Shevlino accepts plea deal

Ex-Wando student takes 10-year sentence

By Schuyler Kropf
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, January 15, 2008



Former Wando High School student Sean Shevlino mouthed "I love you" to his family as he was taken away to begin a 10-year sentence for two armed robberies that stunned Mount Pleasant in 2006.

"I apologize to everyone I've hurt," Shevlino, 17, said as he prepared for his time in an adult state prison. "I plan to survive the next 10 years with help from my family, my friends and God."

Shevlino's sentence came as part of a negotiated plea with 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson. It covers the armed holdups of a Food Lion supermarket and a Subway sandwich shop at the start of the 2006 school year.

photo

Sean Shevlino

Other Wando teens helped in the crimes, but it was Shevlino who wore a mask and threatened employees with a pellet pistol authentic enough to pass as a real handgun.

Shevlino was given 10 years for each robbery but will serve his sentences concurrently. He must serve at least 85 percent of his time before becoming eligible for parole. A maximum sentence could have meant 30 years behind bars.

On Friday, the plea deal looked dead as Shevlino opted not to appear while co-defendant Michael Anthony, 19, a lookout in the two robberies, received the same 10-year deal. The no-show meant the offer was "off the table," Wilson said.

But the offer stood Monday because nothing had significantly changed over the weekend, Wilson said.

Inside the courtroom, members of Shevlino's family, along with about two dozen friends, sobbed almost constantly. His father, Peter Shevlino, attempted to tell Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson what the lock-up of his son meant but was overcome with emotion and unable to continue after a few sentences.

A single, three-week period of bad decisions cost his son disproportionately, Shevlino told the judge.

Outside the courtroom, Shevlino said Wilson's decision to treat his son as an adult was politically motivated because of her Republican candidacy for the solicitor's post in the June primary.

"Fifteen- or 16-year-old children should not go to circuit court," he added. "They should be treated like the juveniles they are."

Reached later, Wilson denied the allegation that politics played any role in how the case played out. The plea offer had been set in motion months ago when former Solicitor Ralph Hoisington was still alive, she said. The Mount Pleasant Police Department endorsed the offer as well, she said.

Wilson said she understood the family's grief but said she has dealt with other teenagers of the same age in the same fashion for similar crimes.

Shevlino's attorney, Frank Cornely, said he didn't think Wilson was trying to make an example of the teenager. Instead, he shifted the discussion to state lawmakers, who have enacted hard-line mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes.

The downside, he said, is that the law doesn't allow for other considerations to be factored in at sentencing, including age. Shevlino was less than a month past his 16th birthday when the crimes occurred.

"He wasn't aware of what he was doing," Cornely said, adding this was the "hardest case I've ever had to handle."

Shevlino admitted to being the gunman in the Aug. 26, 2006, robbery of the Food Lion on South Morgan's Point Road. He entered the store wearing an orange mask around 11 p.m. and ordered an employee at gunpoint to open the safe. Shevlino took money and fled, later splitting the take.

Other Wando students were in cars nearby acting as lookouts. They already have pleaded to accessory and conspiracy charges and will be sentenced later.

In the second robbery, on Sept. 4, 2006, Shevlino robbed a Subway on Coleman Boulevard, wielding the gun and wearing a white hockey mask. He took cash. Anthony was with him.

The teens were arrested after police received a tip in connection to the theft of a BMW.

Shevlino's friends cried and hugged after the sentencing was through.

"This is wrong," one Wando student said.

"Putting him in prison is not going to help anyone," said another college-age friend.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@postandcourier.com or 937-5551.

Share this story:
E-mail this story E-mail this story  Printer-friendly version Printer-friendly version  

Copy and paste the link:

Comments

rodeo2000 (anonymous) says...

if he was another black teen doing the same things he done,the black teen would have receive a life sentence. oh well it's time charleston step up to the plate and do what's right, you do the crime do the time. stop whinning.OH WELL.

January 15, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Amazingly Absurd!

More commentary at:

http://postandcourierblogs.com/life_f...

January 15, 2008 at 1:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rodeo2000 (anonymous) says...

IF HE WAS ANOTHER BLACK TEEN,INVOLVED WITH THE SAME CRIME , THAT BLACK TEEN WOULD HAVE BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE , STOP YOUR WHINNING ,YOU DO THE CRIME DO THE TIME. OH.OH. WELL!!.

January 15, 2008 at 2 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pirate42 (anonymous) says...

God bless be strong but one thing smarten up while you are there...

January 15, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

The law needs to be changed maybe but this case was carried out as the LAW allowed. He got the minimum sentence he could.
"He entered the store wearing an orange mask around 11 p.m. and ordered an EMPLOYEE at GUNPOINT to open the safe. Shevlino took money and fled, later splitting the take."

I don't care what his age he sure as hell sounded like to me he knew what he was doing!

January 15, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Beachbumwannabe (anonymous) says...

I don't want a black kids in jail, or white kids. Rich nor poor. Believe me, I honor punishment and deterrents, but our system of justice is directed by vote getting egoist in Columbia and DC and operated by lazy government workers that have the imagination of turtles. The keepers of our justice system only understand blunt force, and not the nuance of humanity.

These kids deserved punishment, but jail is not making us safer, or them better citizens. It may make Neanderthals feel better to "thow em in the tank", but thinking people will see this as wake up call to us all that our system is broken.

As Americans, we have accepted that there is waste, fraud and ineptitude in our government and nothing can be done about it. We seem to accept that government is inherently bad. But that notion allows government to deteriorate to the present status:and so we find ourselves in a depressing circle of low expectations and low outcomes.

When will we demand honesty, transparency and accountability from ALL of our public institutions? Until we do, our society will continue to devolve, and all of us will be in peril.

January 15, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hobo (anonymous) says...

Bye.

January 15, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...

Yes, make it into a racial issue. A KID, regardless of race, committed ARMED robbery. Guilty? OF COURSE. I'm so sick of hearing that young white kids get easier sentences than black kids. The United States loves to pick on blacks. Please.

January 15, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kaylee (anonymous) says...

He should be punished but not in an adult prison. He is not old enough to vote, buy a beer or fight for our country. But he is old enough to go to an adult prison. He should be made to join the military. Make him serve his time doing something good. He will come out of prison worst than going in there.

January 15, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

suec (anonymous) says...

Al Sharpton woudl have stepped up in a black kids defense.

The views on this board may be more lenient becuase of his affluence or color but with the sentence, the judge has not been.

There are plenty of black men/boys walking the street now who have done the same or worse and got a light sentence or even parole.

January 15, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Doug (anonymous) says...

Kaylee, he might not be old enough to vote, buy a beer or fight for his country but he is old enough to know that sticking a gun in somebody's face and robbing them - TWICE - is wrong. Adult prison is where he belongs.

As far as the issue of race goes, I usually roll my eyes when people cry racism. As a white male, I have seen many, many claims or racism that were totally false and it has made me skeptical whenever race enters the picture. Except when it is glaringly obvious. In this case, I would agree with rodeo2000. Where was the outcry when Michael Anthony got his 10 year sentence? He was only the lookout, not the gunman, and I didn't hear a word about how unfair his sentence is. Yet, we have this little punk from Park West and now things are unfair? Oh please. Let this be a lesson to people of all colors and financial status - if you are going to act like a thug, you are going to jail with other thugs. No amount of money or whining can change that.

January 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rodeo2000 (anonymous) says...

give a break! yes there's a difference betweenthe white kids punhisments than the blacks,yes let's make it racial,look at ravenal vs the other guy(black). maybe if his father was a citadel member or member of the carleston "good o'l boys club " he would have receive a lessor sentence. get real charleston is charleston..

January 15, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

Scarlett Wilson should be considered a hero by this young man. Far too many people cave in when the tears start flowing and they go soft on kids committing violent crimes. Some of you have obviously never known criminals (lucky for you). When you slap them on the wrist, they dry their tears in private, the chest goes out, the chin goes up and they get that "street thug swagger". What usually follows is a life of crime. They are in and out of prison, or dead before they reach 25. I've seen it, and I've seen what happens when people DON'T cave in to the tears. Again, this young man (who will probably get out when he's 25) should consider Scarlett Wilson his hero.

January 15, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

desspec (anonymous) says...

He committed two "adult crimes" ... did he think he wouldn't get caught, or that it would be "OK" if he did? Would he have stopped after the first two? Will his buddies now be as willing to try the same "juvenile prank?" One thing is for sure; he'll commit no more crimes for 8 years.

January 15, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...

Tripsa: I wasn't talking to you personally, I was just making a comment based on the majority of other comments in this forum.

January 15, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

When's the election and who is running?

January 15, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mdtpace (anonymous) says...

To you people who think Blair Jennings would have done a better job, why? Because his mommy and daddy are friends of yours? Wilson did her job, as difficult as it was, and she was tough on all of these defendants, not just the blacks, not just the whites. Isn't that what fairness is all about. Jennings is a defense bar lackey and would have cut whatever deal Bart Daniel told him to. If you want to rail against the good old boy system and see things change, Wilson is the only person for the job.

January 15, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tmh32 (anonymous) says...

I don't want a black kids in jail, or white kids. Rich nor poor. Believe me, I honor punishment and deterrents, but our system of justice is directed by vote getting egoist in Columbia and DC and operated by lazy government workers that have the imagination of turtles. The keepers of our justice system only understand blunt force, and not the nuance of humanity.

These kids deserved punishment, but jail is not making us safer, or them better citizens. It may make Neanderthals feel better to "thow em in the tank", but thinking people will see this as wake up call to us all that our system is broken.

As Americans, we have accepted that there is waste, fraud and ineptitude in our government and nothing can be done about it. We seem to accept that government is inherently bad. But that notion allows government to deteriorate to the present status:and so we find ourselves in a depressing circle of low expectations and low outcomes.

When will we demand honesty, transparency and accountability from ALL of our public institutions? Until we do, our society will continue to devolve, and all of us will be in peril.

Vote for Ron Paul and maybe we'll be able to get some of the needed changes started.

