MARION COUNTY — A demonstration held outside the Marion County Courthouse this morning has so far proven to be a peaceful gathering, as demonstrators voiced their opposition to the recent 25 year prison sentence handed down to a Centralia man.
(Credit: Rachel Roddy/WRXX)
Chief Judge Michael McHaney sentenced 33-year-old Quinton Johnson last week to 25 years in prison on a conviction 10 years ago for possession with the intent to distribute narcotics.
Opponents of McHaney’s decision say the punishment didn’t fit the crime and was too harsh for what Johnson was convicted.
Protest organizer Vernell Burris says Johnson had turned his life around since his conviction and should not have been sentenced to such a long prison term. Burris says long prison sentences against black men are racially motivated and are a miscarriage of justice. According to Burris, they aren’t looking to have Johnson’s conviction or even for his sentence thrown out, they simply want a reduction to his sentence.
Marion County State’s Attorney Matt Wilzbach says Johnson was given an opportunity at a plea agreement for 9-years in prison but rejected the offer.
Wilzbach says Johnson was then convicted, absconded for three years and was subsequently arrested and convicted of two violent crimes while awaiting sentencing on the original case.