By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — Deonte Williams, one of the teens accused of being involved in the mob attack that took place in Mount Clemens on May 31, was sentenced on Aug. 26 in Macomb County Circuit Court to 19 to 38 months in the Juvenile Justice Center.

Williams, 17, was originally charged with engaging in a riot, a 10-year felony; and assault with a deadly weapon, a four-year felony. Two misdemeanor charges — malicious destruction of property from $200 to $1,000 and assault or assault and battery —were dropped.

Prosecutors said that Williams was the person who threw a brick through a car window as the vehicle headed down North River Road. When Andy Kauffman, the driver of the car, stopped to confront whomever threw the brick, he was attacked by a mob of people and beaten unconscious.

Judge Edward Servitto, Jr. placed Williams’ term under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, meaning that, if he serves his time without problems and pays appropriate restitution, the counts will be expunged from his record.

For count one, engaging in a riot, Williams was given a sentence of 19 to 38 months in jail. The sentence for count two, assault with a deadly weapon, will run concurrent with the sentence for count one. At the end of 19 months, on March 3, 2010, Williams’ behavior will be reviewed and then the judge will decide if he needs additional jail time, probation or if he has served his sentence.

Williams’ attorney, Larry Kipke, argued that his client was not a ringleader in the mob attack that followed.

“He was not the leader,” he said.

Prosecutor Denise Hart disagreed, stating that it was Williams’ actions that set off the entire chain of events.

“Had he not thrown the brick, this car might not have had to stop and would have continued down the road,” she said.

Kipke said that Williams was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“They weren’t his friends, they weren’t people he normally hung out with,” said Kipke.

Angela Kauffman, Andy’s wife, spoke during the sentencing, asking Servitto not to be lenient on Williams.

“May 31 replays in my head over and over again, until it makes me sick,” she said through tears adding, “I never thought that driving down North River Road that night would change my life forever.”

Kauffman said that her husband isn’t the same, as the beating caused brain damage. She added that he is also a different father to their three children, all boys, ages 9, 7, and 3. Kauffman said that Williams was partially to blame for that.

“It all started with throwing a simple brick through my window,” she said.

Servitto had harsh words for Williams, calling the mob attack, “an act of terror.” He said that just because Williams is young doesn’t mean that he should get a total break.

“At 17, you do know … there are ramifications for your conduct,” he said.

Servitto added that if Williams had any problems while serving his sentence, then things could get a lot tougher.

“If you don’t do well, you may end up in a different prison,” he said, adding, “You’ll pay your debt and still have an opportunity. Don’t blow it.”

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1095.