Community Impact Statement Workshop

Please join the Mayor’s Office of GLBT Affairs, Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV), and the US Attorney’s Office-DC for a Community Impact Statement Workshop on January 8, 2014. This workshop will focus on the case of Michael Poth, an ex-Marine who earlier this month was found guilty of manslaughter for the stabbing of Lance Corporal Phillip Bushong along 8th St., S.E. in April 2012. Prior to stabbing Bushong, Poth used anti-gay slurs against him. Bushong, who was heterosexual, was socializing with an openly gay friend across the street from the Marine Barracks when the stabbing occurred. By writing a community impact statement, you can weigh in on the impact this crime has had on you and the community at large. Since the presiding judge will review these statements prior to sentencing, you can potentially impact the severity and length of Poth’s sentence. While this workshop focuses on the Poth case, there are several upcoming cases in which community impact statements will be sought. This workshop is an excellent forum for learning more in general about community impact statements and how you can make your community safer.