Duct taped convict to be re-sentenced

(Cleveland) - A man who was sentenced for three armed robberies in Richmond Heights and Euclid, is now to be re-sentenced, because his mouth was duct taped during the proceeding. 

Last week, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo sentenced Franklyn Williams to 24 years in prison, but not without having William's mouth taped shut. The 32 year old would not stop interrupting the sentencing process, and after 30 minutes, Judge Russo ordered that deputies put duct tape over his mouth. 

Following objections and concerns about Williams' civil liberties being violated, today Russo apologized, and ordered Williams to be re-sentenced by a different judge, and that Williams undergo a competency evaluation. The only thing Williams said in court this time was "freedom of speech, no duct tape".

Franklyn Williams
Judge John Russo

(Photos by Ken Robinson/WTAM)

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