Courts do the right thing for VSU student

Typically once the wheels of justice start rolling they simply grind away and leave the remnants behind like corn shards at the base of the millwheel. But every once in a while, and surprisingly at that, the wheels of justice find that reverse gear and back up just long enough right an unconscionable wrong.

Such was the case recently involving a hazing incident at Virginia State University (VSU). It seems that one of the students rushing the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity complained about some of his treatment in working through his way through the pledging circus. For whatever reason, the student let the schools find out about his problem, and the police cast their net to haul in a nice fresh crop of likely suspects.

Three students and a civilian were hauled in front of the Petersburg courts, where Commonwealth’s Attorney Cassandra Conover offered a sweat-hearts deal: plead guilty to hazing and they would be able to graduate and if they paid the court costs and “complied with all agreements between the commonwealth attorney’s office and VSU officials” their charges would be dismissed in a month. Initially, all four culprits agreed pled no contest to the charges, as recommended by the prosecution.

But before the ink was dry on the charges, Brandon Randleman, who just happened to be the former student association president, had misgivings. He hired an attorney to try to get his plea overturned. Armed with a signed affidavit from the person who was the subject of the hazing, Randleman sought to get his plea thrown out. The affidavit stated that in no way was Randleman involved in the hazing and at no time did Randleman every hurt the complainant.

Usually, once you plead guilty you stay guilty whether or not something happens afterward. But in this case, the court actually took Randleman’s request under consideration.

He stated that Conover effectively “coerced Randleman into pleading guilty without first consulting an attorney.” Conover denies bringing any pressure and stated that Randleman waived his right to an attorney before a judge. But stop for a minute and put yourself in this young man’s shoes. He didn’t do anything wrong and here he is caught up in a bit of a nightmare. There were concerns about his being able to graduate on time and anytime you are facing a prosecutor there ought to be a general sense of fear and confusion. While Conover might not have thought she was bringing pressure, the very act of being the commonwealth’s attorney in such an incident supports Randleman’s allegation.

Randleman contacted defense attorney Joseph D. Morrissey, who himself has had some experience with the courts and how the court and the justice league really work, to see if he could get the charges dropped. Long story short, Petersburg brought in a special prosecutor, Shawn Gobble, who withdrew the hazing charge.

In the end, it was the right thing to do. It is an experience I am sure Randleman will never forget. Ultimately, it’s good to see that the wheels of justice can stop for a minute and make an appropriate correction. Good luck in your future Brandon; I hope this experience doesn’t taint your respect for the law.