Woman who harassed black neighbor ordered to 6 months jail and to write essay on diversity
Leah Keaton
Courtesy of WCSO
Joseph Starr
Courtesy of WCSO
A 19-year-old woman Ypsilanti Township woman was sentenced Monday to serve six months in jail and then two years on probation for using a racial slur and pushing her black neighbor.
Judge Darlene O’Brien also ordered that Leah Keaton to write a 200-250 word essay on diversity and attend a racial sensitivity class.
"It's very, very hurtful behavior," O'Brien said.
Keaton was tearful and spoke barely above a whisper when asked if she had any statement to make before O’Brien passed sentence.
“I want to get my life on a better track,” she said.
Keaton was also ordered to not have any contact with either the victim, or her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Starr, who participated in harassing the 23-year-old black woman in the early morning hours of July 3.
Both Starr and Keaton were charged with one count of ethnic intimidation. Starr also faced a charge of disturbing the peace. Both felony counts against Starr were dismissed in a plea deal struck at a July hearing, court records indicate.
He eventually pleaded no contest to an added count of assault and battery and was sentenced on Aug. 8 to 60 days in jail with credit for 32 days served, according to records and officials.
Assistant Washtenaw County Public Defender Laura Dudley argued Keaton was under the racist influence of Starr, who she referred to as Keaton’s ex-boyfriend. Dudley said Keaton has a bipolar disorder and that the vulnerable 19-year-old was taken advantage of by Starr “who did hold these beliefs.”
Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brenda Taylor argued for the stiff sentence, which went above what was recommended to the judge by the probation department.
Taylor said she was appalled when she heard about the racially motivated incident and that Keaton “bragged” about it in an obscene Facebook post, which Taylor read aloud to the court.
“You are a danger to the race you are targeting,” Taylor said.
Keaton pleaded guilty to one count of ethnic intimidation on July 23, when a count of assault and battery was dismissed.
The female victim lived next door to Starr and Keaton in the 1100 block of Hull Avenue in Ypsilanti Township.
Deputies were called there around 1 a.m. July 3 for a dispute. The 23-year-old woman told police that she overheard Keaton and Starr through an open window using a racial epithet when referring to her, according to police. The woman said after hearing it about eight to 10 times, she went next door to ask them to stop.
Keaton then pushed the women to the ground and closed the door, according to police. When officers arrived and knocked on Keaton and Starr’s door, no one answered. Officers left, but were then called back to the same houses two hours later after receiving reports Keaton and Starr were outside singing songs about killing black people and were throwing rocks at the 23-year-old's house, police said.
Officers continued to investigate and learned Keaton and Starr had been using the same racial slur with the 23-year-old woman's 63-year-old father and also neighborhood children of Asian descent, Fox said.
Keaton and Starr were arrested a few days after the July 3 incident and have remained jailed since.
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
MsCochise
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:11 a.m.
LadyVarn2000........Did the little Asian kids also think that they would be believed by the law? Anyone that puts their hands on you should first get charged with assault, sue the bullies, then sue the property owners where the bullies live. Doesn't sound to me like a working woman or man would have anytime to walk up and down the street singing racially charged songs....then again it was approaching fourth of July holiday.
Ladyvarn2000
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 1 a.m.
Where are the trespassing charges against this so-called victim? What did the "victim" do to egg the situation on? Since when is having a conversation in your home a felony. People might not like the content of that conversation but it is protected speech under the Constitution. This the thought police at their worst. Would the same charges have been filed if the defendant in this Constitution violating persecution had been black? We all know the answer to that question. If anything all this persecution and demagoguery practiced by the state of Michigan will only reinforce the correct attitude that being European-American in this country is a crime. You can be beat and berated by blacks and it is not a crime. Why is it a crime over words spoken in your home? Ignorance is bad no matter what the race is. I think that the "victim" did this on purpose knowing that because she is black, she would be believed over a white.
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:32 a.m.
Noticed the black teens who shot up a white house aren't being charged with ethnic intimidation. Guess it's a one way street. If someone confronted me on my property in the middle of the night getting shoved would be the least of their problems.
MsCochise
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:27 a.m.
