Tragic And True: The Story Of Genarlow Wilson
Genarlow Wilson is serving a ten year mandatory sentence in a Georgia state prison. Here are some links to the full and sordid account, and then I will give you the abbreviated story:
"Outrageous Injustice", ESPNMagazine
"Injustice In Georgia: The Case Of Genarlow Wilson"
At age 17, Genarlow was an Honors Student and Homecoming King at Douglas County High School. He was also an outstanding football player, being recruited by Ivy League schools. He was popular, but admits he was not perfect. He did something stupid, and got caught.
Genarlow and friends rented a room at the local Day’s Inn for a New Years Eve bash. They drank, smoked pot, and had sex with some girls. The escapades were videotaped. Caught on tape was the act of oral sex between Genarlow and a 15-year-old. She and her mother both admit it was consensual. A stupid thing done by kids who are sometimes stupid when they are teenagers.
Local prosecutors called it rape and aggravated child molestation. Four teenage boys were arrested. Three plead guilty and placed themselves at the mercy of the prosecutors, who were quite lenient in return. However, Genarlow did not want to be branded a child molester for the rest of life, to be placed on a sex offender registry and be forced to move from home. He opted for a jury trial, expecting some degree of sensibility. The jury found him not guilty of the rape charge, but guilty of aggravated child molestation. They were under the impression such would bring a more lenient sentence. Several members of the jury were shocked, even enraged, to discover it carried a ten year mandatory sentence.
He has served almost three years of the sentence. State legislators have revised the law so this misapplication of justice does not happen again, but they did not make it retroactive. Three times the Georgia Supreme Court has denied the petition of his attorney. And, the governor does not have the power of pardon. So, Genarlow finds himself doing hard time with murderers, thieves, and rapists. He admits he was a cocky and selfish young man, and shakes his head in disbelief when he considers the infamous video.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Douglas County has the ability to set aside the sentence, to issue a new sentence of a lesser charge. The prosecuting attorney says that Genarlow was highly unwise to insist upon his innocence in the face of the steamroller of justice. He “rolled the dice and lost”. Now, he says, Genarlow needs to swallow his pride and admit to being a child molester.
And the wheels of justice continue crush out the life of a promising young man…
------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------
Here’s what I think:
I have a teenage daughter. When she was fifteen, a 17-year-old boy was sneaking around with her and doing things I did not like. I threatened his life, and probably would have done him harm if circumstances had produced just the right (or wrong) opportunity. But all along I knew that my daughter, as stupid and immature as she was, was a willing participant. I would have been amenable to a restraining order, or even happy with hauling this guy away to a juvenile facility for a few weeks. But, ten years hard time and a lifetime label as a child molester? I’ve often said that I do not want my worst enemy to go to Hell.
Sometimes teenagers are stupid. They do not consider the consequences of behaviour. Often their hormones win the battles with morality and common sense. That’s why they need limits from society and especially from parents. They definitely need restraint. But, Genarlow Wilson was not “corrected”, but hit in the head with a hammer.
Let me ask those of us who have successfully moved through the chaos of adolescence, and can now look back with a bit more sense:
-Do you wince and shake your head at some of the things you did?
-Do you thank God (or fate, or just plain luck) that you were able to escape from having to pay for the rest of your life for some of your “youthful indiscretions”?
-Have you said thanks to a parent, coach, or teacher who stepped in to save you from yourself?
So, Genarlow Wilson gets a mandatory ten year sentence? Alright, let’s divide it up appropriately:
-Douglas County Prosecutor David McDade, blinded to good sense and true justice, bulldogging his way with the letter of the law – I say give him a five years of the sentence, and give him a big hairy roommate named LeRoy who likes guys.
-The Georgia Legislature, too ignorant to make the revision retroactive – put everyone in stocks for for a month. Since there are 237 less than brilliant representatives, that adds up to about twenty years combined time.
-Governor Sonny Perdue. Just for keeping his mouth shut and doing nothing. One year, disposing of dead animals along Interstate 75.
-How about his dad? Where was he? A teenage boy does not need to be left to be raised by his mother. For being a deadbeat, he is sentenced to four years incarceration. And chemical castration.
-His mom, for letting him stay out all night on New Years Eve; a year’s sentence. She can clean filthy bed sheets at Motel 6.
-The four white Supreme Court Justices, who overrode the votes of the three black Justices; a year of being black and accused of a crime. A put them at the mercy of a deep, rural community somewhere below Macon.
