Did you commit a serious crime in Ohio?
You may be ordered by a judge to get vaccinated in exchange for not going to prison, according to WYSX.
A Franklin County judge admits to WSYX that he’s mandating COVID-19 vaccinations as conditions of probation in his courtroom. Now, some offenders affected are speaking out to say it’s not right.
“The whole atmosphere of the courtroom changed,” said criminal offender Sylvaun Latham who was sentenced for a gun and drug charge last week before Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Frye. “Everyone had this look on their face. I broke character and asked (my attorney), ‘Can he do this?’”
Out of 20 sentencings Judge Frye conducted last week, three included requirements to get the vaccination within 30 days and provide proof to the probation department.
“I know Judge Frye’s reputation,” said Latham. “I know he’s known for giving the max time. I don’t want to go to jail. I also don’t want to have five years probation.”
Latham told WSYX that his attorney struck a deal with prosecutors which was three years probation.
However, when he stood before the judge at sentencing, terms had changed.
He said Judge Frye told him he could choose between five years probation or just one year on the condition that he receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
Photo: AFP
Walgreens staff prepare vaccines for Educational Staff at Kettering City Schools to receive the Covid-19 vaccine as a part of Ohios Phase 1B vaccine distribution in Dayton, Ohio on February 10, 2021. (Photo by MEGAN JELINGER / AFP) (Photo by MEGAN JELINGER/AFP via Getty Images)