Matt1027.....Here's a thought? Why in the heck hasn't these victims brought ANY charges against those criminals? What the heck is that? These criminals were first trespassing, then they shot at them on their property, attempted theft, attempted murder or aggravated assault? Which you choose? Put your hands on me......lets just say I will not be the loser! Then I'm still gonna sue you!
Bonnie
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
I agree that this is a situation that calls out for restorative justice. Put the person in jail, and you punish with no purpose. They are likely to come out bitter, with few prospects to better themselves. Why not focus on mediation and restitution? "Sentence" them to working with a group like Big Brothers/Big Sisters or a different diverse community group.
Robert Hughes
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2 p.m.
The article says neighbors. It doesn't specify how loud the neighbors were being. Therefore, shutting windows, or ignoring the catcalls might not have been adequate to end the taunting. If I insult someone, I like it when they tell me, rather than calling the police, so that I may properly apologize to them, without a sense of intimidation (from the police); it may be that this was the motivating factor for the victim to head over there. In any event, the accused have got there comeuppance thanks to the law. Pity they didn't have a complete education before hand in regards civility & race relations; in which case the whole scenario never would have happened.
Lisa D
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Thanks to Judge O'Brien for a thoughtful, creative and apt sentence. Racism can be unlearned! Lisa Dengiz
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:14 a.m.
Will Ayo Kimathi at the DHS have to write an essay on diversity to keep his job? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/ayo-kimathi_n_3794900.html?utm_hp_ref=politics Stay tuned.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
Jaime, your many comments on racial issues (more than me) make you seem obsessed with a false tolerance.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
I really shouldn't respond to such a lame comment. However, note that none of Kimathi's rants are threats directed at specific individuals in person and the people he does comment on are public figures. Apples and oranges. Should he be working for DHS? Probably not. On the other hand, he's done nothing illegal. The young lady above did something illegal. Jay, this example, and your other race-based comments, make you seem really bitter.
Wolverine92
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:47 a.m.
Keaton didn't pick the right person to spew that crap to, that's all.
lectrik
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:03 a.m.
I like this decision. However it makes better sense if it is applied equally to OTHER there races also. Just my $.02
longgone
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
Ok.....so the prosecutor states the boyfriend influenced the girlfriend into racist rants.....so she lets the influencer plead and walk away with 60 days then gives the girlfriend 6 months.....Wow....still would like to know how all of this escalated to degraded to the point of racial slurs being thrown and death threats.....was there an ongoing fued.........article reads like snap, crazy breaks out and rocks start flying.....theres more too this i'm sure but once you cross the line.....and go down that dark ugly road....you're in the wrong and the hammer gets dropped on you...... Unfortunately the boyfriend will be on the streets in 20-30 days, moving onto his next " girlfriend" and the process starts all over...
An American Patriot
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.
This law is 24 years old and never has a black person been even charged with it let alone been convicted off it
John
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
@Jay and "American Patriot" Please do your own research. We do not exist to confirm or deny your unsubstantiated claims. If you present an argument, YOU furnish the evidence. It is up to the claimant to provide proof. You cannot say, "No/few minorities have ever been charged with hate crimes" and then say "It's true, prove me wrong". The burden of proof is on the claimant, i.e. you. So, your charge now is, prove that this law has been unequally applied to minorities. Until then, you are only assuming based on your personal belief that minorities somehow have it easy when it comes to the legal system, which is a concept that has generally been proven to be patently false time and time again. Evidence for my claim: http://www.asca.net/system/assets/attachments/765/Racial_Disparities_in_the_American_Criminal_Justice_System.pdf
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:05 a.m.
I don't know about that but it is rarely applied to minorities. Someone please find when a minority had to write an essay on diversity.
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:38 p.m.
really? So maybe you should learn to do some basic research. I found three cases in less than 2 minutes of looking
wilder125
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
*sighs* Basic interpretation. She got 6 months detention and an apology essay. Ah, 6th grade in 1986. Different reason in my case, and only 2 weeks detention with a 2 page apology. Just because I cussed under my breath at a teacher, but that's a whole other topic.
Widow Wadman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:23 p.m.
