In that circumstance, his criminal history tripled the maximum available sentence for arson from five years to 15 years. Several news articles failed to mention that Martinez' sentence would not have been nearly so long if he had not already been convicted of two previous felonies and treated as an "habitual offender," in keeping with Iowa state law. The act of setting fire to an LGBT rainbow flag in Ames, Iowa, in June 2019 did ultimately result in Adolfo Martinez receiving a total sentence of 16 years in prison. In December 2019, an Ames, Iowa, man was given a 16-year prison sentence for burning an LGBT rainbow flag. In December 2019, several news reports failed to properly explain to readers the impact of "habitual offender" laws on prison sentences. " Did an Iowa Man Get 16 Years in Prison for Burning an LGBT Rainbow Flag? Instead it looks they turned those charges into 5 years and then turned that into 15 years. But they also the discretion to slap him with a few misdemeanors and throw him in jail for a few months. So yeah, you can say they had the discretion to be brutal by looking at his vehicle crimes. 5th degree mischief (burning the flag).Īll of those were simple misdemeanors. This was for being a jackass at the strip club. A Story County judge sentenced Martinez to 17 years in prison on Wednesday and explained the increased sentence was due to Martinez having a long.
No, I’m guilty as charged, he said according to KCCI. Disorderly conduct ("loud or raucous noise"). On June 30, Adolpha Martinez stole the flag from Ames Church of Christ in Iowa and burned it.
But I'm sorry, giving him 10 (!!!) extra years basically just because a few years ago he was driving while high and then without a license a year after that? That's super at odds with my sense of justice and proportionately.ītw: interestingly, in this same flag case, he was also given a set of pretty lenient charges, which were dismissed. And ok, sure, the judge did have the discretion to look at his criminal history to alter his sentence. And the other was driving while intoxicated (high, I assume). 2 of these basically aren't serious at all and no one cares about simple possession. He was only going a few miles over and the case was dismissed. speeding ticket in 2016 (not the same day as the license incident above). He also didn't have a valid license at the time of his DUI, so he got a charge for that too, but it was dismissed. a DUI in 2015 + possession of a small amount of pot. Driving while license was suspended/revoked in 2016 The fact that he’s a habitual offender matters some, but this isn’t Minority Report and we don’t have a “pre-crime bureau.” We can’t predict future crimes he will commit and then sentence him for something he hasn’t done yet.Well, here's what his past vehicle offenses were: “The defendant stated that there was nothing the judge could to stop him from continuing this behavior and that he would continue to do this no matter what,” she said. Reynolds said the judge agreed to the 17-year sentence because Martinez has a long history of harassment and is a habitual offender and never showed any remorse. “That’s why my office recommended the maximum sentence.” “I believe him to be very dangerous,” Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds said. The prosecutor believes the sentence was fair. So “fear”= 15 years? I always thought Lady Justice was supposed to be blind, and that “justice” was a concept that was defined by reason, balance, and fairness. Martinez had been watching our church for some time.”
We had to continue to talk about how to prepare for an active shooter and we learned from the trial Mr. How much does that hurt? But I had to reflect on the fear it created in our sanctuary. “Nobody got shot (and) nobody was sexually assaulted,” Gebbie said. So why 16 years? A local pastor explains.Īmes Church of Christ Minister Eileen Gebbie said the sentencing was both heartbreaking and justified.