January 15, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

BeachBum-well said.

ColdBeer-as despicable as the crimes in this case are they are overshadowed by your perverted gleeful delight in imagining & hoping that part of this boy's punishment will include despicable sexual exploitation. It seems like you secretly wish you were one of the inmates up in the state pen waiting to participate in that torture. By the way that would be "for protecting my family and ME..."...did you finish high school?

Doug-he also is old enough to know how to open a beer & drink it, & that by law it is wrong for him to do so; but if this occurs, the one held most accountable is the adult who bought &/or gave it to him, & that is because the law deems him, at age 16, not of the age to make a decision about that.

January 15, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tmh32 (anonymous) says...

the begining of my previous comment was quoted from a previous by Beachbumwannabe. Sorry for any confusion

January 15, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

besttm (anonymous) says...

He didn't know what he was doing? Give me a break. While it is sad that he will going to jail for 10 years, be glad the sentences are concurrent rather than consecutive and that he didn't get 30 years for each. I am sure his family and friends are sad and heartbroken, but he committed a crime and MUST be punished for his actions and bad judgement.

January 15, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

algorelost (anonymous) says...

Does anyone know, did the 4 kids from Gadsen Green, with a gun each get 10 years?

January 15, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BlueWaterDay (anonymous) says...

If you don't want to do the time... Then don't commit the crime.

January 15, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

and it's obvious society has not educated today's kids what "the time" is all about and no, IMO the entire responsibiltiy does not lie solely on the parents!

January 15, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

desspec--Exactly what is an "adult crime"? Please explain the criteria used to characterize a crime as "adult".

January 15, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

If you don't think Scarlett Wilson has a vote for me agenda check this out:

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/pay...

Now pay attention to what she says about "race" could this explain why she wouldn't give these boys a break?

January 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

candygirl (anonymous) says...

The Solicitor did her job,the parents didn't, had they, he would not be in the position he is in. Put the blame where it belongs.

January 15, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

reality_woman (anonymous) says...

Why are the kids from Gadsen Green different, they held people up with a BB gun that looked real too. They better see some serious time for their acts as well.
This is racial in the end because racial hate is alive and well. But blacks are notoriuos for bringing it on themselves, then there are the black wannabees. GANGSTA look is all wrong and we let our kids wear those ridiculous clothes and the grills etc. Society needs to stop this now. That is the big problem here why do we let it keep going on? Oh, yeah I forgot "you can't fix stupid"

January 15, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...

It's funny how teenagers think they know everything and can engage in sex, drugs and alcohol and carry a driver's license, but they regress to childhood when they get busted for crime.

January 15, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kling (anonymous) says...

I AGREE KAYLEE!

January 15, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

The key word in carlosthedwarf's post is "think".

Of course teenagers THINK they are more adult than they are & that they know more than they do--it is part of human development for that to occur. That's why most laws protect them from themselves & allow for the fact that they have not fully developed.

Regardless of their being able to physically engage in such activity, the law states they CANNOT engage in smoking, drinking alcohol, sex & other various activities until they are at least 18, or older, depending on the activity.

January 15, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

Those of you who think Scarlett Wilson was too hard on them, consider this scenario. There have been a handful of situations in America over the last 10 years where someone pulled a gun on a senior citizen and they had a heart attack (some fatal). What if that had happened here, and that senior was your grandmother or grandfather, or mother or father? Would you still hold the same views?

January 15, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...

He stuck a gun in the faces of innocent people on two separate occasions to rob them. He deserves to go to jail. Having been a minor at the time should have reduced the amount of jail time, but if the lookout got ten years then the trigger man should get at least the same amount or more time behind bars.

January 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hillbilly (anonymous) says...

Stop whining. This kid in not a victim.
Don't you people realize solicitor Wilson cut this two time armed robber a deal.
He could have spent 30 years in prison.

January 15, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

why does it always have to be a white thing or black thing. this young man commited a crime and should be punished. noone held a gun to his head and made him rob these innocent people, he willing purchased what he needed, had a plan and carried through with it. If at a few months past his 16th b-day, he carried through with such a plan, what would have happened if he would not have been caught???? I am sure he would have commited more CRIME. Lets be thankful he and his friends were caught and stopped and that noone was killed during this. SEAN, PULL YOUR TIME AND STOP WHINING LIKE A BABY! NEWS FLASH TO THE FAMILY, IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR ESTABLISHMENT THAT WAS ROBBED YOU WOULD DEMAND THAT THE LAW BE CARED OUT!! Suck it up and move on.

January 15, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

kaylee:

FYI. We don't want CRIMINALS in our military!!! Obviously you have never served! How would you feel if he was your bunkmate? Think about things before you say them! Again, he is a criminal, would you trust him with a REAL gun protecting maybe your sister, brother, mother, father, boyfriend, husband in the middle of a war zone?

January 15, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

devster (anonymous) says...

These are the first two boys to accept the plea bargain. They both got the same sentence. I fail to see what is unfair and why people have to keep screaming injustice?

Early, we should keep a close watch on the gadsen green kids. I don't believe they have gone before a judge yet - but I am not sure. Does anyone know?

January 15, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kerry (anonymous) says...

What do politics and Scarlett Wilson (by far the best solicitor this town has ever had) have to do with anything? The punk received the minimum sentence allowable by current law. Hopefully, the other "Oceans 16" criminal masterminds involved in these robberies will be joining him in jail very soon.

Mount Pleasant is full of punks (boys and girls) who believe they are characters in a teen TV drama where nothing matters as long as you are cool. Welcome to the real "real world" where there are consequences for your actions. The town is a safer place now that this little group of rebels without a cause will have starring roles behind bars. Let this case serve as a lesson to the rest of the hoodie wearing, hat on backwards, gangster wannabes out there who think participating in violence, larceny, and vandalism is going to impress their classmates at the next underage drinking party.

January 15, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ln1959 (anonymous) says...

Everyones talking about this guy, but his buddies got 10 years also. The only reason he took the 10 years, is because his buddies were about to turn on him. So I feel no pitty for him. Like my parents always told me, do the crime your butt is gonna do the time.

January 15, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hillbilly (anonymous) says...

To those bleeding hearts who say Blair Jennings would have done a better job. What you are really telling us is Jennings is soft on crime and would cut a deal to suit defense lawyers and not give true justice to the people of Charleston county.

January 15, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Reader (anonymous) says...

Rodeo200 tried to write, "[G]ive a break! [Y]es[,] there's a difference between [] the white kids['] punhisments (sic) [and] the blacks['.] [Y]es[,] let's make it racial[. L]ook at [R]aven[e]l vs[.] the other guy [](black). [M]aybe if his father [were] a [C]itadel member or member of the carleston (sic) 'good [ole] boys club' he would have receive[d] a lessor (sic) sentence. [G]et real[.] [C]harleston is [C]harleston."

If you are going to claim racial or other disparities, at least have your facts right. Neither Ravenel nor his cohort Miller has even been sentenced yet, much less received unfairly disproportionate sentences.

January 15, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

delvin (anonymous) says...

I dont see anything wrong with the sentence-If he was black, nothing less than the 10 year sentence would be EXPECTED! Honestly, he got what he deserves and it is sad for people to fell sorry for him JUST because he is white. I guess ONE DAY SOON it will sink in that white people are not better thann black people. He knew what he was doing ALL THE TIMES that he committed the crimes. I dont feel sorry for him AT ALL. Wake up and smell the coffee-the justice system DOES NOT ALWAYS work in your favor, it's abot time!!!!

January 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

COLDBEER:
THANKS for supporting so many of us in the military. I agree maybe they should put this criminal on house arrest in "kaylee's" house and for that matter, all the other wonderful "MEN" that took part in this rampage. I have sat in court in Mt Pleasant with my 16 y/o that received the same ticket as one of the "rich girls" from Mt Pleasant, her ticket was reduced to no points and a Small fine of $76 and because we live in Goose Creek, my "white" son ended up in court 4 times and with 4 points and $200. I agree that he should pay the fine because in fact he was speeding, but I do agree that depending on your family's income is what your punishment will be. I am glad to finally see that the "Rich Kids" are paying their debt to society for the crime they commited and their parents are not allowed to buy their way out.

January 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

theballsiam (anonymous) says...

Kerry, please do not diss on Mt. Pleasant people when it is quite obvious you have never met any of them while you live in your trailer in Moncks Corner.

January 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Tulane75 (anonymous) says...

I don't understand why this has become a political issue. THIS WAS A NEGOTIATED PLEA!

This is the minimum sentence allowed under the law. Whether it would have been possible to plead the matter down to a lesser charge depends, in part, on the strength of the Solicitor's case, the position of the people robbed at gunpoint and other factors. The Defendants had the right to go to trial, but after they and their lawyers conducted a Risk/Benefit analysis, decided that the best "play" was to enter a plea. A plea to the charge signifies, to some extent, an acceptance of responsibility for their actions and makes it more likely that the judge will impose the minimum sentence.

One thing about this case is that it wasn't an isolated incident. He held up two businesses at gunpoint. I agree with lawyer Cornely that part of the problem is the lack of discretion in certain cases where the age of the defendant may justify something other than the minimum 10 year sentence.

Any way you look at it, the attack on Solicitor Wilson is unfair and misplaced.

January 15, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

froglegs (anonymous) says...

Good riddance! He is a criminal and will be treated like one. Good luck, kid, you are going to need it.

January 15, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kerry (anonymous) says...

Hey, I have lived in Mount Pleasant for the past ten years and in Charleston all of my life. Who needs to meet any Mount Pleasant punks when you can simply watch them in their orange jump suits in front of a judge on TV or read about their "recreational activities" in the local police blotter?

January 15, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

flinsc (anonymous) says...

First day of Jail

Bubba: "What are you in for?"
Sean: "My friends and I held up a Food Lion and Subway with a pellet gun. What are you in for?"
Bubba: "I killed a couple of people, have been in here for a long time."
Sean: "Well I am hardcore, I grew up on the mean streets of Mt. Pleasant."
Bubba: "Shut your talking and grab your ankles, I bought you for a pack of cigarettes."