She probably also needs some education on destructive interpersonal relationships and bullying. Maybe she received such instruction growing up and chose to ignore it. She's an adult now. Lots of people would say that at nineteen you can't really change someone because they are already formed. I tend to think that some bad behaviors can still be corrected.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Sometimes we learn things the wrong way growing up, and it falls to a judge to explain it.
Widow Wadman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:56 p.m.
What is taught in a racial sensitivity class and how much time is involved?
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:37 a.m.
Jaime, do you really believe she intended to kill this woman? I don't think you do. She is a dumb 19 year old who was trying to upset her neighbor. If you have a problem with freedom of speech just say so.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Slogans are nice, but in a civil society we have limits to the things you can say to people (slander, libel, threats of violence, intimidation, etc.). The reason for this is that some words/phrases are indicative of intentions. It's not the words themselves. It's the intentions implied behind them.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
I'm afraid the liberals have that idea serving time on hate crime charges.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:28 p.m.
Perhaps they can learn to keep their mouths shut before a bigger bully shows up loaded for bear.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
All the boys in my sixth grade class had to write a 500 word essay because we played tackle football in violation of the rules. It actually wasn't tackle. The snow was 2' deep, so there was no running and our usual touch football would not work. It was more smooshing each other down into the snow. Still, it was 500 words and two weeks of no recess.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
Wonder how many people here who think adding ethnic intimidation on top of the other charges defended the protestors trying to intimidate Beth Israel Church in the article the other day...
Widow Wadman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
What is the question?
LaMusica
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
200-250 words seems really short. Even the kids in The Breakfast Club had to make it 1000.
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:39 a.m.
But they really only turned in one essay they all signed, ty Anthony Michael Hall :-). Nice reference... I can tell you're cool without meeting you.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
Many of the people involved in such offenses are lucky if they can crank out that.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:37 p.m.
Our standards have slipped over the years.
Catherine
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
Writing is thinking, and being sentenced by a judge to write with a certain slant smacks of Soviet-style political re-education. That bothers me. Another aspect of this case is that these two could not afford bail or an aggressive lawyer and were thus low-hanging fruit. A third thing that bothers me is that annarbor.com dutifully follows up on sentences handed out to people who are easy to despise--racists and graffiti vandals--but we never find out the consequences of some other crimes with more respectable perpetrators like Betty Chisholm.
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:41 a.m.
@ John...a person shouldn't have to respect someone...and we dont know the real history between these two households. I don't like what they said, but the idea of jail time for words is scary. The fact that you think it's mandatory to respect everyone else is also very scary. You sound very nieve.
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
What do you think jail is? It is designed to change BEHAVIOR. You might BELIEVE that buring down a house is your god-given right, BUT it is arson when you live in society. You go to jail. if the sentence required a person convicted of arson to write that burning other peoples property is bad would that be Soviet style? You have a right to be a racist, we also have a right to punish you for any actions you do because of it.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
@John: It depends on what happens to them if they refuse.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
Re-education? Consider the intent of "rehabilitating" criminals or "corrections". It is about more than punishment. It is all about changing behavior. Thought follows behavior - sometimes. The perps may continue to hate on people of other races or social background, but as long as they practice keeping it to themselves, the world is a better place. My grandparents grew up as poor sharecroppers in the South and had unsophisticated views of black people and immigrants. I am fortunate they kept their opinions private.
justcurious
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6 p.m.
Yes, what was the final outcome of that case? We never heard anything. http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/77-year-old-woman-betty-chisholm-ann-arbor-police-motorized-wheelchair/
mady
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Well, Da, Comrade!(sarcasm)
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
Further, the only way this is "political re-education" is if you believe that treating people with respect, regardless of race, is a political issue with two legitimate sides.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
The kid who robbed me had to write me an apology stating why what he did was wrong. Is that Soviet-style re-education?
