by such a high-profile case, it would be through maximum sentencing. Upwardly mobile kids (or more probably their parents) will be strongly influenced by a harsh punishment in this case.
Also, it is unreasonable to assume that these were good kids before they committed this crime. One's first criminal act is not likely to be face-to-face with a victim and holding a gun. Probably there was a stream of petty crimes leading up to this. Bullying, shoplifting, etc. probably desensitized these young men to crime. Not being caught and punished earlier possibly emboldened them.
December 21, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johnsmom (anonymous) says...
Does god hate?this is something new to me.But apparently you seem to know everything....
December 21, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondeboe (anonymous) says...
mac0cm4...do you honestly know any of those boys? have you EVER sat down and had a face to face conversation with any of them? they are all good people! im sure you screwed up plenty of days in you life, did you get a second chance? just like everyone else posting comment, saying they needed to think about their actions, well honestly you need to think about what you put on here before you type it because it doesnt only affect them but all their frinds and families! almost all of the kids that got in trouble have clean up their act so much and they deserve a second chance...why dont you think about that! and God_Hates_You_Deaton...if your going to have the nerve to say all of that then have the nerve to reveal who you are! i hangout with sean almost everyday and your making him seem ten times worse that what he is!!! and if you knew anything about GOD, he forgives everyone so why dont you?
December 22, 2007 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondeboe (anonymous) says...
I LOVE ALL OF YOU BOYS!!!!!!!! NO MATTER WHAT!!! :P
~K.Sommer~
December 22, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixdown (anonymous) says...
As one of the victims who had a gun pointed at their face, I will say these kids are no longer kids. They can't say they did not know the difference between right and wrong, they planned armed robberies. They knew very well what they were doing, and how to execute it. They do not deserve to have their lives ruined, but they deserve a harsh punishment, as anyone else would have been. Imagine what their parents would say if it had been someone else commiting these crimes against THEIR kids. Oh my. What they did is not trivial, and in no way do they deserve to be let off the hook. Anyone who believes they do needs to think how they would feel if they were at work and had a gun pointed at them. Or if their son or daughter came home with a copy of a victim statement quite a few pages long about how they were robbed at gunpoint thinking it was their last night alive.
December 24, 2007 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jjoseph900 (anonymous) says...
Posted by God_Hates_You_Deaton on December 23, 2007 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
K Sommer, you are a terrible person. You are going to hell for defending Sean Deaton.
I know all of these boys and I know for a fact that they have blood orgies and snort cocaine off of eachothers' nipples
Who ever the hell you are you have no idea what your talking about first off sean is one of my best freinds and i can tell you right now that he does not have "bllod orgies" or snort cocaine if you have a problem with coming to terms that maybe he did go through a bad period of his life and that he is now a changed person i think you need to look at people like yourself for why society is so messed up. Good people do bad things and bad people do good things there is no such thing as a perfect human its called human nature.
Too bad your to much of a coward to tell people your name so everyone could see whos writing this horrible stuff.
Im praying for all of you!!
January 8, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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