January 15, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Heythere (anonymous) says...

Tripsa Said: "let make sure I am clear, there seems to be more sympathy for this kid (in the general public)then there would for a young black man."

Is everyone forgetting that on friday Michael Anthony was sentenced to the same time of 10 years after taking the same plea deal? For those of you who don't know, he is a young black man. I think it is ridiculous to say that this is now a race issue, as Shevlino almost didn't take this plea deal and might have served a longer sentence. I'm not saying there are not injustices in our legal system, but in this case, two teens, one white and one black, were sentenced to the same amount of jail time.

link to the article on Michael Anthony's sentence:
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/j...

January 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Kaylee:

Just to let you know I agree with you.

Case in point:

Years ago a friend of mine was given the choice, Army or Jail. He was a first time offender charged a number of offenses and was looking at some serious time.

But the judge gave him a break...

He served with with 82nd Airborne left as a Master Sgt. Went to college, graduated with honors rec'd a commisson in the Marine Corp went to flight school, served with the 323 "death rattlers" was part the first wave into Iraq and is now a Major in the Marine Corp.

What would have become of Major William Barber USMC if he spent the last ten years of his life behind bars rather than defending our country. What would he be doing today?

The only difference was the judge in his case had the ability to add reason and common sense to his ruling.

South Carolina can do better!

Chris McIntire

January 15, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strider (anonymous) says...

Do the crime, do the time. At 16 you know. I would say at 10 you know.

January 15, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

yeayea (anonymous) says...

10 years!? I mean pay your debt to society, but wow. The kid was dumb. KEY WORD: KID. Scarlett, you need to look at your flaws elsewhere instead of trying to publicly make yourself look like a hard-ass. I've always taken this with me everywhere I go, "don't kick a man when he's down, help him back up". 10 years which is more like 8 1/2 years is certainly not helping the kid back up.

January 15, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Speedy (anonymous) says...

Unfortunately for this young man, he is white. If he were black, he would have likely been given probation. There are hundreds of black men who have committed the same crime and have not spend any time in jail other than following the original arrest. And, when they are out on bond, they get arrested for another crime and get bonded out for that.
The courts are swamped and plea out as many cases as they can, which puts serious criminals back on the street.

January 15, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

megaward (anonymous) says...

He should play the race card to get a reduced sentence. OH wait he's white.

January 15, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JonWithnal (anonymous) says...

What was this boy thinking? Don't point guns at people, kid; See you in 10.

January 15, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

I do think there is a difference on the way the public treats this case vs the Gadsden green idiots. I saw previous articles and there was no sympathy for those kids at all. None at all. People out right blamed the parents because they had jackasses for kids. Haven't seen that so much here and why should I? It's not his parents fault that he is an idiot. They didn't make him rob people.

Speedy - I have to disagree with your astoundingly ignorant opinion. I am sure there are tons of black guys in prison who would disagree as well. But thanks for your opinion it just confirmed what I thought when I first read the post. You're an a$$hat.

Megaward - He didn't need to play the race card or call Al. He probably has money. Money and connections trump the race card all day sweetie.

I think most of these issues are socioeconomic. When a suspect is from a poor background, you hear comments like "gangsta, white trash, thug, inbred etc but hardly ever when it's a supposedly clean cut suburban kid.

January 15, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

these were kids, going to school, doing well enough to be on the team and no previous offenses. Probably a hollywood idea of a holdup. Sure, shows they need some serious comeupance but this is not justice.

January 15, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer--No painful memories have been bought up for me--not sure where you were going with that. It was pretty obnoxious for me to correct your grammar & I apologize for that bit of pettiness on my part.

I have 5 children ages 10-23 (yes, they all have the same daddy). Much to their periodic frustration, we are known to be the strictest parents our kids & their friends know. Not bleeding heart wimpy disciplinarians are we.

Do we believe in & give harsh consequences for outrageous behavior? Absolutely. Do we put up with whining & excuse making victim mentality? Absolutely not..that'll get them more consequences.

However, to state that outrageous or even violent behavior committed by an adolescent indicates his brain will never work right & that there is no hope for him is, simply outrageous in itself.

The human brain is not considered fully developed until post-adolescence. The lack of acknowledgment or belief of this fact by you & others does not change the biology & physiology of human development.

I know at least a few people who, as adolescents, engaged in outrageous &/or violent(or potentially violent) &/or illegal things(albeit not with a gun)who did not make a pattern of this behavior. In fact, they became fine & decent folk who have contributed greatly to society & humankind. In fact, some of these people, if they'd been noticed by the authorities before being caught,stopped & disciplined by their parents, could, & probably would, have done some jail time.

January 15, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...

If these young men committed these crimes somewhere in the Middle East what do you think their punishment would be?? They need to thank God they live in the USA and not in a muslin country where the punishment would have been way more severe than spending ten years in prison!

January 15, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

kids with BB guns. Give me a break. The store clerks were terrified but they were never in any actual danger of being killed.

January 15, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KidYendor (anonymous) says...

Scarlett handled this case very well and had plenty of boys ready to testify against Sean. Did he play violent videos and listen to rap? Teens like him and of all races must be treated the same and when community pot stirrers rise up in protest of serious sentences for serious crimes involving injury, knives, robbery and guns for people of their race Scarlett should get on TV and tell them to get lost.

January 15, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...

South Carolina is all about punishment, and not rehabilitation. Now, when these kids get out of adult prison, they will have learned all of the ins-and-outs of crime. The power has been taken away from judges. They can't go case by case, and look at age, and criminal history. Thank your legislators..
That's why when the judge sentenced the first boy, Michael Anthony...she said that the punishment wasn't equitable to the crime...but, guess what!! Her hands were tied. These kids should have been treated like juveniles, and should have been given community service, paid restitution and gotten probation for 10 years. Adult prison is no place for a kid. Period.

January 15, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Heythere (anonymous) says...

2dogs1bear: What happens if you point a BB gun at a cop? Yeah, to you there's no danger for him, but in his perspective it looks like an actual loaded weapon that you are aiming at him. Most likley you would get shot. Just my two cents.

January 15, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...

KIDYENDOR said:Scarlett handled this case very well and had plenty of boys ready to testify against Sean. Did he play violent videos and listen to rap? Teens like him and of all races must be treated the same and when community pot stirrers rise up in protest of serious sentences for serious crimes involving injury, knives, robbery and guns for people of their race Scarlett should get on TV and tell them to get lost.

Wanna tell me why Michael Anthony got 10 years for driving, and Sean got 10 years for holding the gun in both robberies? Do you think that's fair?
The reason that these "let's make an example out of them" scenarios don't work, is because you're dealing with kids. They don't see beyond the moment, and don't stop to think of consequences. Yes, kids know the difference between right and wrong, but they don't think. It's just like everything else..you never think it will happen to you. It's exaggerated in kids..that's why we don't let them buy cigarettes...drink...or drive until they reach a certain age. Because, they are kids and they can't see beyond their own noses.

January 15, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lemon3 (anonymous) says...

LOL @!!!!!!!!

"Fifteen- or 16-year-old children should not go to circuit court," he added. "They should be treated like the juveniles they are."

January 15, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

algorelost (anonymous) says...

It will be easy to tell if the justice system if fair or not. If the 4 kids from Gadsen Green get 10 years then you know the system is fair. If they get more or less you know it is not fair. Both case very similiar.

January 15, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

FortDorchesterMom:

What if one of these kids robbed YOUR child, or you for that matter and scared the living sh*t of of them to the point where they are devastated, scared to work, possibly even requiring some kind of therapy maybe? Then are you going to sit there and say "Well, you know, kids are kids and they can't see past their noses and it's okay because they just weren't thinking..." My doubts are very high that you will have the same opinion.

Furthermore, if this perp at the same age maybe committed murder or something along the lines, then maybe just a hold up with a pellett gun, are you still going to say "Well, they're kids" and revert back to your theory of them not being able to think and see past their noses? I don't think so....

January 15, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Preston (anonymous) says...

I don't give a rip what color the perp is. Armed robbery is still armed robbery in my book. Why rip the Solicitor? That's no different than complaining about the unfair sentencing guidlines when dealing with crack and powder cocaine. How about not using, selling or possessing either form? Let's lay the blame where it belongs, the stupid decisions these kids made.

January 15, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

turnwillkat (anonymous) says...

a crime is a crime...i understand that their children will be punished and they are feeling the parental need to protect them but tell me how those parents would react if they were the ones being held up at gunpoint... they would want the offenders punished. it just so happens that these people live in a "world" where they think they are untouchable by the law. as much as i would grieve if my child were taken from me, the law needs to be upheld and respected by all.

January 15, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

Heythere, yes. I agree with your point. Law enforcement would have been completely justified in doing whatever they needed to do. Or even a store owner protecting himself. Sean could very well have paid with his life for his Extremely poor judgment and stupidity.

January 15, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

Agreed Preston...

On top of the robberies, they stole a car as well!!! In my opinion, he got off light. Ten years??? Ms. Wilson did them a favor.

January 15, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

South Carolina is all about punishment, and not rehabilitation.

FortDorchesterMom, I agree. But ALL states are becoming that way becoming of the separation of church and state crowd. People like Chuck Colson, and organizations like Prison Fellowship Ministries are getting more and more resistance DESPITE their phenomenal record over the last 2 decades at rehabilitating criminals. The recidivism rate among the men they counsel is microscopic compared to the general prison population. Now, to pre-empt an obvious response, PFM should remain an OPTION to prisoners and should never be forced on anyone. I agree with that. But while I agree that for many, prison is all about punsihment and not rehabilitation, you have to understand that just because the rehabilitation side is lagging, you can't just throw out the punishment side. Slapping criminals on the wrist ENCOURAGES them. As I said earlier, when you slap young criminals on the wrist, they dry their tears in private, the chest goes out, the chin goes up and they get that "street thug swagger". What usually follows is a life of crime. If the rehabilitation side is broken, fix it. But they still have to be punished.

