Donna Brock

[Nonni Brenda]

I don't have a problem with the laws, per se. I have always believed that if you do the crime, you should do the time.

What gets me is that in CA, Garrido got a 55-year sentence and was out in 11 years. He then kidnapped Jaycee.

But I will try to speak only to Florida: In Putnam County, there is an accused sex offender who has for several years now been roaming around, yet to be brought to trial. Now, if this guy ever goes to trial and is convicted...will he get 15 years? Too often, sex offenders come away with a short time locked up, then out on probation. Yes, they have to register but some don't and no one really goes looking for them.

I hate to go OT here in the threads and I know I do it too often, but Haleigh's disappearance has morphed into something that even the best fiction writers could not make up! So many players and so much drama...and now the mandatory minimum sentencing for DRUG offenses has become part of the Haleigh case, because our players are facing those sentences.

I want the violent people locked away on a mandatory minimum basis, with no way out before they serve their time, or a good chunk of it. I think the citizens of Florida had the right idea when they voted in the sentencing laws but this high profile case is now allowing them to see how lopsided sentencing is when non-violent drug offenders go away for far longer than child abusers and pedophiles, or even murderers.
All JMO.

AMEN TO THAT! The thank you button just wasn't enough here. Thank you for this post krkrjx.:aktion033:

 

[lonetraveler]

I agree, but the law is the law. The judge didn't make the law, it is his/her job to enforce it. The judge's hands are tied when it comes to the min. man. sentencing.
If the residents of FL don't like it then they should be active and try to change the laws.

Are you saying that there is absolutely no chance that Ron Cummings will get less than 15 years?

 

[LaLaw2000]

I know it is very frustrating when we think of exactly how much it costs to house inmates. It gets me also, but as some are sentenced, others are being released either on parole or after having served their time.

In some areas, inmates are required to pay a daily fee for housing. A fee is charged for their medications, right down to Tylenol. There is a fee for doctor visits within the prison as well as dental visits. Dental visits within the prison are only for extractions. If an inmate does not have the money for these services, they are not denied, but are posted to their inmate account as a negative balance. Then if they ever get any money in, it goes to that negative balance. Almost every prison commissary has a big markup on the items. The prison makes money on the inmate phone calls that are placed through the inmate phone service that is provided by an outside agency.

The prisons here in Louisiana have a farming operation right down to pigs, vegetable gardens, etc. They also have a prison enterprise at Angola here in Louisiana whereby goods and even cleaning products are sold to jails and correctional facilities.

My point is that even though these inmates cost the taxpayers quite a lot of money to maintain, a part of their budget is provided by generating income from the prison itself or using goods generated by the inmates own work. The Classification board will clear an inmate for work within the prison.

The maximum security inmates are on 24/7 lockdown, tho, and there are the maximum security prisons where most of the inmates do not work. I am sure Hope, Tommy, and Donna are not and will not be maximum security inmates unless one were to kill another inmate or have a serious injury offense. I think they may have to work.

I am very glad these people are off the street. We do not know for sure that these individuals are nonviolent. As a matter of fact, we do not know what happened to Haleigh or whether or not it was a result of violence or drugs, or exactly who all was involved. We cannot give drug dealers a pass because they are costly to maintain in the prison system.

Hope got 15 years, Tommy got 15 years, and now Donna has 15 years. I am good with that. From the way it is looking, Misty and Ronald will probably get that as well. Whatever sentence it is will probably be concurrent to amount to no more than the 15.

I will be relieved when all of the sentencing is over and done with. Then I hope the only time we hear anything out of them is to tell what happened to Haleigh. These people are criminals, IMO, and deserve whatever sentences they get. I do understand the concern as to the comparison of the dollar amount of drugs they sold as opposed to how much it will cost to house them in the system, but should they just go free? Not in my book. I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone in this group. None, not even for Donna Brock.

*Sorry! I do not usually write this long a post.

JMO

 

[impatientredhead]

Are you saying that there is absolutely no chance that Ron Cummings will get less than 15 years?

If trafficking stays on the table he will get a minimum of 15 years. A plea deal that takes it to something other than trafficking could in theory get him less but I don't see the state making that deal.

 

[cluciano63]

I know that Florida especially, as well as most other states, has a huge problem with the selling of prescription drugs illegally...and I am happy if any of these folks are in prison, but all too often we see sentences of less than 15 years for plea deals in murder cases, knocked down to 2nd degree or even manslaughter, and less than 15 years in assault cases, child abuse, etc...I think the lawmakers went a little nuts in this one area without firming up some of the others. I don't mind seeing anyone do 15 years on drug charges as long as all violent crimes are punished by at least as much, or more.

