Several updates in the case of Genarlow Wilson.
Georgia's Supreme Court will hear the state's arguments for keeping in prison the 21 year-old man who had consensual sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. The former honors student appeared this morning on NBC's Today, expressing optimism and hoping his case can "help others learn from [his] mistakes." Meanwhile, Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker will not oppose setting Wilson free on bond pending his appeal. Baker—roundly criticized for insisting upon the draconian, ten year old prison sentence—says Wilson's release could open the floodgates for hundreds of incarcerated child molesters looking for a way out:
"As attorney general, I took an oath to uphold the laws of this state," Baker said during news conference he called to explain why he is appealing a judge's order to free Wilson. "And in taking that oath I don't have the luxury of taking the law into my own hands, or picking which cases to defend."
The bond hearing is July 5. Wilson has been imprisoned for two years for the encounter, now classified as a misdemeanor. Wilson and the girl are black; so is Attorney General Baker, who is the state's highest black elected official.
Baker Defends Wilson Appeal [AJC]
GA High Court to Hear Teen Sex Case [Hou Chron]
Genarlow Wilson: 'I Made a Mistake' [Today]
I hope they let that poor baby out. He should have never served a day. Very sad.
Posted by: Charles | 15 June 2007 at 22:15