"What effect must it have on a nation if it learns no foreign languages? Probably much the same as that which a total withdrawal from society has upon an individual." --G.C. Lichtenberg
INVERNESS [FL] -- Earlier this year, 16-year-old Adam Bollenback swiped a six-pack of beer from a refrigerator in a woman's garage and got caught by Citrus County sheriff's deputies.
The situation went from bad to worse when Bollenback slithered out of a patrol car while the deputy wasn't watching, leaving behind only his shoes.
He was caught and accused of burglary, petty theft and escape. Prosecutors charged him in the adult system, a move that was within their discretion.
According to the article, Bollenback, who suffers from bipolar disorder and other mental problems, had had two prior scrapes with the law, one for fighting, and one for aggravated assault against his mother, for which she had not wanted to press charges. The judge also noted the defendant had had a history of "abus[ing]" alcohol, codeine and pot.
He was sentenced to 10 years in adult prison.
Sayeth Circuit Judge Ric A. Howard:
"You're well on your way to a lifetime of prison and I don't want to see that happen...This sentence is going to break your spirit right now."
