[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=52208.58

Alevizos' outbursts becoming common

Stan Maddux
For The News-Dispatch

LA PORTE - In his nearly 20 months on the bench, La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos has often made it clear that he won't tolerate a soft approach toward criminals.

His latest outburst was Friday when he rejected a plea agreement from 27-year-old Seth Carpenter, who is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The plea called for Carpenter to be convicted of Class D felony sexual misconduct with a minor, which carries anywhere from a six-month to three-year sentence.

However, the plea also stipulated the judge shall reduce the conviction to a Class A misdemeanor when Carpenter finishes serving the sentence.

Alevizos quickly protested as defense attorney Kurt Earnst tried to persuade the judge.

"Don't argue with me. It's not going to happen," Alevizos snapped.

Alevizos then announced he will reject a plea agreement in any future case that mandates the reduction of a felony conviction to a misdemeanor.

The judge also bristled at a plea agreement offered by Michael Santos, believing the punishment was too light.

In September, the 39-year-old Santos tried stealing a plane at La Porte Municipal Airport while drunk to try and impress his girlfriend, according to court records.

He allegedly climbed into the aircraft and sped down a taxiway but missed the curve heading to the runway. The plane crashed into a soybean field.

Under the plea, Santos would receive a four-year sentence with some time on probation.

Defense attorney Don Pagos argued his client should be allowed to serve his period of incarceration on electronic home monitoring.

Alevizos quickly interrupted, saying nothing short of jail time was deserved for Santos, citing a criminal history.

"He's going to jail," Alevizos said.

Pagos questioned how Alevizos could arrive at that conclusion without hearing all of the arguments from the defense.

Alevizos said he felt it was best to reject that plea agreement but made no decision.

He scheduled a hearing for Aug. 29 to hear sentencing arguments in that case.

[Ang]

Right On Tom Alevizos!!

It's about time there is a judge on the bench who doesn't believe in just slapping someone on the wrist! Crime is too rampant in MC and someone needs to take control and start making examples out of people.

[Tim]

Those are outbursts?

*rolls eyes*

[Southsider2k12]

In today's fuzzy wuzzy cuddly days... yes.

[Roger Kaputnik]

That's what I was thinking. Remember, the headline writer is probably not the article writer. But I agree than Tom is doing the right thing the right way, in marked contrast with "Skip Town" Chapala, who was in SC 1 in MC.