future crimes. Some of it blocked robberies and led to arrests of lawbreakers and the return of missing stolen property. Ellis asked the Judge to consider Howie’s willingness to assist him when deciding on a verdict. Detective Ellis McCain pleaded that this man was a good man. He just did not learn the right way to live. His life was corrupted from being around the wrong kinds of people. All people were capable of making mistakes.
This man had made some wrong moves in his life. He wants to correct his life now and live within the law. He needs to be given another chance. Judge Hardaway thanked Ellis McCain and let him sit down.
Judge Hardaway spoke to Mr. Wade making several comments. Mr. Wade stood and replied. Some of this was in Latin and not easily understood. Judge Hardaway said that he wanted a recess. The court was adjourned for ninety minutes. Jack Hardaway left the room to go down the hallway to his office. Returning, he opened the court and had Howie stand up again.
Judge Hardaway said,” Howard Skinner, I find you guilty of buying and selling stolen property and being an accessory to criminals who repeatedly broke the law. You sold weapons to individuals that used them for illegal activities that resulted in property loss, injury and death of innocent people. For this you shall serve a twenty year sentence in the state prison.” Judge Hardaway looked at Howard. Howard was shocked and had a frown on his face. His body shook with disgust. He breathed a few deep breaths and felt dizzy and faint. He was trying to accept what the law had just thrown at him. Howie stayed silent