MeGrimlock
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
pretty weird; you cant punish someone extra for especially not being enlightened... that "ethnic intimidation" law seems really wrongheaded and superficial...battery is battery
MeGrimlock
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
I think what this law is trying to establish is that some verbal attacks are worse than "assault" because some of them are impossible to evade or deflect (which is more like "battery") I think using hate speech on a captive audience is definitly a kind of battery, but im sure the law will lag behind this reality forever and ever
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
We differentiate between Assault and Aggravated Assault, largely due on the intent and seriousness of the crime committed or intended. Intent is an important factor in the legal system, and I think the law is well balanced and necessary.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
750.147b Ethnic intimidation. Sec. 147b. (1) A person is guilty of ethnic intimidation if that person maliciously, and with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person's race, color, religion, gender, or national origin, does any of the following: (a) Causes physical contact with another person. (b) Damages, destroys, or defaces any real or personal property of another person. (c) Threatens, by word or act, to do an act described in subdivision (a) or (b), if there is reasonable cause to believe that an act described in subdivision (a) or (b) will occur. (2) Ethnic intimidation is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. (3) Regardless of the existence or outcome of any criminal prosecution, a person who suffers injury to his or her person or damage to his or her property as a result of ethnic intimidation may bring a civil cause of action against the person who commits the offense to secure an injunction, actual damages, including damages for emotional distress, or other appropriate relief. A plaintiff who prevails in a civil action brought pursuant to this section may recover both of the following: (a) Damages in the amount of 3 times the actual damages described in this subsection or $2,000.00, whichever is greater. (b) Reasonable attorney fees and costs. Above is the ethnic intimidation law for the state of Michigan. I seems that there could still be a civil act against the defendants for destruction of property and emotional stress.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
I think that got dropped from the case of the three Arab guys in West Bloomfield who beat up a black guy for being black. Minorities are often not charged for hate crimes or ethnic intimidation.
bunnyabbot
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
While the language she used is ugly and even her hate is ugly. The words were just words in this case and she wasn't inciting a riot with them at the particular time, so it seems excessive to give her jail time and not probation. As for the essay, it is kinda stupid, your not going to change someones heart with an essay.
MsCochise
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:21 a.m.
Bunnyabbot.....The victim was assaulted! Which means they put their hands on her without her permission!
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Everyone is commenting on the sentence in regards to the language used, and ignoring the other criminal acts committed while she was using said language. She didn't get arrested and jailed just for saying some words. She was arrested and jailed for physically assaulting and harassing her neighbor and her neighbor's property, while also using racist language in doing so. This is an important point that a few people seem to be clearly missing.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:40 p.m.
The paragraph or so is not meant to change her heart. It's to make her articulate, if even briefly, what the idea of "diversity" is. That implies having to look up the word (if she isn't familiar - I'm not making any judgement) and articulating it in one's own words. I can see some value in that. In terms of the jail time, intimidation is a serious crime.
longgone
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Not defending anyones bad behavior or racist views but here are my issues with this case 1) The original slurs were uttered inside a private home not in a public place..... 2) Eavesdropping is a form of spying if its illegal for the government its illegal for private citizens 3) The neighbor escalated the situation when she confronted the woman on her private property 4) Was the neighbor told to leave the property, if she was then its trespassing....the woman had the right to remove her from the property 5) Neighbor to neighbor battles have two sides......what was the beginning or root cause for this confrontation 6) You cant fix stupid........but being stupid doesnt mean a 6 month jail term.... 7) Now, a 19 year old has a felony conviction. Try explaining this at a job interview...good luck getting a job....so now its a lifetime sentence of misery. 8) Reverse the roles in this case.....would charges ever been filed
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:03 a.m.
Mike, you're all over the map. Suffice to say, you haven't proven that there is any discrepancy in favor of blacks in the prosecution of ethnic/racial intimidation by the courts. I'm not sure where you get the idea that *I'm* requesting special treatment of anybody. I think we can stop here.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:35 p.m.
@ Jaime Jaime Magiera 9:36 AM on 8/22/2013 Mike, the situation here is racial intimidation - which is a separate crime in itself. If the people who attacked your family member used racial epithets, that should have been brought up in the proceedings and the guilty should have been sentenced accordingly. I don't see any evidence that only white crimes against blacks are punished. In fact, overall statistics show that the black community gets sentenced more often, for longer periods of time, than non-blacks. I am not here to argue just the facts. You are the one that started this sentencing garbage. I still think that this woman was properly sentenced. I just wish that there was equality and ethics in the judges. All people should be trialed the same for the crime committed. Apparently it is you that seeks special treatment for certain people. You get no arguments from me about differences in courts, but you are the one that sent this specific case to me. Keep smiling Jaime. I enjoy good conversation. Just keep it real. I will admit when I am out witted. By the way, There was a case a Mr. Hunt, that tried to have a white man arrested for ethnic intimidation. No one would support the charge until after the perpetrator shot Mr. Hunt on his way to the mail box. It is tragic that this has gone so far. Mr. Hunt lived and the perpetrator was found guilty of attempted murder. The law is a good law, just treat it the same on all sides of that fence.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:01 p.m.
