Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
In Massachusetts, Superior Court Judge Charles M. Grabau has sentenced former Marshfield High School student Joseph Nee to 2.5 years for conspiracy to commit murder. Nee, 21, is convicted of plotting a Columbine-like attack on the school.
Nee had faced a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the crime. He will serve six months in prison and nine months in the Plymouth House of Correction. He will also serve a two-year probation upon release and undergo periodic alcohol and drug tests. He also will have his mental health evaluated.
The Marshfield man was convicted last week after a four-day bench trial and testimony from dozens of people. He was acquitted of two charges: threatening use of a deadly weapon and promotion of anarchy.
In September 2004, Nee, was still studying at Marshfield High. He and two classmates notified police that 16-year-old Tobin Kerns intended to attack the school the following April-in a killing spree similar to the 1999 Columbine High School attack in Littleton, Colorado.
Police arrested Kerns. They also arrested Nee a few weeks later after he was implicated by Kerns’ friends.
Kerns and Nee were indicted by a grand jury in October 2004. Both teenagers pleaded not guilty. The two other boys who reported the planned assault with Nee were given immunity in exchange for their testimonies.
Kerns was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and threatening to use deadly weapons. He is completing his 10- month prison sentence at the Plymouth House of Correction.
Ex-student gets prison in Marshfield plot case, Boston.com, February 20, 2008
Judge convicts ex-student in school plot, Boston Globe, February 15, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Are US Schools Safe?, CNN.com
Fast Facts: Major School Shootings of Past 10 Years, Fox.com, April 16, 2008
Our Massachusetts criminal defense law firm handles adult criminal cases and juvenile crimes cases. We are known for our ability to provide our clients with a solid, effective defense. Contact Altman & Altman LLP today. We represent clients throughout Boston and the other cities of Massachusetts.
