A white man who intentionally drove his car into a crowd of Iowa City “racial injustice’ protestors back in August, dodges prison time after a guilty plea.
Michael Ray Stepanek, 45, who struck many during his recklessness, told police the crowd needed “an attitude adjustment,” which is why he did what he did.
Stepanek’s lawyer claimed that his decisions were influenced by social media and “political rhetoric characterizing the protesters as dangerous criminals.”
Though Stepanek believed his actions were justified he has since realized his ignorance.
“Michael understands how his conduct could have resulted in a much more serious and harmful situation,” his lawyer said.
According to The Chicago Tribune, Stepanek is sentenced to a “felony charge of willful injury resulting in bodily injury.” If he does not commit a crime during his three-year-probation, his charges will be “dismissed and expunged.”
The Tribune also reported that Judge Paul Miller deferred a $1,025 civil fine.
The result of this trail leaves more room for criticism and “accusations of double standards” against the Johnson County Attorney’s Office as it continues on with charges against Black Lives Matter protesters from last summer.
The Tribune reports. “prosecutors are pursuing 15 counts, including nine felonies, against a protest leader charged with shining a laser beam light in police officers’ eyes in August.”
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