Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter did not hand down sentences Monday to 10 defendants convicted in the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating trial, but he offered some insights about the case. Here are some of his comments:
“It was like watching a slow train wreck. Nobody wanted to get off the train.” — referring to the defendants’ actions.
“I think your case is probably the biggest tragedy of all of this … in my personal view, just sitting up here. I’m sorry and I consider you a wonderful educator and that’s what makes it so sad. You were under a lot of pressure.” — to defendant Dana Evans.
“The devil’s over here saying ‘Throw the book at them!’ “
“I’ve got the fair sentence in my mind and it involves going to jail.”
“If you don’t accept responsibility and there’s no recognition of harm, a lot of times you get what you deserve.”
“They just wanted it to go away,” — referring to many Atlanta business leaders.
“There is a faction of the community that wants me to throw the book at everybody.”
“I’m not giving these folks 20 years.”
“I’m not rewarding anyone.” — to the father of defendant Tabeeka Jordan.
“I will defend their verdict and I don’t appreciate anybody attacking their verdict.”
“They are the most vulnerable children in our city, and they were short-changed. They were passed on and now they’re in the prison system.”
“This morning it came to me, the only reason I would send you to jail is for retribution. And I think I’ve made my point.”
“I’m ready to get in my refrigerator.” — said before a lunch break.
“Pray for these kids that got cheated.”
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