G-20: Early release on parole for David Japenga

Dec. 14, 2010 Pittsburgh Examiner

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.