Man cleared of shooting judge sentenced on lesser charges
DETROIT -- A man acquitted of shooting a federal judge in Detroit has been sentenced to at least 67 years in prison for other crimes.
Kevin Andre Smith Jr.'s sentence Wednesday was enhanced by his past criminal record. Wayne County Judge Tim Kenny says the public "must be protected from this evil."
The 23-year-old Smith was acquitted of attempted murder in the shooting of Judge Terrence Berg outside his home last year. But jurors convicted Smith of a robbery conspiracy charge and gun crimes in the case.
Attorney John McWilliams says an appeal of the long sentence will be pursued.
Berg's shooting was not related to his job. He says he was shot in the leg after refusing to let two people into his home, although he couldn't identify Smith as the gunman.