Mike, do you realize how completely off-the-wall it is to compare the punishments of two court cases in completely different districts under completely different circumstances? Look into the sentences of any crimes of the same general type and you'll see lots of variance. There are so many factors it's impossible to name them all: the lawyers, the judge, the plea bargain, the type of intimidation, the remorse expressed, etc. You're grasping at straws here man.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
@ Jaime Regarding your post Please read the web site that John made available to everyone. This information tells us nothing about who is not charged with crimes that possibly they should be charged with,. Nor does it state what percent of white hate crimes were committed against Black people, or Black hate crimes against white people. He crimes cross various paths, color, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, This site does nothing but point out that hate crimes exist. But the information you sent tells a lot about sentencing in the state of Michigan. Courtney Thomas, the former student originally charged with ethnic intimidation, will be serving 100 hours of community service and one year's probation — the last step in a racially charged case that rocked Birmingham last spring. According to CBS Detroit, Thomas — who admitted to writing racial graffiti in a Seaholm boys bathroom last April — took the plea deal before Judge James Alexander in Oakland County Circuit Court Wednesday. On Aug. 31, Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of disturbing the peace in return for dropping the ethnic intimidation charge, which carries a potential sentence of two years jail time and a $5,000 fine. The maximum sentence for disturbing the peace is 90 days in jail. White? 6 months and 2years probation Black? 100 hours community service and 6 months probation. IS THAT FAIR?
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
Mike, yes, it has. See my comment in your other post. Also, I think you're being a bit dodgy about the information John provided. You seem to be dealing with feeling and what you perceive, not actual statistics and information.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
@ John I viewed the information that you sent, The one issue that the site does not reveal is what type of hate crimes were committed by what group of people. In the stats that you provided there were only 4 homicides included in all hate crimes. (refer to table 2) Table 3 shows that in the FBI records there was on 1 white on black and 1 Black on white murder during 2011. Intimidation is at a 5 to 1 ratio with white race being the guilty race. I am not trying to say that charges are not brought against African Americans for hate crimes. It is common knowledge that anytime there is a story about a hate crime where a white is the offender, there is always a good chance that politics will get involved and a hate crime is sought. That is seldom the case in reverse. In reality those cases seem to be hidden from the public eye. My thing is that I believe that we all are subject to the laws, and that each of us be held liable to keep in bounds of those laws. No matter the shade of our skin, our sexual orientation, religion or lack there of, we should all be treated the same.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
@Mike, while it's difficult to say how many times hate crimes charges should be brought against non-white persons but aren't, it is still not uncommon for non-whites to be charged: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime/2011/narratives/offenders In 2011, the races of the 5,731 known hate crime offenders were as follows: 59.0 percent were white. 20.9 percent were black. 7.1 percent were groups made up of individuals of various races (multiple races, group). 1.4 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander. 0.8 percent were American Indian/Alaskan Native. 10.8 percent were unknown.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
@ Jaime The question was not if a white person would make a charge of Ethnic intimidation, The question... would the prosecutor follow through on such charges? In today's political environment the probability is against these charges being against an African American. We all know that this happens on both sides of the coin, has it ever gone to court on the reverse side of the coin? Please inform us if you can verify that they have.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
@ longgone 1) The slurs were not uttered they were spoken or yelled loud enough to here them inside a neighbors private home, 2) Eaves dropping, a form of spying indicates that someone must try to listen in or view an event. If the event is being broadcast in the airways it is not eavesdropping. 3) The neighbor escalated the situation, the neighbor went to ask for the noise situation to be curtailed, as no one deserves to hear garbage from adjoining properties. 4) the neighbor told her to leave her property, So where was this mentioned? When victim confronted neighbor to stop she was pushed to the ground. 5) Two sides, true so true, The victims story is told here in the article, the neighbor( defendant) plead guilty to a lesser crime, their story was also told. 6) You can fix stupid, I have rare seen racism fixed and I doubt that this sentence will fix that this time as well. 7) Felony charges, This is a state crime according to the article. She has posted articles for public display. 8) Reversal of role, Here you have me, I have very little doubt that if the roles would have been reversed that this situation would have been swept under a rug somewhere. As we have been repeatedly reminded that all racial issues are due to the lighter skinned human. This however does not make a wrong thing right. 9) Let us try to equal the rights of everyone, quit playing around with black and white issues, follow the law as it is meant to be, and prosecute criminals regardless of skin colors, equally.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
