HOUSTON--A group representing area law enforcement has issued a statement in response to recent comments by activist Quanell X regarding what he called “over sentencing” by a “racist” local judge.
Quanell X, the leader of the New Black Panther Party, held a rally inside the Jefferson County Courthouse in front of Judge Layne Walker's courtroom, telling the media and the more than 20 people in attendance the judge is "a racist."
Quanell X said he plans to start a petition drive to remove the judge from the bench. He also will establish a New Black Panther chapter in Beaumont, he said.
He announced earlier this week he planned to hold Friday's rally after he learned of what he called unfair sentences handed down to young African American defendants. The mothers of those defendants attended the rally.
Quanell X made it clear that he thought the men should be punished for their crimes, however he thought the extent of their punishments is excessive.
Thursday morning, the group said in a statement that “the real issue is protecting and serving the citizens of our county against violent crime.”
In light of recent accusations being made by Quanell X and a few other individuals in reference to racism in the Jefferson County judicial system and specifically District Judge Layne Walker’s sentences in criminal cases, CLEAT in Jefferson County would like to make this statement in support for the entire Jefferson County judicial system and Judge Layne Walker.
As law enforcement officers who work the streets of our community, we see the violence and the victims affected by violent criminals every day. When an individual chooses to commit a violent crime, they must also know if caught, there are consequences for their actions.
When individuals choose to repeatedly commit violent crimes and victimize citizens or visitors to our county, they should know that the law enforcement and judicial system is ready to protect the people that we serve and protect in our community.
It is unfortunate that because certain individuals have to face consequences for their criminal acts that race has to be made an issue, when the real issue is protecting and serving the citizens of our county against violent crime.
Among the groups that endorsed the statement are The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Association, the Port Arthur Police Officers Association, the Beaumont Police Officers Association, the Nederland Police Officers Association and the Jefferson County Constable’s Association.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Saturday, August 27th 2011 at 7:22PM
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