While the act of spitting on a police officer is considered assault and is punishable by law, many have criticized the severity of Pearson’s sentence as being racially motivated.
Pearson, who is Black, was convicted of assaulting a public servant, which is a first-degree felony in Texas. However, many argue that his sentence was much harsher than what would typically be given for such a crime.
The Lubbock jury was urged to consider a sentence that would “send a message” to Larry Pearson — who had prior convictions for ongoing family violence and aggravated robbery — and society.
A prosecutor said she is making an example out of a Texas man who received a 70-year sentence for spitting on a police officer during an arrest.
Jurors in Lubbock County handed the lengthy sentence to Larry Pearson, 36, on Tuesday after finding him guilty of two counts of harassing a public servant the day before. According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, typical prison sentences for harassing a public servant range from two to 10 years.
There have been numerous cases in which African Americans have received harsher sentences than their White counterparts for similar crimes. This phenomenon, often referred to as racial disparities in the criminal justice system, has been widely documented and is a source of concern for many activists and scholars.
While the exact reasons for Pearson’s sentence are unclear, his case highlights the ongoing issue of racial inequality in the criminal justice system. It is crucial that we continue to examine and address this issue to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and justly under the law.
AFRO WORLD NEWS
