Tweeting the names of the boys who sexually assaulted her could land a 17-year-old Kentucky girl in jail. The Kentucky teen became enraged after the teenage boys reached a plea deal that could reduce their sentence or even keep them out of jail. After reaching their plea deal the judge then issued a court order to keep the minors names out of the press.
The girl, Savannah Dietrich, told the Courier-Journal that she felt her attackers received a lenient punishment and that it was her duty to ensure they were not protected for their actions. According to Twitter:
“I’m not protecting anyone that made my life a living Hell .”
Dietrich is so serious about her crusade that she is allowing publications to print her name, something usually protected by media agencies because of the “minor” status.
The attorney for both boys has asked a judge to hold her in contempt for violating the confidentiality of a juvenile hearing and further the judge’s gag order regarding any details about the lawsuit.
The boys attacked Savannah Dietrich in August 2011 after she passed out drunk at a party, later they learned they had taken pictures and shared them with other teenagers.
Dietrich says she ignored the judges gag order and chose to exercise her first amendment right to talk about the case.
If found in contempt of court Savannah could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $500.
The rapists in the meantime have pled guilty to first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor voyeurism and will be sentenced next month.
Dietrich says she was not told about the plea agreement until she appeared in court and the ruling was handed down.
After the court case she tweeted:
“They said I can’t talk about it or I’ll be locked up…..Protect rapist is more important than getting justice for the victim in Louisville.”
In the meantime Dietrich could have tried to get the courts to remove the gag order, then again her story is now more publicly open than it probably would have been had she followed the letter of the law.
I have to applaud the young girl as she isn’t afraid to serve time for her actions as she told the Tampa Bay Times:
“I’m at the point that if I have to go to jail for my rights, I will do it.”
Do you think Savannah Dietrich is a brave teenager standing up for what is right?