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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Stop hiding youthful crimes

It was heart-wrenching to read of yet another child allegedly killed by the boyfriend of a young mother who trusted him to care for her child. This young man had five felony convictions as a minor and is now on probation for another felony committed as an adult. He reportedly confessed to abusing another child in May, leaving the baby blind and with brain damage.

How many felony convictions are necessary before someone is considered a menace to society? Prosecutors set his bail at $1 million as there is now “reason to be concerned about the community.”

The offenses of most minors are expunged from their records at age 18. It is time to take a close look at the types of offenses committed by minors and consider them when sentencing an adult. With six felony convictions by age 22, there is no reasonable explanation why this young man was not behind bars.

Society cannot control the individuals that young parents permit around their children. Society can and must control the individuals we allow to be loose in our community. It is time to do what we can to stop this abuse of our smallest and most defenseless citizens.

Dawn Zickler

Spokane

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