KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN - One of two teens accused of beating a gay 15-year-old Portage boy was sentenced Monday to take part in a special program at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home that could last nine months.
The 16-year-old defendant also was ordered to obtain anger-management counseling, pay victim restitution and write a letter of apology to the victim, Steven Harmon, said Karen Hayter, division leader for assistant prosecuting attorneys in the Family Division of Kalamazoo County Circuit Court.
Steven was punched repeatedly by the 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy in mid-August in a Portage parking lot.
Steven has said that the attackers called him "faggot," "queer" and other derogatory terms.
The 16-year-old defendant, whom the Gazette is not identifying because of his age, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. He has been held in the Juvenile Home since Aug. 13, Hayter said.
The 15-year-old boy also is charged with aggravated assault. His next court date is Oct. 5.
Steven has said that he and a 17-year-old female friend and her 5-year-old nephew were walking home when he was hit in the head and face about 20 times by the two boys. His friend eventually shielded him from more punches.
from The Kalamazoo Gazette
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