Joe Hundley slapped a baby so hard on a flight it left a scratch. Like many do he ran to AA meetings, most likely to impress the judge in hoping for a lighter sentence. We shall see on Monday. Actually many people who abuse children go to AA and NA meeting to comply with family court. 

Man in toddler slapping case to be sentenced

Sunday, January 5, 2014

ATLANTA (AP) — A man who admitted to having slapped a crying toddler on an Atlanta-bound flight is set to appear in court Monday for sentencing.

Joe Rickey Hundley pleaded guilty in October after reaching a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Hundley used a racial slur to refer to the 19-month-old boy and then hit him under the right eye as the flight from Minneapolis began its descent to the Atlanta airport, authorities have said.

The misdemeanor simple assault charge carries a possible prison sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to $100,000. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of six months in prison, but Hundley reserved his right to argue for a lower sentence. Prosecutors are not recommending any specific fine. Hundley has agreed to pay any restitution ordered by the court.

The judge is not required to follow the recommendations in the plea agreement when he sentences Hundley.

The agreement also requires Hundley to enter a drug or alcohol treatment program and attend anger management classes. He told the judge in October that he had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings almost daily since March and has already enrolled in an anger management class. Continue reading →