Recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling might have implications for Columbia Borough's policy of excessive fines

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that the Constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines applies to state and local governments, limiting their abilities to impose fines and seize property.

“For good reason, the protection against excessive fines has been a constant shield throughout Anglo-American history: Exorbitant tolls undermine other constitutional liberties,” Ginsburg wrote. “Excessive fines can be used, for example, to retaliate against or chill the speech of political enemies. . . . Even absent a political motive, fines may be employed in a measure out of accord with the penal goals of retribution and deterrence.”

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February 20: Borough Office now closed. HARB meeting cancelled

Columbia man gets no relief from 62-year sentence for firing at officers in Columbia in 2016

Marquell Rentas

A Columbia man serving up to 62 years in prison for shooting at police will get no relief from a state appellate court.

The Pennsylvania Superior Court found the punishment - 30½ to 62 years in prison – was appropriate for what Marquell Rentas did in Columbia on July 29, 2016.

Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson presented evidence at trial that Rentas fired at a 27-year veteran officer, who was one of many officers who responded to a shots-fired call on Bethel Street.

The jury convicted Rentas of attempted murder of a law-enforcement officer, conspiracy, assault of a law-enforcement officer and reckless endangerment.

Rentas, in a request for relief, claimed the sentence was cruel and unusual and a violation of his constitutional rights, considering no officers were injured in the incident.

The appellate court, in its opinion, wrote that Rentas failed to establish how the sentence "is grossly disproportionate to his crime of attempting to severely injure or kill a law enforcement officer by firing a high-powered rifle at him."

The sentence, ordered by Lancaster County President Judge Dennis E. Reinaker, was "entirely rational" regardless of whether an officer was struck, the appellate court wrote.

Columbia police Detective Matthew Leddy filed charges.

Source:

Lancaster County District Attorney's Office

Columbia Borough School District closed Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Columbia Borough School District closed Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Hooked on Crocheting Tuesday night at the Library

Columbia Borough Meetings - Week of February 18, 2019

Did you know Senator Barack Obama visited the Columbia Market House in 2008?

Columbia History - Did you know?

Happy Presidents' Day!

Did you know Senator Barack Obama visited the Columbia Market House during a campaign stop on September 4, 2008?

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