[Nfbf-l] Release: blind Man's Attacker to be Sentenced

[Marion & Martin]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FROM:  National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Release Date: March 10, 2009

TO: All Media

CONTACT: Marion Gwizdala (813) 626-2789 

RE: Blind Man's Attacker to be Sentenced

 

            On Friday, May 25, 2007  at about 3:00 p.m. Kris Scheppe was attacked, beaten, and robbed. The attacker not only attempted to take advantage of Scheppe's perceived vulnerability, he seemed to want to rob him of his dignity as he beat him with his own white cane. The blind man's tool of independence was transformed into a weapon. On Wednesday, March 10, the blind will display their canes in a show of support for Scheppe and a demonstration of empowerment to the community. 

            "The message we want to send is that we are not vulnerable victims but powerful citizens," says Marion Gwizdala, President of the East Hillsborough Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, host of the convention Scheppe was in town to attend. Scheppe was on his way to the NFBF Convention when he was attacked.

Michael Watts, 17, who is being charged as an adult, will be sentenced on four felony charges in Courtroom 11 at 1:30. Watts is charged with aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, and two crimes against a disabled person, all third degree felonies, and faces 20 years in prison.

 

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