Attleboro, MA – A former Attleboro High School student accused of painting a swastika on the car and driveway of a Jewish teacher last year was set to plead guilty, but withdrew his plea when the judge wanted a stiffer sentence than what the prosecution and the defense recommended.
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A jury trial in the case against Christian Dorrance, 19, of 575 Wilmarth St., Attleboro, is now set for Sept. 25.
After hearing the facts of the case, Judge Mary White wanted to give Dorrance a six-month jail term, which she suspended for two years with probation, restitution and a letter of apology to Naomi Cordell, now a retired Attleboro High School teacher.
Assistant District Attorney Coli McMahon said the defendants committed the crime allegedly because Dorrance did not like Cordell and believed she was giving him a failing grade. He also believed Cordell did not like him.
McMahon said Dorrance was aware that Cordell was Jewish, and disliked Jewish people. “I can’t think of an act with more malice than what we have here,” McMahon said.
But Attleboro defense lawyer, Bruce Thompson, who represents Dorrance, disputed that Cordell’s faith was a motive in the crime.
Attleboro police have said they did not charge the defendants with a hate crime because they did not have enough evidence to prove a civil rights violation.
The prosecution and defense each gave the judge their own sentencing recommendations.
McMahon wanted Dorrance to be found guilty as charged with a felony. McMahon also wanted Dorrance placed on probation for one year with a letter of apology to Cordell, that he visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and that he pay restitution.
Thompson said his client had no prior criminal record and should only be found guilty of a misdemeanor. He recommended the judge give Dorrance a suspended 30-day jail term with probation for one year.