Authorities say the case was dismissed when the boys refused to testify. In April 2008, Rosenthal was charged with third-degree theft after she allegedly stole a minivan in Tukwila, prosecutors said. Kent police said she used a screwdriver to break the ignition and start the vehicle. The charge was later amended to theft of a motor vehicle. Rosenthal was given a deferred disposition — charges would be dropped if she stayed out of trouble — because it was a first-time offense, said Ian Goodhew, deputy chief of staff for Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg. Levias was charged in February 2009 with third-degree assault after she allegedly pushed a King County sheriff's deputy down. According to charging documents, on Feb. 3, 2009, deputies were called to the Ruth Dykeman Children's Center, a Burien center for troubled girls, in response to a report that Levias was being abusive toward staff. When Levias was confronted by Deputy Amy Zarelli, she pushed the female deputy, causing her to fall, charging papers said. Levias was given a deferred disposition because it was a first-time offense, Goodhew said. | |
| Justitia Themis |
I think, based on the above account, It can confidently be said that authorities were too lenient to the troubled teenagers. I think, this has to do with the state of WA in general. Had such a thing took place in the South, the treatment would had been much harsher.