Longgone, you're asking if a white person would have filed charges if a black person called them racist names and pushed them? Think about that for a moment. Racial intimidation in our communities should not be tolerated. Someone can have all the private racial opinions they want in their mind. The minute they expose those opinions to others in the form of intimidation, all bets are off.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
It sounds like the rock throwing and semi-death threats were what brought the legal hammer down on them in the end. The cops left after the initial incident, and came back when they started things up again.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
I'm going to guess this woman had a poor representation from her lawyer.
AdmiralMoose
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
Yes, longgone, you *are* defending bad behavior and racist views.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Why was the next door lady eavesdropping to start with? What I say in my own home is my business not the neighbors. She never should have went to Leah's house and confronted her to start with.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.
This is kind of what people said about George Zimmerman. Leave it to the police. Don't follow. Don't speak to them.
justcurious
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
I can'r believe I am agreeing with Oldtimer3. I usually don't. But in a sense I think he is right. She was putting herself at tremendous risk by going over to their home. I'm glad that she didn't get hurt worse than being shoved to the ground. The best thing would have been to record the taunts and call the police. Let them handle the situation. As it was it apparently escalated the situation. It would be terrible to live near people like that in any case.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
@A2xarob I would have shut my windows and not went over to start with. If it continued then I would have filed a complaint with the police.
a2xarob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
Would you have gone to ask someone to stop if they were calling you vulgar names, Oldtimer? Would you have gone home and done nothing if the name callers pushed you to the ground? What would you have done?
AdmiralMoose
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Eavesdropping? Is that what you call it when you can hear your neighbors from your residence?
Greg
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
Some people just need somebody else to pick on to make themselves feel better. Only time will tell if Judge and his ruling can provide a wake up call to these two.
BHarding
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
"Starr also faced a charge of disturbing the peace. Both felony counts against Starr were dismissed in a plea deal struck at a July hearing, court records indicate." Plea deals are a mystery to me.
jklep12
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 8:59 a.m.
It might be more about limited resources for the courts. I too get frustrated when somebody like this gets to plea down, but they simply can't afford trials in every case. It's not practical.
MI4Me
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
Its the need for a conviction driven by stats, so whomever takes it first, wins.
Billy
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
She still won't take responsibility for her actions....throw the book at her...
John Counts
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
I am not sure if the essay would be made available in the public court file. That would be up to the judge.
John Counts
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:01 p.m.
Courts are exempt from FOIA.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
FIOA, it John. The world needs enlightenment.
Linda Peck
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:38 p.m.
I am pleased to see this sentence from Judge Darlene O'Brien. It is just.
nickcarraweigh
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Six months in jail for ugly language may seem severe, but it may well give the young lady enough time to write a beautiful essay.
Catherine
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 3:57 a.m.
More class-based bashing of the perpetrator. Not a "lady." Not one of us. About as superficial as race-based judgment, what?
mady
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
Widow Wadman, you hit it right smack on the head. there is a vast difference between a "female" and a "lady"!
Widow Wadman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
Sorry. I need to eat something so I'm not a morning grouch. Definition of LADY from Merriam-Webster.com 1 a : a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior b : a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover 2 capitalized : virgin mary —usually used with Our 3 a : a woman of superior social position b : a woman of refinement and gentle manners c : woman, female —often used in a courteous reference or usually in the plural in address 4 a : wife b : girlfriend, mistress 5 a : any of various titled women in Great Britain —used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (2) the wife of a knight, baronet, member of the peerage, or one having the courtesy title of lord and used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl b : a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood — compare dame
Widow Wadman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
That's not a lady but a long shot. Female only.
