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Judges lenient on guns

Judge Shelley Szambelan asked for only a $10,000 bond for an 18-year-old felon, Kinski Biten, in possession of a stolen gun that was brought to Central Valley High School (“Bond set for student accused of bringing gun to CVHS,” Jan. 11, 2019).

This judge had the option of raising the bond. Why didn’t she? Here was a perfect opportunity to make an example to show that there are consequences to being a felon in possession of a stolen gun — let alone bring it to school to make a drug deal. All three offenses are illegal.

I hope Judge Szambelan is not the judge who will sentence Kinski Biten as she appears to be too lenient. Biten should be sentenced to at least seven years, as the law requires. Here is a chance to speak to the problem of people having guns who should not be allowed to have one. Judges are far too lenient in handing down harsher sentences dealing with guns.

Bill Bean

Spokane

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