 

[impatientredhead]

I know that Florida especially, as well as most other states, has a huge problem with the selling of prescription drugs illegally...and I am happy if any of these folks are in prison, but all too often we see sentences of less than 15 years for plea deals in murder cases, knocked down to 2nd degree or even manslaughter, and less than 15 years in assault cases, child abuse, etc...I think the lawmakers went a little nuts in this one area without firming up some of the others. I don't mind seeing anyone do 15 years on drug charges as long as all violent crimes are punished by at least as much, or more.

My personal opinion is that we are suppose to be appointing judges with wisdom and common sense that can weigh the factors of each unique case. I think min/mans really neuter that part of the system. Adding more min/mans I think is a big mistake for the overall system, but a judge being able to the throw the book at common sense cases of child rapists, murders, etc... should be seen much more often.

 

[Bathbuddys]

It's not a Satsuma law, it's Florida law. There are minimum mandatory sentences which include time in prison plus rather steep fines. The reason Florida passed such laws included the serious drug problem in the state, which not only affects the drug addicts, the users, and their families, but affects the population at large. Drug use isn't the only crime involved, and drug traffickers are the ones who make the drugs easy to get. When the people get addicted, their desperation escalates, they need money to buy more drugs, they steal from loved ones, they rob people and businesses, they kill for drug money. It's a very serious problem. The laws were established to put the traffickers away for a long time.

They probably don't have much leeway to distinguish between "big time dealers" and "petty dealers" the way the law is written. One option is the bargaining chip, make a plea deal for a lesser charge, thus a lesser sentence, which both Donna and Ronald have done. Hope sent herself up the river with her smart mouth and tough gal attitude, and Tommy did the same with his lies.



Yes, someone voted to have this law. They were desperate.

I heard a radio show about the drug situation in the state a few months ago. They said controlling the drug dealers in Florida is extremely difficult because of the geographic location. It's a prime gateway into the United States, easily accessed by the most unscrupulous.

It is what it is. 'Every offender should be paying the price' is the crux of the law.

Thanks so much for the information, very interesting and I guess I wasn't thinking of the drug trafficking thing as it was such a little amount... I grew up in California and think they should do something like this there also as it seems to be a start in the right direction.
I just cannot see how the Haleigh case can help them at all with these charges as no one has been arrested and also these charges are different than in a missing child case.. I wonder what would happen in this case if one of them confessed? hmmmm any lawyers care to tell me?

 

[krkrjx]

My personal opinion is that we are suppose to be appointing judges with wisdom and common sense that can weigh the factors of each unique case. I think min/mans really neuter that part of the system. Adding more min/mans I think is a big mistake for the overall system, but a judge being able to the throw the book at common sense cases of child rapists, murders, etc... should be seen much more often.

That's my personal opinion as well.

Judges are often frustrated by the mandatory minimums in drug cases because they do preside over cases where the offender stands a good chance of rehabilitation. In those cases, the judge may wish to give them a chance to redeem themselves, but their hands are tied by the mandatory sentencing laws.

As for child rapists, murders, etc., judges usually have a lot of discretion; unfortunately, many do not use that discretion in a positive way. I would like to see judges use whatever discretion they have to throw the book at violent offenders, especially those who victimize children.

 

[dodie20]

That's my personal opinion as well.

Judges are often frustrated by the mandatory minimums in drug cases because they do preside over cases where the offender stands a good chance of rehabilitation. In those cases, the judge may wish to give them a chance to redeem themselves, but their hands are tied by the mandatory sentencing laws.

As for child rapists, murders, etc., judges usually have a lot of discretion; unfortunately, many do not use that discretion in a positive way. I would like to see judges use whatever discretion they have to throw the book at violent offenders, especially those who victimize children.

A lot of times, molesters are educated, well spoken, & except for the molestation, don't have records. Judges show leniency & look at what happens. We've all heard the horror stories of molesters being put on probation, just to turn around & molest again, & then kill their victims. When I was younger, I thought anything was possible, but now, I really don't think pedophiles can be fixed. & when you factor in their fear of getting caught, you've got a child murderer on your hands. & I'm kind of nervous saying this...because if molesters fear a harsh punishment, they would try to avoid it, by silencing his victims...but I'd like to see pedophiles beaten to death.

 

[twall]

Are you saying that there is absolutely no chance that Ron Cummings will get less than 15 years?