January 15, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

Just the fact this case has generated so much controversy says a heck of a lot...the laws need to be reviewed.

January 15, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cnstreet (anonymous) says...

Motoryacht soso: I fail to see what relevance Scarlett Wilson and her sister buying a stained glass window in memory of their nanny has to this case.

I have met Scarlett Wilson many times and have been impressed by her professionalism and her commitment to be tough on criminals and prosecute intelligently. We are lucky that such a smart, talented lawyer has been appointed to fill Ralph Hoisington's shoes, after his untimely death.

So many talented young lawyers choose to go into the defense and civil litigation fields because there is much more money to be made. Certainly she wants votes; to remain in her position she has to be elected in November. If we are smart, we will keep this lady and give her a chance to fulfill a full term.

January 15, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LifetimeLearner (anonymous) says...

FortDorchesterMom: the reason Anthony got 10 years just for driving is because he is OVER the age of 18! See, they did give Shevlino a break! If Shevlino were over age, I doubt highly he would have such a reduced jail sentence. I hope he spends his time in there going to school, getting a degree and studying religion. There may be some hope for him left.

January 15, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

This is a 2008, a new year, NEW beginnings. Let's throw away the race card. It's time for us all to just get along.

January 15, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cnstreet (anonymous) says...

I forgot to mention that I think these kids are lucky that they didn't lose their lives. Pellet gun or not, anyone of those property owners would have had the right to protect themselves and shoot this kid in self defense.

January 15, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

Posted by prosperous_- "This is a 2008, a new year, NEW beginnings. Let's throw away the race card. It's time for us all to just get along."

Amen!

January 15, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...

I am not saying that there shouldn't be a punishment, but who is our Juvenile Justice system in place for? Shouldn't it be for juveniles? What a concept!
The problem with sending all of these kids to the big house with hardened criminals, is that they will only learn more. No counseling, no rehabilition. Then, when they get out, we're all going to be so shocked when they do something else(most likely worse) That is why the recidivism rate is high...punishment, not rehabilition. If anyone could have used rehabilition, it was these kids.

January 15, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

Preston - umm sentencing difference btw crack and cocaine is most def not related to this issue at all but since you went there...

It does matter and should be equal no matter what form it is.

Prosperous_hb thanks for the heads up but seriously not only is this the US but it is SC. Race will always be an issue. As long as you have inequality between races there will be that "race card" issue. I think we should get rid of the term "race card". Tired of hearing it. Just call it like it is mostly regarded as, inequality.

January 15, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chucktownbear (anonymous) says...

This boys/mans Parent's need to realize that there son is now in the hand of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The Quicker they learn to be quit and not be so public on how unfair this sentence is to their son the SAFER he will be there. The men he will be serving with will see his parents ranting as him being weak... "Mama's boy" if you will.. Not the reputation he wants behind bars with murder's, rapist, and YES other convicted of the same crime doing the same time... Think before you speak parents...

January 15, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CariBarichello (anonymous) says...

MOUTH OF THE SOUTH you need a reality check.

I too had a rebellious teenager at age 16. Up until that age he was a good kid, raised with two parents, stay at home mom to cater to all his needs, attended private Catholic school all 16 years, was an alter boy and had a paper route.

At age 16 he became rebellious, wanted nothing more than to grow up fast. Lived for excitement and became very impulsive. He didn't want to follow rules, ran away numerous times and skipped school repeatedly. We too got my son the type of help Sean's family did and he too changed his life around.

Once he realized how he was hurting himself and those who loved him, he realized that was not the life he wanted for himself at all. He worked hard between the age of 17-18 to become the person he wanted to be.

Today he is a UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIER!!!!! He fights for your FREEDOM OF SPEECH Mouth Of The South! He also fights for your freedom! If children can grow up and do that for us, we as American citizens should do the same for them.

www.justiceforjuveniles.org

January 15, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mdtpace (anonymous) says...

yeayea, your comments are the most idiotic on this board, which is saying something. Take your Tony Robbins logic and rejoin the real world. If he had lost his job, his house, failed out of school, then "don't kick a man when he's down, help him back up". I don't think it applies to people who have are charged with several felonies that, at trial, would have gotten this guy 30 years for each count. Go back and read what you wrote. You really sound stupid. The solicitor should look at her flaws? Really? Because I don't pay taxes for her to be introspective, I pay them for her to prosecute criminals and secure jail time and make sure they don't get away and do it again. You really should think more before you post comments like that. Maybe you and FortDorchesterMom can get together and battle it out for biggest moron.

January 15, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mdtpace (anonymous) says...

Make sure you get Motoryachtsoso for that moron contest, too. He is certainly in the running.

January 15, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

scpalmetto (anonymous) says...

I personally know Sean and his family; these are good people who have been put under a lot of scrutiny. What Sean did was wrong, but he is remorseful and has done things to straighten out his life. Ten years in an adult prison...what will this accomplish? I question whether this sentence is more about political posturing than justice.

January 15, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...

MDTPACE: Now, why do you have to resort to name-calling? You sound like a teen-ager yourself. Don't show your ignorance, it's ugly.
Remember this case, because in 8 1/2 years, we're all going to see just how much prison changed these boys. I'm willing to bet that it won't be for the good.

January 15, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

I've been held up and shot at twice and two things happen.

First unless you are expecting it, you don't have time to react, think or be scared. The mind registers that someone is screaming "give me all the money" long before you can process the fact that they have a gun pointing at you.

Second you normally freak out afterwards.

I have a photo in my office of a bank robber pointing a shotgun at me from about 20 feet. The shots that rang out that day never came close but during the entire shoot out I wasn't scared and ran towards the shooters rather than away.

A few days later it dawned on me that I could have been killed and that these guys planned to harm anyone who got in their way.

I don't think these kids planned to shoot anyone or harm anyone. They got hooked up with the wrong crowd, gave in to peer pressure and became a couple of idiots in the process.

Prison should be for violent offenders not kids who make stupid mistakes.

January 15, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hailey3157 (anonymous) says...

Shevlino knew what he was doing when he robbed the stores. Sometime in life you need to learn when you do a crime you have to serve the time. Let's ask his parents why they kicked him out before all this happened. They must have been having problems before all this?

January 15, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

The special needs fellow who happens to be black is the only one here who got a bad deal. This person does not belong in jail. He will always need for someone to look after him thru his adult life.

January 15, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer,
Excellent reasoning today, I must agree with you :)

January 15, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...

I hope no one feels sorry for any of the young adults in this case. They all got what they deserved. Regardless of whether their intent was to actually bring harm to someone, they stole a vehicle and committed robbery. Whether the gun was an actual gun or a pellet gun is irrelevent. Yes these kids were dumb, but you can't tell me they didn't have a choice to participate. You committ a big boy crime, you do the big boy time.

January 15, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...

Before the grammar police get me: it's commit not committ.

January 15, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...

Mild Mental Retardation

* IQ scores from 50 to 75
* Includes about 85 percent of the mentally retarded population
* Individuals in this group can often live on their own with community support.

Moderate Mental Retardation

* IQ scores between 35 and 50
* Includes about 10 percent of the mentally retarded population
* Individuals in this group can often lead relatively normal lives provided they receive some level of supervision. Such individuals often live in group homes with other mentally retarded people.

Severe Mental Retardation

* IQ scores between 20 and 35
* Includes about 3 percent to 4 percent of the mentally retarded population
* Individuals in this category can often master the most basic skills of living, such as cleaning and dressing themselves. They often live in group homes.

Profound Mental Retardation

* IQ scores of less than 20
* Includes about 1 percent to 2 percent of the mentally retarded population
* Individuals at this level can often develop basic communication and self-care skills. They often have other mental disorders.

January 15, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

1959er (anonymous) says...

Although I agree that this was a serious crime that these boys committed, an even greater crime has been committed by the judicial system who did not recognize that the crime was committed because of stupidity. These boys were juveniles, not hardened criminals and sending them away for 8 1/2 years is ludicrous.

This isn't a matter of race, one of the kids who has already been sentenced was white and the other was black. They were 16 year old kids at the time they committed this act of stupidity, there were 10 of them acting together egging each other on. They deserve to be punished but this is ridiculous. I mean come on, why not just give them life sentences, as the 8 1/2 years might as well be a life sentence for what it will do to the rest of their lives.

Give them a chance to reform, how about a few month of juvenile detention or boot camp. If these sentences were truly the minimum required by law, then we have a much more serious problem with our judicial system and we need to start working towards revising our system.

January 15, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

carolinapanther (anonymous) says...

What if the clerk of the Food lion or Subway had a gun and shot and killed this young man in self defense? Looks to me he should be thankful that all he is getting is 10 years in jail and not the rest of his life 6 ft under the ground.

January 15, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flinsc (anonymous) says...

He will get stabbed by a make shift shank within a couple of weeks. Then everyone will cry and write about how he shouldn't have gone to jail. Then someone who cries about it will have someone close to then held up at gun point in a car, will panic, and crash the car. Their relative will die, and then they find out that the person holding the car up was a kid with a pellet gun. They will cry that the person needs to go to jail. Irony?

January 15, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...

Cari: Just because someone is in the Military, doesn't exactly mean they are a good person. I'm not saying your son is a bad person, I'm just saying that there are A TON of shady ass people in our military. Joining the armed forces is NOT a cure all.

January 15, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rodeo2000 (anonymous) says...

Thanks for correcting my spelling and errors, perhaps YOU should join the GOOD OLE BOYS CLUB!!!!!! READER

January 15, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

To those who are making the soap and ankles comments I hope Chris Hanson will someday want to ask you a few questions.

To the name callers whatever!

To those who think this is a massive mistake understand that the blame lies in the office of the Scarlet Wilson and legal defense these two boys received. It wasn't plea deal it was an all or nothing take it or leave it railroad. A plea deal would have been to a lesser charge without active time.

The system is just wrong when they could have beat the dirt out of the subway employee taken the money and walked, with a suspended sentence.

It is clear that this case is a part of Ms. Wilson's agenda and reelection bid. You can bet with it comes time to press for votes she'll roll out the teary Oprah show clip and her color blind comments. Then promote how she is tough on crime.

