I’m extremely disappointed in Superior Court Judge Robert Lewis’ decision regarding the first-degree arson case that destroyed the old Cherry Grove Church and home of a Battle Ground couple. It was clearly first-degree arson resulting in nearly $1 million in damage and you sentenced the two 17-year-old teenagers responsible to 24 hours of community service. It is this kind of absolutely ridiculous soft-headed decision-making that has become prevalent from the bench and leads to an out of control increase in crime. Judge Lewis’ refusal to hold these two people accountable by assigning them to juvenile detention simply underscores the belief on the streets that there will be very little to no consequences if you happen to get caught committing a crime. Prosecutor Kristen Arnaud’s excuse for not demanding incarceration in this case is that she “prioritizes restitution over incarceration.” Are we supposed to believe these two teenagers and their families are going to come up with $1 million in restitution? They will likely pay next to nothing and the teenagers will pick up trash for 24 hours. End of story.
Jack Roscoe,
Battle Ground
