Teens plead guilty in cross burning

Two 16-year-old Arlington boys pleaded guilty today to one count of malicious harassment for burning a cross in front of a black family’s home March 24.

The boys, who are cousins, each shed a few tears as they apologized.

“I’d just like to say that I’m very sorry,” one said, pausing to stifle a sob, “for what I did.”

His cousin referred specifically to the family when he spoke to the court. Three of them, the Rev. Jason Martin; his wife, Charmaine; and his son, Tyshaun, were seated behind him.

“I would like to apologize to the whole Martin family and to the community of Arlington,” he said.

The Herald does not generally identify minors who are charged in juvenile court.

Judge Gerald Knight sentenced the boys to the state maximum of 30 days in jail. He also ordered 72 hours of community service and nine months of community supervision, as well as a $100 fine. He ordered the boys to stay away from the Martin family unless contact is specifically initiated by the Martins.

The judge granted a request from the boys’ attorneys to allow them to contact each other after they are released. Separating them would be “too harsh,” given that they are relatives, Knight said.

Jason Martin had originally told the court that he felt the state maximum sentence of 30 days did not seem long enough, given the crime. But after the sentencing, he changed his mind.

“In seeing and hearing both boys express their remorse, I’m fine with it,” Martin said.

Knight said he had heard a lot of apologies during his career.

“I do believe that these juveniles are sincere in their apologies, that they feel sorry,” Knight said. “I hope that I’m right.”

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