Many in Florida have become aware of 21-year-old, DeAndre Somerville’s case after he was sentenced 10 days in jail for missing his jury duty in West Palm Beach.
Somerville had reportedly slept in on the first day of testimony and failed to show during that August civil trial, after already being sworn to serve.
Somerville attended open court and read a letter of apology before receiving a 10 day jail sentence.
Judge Kastrenakes then put Somerville on probation for a year with 150 hours of community service. His probation was later reduced from 12 months to 3 months.
According to WPTV, the judge eventually rescinded his original punishment following intense public scrutiny.
As of recently, Democratic State Senator Bobby Powell Jr. of West Palm Beach, filed a complaint against Judge Kastrenakes with the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Powell claims that Judge Kastrenakes acted unfairly in his sentencing, punishing one individuals to set an example due to his race.
Kastrenakes allegedly violated the Code of the Judicial Conduct, which states a judge must not be swayed by bias or prejudice, partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism.
