UW-Madison student Denzel McDonald has been referred to the Community Restorative Court after being arrested for 11 counts of graffiti on campus buildings.
Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne made the decision to place McDonald in the restorative diversion program. He discussed the plan with the accused and his attorney April 28.
“When we look at diversion we look for appropriate ways to address behavior in the community,” Ozanne said. “When people are accepting of responsibility, diversion can be a very strong tool to get to the cause of what brings someone to the system and address an incident in a manner that does not settle someone with a criminal conviction or even a potential charge, but still addresses the situation, holds someone accountable, and repairs the harm.”
The Community Restorative Court program requires McDonald to meet with counselors and abide by an agreement with them in order to complete the program. According to Ozanne, in cases of property damage individuals like McDonald face restitution, community service and/or are required to write letters of apology. The program is individualized to meet the needs of each participant.
According to Ozanne, if McDonald successfully completes the program he will not be charged. Failure to do so would bring his case back to the district attorney, who would “decide about a formal criminal charge and address the conduct in the formal criminal justice system.”
Details about his pending graduation and return of his personal belongings cannot be discussed until McDonald completes the program and his case is closed. UW-Madison administration had no comment on the issue.
