Throwing rocks will get you in jail

Well, another prostitute landed in jail for throwing rocks at Neighborhood Watch Patrol members. I received this email today.

"Today I sat in court to support Old Seminole Heights' Neighborhood Watch Vehicle Patrol. Two of their members were victims when one of the transvestite prostitutes threw rocks at their vehicle (back in May). Today that prostitute was convicted (in a jury trial) of criminal mischief AND harassing a member of neighborhood watch. For this offense Judge Padgett sentenced him to one year in jail. Last year a law went into effect that allows the police to charge anyone who threatens, harasses or intimidates Neighborhood Watch participants as they are performing their NW duties or while they are en route to any meetings or functions. This law was written by Captain Sophie Teague of Tampa PD and supported by Rep. Les Miller. Today's conviction is not the first success we have had with the law but it is important nonetheless. Warren Elly from Channel 13 was there and did a story on tonight's news about it. In watching today's events I was reminded just how important Neighborhood Watch can be. Sometimes you don't think the little things you do can make a difference but today I saw it. Two people who give up their time to make their (and our) streets safer made a difference. If you aren't involved in Neighborhood Watch I encourage you to consider participating. "

This is not the first conviction under the anti-harrasing a neighborhood watch law. Last year Tavaris Davis was one of the first in the state charged under that law for throwing rocks at Old Seminole Heights NW. He received 365 days in jail. Served 276.