Three former educators given seven-year prison terms in the landmark Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating case will be re-sentenced at 2 p.m. Thursday– likely to lighter penalties.
Judge Jerry Baxter, who oversaw the months-long cheating trial, has summoned former school administrators Tamara Cotman, Sharon Davis-Williams and Michael Pitts back to the courtroom for new punishments. The trio was originally each given a hefty 20-year sentence — seven to serve in prison and 13 on probation, and $25,000 fines.
The judge reportedly had a change of heart and believed the sentences he handed down April 14 were too harsh. The educators, along with 11 others were convicted under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act on April 1.
Most of the other teachers got a year or two in prison, in line with the prosecution’s recommendations. The seven-year sentences for the former executives far exceeded the prosecutors’ request of three years.
Visit MyAJC.com and AJC.com for live coverage of the sentencing as it unfolds.
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