WalkingJoe
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
I am tired of people using Bi-Polar Disorder for criminal behavior. It's the new lame enabling excuse. I have members of my family who have been diagnosed as Bi-Polar and are leading normal constructive responsible lives. While I was in counseling for my daughters death I thought maybe I could be Bi-Polar but my depression was grief induced. My therapist said that people read about Bi-Polar and then use that for an excuse for irresponsible behavior.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
Does this work both ways or only white intimidating black? I had a white family member beaten by 8 black youths for taking a black girl to a dance and called plenty of names during the beat down and nobody went to jail..............They were ordered to pay $2400 in restitution for medical expenses related to his broken jaw but never paid it. The county closed the case without a follow up or requirement that restitution be paid in order to close the case. No matter what the color of the skin is all of these cases are wrong and should be punished. We have become a society that only seems to punish white on black in these types of cases but turn a blind eye to black on white or black on black. Breaking the law is breaking the law regardless of skin color. What is happening to our justice system?
MsCochise
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:19 a.m.
Mike... A bully is a bully. Your family should have sued. I do not understand this? Kids going to a school dance? Did he mis treat her? probably not? This is terrible. Please tell the young man to ask ANY girl (no matter the color) he takes out ANYWHERE if her family is ok with the idea. Its a bunch of nutty people out here.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.
@Jaime Sorry it seems that there is more than 1 MIKE in here It is getting complicated with your posts I will try to change my handle in the near future so that you may know who you are arguing with. This is not the MIKE that made the original post in this section. You see I try to research some before making a fool out of myself. Your research helped me this time, thank you.
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
@Jaime Courtney Thomas, the former student originally charged with ethnic intimidation, will be serving 100 hours of community service and one year's probation — the last step in a racially charged case that rocked Birmingham last spring. According to CBS Detroit, Thomas — who admitted to writing racial graffiti in a Seaholm boys bathroom last April — took the plea deal before Judge James Alexander in Oakland County Circuit Court Wednesday. On Aug. 31, Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of disturbing the peace in return for dropping the ethnic intimidation charge, which carries a potential sentence of two years jail time and a $5,000 fine. The maximum sentence for disturbing the peace is 90 days in jail. Jaime this is a poor example of what you are trying to get across. The article we are debating is a white person getting six months and 2 years probation. The example you give is a black man is given 100 hours of community service and 6 months probation. Your example shows the disparity in sentences given from one race to another. My question to you is how is community service and 6 months probation more harsh than 6 months imprisoned and 2 years probation.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
Mike, yes, there are. One local example would be Courtney Thomas in Birmingham (Michigan). I'd like to back up a bit for a second... in the story you relayed, did your family's lawyer, or the relevant prosecutor, attempt to bring a racial intimidation charge into the case?
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
Jaime - I did not say that there weren't people of all skin colors being tried for crimes, only whites are or can be charged with racial intimidation it seems. I cannot remember any published cases of blacks being charged with racial intimidation of a white person. Can anyone help me here? If I'm wrong i'd like to become enlightened........
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:36 p.m.
Mike, the situation here is racial intimidation - which is a separate crime in itself. If the people who attacked your family member used racial epithets, that should have been brought up in the proceedings and the guilty should have been sentenced accordingly. I don't see any evidence that only white crimes against blacks are punished. In fact, overall statistics show that the black community gets sentenced more often, for longer periods of time, than non-blacks.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
Was this local, Mike? Hope your family member is okay.
robertalanhaber
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:49 a.m.
There are programs in "unlearning racism" They are sponsored within the "re-evaluation conseling" and "co-conseling" communities. Jail time without some kind of engagement with the person herself, is in the same costly punitive justice mode with dubious benefit. The restorative justice model is more appropriate here. Maybe a 10,000 word essay, reading 10 books, and attendance at a "racist anonymous" group would be better use of the 6 months and 2 years probation, including her partner in this stupidity.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
How bizarre. It is not illegal to be a racist or even to use a racial slur, nor should the law try to force people to change their lawful beliefs. It sounds like the charges should have been assault and vandalism.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
@Kristen, and then they threw rocks at her house and sang macabre songs about killing her and people like her. Stop defending atrocious behavior.
