Two stories appearing on the same page of NJ.com show the discrepancy in how our justice sytems deals with two very different crimes. Drug possession or scamming people out of more than $1.5 million, which is worse? If we are to solely judge on the sentences handed down in two recent cases in Southern New Jersey, then we must gather that drugs is the more serious of the two.
Anthony Petrucci, 40, of Springfield Township was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession with intent to distribute at least five ounces of methamphetamine. He plead guilty on the day of his trial and must serve at half his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Police found him in possession of two pounds of the drug.
Martin Gevers, 52, of Burlington was sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding investors out of $1.5 million. He must make restitution and will be on on supervised parole for three years upon his release.
Both crimes had the potential to affect many other lives. Two pounds of meth most likely would of lead to at least several deaths had it made it to the street. Investment scams not only end up costing innocent victims their retirement savings, but in many cases their dignity as well.
Which crime is worse? I suppose that depends on one's own point of view. However, I think the one thing we can all agree on is both sentences are too short. Stealing $1.5 million only gets you six years in a federal prison, I know some people who would definitely take that chance. Distributing more than two pounds of meth only gets you three years if you are good and get parole.
Slaps on the wrist like this by our legal system will do little to deter crime. In fact, it just may encourage some people to take the chance. Do the crime, serve a little time, maybe even very little.
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