DEAR EDITOR:

Judge Jack Durkin has done it again, he’s failed to uphold his oath and administer justice in Mahoning County.

The ringleader of a $1 million arson ring and her daughter were sentenced to no prison time and probation only, no restitution. Tricia Floyd was facing seven felonies, but due to health problems and being indigent, Durkin felt restitution would be an exercise in futility; so we just quit, don’t even try?

Maybe it’s a long shot, but what if this woman won a lottery, came into an inheritance or was awarded a personal injury claim? How about her 38-year-old daughter, Kyrene Rodriguez? No mention of health problems, she could work 30 years, maybe not pay the full $1 million back to the insurance companies, but some restitution attempt. Thanks judge, we can all expect another insurance increase soon due to your ineptness.

Does anyone else notice the leniency and soft sentencing in Mahoning County? And shame on the prosecutor’s office for recommending such light sentences. There is far too much deal-making and plea bargaining by the prosecutor, especially when indisputable evidence and facts present a strong case.

Kaitlyn Cefalde was killed in a horrific automobile crash when the driver of the car was evading police. The driver, Jaquan Jenkins, 23, was a fugitive on the run for eight months. Involuntary manslaughter, failure to comply, and no mention of being a fugitive resulted in only a 10 to 13.5-year prison term recommendation from the prosecutor’s office. A 22-year-old woman lost her life as a result of Jenkins’ actions and he’ll be out of prison in his mid-30s. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn’s family and friends will mourn her loss until each of them departs this earth. Why so little value on the loss of life?

Amya Monserrat, 15, lost her life after being hit by a stray bullet in the parking lot of Martha’s Boulevard Bar after attending a birthday party. A 15-year-old girl lost her life, and again, the prosecutor’s office recommended another sentence of only 10 to 12.5-years in prison. Another murderer will be out of prison in his mid-30s, while Amya’s family and friends will mourn her loss until their own passing.

There are many more examples, but we’re limited on space.

Why so little value on human life in Mahoning County? These short sentences when an individual is responsible for taking someone else’s life are disgusting and unacceptable.

Please pay attention people, do your homework and elect the right individuals in November and in future elections. Criminals need to be deterred and we deserve better administration of justice in our community.

DAN MANCUSO

Austintown