The Scarlet Wilson's are also in Durham, and in Atlanta Georgia, and Louisana and elsewhere running their offices with a political agenda rather than in the best interest of justice.

Justice is not revenge and armed robbery is not with a toy gun.

So when she looses or when she decides to run for Governor what are we left with?

How many youthful offenders will come back to Charleston in ten years time angry and bitter from their criminal apprenticeship?

And do you really feel safer now that these two boys are locked up? If so I dare you to walk along Rivers Avenue at 3 AM tonight.

January 15, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Myslin1984 (anonymous) says...

It's a shame this crime happened and that this 16 year old young man commited it. However, the parents need to stop complaining and take a look at the reality of it. Sean is serving 10 years when he could be serving much more. Not only that but he has possibility of parole 85% after serving his time. He made a PLAN to rob these establishments. He PLANNED to use a gun, and to wear a mask to cover his identity because he knew it was wrong. So for Cornley to say he "wasn't aware of what he was doing". He had plenty of time to change his mind before committing the crime. ALSO, Michael Anthony was a LOOKOUT and is serving the exact SAME sentence as Sean. Yes, Prison can change a person. But people need to be optimistic and see that it could help him. It will probably scare him ****less. Maybe that's what he need...Reality check.

January 15, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

There is a pretty shocking scene in the movie "Less Than Zero".

A kid who is at the wrong party and wearing the wrong jacket becomes the mistaken target of a hit man.

He is forced into a car taken to a hill top over looking LA at night. Made to kneel down he is told by the hit man: "remember after this is over life will just go on for everyone else" and with that the hit man pulls the trigger killing the wrong person.

Scarlet Wilson just pulled the trigger, being paid to "do her job" but life will go on for everyone else.

Trivia: Brad Pitt was paid $38.00 for his unaccredited part in the movie.

January 15, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

This will set a precedent for his peers and others as well. Pretty much, a wake up call. They apparently automatically assumed that they wouldn't get caught, and if they did, suffer minor consequences.

January 15, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Pratt07 is correct major wake up call to those who thought at the time it was cute, cool or "like television" or even a video game.

January 15, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

When was the last time anyone ever heard of a victim being shot and killed by a pellet gun packing robber?

January 15, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Girleygirl (anonymous) says...

Posted by allwoman (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of these comments are replete with and permeate idiocy. "If he was black this..." "because he's white that." OMG people, please, give it a rest. These young men's foolish torts placed them in the predicament that they find themselves in at this very present moment and nothing else. Whether or not they knew that the crimes they committed would afford them such harsh penalties, they knew that armed robbery was against the law and now they are being punished according to the laws that they have broken.

Good Point!!

Let's see in a 3 week time period he went on a spree and for 3 weeks he did not know what he was doing??? I think he knew what he was doing, all of them as a matter of fact, but they were not thinking that they would be punished this severely.

January 15, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Girleygirl (anonymous) says...

2dogs1bear- I know someone that was shot with a pellet gun and died later because they did not know they were shot and infection settled in. Also I know of someone that lost an eye due to a pellet gun.

Pellet guns are dangerous as well, in the wrong hands.

January 15, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer--Yes, this adolescent person repeated the crime twice within a short time frame, but it is a stretch to call him a "repeat offender" & apply generalities of typical repeat offenders (most of whom are adults) to him & his chances of rejecting a continuing life of crime.
P.S. In your 1:07 post "my family and I" is correct as used in that sentence :)

January 15, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kerry (anonymous) says...

Looks like "Friday Night Lights Out" for this team of punks.

Thanks again to the Mount Pleasant Police Department for stopping these "perfect angels" from continuing their not so well planned crime spree.

January 15, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCVOTER (anonymous) says...

I wonder if this boys parents would be saying the same things if they had been held up at gun point during their weekly trip to the grocery store.

As far as it being a pellet gun...they didn't go buy a pellet gun to shoot cans...they bought an imitation firearm to scare people into doing what they said.

We are a country rooted in the rule of law. It wasn't like these kids didn't know that armed robbery was wrong.

White or black...he is lucky to have been offered a plea. They could have taken him to court and really made an example of him.

He will serve 8-9 years and get out at 25. He will be able to complete his HS diploma and come out and go to college (if he chooses). He will still have plenty of time to show the world how sorry he is.

Also, he will probably serve his time in a level 1 or 2 facility. He isn't going to be locked up with murders and rapists....more like drug dealers and thieves.

Nothing in life is free...I am sure he will attest to this in about 8 years.

January 15, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

Girleygirl, well, i realize that pellet guns can be dangerous. I was trying to make the point that they did not go into it with the idea of murdering anyone or even shooting the thing, and there was about zero chance of anyone but them actually being killed.

January 15, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

WinthropEagleFan (anonymous) says...

2dogs1bear: Just because the weapon likely wouldn't have killed anyone doesn't change the fact that it was armed robbery. He didn't plea to attempted murder, he plead to armed robbery, which is exactly what it was whether he used a pellet gun or an m-16.

January 15, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Just for the record the courts have held that the use of a pellet gun, BB gun, or even a fake gun is still armed robbery if it instills fear in the victim. So the charge is correct.

However the crime in this case doesn't merit a ten year sentence.

January 15, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

SCVOTER,
I see what you are saying and they wouldn't be saying the same thing. They would push for perp to be reprimanded to the fullest with the harshest penalties.

Per Shellvino's father:
"Fifteen- or 16-year-old children should not go to circuit court," he added. "They should be treated like the juveniles they are."

He sure as hell would not utter this if a perp at this age held him and his wife up, robbed them and/or stole their car. And not just one robbery.

Kudos to Ms. Wilson.

January 15, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

Win, yes, that's right, that's the law. There are other things involved in this case, though, the main one being age. And apparently there may be a political angle.

January 15, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

"toy gun"?????

Would you put a pellet gun in the hands of a little kid?
This country would benefit greatly from having Scarlett Wilsons in every city....and so would a lot of "juvenile delinquents/would-be lifetime criminals".

January 15, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

otherside (anonymous) says...

This crime was commited by a KID. He was 16. the Juvenile System is in place for a reason and society has become to afraid to use it. He is a first time offender, granted to a very serious crime, but wouldnt rehabilitiation be a better solve for this CHILD. This is the biggest farce in this case, a failure of the system. I dont care if the kid is white,black,brown,yellow,purple or polka dotted a 16 year old does not belong with ADULT criminals. At 16 the mind is still very moldable. This KID is going to come out of jail worse off than when he went in. Don't be petty and play the race card, rather ask what happened to our Juvenille System.

January 15, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

i'm kind of long in the tooth but did not realize that robbery with a bb gun was considered armed robbery myself until today, just now really. But still, they are kids.

January 15, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

The juvenile system is for juvenile crimes, vandalism, kids getting into fist fights, stealing things out of people's yards, underage drinking, etc. This was an ADULT CRIME, and no he was not a first time offender. There is a major difference between 1 and 2 armed robberies. The fact that he committed one, thought about what he had done and went for a SECOND ARMED ROBBERY speaks volumes.

January 15, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MosesGuava (anonymous) says...

This deserves a second reading:

"I apologize to everyone I've hurt," Shevlino, 17, said as he prepared for his time in an adult state prison. "I plan to survive the next 10 years with help from my family, my friends and God."

January 15, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer, I got that auto refresh too.

MosesGuava, here's how to interpret the "I found God" from criminals. If they REALLY found God, then they understand the gravity of what they did, they understand the idea of justice, and what kind of person they are going to be and their eternal destination become the most important priority of their life, and it will far outweigh the length of their prison stay.

January 15, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

otherside (anonymous) says...

Comparing rape and murder to armed robbery is an a atrocity and you should be ashamed...but look at it this way, he'll be serving more time than many rapists do in this country.....so maybe you have your wish.

January 15, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

scuser (anonymous) says...

Imagine, you are in your place of business and someone comes in wearing a mask and holding what looks like a gun and orders you to open the safe. The fear you have that this person might shoot if you are quick enough to do as told. Now imagine that person gets to court, they are 16 and mommy and daddy scream injustice because they are given a sentence he very well deserved. Not only did they rob two businesses but apparently they stole a BMW too (for which they got caught). He was 16 not 6 and out at 11 at night (at 16 he should have been home). We coddle our kids too much today not teaching them right from wrong and the consequences of what happens when you make the wrong decision and making excuses when they screw up. If it happened when I was a kid, not only would I have been in jail but my dad would have slapped me upside the head and given me a few choice words. Sounds to me like these parents did not do their job properly in bringing up this boy.

As to putting him in prison to "help" anyone, that is not the point of the sentence and those fellow students had better learn that. The sentence is to punish him for crimes he committed. It is up to him to take his time in jail to learn that this behavior is unacceptable. If he fails to learn that lesson then he'll just end up back in jail. It's his choice.

Had this been a black child the story sure would have been written differently.

January 15, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IsaacLC (anonymous) says...

~~He sure as hell would not utter this if a perp at this age held him and his wife up, robbed them and/or stole their car. And not just one robbery.~~

Gee Pratt, do you personally know the Shevlino's?? I think not.

January 15, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...

I just love when people who have no actual idea of how the justice system actually works start rambling on about it's inefficiency. This guy received a very reasonable plea offer and his attorney obviously knew it or else he would not have accepted it. Innocent people experienced actual fear b/c these young men decided to go into businesses and take what was not theirs. In the eyes of the law, even using only a pellet gun, this is first degree robbery. And to have two counts of that...ten years is a gift. I dont care if they were 16 years old. If they didnt know that what they were doing was wrong then why did they wear masks to cover their faces?

January 15, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kma71 (anonymous) says...

For God's sake people, give it a rest! Half of you think he got what he deserved and half of you think the punishment doesn't fit the crime. We get it!!

January 15, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCVOTER (anonymous) says...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

January 15, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

patricia (anonymous) says...

