James Taric Byrd, 44, formerly of Pittsburgh, did not act out during his two-hour sentencing hearing on convictions for drug and weapons charges. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon warned him when the proceedings began that if he was disruptive in any way, he would be escorted out.
Byrd has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for kidnapping and aggravated assault, and a pending rape case in Allegheny County.
He was facing a prison term of 25 years, but because of that history, he is considered to be a career offender in federal court, and a life sentence was available to Bissoon.
She took it.
“The defendant has demonstrated little or no regard for the law,” Bissoon said. “Life in prison is the only appropriate option. When you are not incarcerated, you commit serious crimes. While incarcerated, your egregious behavior does not abate.
“You’ve terrorized and traumatized those you’ve encountered.”
Anything less than life, Bissoon concluded, would not protect the public.
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