Photo Credit: Alex Wong / Getty Images
Kim Kardashian continues to seek justice for those who have been held in prison unlawfully. The beauty icon turned criminal reform advocate, is assisting a Pennsylvania man to freedom after his sentence was lessened.
David Sheppard was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison for his contribution to a 1992 robbery where his accomplice shot and killed a man. Since completing 25 of those years behind bars, Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, released him. Unfortunately, Sheppard was re-arrested and relocated to Delaware County jail upon his release.
Authorities with Delaware County claim an outstanding 1992 warrant from a shoplifting incident was the cause for his arrest. Sheppard was accused of taking 5 pairs of jeans that came to a total of $324.95 from the Jeans West Store, which is now closed. This warrant was set out prior to his 30-year conviction.
Kim expressed her concern about the case on Twitter.
This morning after serving 25yrs David Sheppard was due to be released – instead he remains in custody over a 30yr old shoplifting case
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 6, 2019
This is sheer abuse of prosecutorial authority on the part of the district attorney’s office and a shameful waste of public resources
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 6, 2019
This morning Sheppard is scheduled to meet with a judge, and Kim hopes he can reunite with his loved ones.
David Sheppard should have been reunited with his family, but he remains in custody and must appear in court on Monday in Delaware County
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 6, 2019
It’s imperative that the judge corrects this wrong on Monday so he can regain the freedom he so rightfully deserves
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 6, 2019
In reaction to the backlash that Kim ignited, Delaware County Attorney, Katayoun M. Copeland, said, “The current climate of the criminal justice system: convicted felons are being empowered and extended leniency at the direct expense of victims and their families…The issue here is not about a shoplifting charge it is the complete failure of the criminal justice system to give victims and their families a voice.”
This will be one of Copeland’s last cases as Jack Stollsteimer will be taking her seat in office. Stollsteimer’s campaign is centered around reform and he says, “I’m looking forward to reviewing his case and trying to understand why anybody thinks it’s in the interest of justice and the best use of public resources to hold this man accountable for a crime that happened 27 years ago…There has to be a reason. It can’t just be that we’re being vindictive.”