If you are outraged by this sentencing and other juveniles sentencing in the state of South Carolina, I appeal to you to sign the petition,http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/429258617
join hands in your communities and write your legislators. You as a citizen have the right to say how you wish your juveniles to be tried and sentenced. No child under the age of 18 should be tried and sentenced as an adult or receive mandatory life sentences. It is up to you to help get the laws changed. Now is the time.

January 15, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mytwocents_com (anonymous) says...

I am obviously late to the party with 140 some posts, but what is the fate of the others who pleaded to assessory charges? How long are they projected to get?

January 15, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ColdBeerIsACop (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer why don't you get off of your power trip.

January 15, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

The clerks may have experienced actual fear but not actual death. ok. bb gun robbery is armed robbery. There are just other things to consider here, they are teenagers, in school, doing ok, no prior violent offenses...and it was a bb gun not a lethal weapon.

my screen keeps refreshing, so i'll just keep it short.

January 15, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IsaacLC (anonymous) says...

Swift, these boys' attorneys didn't consider the 10 year plea "bargain" a bargain. They considered it a railroading but know that going to trial could make the sentence even longer.... Their attorneys did the best they could with what was offered. The plea deal was not a "deal" it was an ultimatum. Take the ten or face your chances with a jury... I think I'd take the ten, too.

Micheal and Sean have been made examples of because of their addresses. Not because of the color of their skin. Please, don't anyone think that this outcry is only for Sean's sentencing, it is also for Micheal's. These boys did a very dangerous, stupid, illegal thing, but they do not deserve to spend the next 8.5-10 years in an adult prison. They are children who committed a crime, not adults who committed a crime. They do not belong in the adult criminal system. Committing a crime doesn't magically turn a 16 year old into and adult. If that was the case, there would be plenty of adults magically turning back into children when they steal a loaf of bread, or a candy bar or a pack of cigarettes...

January 15, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ColdBeerIsACop (anonymous) says...

You're stupid.

January 15, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...

2dogs1bear: I work for a criminal defense attorney and I have seen a man go to prison for 20 soemthing years for robbing a bank WITH HIS FINGER IN HIS JACKET POCKET IN THE SHAPE OF A GUN! It does not matter that they did not use a real gun. They used the pellet gun with the intention of causing the victims to have real fear for their safety. That is the definition of first degree robbery.

January 15, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IsaacLC (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer, Patricia isn't saying that no one under the age of 18 should go to prison when they committ a crime. She is saying, just as the petition states, that children under the age of 18 should be charged as the JUVENILES that they are! Children under the age of 18 do not belong in adult prisons. Personally I don't agree with 18 year olds being charged as adults, either...

January 15, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...

Everyone keeps saying that they are juveniles and we should go easy on them. Do you think that adult offenders, who were never punished as juveniles, grew up to be community leaders? Give me a break.

January 15, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ColdBeerIsACop (anonymous) says...

I was talking to ColdBeer IsaacLC. ColdBeer is stupid. Thank you.

January 15, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Swift_N_Easy (anonymous) says...

IsaacLC: I think that you just inadvertantly proved my point. They had the option of taking their chances with a jury but didnt take it b/c the outcome would have likely been worse. By definition, that is a plea offer.

January 15, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ColdBeerIsACop (anonymous) says...

You just like hearing yourself talk, and I think it's hilarious. So, keep responding to my posts that mean absolutely nothing from a person you don't even know.

January 15, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

"As to putting him in prison to "help" anyone, that is not the point of the sentence and those fellow students had better learn that. The sentence is to punish him for crimes he committed."

And 10 yrs with hardened criminals is over and above punishment for these teens and the situation. They may never recover from their harsh punishment served!

And in 2018 who takes care of them when they will not even be able to function as adults in our society? Oh, what will you gripe about then? Having to support them because they will be so traumatized to exist as responsible citizens in society!

January 15, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

Issac,

No, I personally do not know the Shellvinos, nor do I claim to know them. Let me ask YOU the same question and I expect no more of a response then just the answer.

If someone robbed you and stole your car, are you going to say, "These are just kids and it was an act of stupidity"? Furthermore, that they only belong in a juvenile facility?

January 15, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

MOS, why are you so bitter? Did you not get to go on and star on Bad Cops!!

January 15, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

whome (anonymous) says...

To the poster who mentioned that the perps didn't have the intent of killing anyone, "luckily" the law has a workaround for that. Even if the clerk had been killed in the most accidental manner possible during the armed robbery, the kids are looking at first degree homicide under felony murder rule. There have been insane cases of perps having to plea out to murder when they gave the victims heart attacks...

January 15, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

"If someone robbed you and stole your car, are you going to say, "These are just kids and it was an act of stupidity"? Furthermore, that they only belong in a juvenile facility?"

So what exactly is wrong with sending them to a juvenile faciltiy for their punishment?

Society created it for some reason!!

January 15, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

SCgal,
Yes, society created juvenile detention centers for a reason. And in my opinion, I feel as though someone who committs armed robbery twice and steals a car belongs in prison, not juvenile detention.

January 15, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Mouth says (along with a lot of other pointless crap) "When you have cancer, you go to a doctor and have it removed. These punks are a cancer on society and it is for the benefit of society that this cancer is removed".

Reality check: When you have cancer you treat the illness and, as a last resort you opt for surgery. When you cut out the heart the patient dies. Children are the heart, soul and future of our country and we are so screwing it up.

Do we really need to be last in everything? South Carolina Can Do Better!

Hey I'm all for locking up violent offenders, perverts, and rapists. I'm all for the 3 strikes law, but locking up these two just to further the carreer of Scarlet Wilson is wrong!

January 15, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

OK for the stupid people out there, you know who you are ... or maybe you don't know who you are?

Step to the left. Everyone else have a look at this:

http://www.doc.sc.gov/research/Specia...

Notice anything interesting? It's pretty clear what has happened.

January 15, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

They sent Michael Anthony to Kirkland:

Inmate Description Inmate Sentence and Location
Name Anthony, Michael Frost
SCDC ID 00326041
SID SC01714380
DOB 10/10/1988
Citizenship Citizen - Native Born
Build Small
Complexion Dark Brown
Hair Color Black
Eye Color Brown


Offender Type Adult-straight Sentence
Offense Armed Robbery
Sentence Start Date 01/01/2008
Sentence Length 10 YRS, 0 MOS, 0 DYS
Admission Date 01/14/2008
Committing County Charleston
Location Kirkland
Projected Release Date 02/05/2017
Projected Parole Date 02/05/2017
Supervised Furlough Eligibility
Sex Offender Registry No

January 15, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

turnwillkat (anonymous) says...

adult offender, juvenile offender....key word here...OFFENDER.

January 15, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cupcakes67 (anonymous) says...

some people are saying this sentence is not fair, but was it fair for those employees to go to work for an honest dollar to have guns put in their faces? 10 years should be enough time for him to think about what he did. he wasnt old enough to purchase a gun either but that didnt stop him from committing the crime. do the time and just hope "Bubba" treats him well.

January 15, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

whatever you perv!

January 15, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cupcakes67 (anonymous) says...

call me what u want but dont call me a whiner cause another young gun toting punk is now off the streets for 85% of ten years. he shouldve got thirty. high 5 to ms. wilson, whom by the way will get my vote.

January 15, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

http://www.doc.sc.gov/programs/young.jsp

January 15, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Charlestonguy (anonymous) says...

Sean had this coming...He thought he was invincible until he got caught. This was a well orchestrated plan and if someone had actually gotten hurt the story would be much different. Our City is plagued with crime, Wilson gave this guy a break! Hopefully he will learn from his mistakes and move on with his life. Wilson you have my vote! Thank you for doing the right thing.

January 15, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

outrage (anonymous) says...

One armed robbery(1), one armed robbery(2), and a stolen motor vehicle(3). Is that 3 strikes?

January 15, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

I see 2 votes for Scarlet Wilson

How many for Mike Nifong?

January 15, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

2dogs1bear (anonymous) says...

SCGal,

http://www.scbar.org/pdf/SCL/Nov97/ri...

I don't think these students were sentenced under the juvenile offenders act?? So are not eligible for that program.

January 15, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

Too sad SW didn't look at those options~

January 15, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...

Te old TV show BERETTA with Robert Blake theme song says it all.."DONT DO THE CRIME IF YOU CANT DO THE TIME"...Those young white boys will end up someones bunk mate.

January 15, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

outrage (anonymous) says...

TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS OVER A JUVENILE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A JUVENILE FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO COMMITS A CRIME THAT WOULD BE A FELONY IF COMMITTED BY AN ADULT MUST BE TRIED AS AN ADULT IN THE COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-780, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF FINGERPRINT RECORDS OF A JUVENILE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUVENILES DETAINED FOR OFFENSES THAT WOULD BE A CRIME IF COMMITTED BY AN ADULT MUST BE PHOTOGRAPHED AND FINGERPRINTED AND THE RECORDS MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-2170, RELATING TO COMMITMENT OF A JUVENILE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JUVENILE ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT FOR COMMITTING A FELONY MAY BE SENTENCED BASED ON STANDARDS USED FOR AN ADULT, AND MUST BE HELD IN A MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITY FOR JUVENILES UNTIL HE REACHES EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Items (4) and (5) of Section 20-7-430 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"(4) If a child sixteen years of age or older is charged with an offense which would be a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult and if the court, after full investigation, deems considers it contrary to the best interest of such the child or of the public to retain jurisdiction, the court may, in its discretion, acting as committing magistrate, bind over such the child for proper criminal proceedings to any a court which would have trial jurisdiction of such the offense if committed by an adult.

January 15, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

SCPDBLUE Do you really want to quote a Robert Blake TV show?

OUTRAGE that's dead on, but the choice was Wilson's.

SCGAL I understand the Wilson knew all the options but elected to stand on the Armed Robbery Charge to bolster her tough on crime stance while not showing a racial bias

The perfect political move at the expense of a couple of first time offenders.

January 15, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...

MotoryachtSoCo: YES, IT fits

January 15, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

And again, please clarify who makes the decision and based on what if one is to be tried as a juvenile or an adult?

