Third juvenile sentenced for role in party fight

NEWARK — A third juvenile has been sentenced for his role in a fight at a party on Martinsburg Road in May.

Prophet Johnson, 13, had previously admitted to assault, a first-degree misdemeanor, and aggravated riot, a fourth-degree felony in Licking County Juvenile Court.

Johnson participated in a fight at a party on the 7500 block of Martinsburg Road on May 9 and 10 that escalated to a brawl. Johnson threw a plastic table and several punches during the fracas, which left two people with stab wounds and numerous others with cuts, scrapes and bruises.

Magistrate Jeffrey Plunkett told Johnson during the hearing he had two options: be committed to the Ohio Department of Youth Services or be screened for a treatment facility, which would be a longer process before he was released. While probation is a sentencing option, Plunkett said he would not consider it because of Johnson’s behavior while on probation in a previous case.

Johnson’s attorney, Ruth Ellen Weaver, and his guardian ad litem both argued that Johnson had potential and an upside if he got treatment.

Weaver said her client had achieved trustee status while at the Multi-County Juvenile Detention Facility and had only four write-ups in more than 110 days in custody.

“He’s 13 years old,” Weaver said. “He’s had a bumpy life but not because of his actions, until recently.”

After a 10-minute recess to discuss his options with his mother and attorney, Johnson elected to go to DYS, where he will serve a minimum of six months, with credit for 112 days served. He could be held until his 21st birthday, depending on his behavior while in custody.

Plunkett said he believed treatment was the best option for Johnson, however, he agreed to order him to DYS because he did not feel Johnson would cooperate with a treatment program if he was forced to go.

Johnson will have to serve some time on parole after his release, which could be by Thanksgiving.

“As far as this court goes, you’ll have a clean slate when you get out,” Plunkett said.

If Johnson were to get in trouble again, Plunkett said he would not take it easy on Johnson.

“It’s up to you whether you come back to see me or not,” he said. “Your future really is in your own hands.”

Johnson’s two juvenile codefendants, 16-year-old William Wilson Jr. and 15-year-old Ricc’quawaun Chatmon, were each sentenced to two years in juvenile detention for their roles. Wilson admitted to stabbing two people, while Chatmon admitted to robbing at least one person at knifepoint.

Two adults have also been charged in relationship to the party. Ramon Smith, 24, is scheduled for trial later this month on charges of felonious assault, aggravated robbery and aggravated riot. Smith is Johnson’s half-brother.

Marques Wells, 24, was arrested last month and charged with aggravated robbery. A grand jury is scheduled to hear his case in the coming weeks to determine if additional charges will be filed.