I made a deal with the court: I change my plea of not guilty to guilty and after six months the charges will be sealed from my record. This is what my lawyer advised me to do so I did, and I have regretted it every day since. I regret not sticking with my defense until the end, sticking with the truth. I paid a fine of $370 dollars and I have 30 days of community service to do before February while at the same time being a full time student at Henderson and trying to make enough money to pay rent and bills. Thanks Hot Springs justice system. You sure taught me a lesson; the justice system works not to ensure that truth and justice prevail, but to make the decisions in favor of the interests of those whose vote puts the gavel into his or her hand and also make the city's image look the best.
(***Skylar Nalls is currently a student majoring in History with a minor in photography at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. His recent actions have not only been in the photographing of Officer Joey Williams choking Jarrod Graham, but include a protest on the reinstatement of Officer Joey Williams back on the police force; a candle light vigil to denounce police brutality; and a historical walk on foot with skateboarders to the Little Rock Capitol from down town Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Afterword by Jason C. Waite
About This "Hot Springs 6" Incidence:
Skylar Nalls who witnessed Officer Joey Williams of the Hot Springs Police Department choke his friend, wrote this poignant and heartfelt blog about the "Hot Springs 6" incident of June 21st, 2007 in down town Hot Springs tourist area of Hot Spring, Arkansas.For those of you who don't know, Officer Joey Williams of the Hot Springs Police department was caught red handed on video tape, and with a camera choking 13 year old- Jarrod Graham.
Previously there has been a strong public disinformation campaign to silence the "Hot Springs 6" youths, but is now steadily fading due to the proof of the video and the resistance of those to speak out about the truth.
Jarrod Graham along with several other youths were illegally skateboarding on June 21st 2007 in down town Hot Springs, Arkansas. Jarrod Graham that day received a choking and arrest instead of a ticket, as the local city ordinance states is the fair and just punishment for such a violation. Many of the other of the "Hot Springs 6" youths were chased, headlocked, harrased, and arrested.
No concrete evidence proves Officer Joey Williams of the Hot Springs Police Department said "Stop". Officer Williams alleged he said stop after he choked Jarrod Graham, but no solid concrete evidence exists like the video that he made such a statement.
Here's a link to the petition to re-investigate Officer Joey Williams and to hold his violent and despotic actions accountable. Please consider signing it.
(***Jason C. Waite currently resides in Texas and has started a nonprofit by the name of United Aid due to his experience with this issue.)
