TACOMA, Wash. — Pierce County prosecutors are seeking a reconsideration of the sentence given to former NBA player Shawn Kemp for his involvement in a shooting incident at the Tacoma Mall earlier this year. Prosecutors argue that Kemp’s actions amount to a violent offense, warranting a more severe punishment than what was imposed.
In a motion filed by the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, officials claim that Kemp should have received jail time rather than the limited sentence of 30 days of home detention and 240 hours of community service. This sentence was handed down after Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. Judge Michael Schwartz had noted “substantial and compelling” arguments from the defense when deciding on this sentence.
Prosecutors contend that Kemp’s sentence falls outside the legal range for violent offenses. They highlight a previous ruling that determined electronic home monitoring cannot substitute for actual jail time in cases involving serious violent crimes.
In response, Kemp’s legal team maintains that the sentencing adhered to the law and was well within the judge’s discretion. They assert that Judge Schwartz did not opt for home monitoring as an alternative to jail but instead chose not to impose any incarceration at all, allowing for an “exceptional” sentence that permitted a reduction from standard penalties.
A hearing on this matter is slated for September 9, where Judge Schwartz is anticipated to address the prosecution’s request for reevaluation. As the legal community awaits this development, the case has garnered attention due to Kemp’s high-profile status and the implications of how violent offenses are treated in the justice system.
The outcome of the hearing could set a precedent for similar cases involving high-profile individuals and their sentencing in the context of violent crimes.
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