-And, every person in the United States who reads of this story and simply shrugs- forty lashes each with a wet noodle.
Genarlow Wilson is no saint. But, a society and justice system that would perpetrate such a fiasco is evil. Repentance is in order. And Freedom.
GENARLOW WILSON ONLINE PETITION
02.01.07 (12:11 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
lisa (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (10:45 am)
interesting post. I agree that we all did things in our youth that were unwise, and often illegal. i don't think he deserves the time he was sentenced, but all too often the legal system fails us. sad story.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (10:48 am)
so, pdave, what is it that we, as a society, abeit not Georgians, can do for and about this unfortunate young man? i know how i was at 15 and before and after...i was sometimes a very willing participant...especially where it involved my not yet husband, sam...i was 17 years old when i met him...had my family been in the mind set to "officially" stop him from seeing me, i would have run off to be with him! and, what about the "young lady"...did she suffer any consequences in this event? but, nuff said, what can we do to help? xoxox
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (11:01 am)
I hardly think he's the first 17 year old to have sexual relations with a 15 year old. I take it the age of consent is 16??? That is harsh. Poor guy. She was a willing participant, and he's only two years her senior. Why in the world isn't the new law retroactive?
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (1:14 pm)
So let me get this straight... the prosecuters office has th power to set asidf the sentence or reduce it but won't? - even in light of the new law?
Man. You darest not refuse their offers, huh? They'll show YOU!
You'd think they'd at least reduce his sentence to whatever they gave the boys who took their deal. Not doing so makes it too apparant that if you ask for a jury trial - oh - and you're black - that you'll regret messing with power. Very nice.
Amazing. Great post. Any suggestions on what we from outside Georgia could do to ring a few loud bells?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (2:21 pm)
Reply to: elusivestate
Yes indeed. If we received justice instead of mercy or luck, most of us would be incarcerated alongside this unfortunate young man. Important people in Georgia have forgotten that.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (2:27 pm)
Reply to: mimi
I am going to amend my post to include a link to an online petition expressing outrage for the wrongful prosecution of this young man. There is also opportunity to help in other ways, explained with the link. I admire your tender heart, especially that through the years and hard times you have not allowed it to become calloused.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (2:33 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Here's a real matter of hypocrisy: If these two young people, aged 17 and 15, had participated in actual genital intercourse, then it would have been at most a misdemeanor with no longterm legal consequences. But, the laws of Georgia consider oral sex to be a much worse crime. Go figure.
And, to my more sensitive and religious readers, I know this is not a pleasant or nice subject, and would most likely not be part of a Sunday morning sermon. Such behavior by young people is not healthy or pleasing to God. But it happens. And, I'm thinking the greatest affront to God in this matter is the inhuman and unmerciful treatment of an imperfect young man. If we consider the judgment seat of God, before whom we all must stand one day, I'd rather be in the shoes of Genarlo than those of the Douglas County Prosecutor- even if he does carry a Bible and wear an American flag upon his lapel. The Old Testament prophets, the likes of Amos and Hosea and Malachi, would not sit still about this matter. Can we?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (2:37 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
It seems to me you understand the dynamics quite well. The adage is, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." I wonder how this man, this high and mighty prosecutor, can dine at his nice table and sleep under his crisp sheets, knowing he nas sentenced a kid to utter hell for a sexual indiscretion? Apparently his conscience is seared.
I've added a link to the post, which provides a way that maybe we can help.
posted by:
babe4jesus55 (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (2:44 pm)
That's dumb. I will say that I have no idea how I would fix that problem, but I DO agree this is a major boo-boo on everyone's part.
posted by:
laydeepulse (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (5:17 pm)
thats such crap............are they allowed to prosecute him without the parents pressing charges??
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (6:05 pm)
I'm surprised that a 17 yr old would be treated as an adult in court. How did that happen?
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I'm off to look at the petition.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (6:50 pm)
Reply to: babe4jesus55
Fixing it will require some big egos to be bruised. Lawyers. Politicians. I think it would be worth it.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (6:52 pm)
Reply to: laydeepulse
He's accused of an adult crime. And, his mom is black in an affluent white suburb. This is not justice, but unfortunately it is legal.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (6:54 pm)
Reply to: doeeyed
Not just a 17-year-old. A smart-alecky, uppity black kid not willing to bow to the white establishment. I guess his life can be ruined to teach him, and others like him, a lesson?
