A Texas judge has taken a firm stance against a “high-risk” teenager sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a convenience store robbery.
“Something has to change,” declared Judge Raquel West after condemning Kayden Fontenette and his accomplices for threatening a store clerk during the incident, as reported by KFDM.
The judge described how Fontenette, 18, along with the others, violently manhandled the staff member before brandishing a weapon at him.
“I can’t imagine the fear that clerk felt just trying to do his job and go home,” she remarked after viewing surveillance footage of the October incident at Bulldog Express.
Fontenette, who reportedly engaged in misconduct while in custody, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery. This prompted lead prosecutor Tommy Coleman to urge the judge to impose a strict sentence.
He emphasized that the community’s safety would improve with Fontenette locked away from society.
“We need to send a clear message: if you decide to commit violence with a firearm, you will face serious prison time—15, 20, or even 25 years,” Coleman stated.
“Please do this for those who simply wish to live in peace.”
Defense attorney Charles Rojas argued for probation, claiming Fontenette was a young offender with a limited criminal past. However, this plea was dismissed by the judge after she noted his troubling behavior in prison.
“It appears you have a propensity for violence in incarceration, which raises serious doubts about your ability to abide by rules outside,” she noted.
“The pre-sentence evaluation indicates you are at a high risk for reoffending.”
The court reacted strongly to the sentence, with Judge West acknowledging it was “severe” but adhering to her decision.
“I hope you choose to make amends,” she stated.
“You have the potential to improve your life. It all depends on you now. Remember, you can always turn back to the bailiff for support.”
Fontenette will need to serve at least half of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.
