Car engine left running…

 

Ms. Watson stopped at a gas station to run inside to buy a pack of cigarettes.  She left her engine running in order to keep the car warm. 

In the meantime, Donte and Steven were walking to the bus stop on their way home from the movies.  They were getting really cold so when they spotted the running car they decided to drive home in it. 

The next day, the boys drove the car to school and were caught by an officer from the Regional Auto Theft Squad (RATS).  Both Donte and Steven were arrested and transported to Juvenile Booking for processing.  Their case was forwarded to The Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office where they were formally charged with a felony.  

The Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office has a partnership with the Community Conferencing Center.  Cases are diverted to Community Conferencing to allow participants to talk about:

• What happened
• How everyone has been affected
• Ways to resolve things in a written agreement 

Cindy (the Community Conferencing facilitator), the boys and their mothers, Ms. Watson, and Mr. Stratton (Ms. Watson’s friend), participated in the Community Conference. 

Community Conference…

The Community Conference began with both youth explaining how they took Ms. Watson’s car because they were getting cold standing at the bus stop.  Ms. Watson revealed how difficult her life had been as a result of her car being stolen.  She had to arrange a ride home to her house without a way to unlock any of the doors.  Furthermore, she feared the boys would burglarize her home since they had her keys.  Ms. Watson had to change all of her locks.

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