15 yrs, better than nothing, maybe he'll "turn his life around"?
Posted on 06/27/2016 10:10:51 AM PDT by Impala64ssa
After last year’s unrest in Baltimore, federal prosecutors vowed to bring rioters to justice. On Friday, they made good on their promise, sending one man to prison for 15 years.
Prosecutors say 20-year-old Donta Betts was one of the key players in the Freddie Gray riots, looting, starting fires and even attacking police
Squirting lighter fluid on a pile of propane cylinders, the infamous photo of Betts from the Freddie Gray riots went viral. He will now spend 15 years behind bars.
“Donta Betts was a menace to society here in Baltimore. The scope of the criminal activity he was involved in is really breathtaking,” said Rod Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney.
In April of 2015 — just days after the death of Freddie Gray — Baltimore erupted with riots, looting and a clash with officers. Federal prosecutors say surveillance video and pictures captured Betts in the middle of the mayhem.
“From throwing rocks to destroying police cars, starting fires, stealing from pharmacies,” said Rosenstein.
Prosecutors claim Betts confessed, saying: “I did all this because that was my period to go wild on police.”
Prosecutors say Betts wasn’t your average rioter, and that two months after the unrest, he shot a woman over a $20 drug dispute.
“If you look on the conduct that Donta Betts committed, it’s like an arc on a TV series,” said Rosenstein.
With a hard-hitting sentence for Betts, investigators say it shows there’s no immunity from prosecution for those involved in the riots.
“It’s very important for the city to recognize when people commit violent acts like this, they’re going to be held responsible,” said David Cheplak, ATF investigator.
The investigations into the arsons that occurred doing the riots continue. Anyone with information is urged to call the ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE.
Feds previously charged four other defendants for arson crimes committed during the Baltimore riots.
one down...
It’s a start. The mayor should be charged with incitement to riot.
An earlier report stated it was 5 years, not 15. I hope it is 15, give him time to think.
He was just upset about the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws. (Sarcasm)
I’m genuinely surprised that the good guys (cops) were exonerated and the bad guys (rioters) are going to prison.
15 Yrs = 2½ years (truth in advertising.)
Sounds like Donte failed the beta test. (OK, someone can do better)
They said he’s not your typical rioter because he shot someone of $20 a month later. Looking at the meteoric rise in violent crime in the aftermath of the riots, I’d say little Donte is exactly the typical rioter.
I hope he enjoys the next 15 years of miserable existence.
He’ll be pardoned just before Boobama leaves office.
ABOUT FREAKING TIME!!!
I have NEVER understood why these people CAUGHT RED HANDED on video haven’t had the book thrown at them. And I have felt this way going back all the way to the Rodney King riots!
When are they going to arrest the Heineken guy from New Orleans?
Think you’re getting away with it? Donta Bett on it.
One out of thousands who participated will go to jail.
I was thinking the same thing.
[ He will now spend 15 years behind bars. ]
I love good news. See ya, punk.
So, why did it take the feds to do this?
Don’t Maryland or Baltimore have laws
against rioting and arson?
Good Job marilyn mosby. Your prosecuting the right people !!
The real menace is that women prosecuting the police. America,take your country back while you can.
He’ll be forgiven upon Obama’s final acts as president.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.