Senator Ron Sharp is filing legislation to give District Attorneys a choice whether to file a misdemeanor or felony for a first time hate crime suspect. Sharp is introducing the Senate Bill 1083 in reaction to a racially motivated beating in Shawnee this summer.
“When working to improve public safety, it’s important that criminals be held accountable for their crimes and that their punishment reflect the severity of their crimes,” said Sharp. “Currently, Oklahoma’s hate crime statutes are not strong enough and I want to thank D.A. Allan Grubb for bringing this to my attention. This bill will enable district attorneys to look at the evidence of a hate crime and decide what punishment best suits the circumstances to ensure justice is fully served.”
Pottawatomie County District Attorney Allan Grubb could only file a misdemeanor hate crime charges against Devan Johnson and Brandon Killian for allegedly beating Jarric Deshawn Carolina outside a Shawnee bar. The suspects were caught on tape repeatedly beating Carolina while using racial slurs.
“Hate crimes are becoming more prevalent, and as District Attorneys, it’s important we have the ability to file charges that fit the crime. Mr. Carolina had a brutal crime committed against him yet under current law, these two men can only be charged with a misdemeanor. That isn’t adequate justice. They nearly killed Mr. Carolina and deserve a much harsher sentence,” Grubb said. “I want to thank Senator Sharp for filing this important public safety legislation and hope it makes it through the legislative process quickly to ensure future hate crime victims receive fair justice and offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
SB 1083 will be considered during the next legislative session starting in February.
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