Bank Bandit Bias?

Jessica Mathewson-Library Media Technical Asst.-jessica.mathewson@law.csuohio.edu | April 10, 2008 - 07:28

The Barbie Bandits have been sentenced . The NAACP is calling for an investigation into the racial bias of the sentences. ...

The Bandits were charged with bank robbery in February 2007. Two young Caucasian women casually walked up to a bank teller and asked for money. Two African American males were also involved, one masterminded the crime and the other was a bank teller. One female was given 10 years probation while the other received 2 years jail followed by 8 years probation. The male bank teller was sentenced to 5 years in prison. The mastermind behind the plan received a 10 year prison sentence. This gentleman currently is serving an unrelated 15 year sentence for drug trafficking.

These sentences have raised some questions. Why is there such a discrepancy in the sentences and what role does race play? Some things to consider...what charge did each individual receive and what factors must be considered under Georgia's sentencing laws (See Title 17, Chap. 10), especially concerning someone with a prior criminal record?