In the aftermath of the widely televised images of looting in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana is getting tough on looters with one judge handing out maximum 15-year sentences to three people convicted looting.
Using a new Louisiana law that took effect just two weeks before Katrina hit the Gulf Coast city, a Kenner, Louisiana judge sentenced Coralnelle Little, 36, Rhonda McGowen, 42, and Paul C. Pearson, 36, to 15 years in prison after they were found guilty of looting liquor, wine and beer from a grocery store.
The new law calls for a minimum of three years and a maximum of 15 years for anyone convicted of looting during an emergency.
The three were convicted of carrying away 27 bottles of liquor and wine, six cases of beer and one case of wine coolers, six days after Katrina hit.
Attorneys for the three plan to appeal the sentence.
See Also:
Katrina Looters Get 15 Years in Prison
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