The man who threw the brick that ignited a mob attack in Mount Clemens was ordered Tuesday to serve 19 months in a youth prison and pay restitution to the victim.Deonte J. Williams, 17, who attended Mount Clemens High School, received a term at the bottom of sentencing guidelines — 19 to 38 months — from Judge Edward Servitto of Macomb County Circuit Court.
Williams had pleaded guilty to inciting a riot and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for two misdemeanors being dismissed for his role in a May 31 attack by a group of young people following a carnival at Gibraltar Trade Center.
Andy Kaufman, 30, of Plymouth, suffered a serious head injury when he was stomped and beaten by at least three people among a group of 20 or more. Kaufman was hospitalized for several weeks.
Kaufman’s wife, Angela, fought back tears as she told the judge her husband’s head injury has changed him and had a devastating impact on her and the couple’s three sons, ages 9, 7 and 3.
“My boys don’t have the same dad they used to have,” she said. “He’s not the same man I married seven years ago.
“Andy isn’t back to normal. He can’t work. He can’t drive.”
She said her sons sometimes are “afraid” of their father because “he doesn’t act like himself.”
“May 31 replays in my head over and over again,” she said. “This was just a random act of violence. It makes me sick to my stomach that anyone can do that to another person.”
She pointed out while Williams will be free someday, “nobody knows when (her husband’s) sentence will end.”
After the hearing, she declined to comment on the sentence.
Angela Kaufman was in the car with her husband and his cousin on North River Road when Williams threw the brick “because he was mad” due to something that happened involving a girl at the nearby fair. Kaufman exited his vehicle and was attacked by a group of males, who hit and kicked him, according to police.
Williams didn’t hit Kaufman, as he was pulled away from the car by others in the group, and he apologized to the family at the hearing.
“He knows what he did was wrong,” said his attorney, Larry Kipke, after the hearing.
Kipke urged the judge to go below sentencing guidelines and sentence Williams to time served, 81 days in the Macomb County Jail. Kipke contended that although his client is considered an adult in the court system, he is a “young man who did a stupid thing.”
Servitto granted Williams status under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, meaning if he behaves well in prison the conviction will be erased from his record. Judge Servitto set a March 3, 2010, review date. HYTA is a special offenders program for offenders aged 17 to 21.
As a handcuffed Williams walked out of the courtroom, Servitto told him: “Son, you got a chance at a life, still. I’m not sure what the future holds for Mr. Kaufman. You have an opportunity. Don’t blow it.”
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith could not be reached for comment Tuesday following the hearing.
Servitto initially approved restitution of $1,323. But shortly after the sentencing, assistant Macomb prosecutor Rebecca Oster had the case recalled and said restitution actually is about $30,000, based on documents provided by Angela Kaufman.
Servitto said restitution would also be spread among anyone else convicted in the case but that Williams’ portion wouldn’t be due until he is released. She said Williams could request a hearing on the matter.
A trio of defendants who allegedly beat Kaufman awaits a Sept. 3 trial in front of Servitto. They are Steven D. Lincoln, 18, and Jemall Davidson, 16, both of Clinton Township. Both face charges of life felony attempted murder, inciting a riot and assault. Armon Boyd, 18, faces a charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder and inciting a riot.