Photo: Getty Images
Fort Jackson Army Sgt. Jonathan Pentland has been found guilty after he was recorded shoving and harassing a young Black man named Deandre Williams in a South Carolina neighborhood.
Pentland's case first made national headlines back in April when he was recorded accosting Williams as he walked through a South Carolina neighborhood. The suspended army sergeant, who outweighed Williams by a visibly large amount, began pushing Williams and shouting at him.
“You’re in the wrong neighborhood," he screamed.
As the video gained traction outline, Fort Jackson issued a statement. Shortly thereafter, Pentland was suspended.
“Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis is reviewing his options in the matter of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Pentland. We will provide more information when a decision about how to proceed is made," Fort Jackson stated.
As the verdict was shared, Pentland attempted to apologize for his actions. However, he insinuated that Williams posed a threat to him and his family despite the fact Williams appears to be avoiding confrontation throughout the video.
“It’s embarrassing to the community," Pentland said.
“I’m sorry for the way it escalated. Anybody looking back at this, you can watch that video and 100% see that it looks worse than it is. I did what I felt I had to do to protect my friends and family."
Williams spoke to the threat that Pentland posed him that day and the threat he could potentially post to others.
“As a young man, if I go on a walk, I shouldn’t feel any form of pressure," Williams said.
Williams' father also testified as he cried on the stand. He explained that his son endured a form of cancer that caused his brain to swell, leaving him struggling to understand things since.
Convicted of third-degree assault, Pentland must decide between a 30-day jail sentence or a fine of $1,087.
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