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State prison plans: mental therapy or torture?
"Green Scare" case near resolution: defendants won’t finger others
Somerville Five
Ten Lessons from the Criminalization of Dissent
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Mixed verdict appealed by Anderson, Belfon; Sept. trial for remaining Somerville 5 defendants
Earlier reports may be found on this website in Bridge number 13, detailing the eight-day trial of Calvin Belfon, Jr and Isaiah Anderson of the Somerville Five.
Calvin Belfon, Jr and Isaiah Anderson, whose week-long trial ended in a mixed verdict, were sentenced June 29 to two years probation and fifty hours of community service.
Justice Janet L. Sanders rejected the DA’s call for three years of probation for Belfon and three years in the House of Correction for Anderson.
There was an audible groan from supporters when jail time was mentioned by prosecuting attorney John Venner.
Defense attorneys Willie Davis and Mark Shea argued that the decisions of the jury were self-contradictory and not justified by the facts presented. They asked how their clients could have been resisting arrest the evidence did not indicate any arrest being made before any alleged acts of resistance took place.
Sanders observed that the defendants had clearly not come to Medford with any intent to commit crime. The initial confrontation soon became “something of a melée,” for which “all the blame could not be pinned onto the defense.”
The judge was impressed with Belfon and Anderson’s exemplary school records and prospects. “They clearly have the support of family and friends in the community,” she added, looking out at the crowded benches.
After the sentencing, the people milled about in the hallways for awhile. Although obviously relieved that sentences did not involve jail time, most were indignant that the police could attack innocent youth with impunity.
Attorney Shea had maintained that Anderson had a legal right to defend himself and his friends against the excessive and unwarranted force used against them by the Medford cops.
The incident took place in April 20, 2005 outside the site of a carnival adjacent to the police and fire station in West Medford. By the time the Somerville High School students arrived, the carnival had been closed down by the authorities because of an earlier incident in which none of them was involved.
The five were part of a group of a dozen youths who were heading out of Medford after being ordered to leave the area by Medford cops.
At one point officer Mike Pellegrino approached Belfon and struck him. Within minutes Medford cops were spraying mace and beating one youth with a flashlight.
All five were initially suspended by Somerville's then Superintendent of Schools Albert Argenziano under a provision of the 2003 Bush-Kennedy “No Child Left Behind” Act.
Isaiah Anderson and Calvin Belfon Jr. remained suspended, depriving Somerville of its elected 2005-6 football captains. After being denied transfer by other area schools including Watertown and Cambridge, they entered East Boston High. Their high school graduation took place during their trial.
Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Jr. defended the actions of his officers. But at a May 17 public forum on racism sponsored by the city's mayor, he conceded “we have a long way to go,” and said he was willing to consider a civilian police review board.
The International Action Center and Women's FightBack have led the effort to support the Somerville Five and their families from the beginning of their ordeal. Other supporters have come from Greater Love Tabernacle, Green-Rainbow Party, and the Nation of Islam.
Three other members of the Somerville Five are being tried as juveniles. That trial is expected to take place in September.