Could these kids have been tried as juveniles under SC law?

January 15, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

SwiftNEasy--I have a nephew who is in law enforcement. I have cousins who are AUSA's (assistant US Attorneys). My great grandfather was a judge here in SC. I have served on a jury. I have personal knowledge about some criminal & civil cases. And I have all sorts of relatives who are all sorts of lawyers. So, yes, I have a clue about the criminal justice & legal system in this country.

With all that said, I no longer believe we have the best system of justice in the world. Most people in this country still function under the delusion that we do--that justice usually prevails, that jury trials & verdicts are justice wrapped in gold & that most law enforcement personnel really care about protecting society.

What I have seen is more than disheartening because I now realize that criminal activity within our system of justice by those in authority occurs on a regular basis in this country. Justice, too often, is not the goal. Winning a case is the goal, period.

I have seen prosecutors lie with impunity (this would include to a grand jury as well as to the court & petit jury). I have seen government agents of all types commit perjury with impunity. Vital information that a jury needs to know in order to render a truly just verdict is kept from them by sly maneuvering of both the defense & prosecution.

If someone is charged with a crime, he is not innocent until proven guilty. Not anymore. Worse yet, if someone is indicted, forget ANY presumption of innocence(in fact law students are told that any prosecutor could get a ham sandwich indicted with little to no effort)

January 15, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IsaacLC (anonymous) says...

Mouth, DO NOT send another private e-mail to me.

January 15, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

obtuseyankee (anonymous) says...

to all of you shedding tears for this little punk, get over it. Just because it wasn't you who had the gun pointed at you doesn't allow you to speak on this matter. who cares if the solicitor is politically motivated. The little bastard broke the law twice and probably has done other things he hasn't been caught for. My only regret is that the clerk didn't pull out a real gun and blow this punks head off. That is a deterrent anyone can understand. Now he will graduate from prison with a masters in street punk. Chances are he will steal, rape or kill someone within 1 year of getting out. He better bring more than a pellet gun to my house if he wants to dance.

January 15, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

Patricia:

Are you serious. I think you are completely out of your mind. Would you still feel that way if he robbed you or your mother, lets say, he got away with it and continued on his spree and he ran across someone in your family or circle of friends and things turned bad and he SHOT and KILLED someone you love, I think you would push for him to be charged as AN ADULT!!!!!! He thought he was a "MAN" when he was planning these robberies, and scaring the H### out of people, he needs to stand there like the "MAN" he thought he was and take his punishment in the "ADULT" world he chose to play! Do the crime, pay the price.

Did anyone hear if they ever recovered the money or items that he and the others purchased with the money?

January 15, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IsaacLC (anonymous) says...

skeptical, I attended a murder trial a few years ago in Charleston and witnessed the things that you describe. The prosecutors on the case were very frightening. They lied and made up "what if" scenarios. The poor kid never had a chance. The judge on the case also refused to allow evidence to be brought before the jury. Evidence that would have made me think twice before finding the child gulity had I been a juror. The judicial system in this country is so filthy and corrupt. It's all about personal gain.I'm going to have to look it up but there is only one other country in the world (other than USA) that charges children as adults.

January 15, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

normski (anonymous) says...

10 years for two armed robbery charges, this clown got off lucky.
poor kid is gonna be someones cell bia, real soon

January 15, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

Obtuseyankee-everyone sure as hell should care if a prosecutor is motivated by a political agenda.

People in power & positions of authority tend to become corrupt when motivated by anything other than truth & justice.

It might be that an agenda & the truth/justice happen to coincide on a case or 2, but eventually agendas corrupt. Look at what happened to Nifong in NC.

January 15, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

So because he goes to jail you all believe he is also deserves to be a cell bai?

January 15, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

etb53 (anonymous) says...

Give this guy a BREAK. People get less time committing rape and murder. What is going on, with a pellet gun. This is crazy.

January 15, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

obtuseyankee (anonymous) says...

skeptical.
prosecuting is a performance business. I bet a majority of us want gun toting criminals put in jail when they break the law. The solicitor cut this little waste a break and still put him in jail. She obviously isn't tryng to be too tough on crime. I would say that is justice. The fact that she also is trying to get the job for the next 4 years doesn't phase me as long as justice is done. If you don't like it. Move to vermont where they routinely let pedophiles run free and the prosecutors are appointed.

January 15, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

obtuseyankee (anonymous) says...

al parrish is going to jail a hell of alot longer than this guy. He didn't use any weapon. Will you weeping limpwrists complain when he gets his sentence? No you all will be cheering and wishing you could punch him in the nose. I hope hime and Al will be bunkmates. They'll make a right strange looking couple.

January 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

carolinapanther (anonymous) says...

The clerk at Food Lion and Subway could of been armed with a real gun and shot and killed this young man. He needs to quit crying about 10 years in jail when he could of been shot and killed! I would take 10 years rather than be killed.

January 15, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mdtpace (anonymous) says...

It's official, the results are in, MotoryachtSoCo wins in a contest that, in the end, wasn't even close. He is the biggest moron on this board. Your "this is politically motivated" rant is ridiculous. What would you have done, genius? Offered them parole or pre-trial intervention. Are you just worried that when Wilson is elected solicitor and you get you 5th DUI, that your daddy won't be able to just call Blair's daddy and get it all fixed?

January 15, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

outrage (anonymous) says...

There is the option they use in the LIBERAL Northeast called restorative justice! Probation, anger management, and everything else ,but jail.

January 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hondais1 (anonymous) says...

I'm just curious... When they catch the scumbags that killed the man and woman in the park in Pepperhill, if they turn out to be 14 and 15 year olds, are these bleeding hearts going to want them to be tried as juveniles and go to a detention center since they're just KIDS?????

January 15, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...

Armed robbery is not an entry level crime.

Two armed robberies in three weeks are more likely the hallmark of a career criminal.
Sean's father must not have kept track of him at all if he thinks that Sean's misbehavior was limited to three weeks of his life.

January 15, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justafan (anonymous) says...

The Food Lion split was $35/kid and most returned it after the s**t hit the fan. Had the remaining kids(the other lookouts) not accepted the money they would not have been charged.

I hope the judge sobers up before she sentances the other kids in this case. She has ruined enough young life for one week. She is like a bully picking on someone to make herself appear tough.

10 years give me a break. You keep saying what if it was you getting held up...what is wrong with saying here is the money and let me get the door for you.

South Carolina again prooves why they are #49 in education the don't want to learn from thier mistakes.

January 15, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...

Trispa,,,I was a teacher...HOW many times have I seen kid who do a lot worse go to DJJ and serve a few months and then do it again...it seems that sometimes the white kids get a WHOLE LOT MORE than the black kid...sometimes its all about making a point and getting re-elected

January 15, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...

Al Parish is an old man...the juvenile brain is not fully devleoped until 25 and the judge knows this...and the solicitor...POLITICAL.......these men will be useless in 5-10 years...as juvies they MIGHT have had a chance...thanks SC judicial system....once again you prove that we are backwards in just about everythng

January 15, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

palmettoruckus (anonymous) says...

Seems to me the most of the people mostly upset.... ARE WHITE! Young blacks can go to jail forever, but a young punk white kid displays criminal behavior and the people who cry for leniency in his case are the same race. He was responsible for multiple crimes, so caucasians, shut up. He did the time, and I'm happy he now has to do the time.

January 15, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...

palmettoruckus,I'am white and I agree with you,You speak the truth.

January 15, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

palmettoruckus (anonymous) says...

I saw a news clip where a young white girl who was one of his classmates was being interviewed and she started crying for him, saying she was sorry and why couldn't he have been let off the hook....etc..... You know what I did? I laughed. I laughed at her. I showed someone else. That person laughed. Good for Super Silly Shevlino.

LOL.

January 15, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

palmettoruckus:

Don't you mean "Rich" white people!! I am a middle class working WHITE person that agrees with this punishment to an extent. I disagree that the "Black" driver got the same punishment as Sean, the one who did the deed. His parents should be glad that he didn't run to a good ole boy protecting his property or he would have found himself with a bullet in his a@@. I am sure if he wouldn't have been caught he would have continued. Anyone read the post earlier from someone who knows his family asking "WHY DID HIS DAD KICK HIM OUT OF THE HOUSE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED?" Maybe other teenagers will understand that need to be CAREFUL of who their friends are!! Stop blaming the Prosecutor.... She obviously did her job.

January 15, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

abitskeptical (anonymous) says...

obtuseyankee...appropriate name.

Prosecutors are not in the performance business & anyone who condones this has an un-American & unconstitutional understanding of American jurisprudence.

I never said I didn't want gun toting criminals put in jail.

How does my comment regarding the pitfalls of a prosecutor having an agenda cause you to leap to pedophiles who get to walk the street in Vermont? That took some mental gymnastics.

January 15, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nochasgirl (anonymous) says...

Just curious...

For those of you who feel the sentence is appropriate or too short, do you get involved in the sentencing of all criminal cases? I have never heard of a sentence this severe for someone without a criminal record. I read stories all the time about criminals who murder, abuse, rob, etc with multiple pages of "rap sheets". Why are they even on the street? If 10 years is the minimum, then how can you be walking the streets? It seems like you would be ancient if 10 years is a minimum sentence. There has to be some inconsistencies here.

May God bless Michael and Sean. I will keep them and their families in my prayers.

January 15, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

one more thought:

Look at the Burgess/Stannard story: IF THIS CRIMINAL SEAN WASN'T CAUGHT, IT WOULDN'T BE LONG AND WE WOULD HEAR A STORY LIKE THIS WITH HIS NAME LINKED. Justice served!!!

January 15, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

phoenixdown (anonymous) says...

justafan, Food Lion never got the money back, so not sure where you are getting that from. Also, how can Solicitor Wilson be politically motivated when she was picking up a case left behind from the late Solisitor Hoisington? She just had what he started, and finished it. She did her job, we need more like her.

January 15, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

alwaysamazed (anonymous) says...