Yes, that is what I am saying.
If he does get less than 15 yrs. something is really rotten in Putnam Co.

jmo

 

[blazeofglory]

db had a chance to be a roll model to misty but that didnt happen.instead she contributed drugs to a minor.she was older than all of them for christ sakes this is her on fault ..she has nothing to add to the hc case that ive heard of anyway rc warned her about that one.doctor shopping will really allow you some time now days doctors dont like it when there used in that fashion they have to protect themselves also.

 

[azwriter]

Interesting post BlazeofGlory. Donna did indeed have an opportunity to be a role model. But instead she took the other path.

I am unaware of Donna's complete background. But I have a stong feeling this was not her first dance with drugs or dealing. She could have been in that business for quite a while and had never been caught, until now.

Like you, I can't believe at her age she suddenly became a dealer because of her association with Misty and gang. It's really a shame she's facing that many years in prison, she will be really old, not just in years, when she is released.

More and more states are taking steps to putting the hammer down on drug use and dealing. It's a good idea with tragic results. The war on drugs is not even close to being won.
jmo

 

[lonetraveler]

Maybe it's just me but I think that Donna may have come out better taking her chances with a jury.

 

[lonetraveler]

Just a thought here, if the prisons become so crowded in Florida that a decision is made to cut loose some prisoners, which ones will be release first? the violent criminals or the drug trafficers? As far as Donna is concerned, don't get me wrong. She does need to be punished for her decisions and actions but to me, 15 years is overkill.

 

[krkrjx]

Just a thought here, if the prisons become so crowded in Florida that a decision is made to cut loose some prisoners, which ones will be release first? the violent criminals or the drug trafficers? As far as Donna is concerned, don't get me wrong. She does need to be punished for her decisions and actions but to me, 15 years is overkill.

They cannot release anyone serving a mandatory sentence until at least 85% of the sentence is served so most likely the one to be released would be the one not serving a mandatory minimum, regardless of whether their offense was not a victimless crime. JMO.

As for DB going before a jury, she might have come out with a not-guilty verdict but since the jury would have been shown the video of her transaction, it's doubtful. Had she gone to trial it would have been on her original charge which carried a 25-year minimum mandatory.

DB accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge. Fifteen years is a long time for what she did, IMO. But it's the law, and likely her attorney discussed the options with her and they came to the conclusion that the risk of getting 25 years was too high. JMO again.

 

[krkrjx]

This is a OT but is in line with what we were discussing above regarding violent criminals getting relatively light sentences (compared to many non-violent drug offenders) and then being let out of prison early; the article is snipped but it was long so I decided to post only the pertinent parts. MODS, if this post is not appropriate, please delete.

-------------
BBM:

James Lindsey Howze, 38, of O'Brien, Fla., and Lonnie Robert Munn, 47, of Live Oak, Fla., were arrested about 1:40 a.m. after the Winona County Emergency Response Team stormed the camper as the men slept, Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said.

(snipped)

The men are wanted in the Aug. 26 execution-style slayings of 57-year-old Joseph Militello Jr., his 68-year-old wife, Nancy Militello, and their 32-year-old nephew, Angelo Rosales, in their town of McAlpin home in Florida's Suwannee County.

(snipped)

Munn has served prison sentences seven times since 1988 for crimes that include robbery, drug offenses and dealing in stolen property, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. Howze previously had been convicted of second-degree murder and battery on a law enforcement officer. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 1993 but was released in early 2008 after just 14 years.

 

[4Jacy]

What happened to the good old dentist who supposedly supplied Donna with the drugs? Many questions, few answers.

 

[noonie]

Hey 4 jacey, that is exactly where the problem starts. I think Ron needs to be looked at as far as where it all came from for years on end.. It will probably never be solved as to where Heleigh is. Too much help from TN's corner? HMMMMMMM JMO

 

[4Jacy]

Hey 4 jacey, that is exactly where the problem starts. I think Ron needs to be looked at as far as where it all came from for years on end.. It will probably never be solved as to where Heleigh is. Too much help from TN's corner? HMMMMMMM JMO

noonie,
I think you're right about looking at Ron as to who his suppliers were from the git go. This started long before he was first arrested. Probably started with some home grown pot and esculated to pills, et al. However, he was not involved with Donna and the Dentist before all this with little Haleigh, so at this point I want to know about the dentist. We will find out the truth about Ron's drug suppliers, I believe.

 

[ilovemew]

Sad to say it looks like DB had nothing to give up about misty. Very surprising misty never spoke about Haleigh to Donna. I was hoping DB could have helped.

Misty strikes me as a chatterbox; however, it looks as if misty can keep a secret.

Agreed plus she knew from Ron that Donna was undercover.