Kristen Marie
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
They weren't in public, they were at home. The 23 year old neighbor came onto their property to confront them.
BHarding
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
People can harbor their destructive beliefs all they want, legally. But their actions in public effect other people.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Racial Intimidation Law: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(pwwqhg55szfwcz45lcjtdkr3))/mileg.aspx?page=GetMCLDocument&objectname=mcl-750-147b So, the charges WERE assault and intimidation, essentially, but because they committed those crimes with racist intent and action, there is an added charge.
meddler76
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
This is essay is going to be part of the public record, right? We are counting on you, John Counts.
meddler76
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
NO, NO, NO! We need to see the essay *as written*. This is important.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Hopefully someone spell-checks it BEFORE they submit it for publication!
meddler76
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:05 p.m.
I am more interested in ridiculing the essay for comedic purposes.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
That's right, John Counts. We're counting on you to see that the forthcoming Keaton treatise on racial reconciliation, in 250 words or less, finds its way to the eyes of all humanity; for as a people, we need her guidance. Until that day, we shall wander about lost, looking for the path forward in post-racial America. Godspeed, John Counts. Help Ms. Keaton show us the way.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
Good. Though 250 words is a pittance. That's like one or two paragraphs.
Danielle Tyree
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 10:28 p.m.
I agree! I'm really wordy, so it would be 1 paragraph. Personally I would think a 2000+ word essay would be more appropriate, because then you really have to think about what you are saying, instead of "I'm sorry I said what I said...We are a diverse nation...blah, blah, blah..."
Catherine
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:06 p.m.
So. Rich, you look at these two disheveled white people who can't make bail and conclude they can't write? Good thing class-based intimidation isn't a crime.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
@Mike, I would settle for more people being aware of and acknowledging the error of their racism. Curing is indeed difficult to impossible, but some humility and introspection goes a long way.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
Yeah, I was surprised at such a short essay. On the other hand, how many words does it take to say "All people are created equal. All people should be treated equally and with respect.".
YpsiGirl4Ever
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:58 a.m.
Don't know if any of this will change Kenton's racist attitude and behaviors but the Judge gave a proper sentence for the crime. Will the essay be made available to the public?
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
So homeland believes you can use the FREE SPEECH argument if I tell somebody if you make another move I will KILL you It is only speech. He probably believes you have the freedomt o incite a riot, since it is only speech. Your knowledge of the LAW and the constitution are flawed. I suggest next time you get your law degree from a reputable law school.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
fanny
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Oops, I mean't not "your" neighbor.
fanny
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
Homeland.....I'm glad I'm not you neighbor!
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
@ Homeland Conspiracy Nothing more to say as everyone else has beat you to a pulp... Pease seek help before it is too late for you.
actionjackson
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Common sense and growing up in a diversified area coupled with manners befitting a gentlemen should never allow this behavior to happen. Free speech does not allow one to yell fire or hijack in an airport either. What happened to respect for others?
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
More info on the racial intimidation law: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(pwwqhg55szfwcz45lcjtdkr3))/mileg.aspx?page=GetMCLDocument&objectname=mcl-750-147b Note that it specifically mentions that it applies essentially only during the course of other illegal acts, so just using a racial slur is not the issue.
WalkingJoe
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
Free speech Homeland, Really? So it's ok to go around calling people vile racial names and then brag about it? I don't think this is what our founding fathers had in mind.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:47 a.m.
@Homeland, no but these are: "Keaton then pushed the women to the ground and closed the door" "Officers left, but were then called back to the same houses two hours later after receiving reports Keaton and Starr were outside singing songs about killing black people and were throwing rocks at the 23-year-old's house, police said." Using racist slurs leading up to and during the incidents are just aggravating factors in those crimes.
squidlover
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
@Homeland, Racial intimidation and assault and battery are crimes.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
So free speech is a crime now...
Murf
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
I know I would love to read this essay.