Ma’lik Richmond, one of the Steubenville boys found delinquent for the August 2012 rape of a 16 year old West Virgninia girl has been released from a juvenile detention facility following the completion of a one year sentence imposed upon him by visiting judge Thomas Lipps back in March. Richmond’s sentence was to include time served for his house arrest between August and November 2012.
His co defendant, Trent mays received one year (including time served) for the rape of the girl, as well as an additional year sentence for distributing naked photos of the victim from his cell phone.
Both Teens also received a Tier II Teen Sex Offender Classification in which both teens wil have to register as sex offender every 6months for the next 20 years, but their names will not appear on any registry unlike adult offenders. Both Mays and Richmond have the option to petition the courts to fully remove their Tier II classification following the serving of their sentences and based on their rehabilitation.
Richmond’s Attorney, Walter Madison released this statement to media over the weekend on behalf of his client and family:
“Ma’Lik Richmond recently completed his designated time at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Detention Facility. The past sixteen months have been extremely challenging for Ma’Lik and his extended family. At sixteen years old, Ma’Lik and his family endured hardness beyond imagination for any adult yet alone child. He has persevered the hardness and made the most of yet another unfortunate set of circumstances in his life. As with each other obstacle, Ma’Lik has met it squarely, lifted his chin, and set his shoulders; he is braced for the balance of his life. While away, Ma’Lik has reflected, learned, matured, and grown in many ways. He is a better, stronger person and looks forward to school, life, and spending time with family. At this point, Ma’Lik wants most to be a high school teenager. In conjunction with his release, Ma’Lik, his family, and guardians ask that the media respect their privacy in this matter, as we all need to heal and move on with our lives. We will have you know that Ma’Lik will be taking all the time necessary to focus on his academic and personal goals. We ask for your support and prayers as we move forward, Thank you.”
In response, Robert Fitzsimmons, the rape victims attorney released this statement:
“ Although everyone hopes convicted criminals are rehabilitated, it is disheartening that this convicted rapist’s press release does not make a single reference to the victim and her family – whom he and his co-defendant scarred for life. One would expect to see the defendant publicly apologize for all the pain he caused rather than make statements about himself. Rape is about victims, not defendants. Obviously, the people writing his press release have yet to learn this important lesson.”
Despite knowing Richmond’s full sentence, and that he would be released around January back in March of 2013, Protesters were split down the middle arguing and voicing their displeasure at the release of Ma’lik.
Some of the orginal Steubenville Protesters agreed that Richmond has served his sentence inmposed by a court of law and is entitled to a second chance at life.
Other Protesters disagreed that “10 Months” (not remembering the time served portion of the sentence, and a right for a convicted offender to have early release for good behavior) is too little.
Deric (i’m a need about $3.50 for gas because I refuse to work and rely only on people’s donations) Lostutter AKA KY Anonymous once again demonstrated how clueless he is in regards to a case in which he lied to get thousands of protesters involved, declared that serving 5 months for rape is to light of a sentence (Richmond served his one year sentence) and began whining about being investigated by the FBI and possible charges that are non existant.
Trent Mays remains in a Juvenile Detention Facility finishing out 1 year of his sentence before serving the Second consecutive year of his sentence.
