IN- Judge and prosecutor argue over sex offender plea

10-24-2009 Indiana:

LA PORTE - A plea agreement by a sex offender ignited friction Friday when La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos threatened La Porte County Prosecutor Rob Beckman with jail after the prosecutor shot back in defense of the agreement.

The plea calling for no jail was first strongly defended by La Porte County Deputy Prosecutor Beth Beckman, the prosecutor's daughter, to protect the victim from having to go to trial.

"To force this child to rehash the horrible events that occurred to her on the witness stand in front of a roomful of strangers would be an absolute travesty at this point," Beth Beckman said.

Prosecutor Rob Beckman then quickly stood up to argue on behalf of the plea, which led to a stern warning from the judge.

"You are to sit down and you are not to get up and yell or you will be found in contempt," Alevizos shouted at Rob Beckman as he stood up from the bench with heated remarks.

Beckman fired back with a short but daring response about his rights as a prosecutor to fully argue the case.

In this instance, Beckman said he was trying to explain why the plea works in favor of the now 17-year-old victim by sparing her from going to trial.

"The state of Indiana has an opportunity and right to make its record without interruption from the court," Beckman said.

Alevizos wasn't finished, telling Beckman in a firm tone "one more outburst and I will find you in contempt."

The judge added, "I don't care if you are the prosecuting attorney. You understand that."

Beckman again responded, "If you do that's appropriate, judge. You have to do what you have to do."

Both men quickly regained their composure to resolve the case of Jeffrey Koonce after the victim in the courtroom requested by nodding her head that Alevizos accept plea.

Koonce, 38, of 6944 N. Wilhelm Road was convicted of Class D felony sexual misconduct with a minor.

In 2007, the girl told authorities Koonce on more than one occasion would climb into her bed and perform various sexual acts.

Alevizos was upset the plea agreement negotiated by the defense and prosecutors contained no jail time.

He reluctantly accepted the plea and under the terms sentenced Koonce to one year of work release and three years probation.

In addition, Koonce, under the plea, does not have to register as a sex offender.

Alevizos asked Koonce if he felt it was fair that he not go to jail for "ruining this girl's life."

Koonce replied, "I feel I should get what I deserve."

The judge again emphasized he only accepted the plea at the wishes of the victim and wished her the best of luck in what could be a long emotional recovery.

"God willing, one day, she will be able to move forward," Alevizos said. ..Source.. by Stan Maddux