It is an obligation to protect the community and to send a message that no one, and I mean no one, is above the law.
Now, let me talk about something else that has been brought to my attention.
The defendant’s father, Robert Thornton, CEO of Thornton Industries, a company that owns 17 commercial properties in downtown Providence and 12 residential developments across Rhode Island, employing over 230 people, has been trying to use his influence to make this case go away.
Between August 20th and September 5th, I personally received seven phone calls to my chambers.
I received four written letters.
I have had three different people come to my office, including city councilman James Patterson from Ward 3, attorney Michael Brereslin from the firm of Brelin and associates on Westminster Street, and even Samuel Rodriguez, president of the Providence Chamber of Commerce.
All of them suggested that maybe we should work something out, that maybe his daughter has learned her lesson, or that maybe a substantial donation to the Providence Youth Foundation or the Police Benevolent Association would be appropriate.
They mentioned amounts between $50,000 and $75,000.
Let me be crystal clear about something.
I don’t care how much money someone has.
I don’t care how many buildings they own or how many people they employ.
I don’t care if they are willing to donate $50,000 or $500,000.
Money does not buy justice in this courtroom.
Influence does not buy a pass on consequences.
No amount of donations, deals, or backroom arrangements will change what happens here today, November 27th, 2024, at 10:15 in the morning.
Because here is what I think about when I look at this case.
