Judge Jeffrey Gershuny granted Jhdae Beckles youthful offender status after Beckles was arrested for gun possession and involved in a violent drive-by shooting. Gershuny sentenced him to 1 1/3 to 4 years instead of a longer term sought by prosecutors. While advocating for compassion and second chances, his analogy comparing criminal behavior to touching a hot stove drew criticism from law enforcement. Gershuny also faced backlash for displaying his own firearm during a court hearing, raising concerns about his professionalism and judgment.
Sometimes teenagers don't make good decisions. It's like touching a hot stove. You know never to touch that hot stove again, but you still have to touch the hot stove once to know that it burns. So that's where you are at here.
I strongly believe in the power of compassion, mercy and second chances. And I believe Mr. Beckles is certainly deserving of that.
What kind of deranged person - let alone a judge - downplays the plight of violent crime in the city to touching a hot stove?
You touch a hot stove, you don't do it again. But they're shooting and people are getting hurt again and again and again.
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