As promised, I told everyone I would follow Bill 254 through to the very end and yesterday I spent the day in Annapolis with many of those who worked diligently to make sure the Maryland Sex Offender Laws were strengthened. Speaker Bush invited us into his Office and offered us something rarely seen on the floor. He invited us to sit on the floor with the entire Delegation, (rarely done) while they debated Bill 254, which passed unanimously.
Mrs. Tracey Powell joined me on this journey, (Sarah Foxwell's Aunt) to represent the Family. Sheriff Mike Lewis was present and also joined us on the floor and they presented the Bill in its final form and received multiple standing ovations as they announced our presence.
When the Bill finally passed they invited Sheriff Lewis and Mrs. Powell to stand with Speaker Bush as the entire Delegation again rose to their feet in yet another standing ovation. It was absolutely breathtaking.
Folks, I can't thank each and every one of you enough for your support, your phone calls, your e-mail messages, our Delegates, Senators, Congressmen and yes, even our Governor not only listened, they have proposed changes that will set a new bar in the state of Maryland against Sex Offenders that all of us should be very proud of.
I want to personally thank Sheriff Lewis for his support yesterday as he comforted Mrs. Powell in a very difficult and emotional experience, one in which I can assure all of you the Foxwell Family will never forget. Tracey Powell is the sister of Sarah Foxwell's Father.
I personally never expected such a reception and my hat is also tipped to each and every Delegate who welcomed us with open arms. We were also comforted by Jan & Ann Wiseman, (Ann just received the Top 100 Women Award in the state of Maryland) who also joined us in this celebration. A very special thanks goes out to Norm Conway and Jim Mathias for their tireless work on this legislation as well as Delegate Mike Smigiel.
This Bill provides a mandatory 15 year sentence on first time offenders, no possibility for parole.
I'll have more on this experience later today.
13 comments:
Thank you so much Joe and Mike Lewis for your diligence, heart and morals being in the right place. What fine men you are. Now that's change we can believe in.
That is what the community needs, hard strong firm men that are protectors. It takes a really low point in a community to create impact.
They didn't do jack on the death penalty laws. Jessica's law has been on the books yet the judges didn't enforce it. They can say 15 years all they want, find a judge to impose it. Liberal judges are NOT fair judges. You can not have a heart that bleeds sitting on the bench.
Better late than never -- but not for Sarah Foxwell.
anon 11:17 You are so correct.The sitting judges will not impose the maxium on these perverts.
Anonymous 10:27am - You are correct. I think Mike Lewis and Joe Albero are two of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They took time out of their very busy schedules to go to Annapolis. Mike and Joe you guys are TOP SHELF all the WAY!
Ill never have another Christmas where she doesnt come across my mind.
That is one beautiful building inside,all the marble,the carvings on the collums,but the coolest thing to me was the digital board with the statistics that read 135 YEA and a big fat 0 NAY,now thats cool!Also looks like you guys had a really close seat,I think I could see the Sheriff and Mrs.Powell all the way up front on the right side sitting along the wall,now thats what I call up front and personal.
This is great news, however everyone needs to check out case number 22K09000883 in judiciary case search for levi willey sr. he found guilty on 59 charges some of which were sexual assault of a child. judge newton jackson sentenced him to 25 years but suspended ALL of it except 18 months. this is true. with good time he will be out of jail NOT prison in about 12 months for the repeated rape of a child.
8:51 I can't believe this!!! That is sick! He will be another repeat offender. Their family has money and it must have talked.
Shame on Judge Jackson! What a disgrace! This is what is wrong w/our society! These pervs just get a slap on the wrist, then go out and reoffend and repeat the cycle of creating more victims. What if that were your daughter or granddaughter, that is if you have children. If not, what if it was a neice or other relative? I am sick to my stomach now.
Awesome job Mike Lewis you did Sarah proud. One more step and we all can rest and let this child rest in peace.
Joe awesome coverage. The local media is horrible if it is not bad news.
The major local media should be ashamed of the biased coverage they give.
thanks joe for posting something with positive words from you. your description of the ovations brought tears to my eyes.
s.
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