Read more here: http://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article96651742.html#storylink=cpy
Note: Another situation showing why enforcing existing gun laws is better than making more gun laws. Why aren’t the felony actions of these two parents, both barred from having guns, not being prosecuted as felony offenses instead of probation with no prison time?
August 19, 2016 11:48 AM
Father pleads guilty to gun, cruelty charge in 5-year-old’s shooting
By Amy Leigh Womack
Moments before he was taken to jail, Anthony Jennings Jr. told a judge, “I love my children.â€
The Macon man will serve somewhere between three and four months in a detention center and five years on probation for illegally having a gun at home on March 10, 2015, the day Jennings’ then-8-year-old son shot his then-5-year-old brother in the face. Authorities have said the bullet left a hole in the child’s right cheek
“It’s a miracle that this little boy survived,†Bibb County prosecutor Dorothy Hull said during Jennings’ plea hearing in Bibb County Superior Court Friday. “I hope the parents learn a lesson.â€
Jennings, 39, and the children’s mother, 36-year-old Natasha Jenkins, each initially denied knowledge that a .357 Magnum handgun was at their Grand Avenue home. Both of them were accused of acting with criminal negligence in having the gun where the older brother could get it.
Jenkins pleaded guilty Thursday to cruelty to children and misdemeanor obstruction. She must serve 90 days in jail and five years on probation.
Jennings, who pleaded guilty Friday to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and cruelty to children, also was given a three-year suspended prison sentence. He won’t have to go to prison if he otherwise completes his punishment successfully.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dismissed additional charges alleging that Jennings had tried to hide the gun after the shooting and that he knew, or should have known, that the gun was stolen.
“Mr. Jennings understands that this was a tragic accident and he takes responsibility for his actions,†Jennings’ attorney, Eric Alvarez, said during the hearing. “He just wants to move on with his life and hopefully again be able to parent the children.â€
Court records show that neither parent was allowed by law to have a gun in the house. Jenkins was convicted of terroristic threats and interference with government property in 2002. Jennings was convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute in 2001.
As conditions of their probation, neither parent is allowed to possess firearms or have unsupervised contact with children.
Jennings must complete any drug or alcohol treatment recommended by probation officers and must pay a $500 fine.
Jenkins must enter Bibb County’s Mental Health Court.
Amy Leigh Womack: 478-744-4398, @awomackmacon
Read more here: http://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article96651742.html#storylink=cpy
Note: Another situation showing why enforcing existing gun laws is better than making more gun laws. Why aren’t the felony actions of these two parents, both barred from having guns, not being prosecuted as felony offenses instead of probation with no prison time?
August 19, 2016 11:48 AM
Father pleads guilty to gun, cruelty charge in 5-year-old’s shooting
By Amy Leigh Womack
Moments before he was taken to jail, Anthony Jennings Jr. told a judge, “I love my children.â€
The Macon man will serve somewhere between three and four months in a detention center and five years on probation for illegally having a gun at home on March 10, 2015, the day Jennings’ then-8-year-old son shot his then-5-year-old brother in the face. Authorities have said the bullet left a hole in the child’s right cheek
“It’s a miracle that this little boy survived,†Bibb County prosecutor Dorothy Hull said during Jennings’ plea hearing in Bibb County Superior Court Friday. “I hope the parents learn a lesson.â€
Jennings, 39, and the children’s mother, 36-year-old Natasha Jenkins, each initially denied knowledge that a .357 Magnum handgun was at their Grand Avenue home. Both of them were accused of acting with criminal negligence in having the gun where the older brother could get it.
Jenkins pleaded guilty Thursday to cruelty to children and misdemeanor obstruction. She must serve 90 days in jail and five years on probation.
Jennings, who pleaded guilty Friday to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and cruelty to children, also was given a three-year suspended prison sentence. He won’t have to go to prison if he otherwise completes his punishment successfully.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dismissed additional charges alleging that Jennings had tried to hide the gun after the shooting and that he knew, or should have known, that the gun was stolen.
“Mr. Jennings understands that this was a tragic accident and he takes responsibility for his actions,†Jennings’ attorney, Eric Alvarez, said during the hearing. “He just wants to move on with his life and hopefully again be able to parent the children.â€
Court records show that neither parent was allowed by law to have a gun in the house. Jenkins was convicted of terroristic threats and interference with government property in 2002. Jennings was convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute in 2001.
As conditions of their probation, neither parent is allowed to possess firearms or have unsupervised contact with children.
Jennings must complete any drug or alcohol treatment recommended by probation officers and must pay a $500 fine.
Jenkins must enter Bibb County’s Mental Health Court.
Amy Leigh Womack: 478-744-4398, @awomackmacon
Read more here: http://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article96651742.html#storylink=cpy
