On Tuesday, a Cleveland judge ordered a convicted robber’s mouth be temporarily silenced with duct-tape during his sentencing.
According to reports, the incident occurred inside the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court after Judge John Russo instructed 32-year-old Franklyn Williams to keep quiet.
“Mr. Williams, I’m the judge in the matter,” Russo said, while Williams complained about his legal counsel. “Shut your mouth and I will tell you when you can talk.”
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As Williams continued to interrupt the judge, as well as his own attorneys, Judge Russo instructed officers to shut Williams’ mouth with tape. When he continued his outburst, the judge ordered the officers to add another piece of tape over the man’s mouth, before sentencing him to 24 years in prison.
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In December, Williams was convicted on counts of aggravated robbery, kidnapping, theft, having weapons under a disability and more, after two trials and an appeal.
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Initially, Williams pleaded guilty to robbery charges in 2016 and was subsequently sentenced to 14 years in prison. However, he later won his appeal after being misinformed about his eligibility for early release, as he claimed he did not understand what he was pleading to. The next year, Williams was granted a new trial, which hit a snag when he cut his ankle monitor off and fled to Nebraska.
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However, the trial went on without him, and investigators were able to use evidence from his escape to convict and sentence him upon his return.
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He was arrested earlier this month, and brought back to Cleveland and sentenced on Tuesday.
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