Thanks for checking out the petition.
posted by:
laydeepulse (
reply)
post date:
02.01.07 (9:11 pm)
no, is the parents of the daughter pressing charges though?
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
02.02.07 (7:02 am)
I'm not sure I agree that this is all happening because he's black. Injustices happen to people all over the world no matter their color. Of course, there could be more to this than I know or what is available for me to know. I don't care if he's green, he's already lost 3 years of his young life and I hope that before he loses one more day, someone with some brains and common sense does something about this!
I signed the petition and I'm forwarding this to others who can compose a compelling letter and send it on to the appropriate legislators.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
02.02.07 (7:19 am)
Before I need to put on my flame retardant suit, let me say that I'm not saying this DIDN'T happen because he's black either. It just seems to me to be more of a case of someone screwing up royally and now nobody is willing to take resposibility for that screw up.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
02.02.07 (10:55 am)
I signed the petition. The young man has suffered enough already.
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
02.02.07 (7:45 pm)
Thanks for link, I'm signing as well.
I've raised a daughter and a few sons and know firsthand (just like you do) that more often than not these kinds of things are consentual, on both sides. I especially your own brand of justice for all those adults linked to this young man. I think it takes a very naieve person to think that there aren't plenty of 15 year olds, out every weekend, looking for what these were.
posted by:
lorischuster (
reply)
post date:
02.06.07 (12:35 pm)
I hope that something happens for him soon. What a shame. Signed the petition...thanks for bringing it to our attention.
posted by:
Nathan Sutfin (
reply)
post date:
02.19.07 (4:54 pm)
How dare you post lies, he drugged her and raped her with other men. HOW DARE YOU POST THIS NEXT TO SCRIPTURE
posted by:
(
reply)
post date:
02.19.07 (4:54 pm)
WATCH THE VIDEO ON BILL ORIELLY
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.07 (5:47 pm)
Reply to: Nathan Sutfin
Nathan obviously you are privy to information that I do not have. I researched this story, and never did an account of such nature come across to me. Please, tell me, details and how you know these details. And I hope it is more than because Bill O'Reilley told you so.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.07 (5:48 pm)
Reply to:
What video? When?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.07 (6:46 pm)
Reply to: Nathan Sutfin
"HOW DARE YOU POST THIS NEXT TO SCRIPTURE"
Now I'm thinking about your reply, and getting a bit more irritated. My post is simply an opinion, of one man. I do not claim to be speaking for God, and do not claim that you must agree with me to be on the side of God. Where do you see scripture quoted in this particular post? It's not there! My faith is very important to me. And, I love God, although I'm quite an imperfect person and a regular sinner. But I seek, with varying degrees of success, to be a well-rounded person. I am interested in many matters of life, including the news. This is a new story where live. It is worthy of serious consideration. And, that is what I have done: studied the issue, considered, and stated an opinion. Nothing is written in stone. You are free to agree or disagree. You may be right and I may be wrong. But, don't get so holy and righteous because I've a viewpoint that disagrees with you.
posted by:
David (
reply)
post date:
07.05.07 (9:07 pm)
Pastor Dave - I think the video Nathan may be referring to is the now-leaked Genarlow Wilson amateur sex video currently making the rounds in clandestine circuits. The Bill O'Reilly segment in question involved the rather ridiculous manner in which the media has spun this case.
A lot of this publicity is due to the fact that Mr. Wilson's attorney has and still is behaving in a manner that many would consider attention-seeking. What business does ESPN have covering this case? Why would a defense attorney invite newscasters to every meeting? This is only my opinion, but I truly believe that Genarlow has been put into a rather dangerous position by his attorney because she is on a rampaging mission to become a figure of notoriety a la Alan Dershowitz or Johnnie Cochran. I would recommend you read Markel Hutchins' op-ed piece in the AJC about this matter.
I wholeheartedly agree with you on your opinion of Wilson. He's doing himself no favors by acting guiltless in this matter. Having seen the videotape-in-question, I'd like to offer this up: If his case were to have been tried in a more liberal state with enforced "Drunk Means No" legislation, he more than likely would have been found Guilty of Rape.
That said, Dave...what do you think of the more "liberal" (I put that in quotations for a reason) members of society who bemoan the "racist" actions of the State AG, yet refer to him as an "Uncle Tom" or "House N----r" when he turns out to be an African-American?
posted by:
jim norton (
reply)
post date:
07.10.07 (11:55 am)
this is ridiculous.
