G-20: Early release on parole for David Japenga

Sources have confirmed that David Japenga, the Lawrenceville resident jailed for the unrest during the 2009 G-20 photo-op/summit has been
released on parole, earlier today.

When asked about the proceedings, Patrick K. Nightingale, Mr. Japenga’s defense attorney, stated the following:

I have a great deal of respect for Judge Borkowski and I had the privilege of working with him in the District Attorney’s Office for a number of years. That said, I honestly believe the sentence he handed down to my client, though within the standard range of the sentencing guidelines, was far too harsh considering the nature of the criminal conduct. Judge Borkowski opined at sentencing that my client’s actions placed police officers at risk of bodily injury. The video of the protest which was played during the trial shows protesters walking peacefully past Canine Units that had been deployed to Oakland. Additionally, when my client was arrested he cooperated and did not resist in any way. That said, I am very grateful on David’s behalf that Judge Borkowski granted him early parole so that he may have the opportunity to spend the holidays with family and friends. In the meantime we have filed post-sentencing motions challenging his convictions and will file a Direct Appeal to the Superior Court once those motions are denied.