The comments by the people that keep wishing that these boys get attacked in prison is disgusting. It's really sad to read some of these comments about justice being done. Justice has not been done in this case. I agree with the poster that commented on South Carolina's 49th ranking in education...a lot of it is showing on this board. There comes a time when the old way stops working...and something new needs to be done. How about let's try some rehabilitation...and to the big Mouth: you talk like you've been in the DJJ..do you speak from personal experience?
These boys seem to have a good family support system, come from a good area..and must have done okay in school(they were football players) so, the best that South Carolina could do was prison? I would think that we should all want to turn these kids around the right way, and make sure that this never happens again. Putting them in prison isn't going to do it...wonder why people can't see that? I wonder why people can't understand how these kids didn't think about the consequences of their actions...and the legal system hasn't thought about the consequences of theirs either...I'm sure it will come to them in about 8 1/2 years. Get with the times, South Carolina.

January 15, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PoisenIvy (anonymous) says...

It is so sad that a young person aiming to be a missionary has a foul mouthed mother/father like, 'The_Mouth_of_the_South'.
They must be so deeply embarrassed & ashamed of YOU...

January 15, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

alwaysamazed:

You can't blame SC!!! SC didn't make these kids go out and commit ARMED ROBBERY Twice!! These were football players and they should have known better!! They do come from good families, but all of that doesn't excuse them from commiting crime! If they didn't think about the consequences, then he would have walked in food lion or subway without his face being covered, he obviously knew if he got caught, he would be in trouble. Come on, stop making excuses. So I guess you think that anyone that commits any kind of crime should be given a chance to continue to walk around in the free world and reck havoc on innocent people, well, I am thankful you were not the one making the final decision. Frankly, anyone that willingly walks into any place with the intention on robbing anyone doesn't need to walk around freely. What would you have done if he would have walked through YOUR front door and demanded you give up money or things that you have worked hard for? I think he should have gotten the MAX 30 YEARS!!!

January 15, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

The_Mouth_of_the_South:

I think you may be one of the smartest people that posts on here. I still can't understand why these people are defending this criminal. And that is exactly what he is. "The Mastermind" of this whole ordeal.

January 15, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justafan (anonymous) says...

Mouth it is thinking you are the greatest when you are number 49 that keeps you at 49.

Get it?

Probably not.

My prayers are with these kids and thier families. I can't imagine what they are going through.

January 15, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

anothernobody (anonymous) says...

Yesterday I read a lot of comments about how the Shevlino had turned himself around ... read about how his parents felt like they had spent all of the money and had done all of these things for nothing since he still received the ten year sentence. Well, having been a teacher for a number of years and working in a number of group homes and juvenile facilities for a number of years, I have a real problem with that type of logic. That is the equivalent of celebrity rehab as far as I am concerned and is part of the real problem with this behavior. You GO to these facilities in order to get better and to learn to face real life including consequences (If you are serious about it)... not in an attempt to sway the justice system. Sure I know it happens all the time... but isn't that sending a really screwed up message to our kids??? Well we'll just send you away for a few months and make this all go away and when you don't get your way you complain about all that you spent? My goodness you send them away to these facilities on order for them to away from the dysfunctional situation that they are obviously in ( armed robbery is not functional) that they cannot function in... in the hopes that they will earn how to function differently... not to get out of a consequence. Back to the original point, about him turning himself around ... I finally read something about an apology... it seemed to be a little forced and contrived and maybe should have included more of a message in that hopefully other kids could learn from his example... then I probably would have felt like the treatment had taken and would have felt a little more sympathy for his situation. My take on it is that I honestly feel like he deserves to serve some time somewhere and for those of you who haven't worked in the system... the juvenile system isn't all that different from the adult system ( other than age ) . Yeah there are some subtle differences but you can learn to be as much of criminal and come out just as hardened from Juvie as you can do at the "big house".

One other note... if this boy has turned himself around so much as some of you say... you certainly don't give him much credit for being able to survive and come out of this situation a better person and maybe he will .... stranger things have happened. Let's hope he does and hope and pray that he can make a positive difference in someone's life in a few years.

January 15, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

wonderdog (anonymous) says...

anothernobody......excellent post. You said it all.

January 15, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nochasgirl (anonymous) says...

Misery loves company. Some people thrive on negative attention...guess they feel it's better than no attention at all. Just skip over those posts. Don't take the bait. You will feel better if you ignore them.

January 15, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justafan (anonymous) says...

Anothernobody, what would you rather the parents do? If they did nothing they would have been critisized for doing nothing. At leasted they tried.

I imagine they thought that if they got the kid turned around the judge might see these kids are worth rehabilitating.

Do you feel 10 years is the correct amount of time for a 16-17 year old first offender?

If it was your son where would you want him to serve his sentence?

January 15, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

anothernobody (anonymous) says...

Well honestly I wouldn't have thought that they would complain to the media about the amount of money that they had spent in order to help their son, but that it was for nothing. I am sure they are disappointed in the outcome and agree they certainly should be (because that's what parents are supposed to do...love and worry for their kids regardless). I am sure if I were in that situation i would be as well... hurt scared heartbroken...not only about the consequences but about the behavior as well ( which has been consistently minimized by the parents "a few troubled weeks" and "nobody got hurt"). And I am sure that I would want my child to be with me; what parent wouldn't? ( Even when it appears that it wasn't working for at least three weeks.) I'm not faulting them for their disappointment nor am I faulting them for trying to do everything for their son they can in order for him to become a better person ( although that doesn't seem to be the reason that he was sent away). I do, however think that their priorities are misplaced here. Again, it smacks of "celebrity rehab" to me. Go away and come back fixed? Honestly most of the group homes and facilities have a much better chance of helping these kids before they have felony charges. And to be completely fair here there were three separately planned and executed events so first time offender status is a little sketchy here and only applied because he had a fairly prolific three week spree which culminated with a single arrest.

January 16, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

buckgal (anonymous) says...

Not being a parent, I'm hesitant to make quick judgements in these situations. However, I was once 16, 17 and also 18. I'm wondering what happened to other commenting folks when they turned these "landmark" ages....I knew right from wrong LONG before the age of 16, 17 or 18. It was wrong to say I hated anyone, wrong to tell someone to "shut up" and I could count on a severe spanking before I was into the double digits if I dared point a PRETEND water pistol at anyone. Point being, YOUNG adults or adults, regardless, these guys knew what they were doing was WRONG. As "law-abiding" citizens, they deserve the sentences rendered, good or bad. Life isn't always fair ~ that's something a young adult LEARNS as they progress through the ages of 16, 17 and 18.
No one ever said growing up was easy.

January 16, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotoryachtSoCo (anonymous) says...

Amazingly Absurd!

More commentary at:

http://postandcourierblogs.com/life_f...

January 16, 2008 at 2:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

patricia (anonymous) says...

I urge all of you in favor of change in the juvenile justice system, adult sentencing of those under age 18 and mandatory sentencing laws in South Carolina and the United States, please sign this petition. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeac...

January 16, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...

Oh Mouth, you don't really think that you've contributed to the discussion, do you? Crack me up!! You're posts stink of your need to shock, and your craving for attention. People have been trying to have a discussion about juvenile reform. Not you.
The juvenile system in our State is lacking. Do you have any ideas on how to reform it? Do you have any suggestions as to how the juvenile/penal system in our State could be corrected?

January 16, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tincat5030812000 (anonymous) says...

As a business owner I don't have time to check if the gun is real. Lucky for him and his family he didn't come in my store and pull a gun on me. His family and friends would be crying for another reason.

January 16, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ThinkAboutThis (anonymous) says...

When doing an Inmate search at SC Dept. of Corrections you will notice this kid is the YOUNGEST in the system!

What a WHACKED judicial system and total injustice for this kid.

Punish him, but not as an ADULT or does someone want the fame and glory of sending this 17 year old kid to ADULT prison? That is not just punishment, but brutal and immoral.

January 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ThinkAboutThis (anonymous) says...

From the P&C article- Sean Deaton, accused of stealing a BMW, is not a part of the plea negotiations. A tip about the vehicle theft led to the arrests of the other students.

Here is the kid who stole the BMW, not the 17 year old, what is this guy's sentence in this entire deal or did he walk scot free? Who was the master mind behind this fiasco?

http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/d...

January 16, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

I hope the Pardon comes through for you.

The family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

January 17, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

Here you go MOS~ thanks P&C brings the point right home!!

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/j...

January 18, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

http://www.juvenilejusticefoundation....

January 22, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dbeast420 (anonymous) says...

"Posted by ThinkAboutThis (anonymous) on January 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When doing an Inmate search at SC Dept. of Corrections you will notice this kid is the YOUNGEST in the system!

What a WHACKED judicial system and total injustice for this kid.

Punish him, but not as an ADULT or does someone want the fame and glory of sending this 17 year old kid to ADULT prison? That is not just punishment, but brutal and immoral."

Ain't life a bitch. He played around in the adult world and deserves to be treated as such

February 17, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/a...

April 18, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BKLYNIRISH (anonymous) says...

SCGal stated in another thread in regards to the inmate killed while in the custody of the SCDOC.
"A prisoning sentence should not be a death sentence!!!!"

Agreed, and I loved your commercial (www.helpingsean.com) for that teenaged Mt. Pleasant dirtbag, who, as the gunman, terrorized multiple victims in two separate armed robberies. I nevertheless wish him continued safety while in the care and custody of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

April 18, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

Your name calling shows to me what type of respect you have for people~~

Let's see what you call the teens in 8.5 yrs when they are dumped backed into society to be your neighbor after being with hardened criminals for 24 x 7 for 8.5 yrs rather than spending an appropriate amount of time being in counseling, rehab, and given the proper guidance to become a productive citizen for our community~

BTW, they victims (with the exception of the one that I suggested seek professional help to overcome the ordeal, so that he can follow his dreams) have forgiven and moved forward and even posted that they too think 10 yrs is too long and harsh a sentence for these kids!

April 19, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/a...

April 19, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Notice about comments:

Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.

Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!

Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Thank you for your interest in this story. The comment thread for this article has been closed.



Most Popular

 

Sponsored Links