Pa. teenager goes to jail on Jan. 6 riot charges, despite lawyer praising his 'interest in politics'

[left-of-center2012]

A 19-year-old Feasterville, Pa, man will spend 14 days behind bars for his involvement with the attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Prosecutors were seeking a 45-day sentence for Leonard Pearso Ridge, whose lawyers asked U.S. District Judge James Boasberg sentence Ridge only to probation.
Boasberg instead gave Ridge a two-week prison sentence, 100 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.

Judge Boasberg said it was Ridge’s age that kept Ridge from serving the full sentence, but his text messages before and after the riots made some jail time appropriate. Ridge was arrested in May 2020 in Lower Southampton after at least three witnesses told federal investigators last January about social media posts Ridge made chronicling his time inside the U.S. Capitol.

Ridge seemed proud of his participation in a message the day after the riots, saying he was part of history. “Yeah just stormed the US capital [sic] for the first time in US history and I was a part of it ... Just pray for me that I don’t get arrested by the fbi,” Ridge wrote.

Defense attorneys described in a motion for leniency prior to sentencing that Ridge displayed an admirable “interest in politics” by going to Washington that day. “During a time when most teenagers and young adults dream only of being ‘influencers’ on social media platforms for mundane or trifle reasons, there is a great respect for his peaceful political activism.

His interest in politics is a good thing and … should be applauded,” the motion states.

https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2022/01/pa-teenager-goes-to-jail-on-jan-6-riot-charges-despite-lawyer-praising-his-interest-in-politics.html

[bucolic_frolic]

1. It's a good thing I never became a lawyer I'd have been disbarred for attempting

to laugh these Philadelphia shysters out of court!

[PSPS]

2. LOL. Yes, 14 days in jail will surely be a deterrent and example!

[llashram]

3. nothing peaceful

about what you willfully Joined Leonard. Off to jail now, scoot see you in 14 days

[left-of-center2012]

4. His interest in politics should be applauded

Reminds me of the story of a boy who killed his parents
and the attorney asked the judge for leniency
because the boy is (now) an orphan.

[Kid Berwyn]

5. 14 years would teach young Leonard a valuable lesson.

And that would be lenient, considering the historic sentence for treason.

[onecaliberal]

6. What the fuck is wrong with these people.

Russia seems a better fit for him.

[Torchlight]

7. "Your honor, my client, Dr. H.H. Holmes* has an admirable interest in biology..."

(*one of the first American serial killers who murdered 27+ victims)

[inthewind21]

11. Chicago

Late 1890's's. World Fair hotel. Creepiest building and case ever!

[JustAnotherGen]

8. Michael Brown was 18

And got a death sentence.

This kid is a punk and because this is so lenient - will do it again.

[inthewind21]

12. Storm the capital

You're a teenager with a keen interest in politics. Be black, your a thug man.

[TheRealNorth]

16. Exactly

[MyOwnPeace]

9. Well, based on new 'experiences'.......

his new "interest" may be in prison reform. We'll see if it was indeed a 'learning experience.'

[left-of-center2012]

10. "We're asking for leniency, your honor ...

… our client, Hannibal Lecter, has an idea for a Food Network show."

[GoodRaisin]

13. Well, now he can include prison among his many interests and

his resume.

[lpbk2713]

14. MAGAtry is not politics.

It is 180° out.

[TheRealNorth]

15. The Press is carrying water again for the traitors

He is 19, so he is an adult, not a teen. So the headline is misleading.

[left-of-center2012]

17. "he is an adult, not a teen"

"He is 19 ..."

Nine-teen

[TheRealNorth]

18. Thats an adult in the eyes of the law.

And this is about criminal charges.

He'll, this was a black person under 18, they would not even use the word teen. They would be called a "juvenile".

[left-of-center2012]

19. ok

Whatever

Not going to quibble

[Mr.Bill]

20. I guess if he robbed a bank

they would praise his interest in the banking business.