Pubdate: Thu, 26 Aug 2004
Source: Neshoba Democrat, The (MS)
Copyright: 2004 The Neshoba Democrat
Contact:  http://www.neshobademocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1774

LIGHT ON CRIME

We find it appalling that a circuit judge would arbitrarily reduce the
sentence of a convicted drug offender.

A man who pleaded guilty to possession of more than 300 grams of
methamphetamine had his 10-year prison sentence suspended in May after
spending less than a year behind bars.

Circuit Court Judge Marcus D. Gordon suspended the sentence, released the
man from jail and placed him on five years probation.

To be sure, rehabilitation is often the best course for first-time drug
offenders, but there should be rules and consent from law enforcement.

The judge, however, summoned the man out of the Neshoba County Jail and in
circuit court in Leake County pronounced him free.

When Judge Gordon sentenced the man in open court a year before there was no
verbal mention of retaining jurisdiction. However, on the sentencing order,
a separate document that the judge signed, he did retain jurisdiction.

Such tactics undermine law enforcement and send the wrong message.

Ironically, Judge Gordon has refused to participate in an innovative drug
court initiated by the other circuit judge, Vernon R. Cotten, that is
designed to lower recidivism - or relapses into criminal behavior.

In that program offenders charged with the sale of illicit drugs do not
qualify. An offender must have approval from law enforcement and the
district attorney before qualifying.

What's more, the drug court requires drug testing and rigid accountability.

Proponents of the drug courts, including State Auditor Phil Bryant, say the
alternative system costs less than sending non-violent offenders to the
penitentiary and the rehabilitation salvages lives.

We believe in giving first-time drug offenders a second chance and that they
can emerge and be productive citizens. But we do take exception to
arbitrarily reducing sentences.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh