Judge Scolds Fast Food Worker, Tells Him to Get a 'Real Job'
The judge at the center of one controversy after making claims about a rape victim in his court is now at the center of another controversy. Judge G. Todd Baugh told a young man charged with vandalism to get a "real job" so that he can pay back his victims.
Brandon Daniel Turell was sentenced to 10 years in custody of the state department of corrections and ordered to pay $13,600 in restitution to his victims," the Billings Gazette reported. He and a co-defendant, Caleb Channing Powers, used a stolen BB gun to shoot out the windows of 100 vehicles and one house back in 2012.
"I'm very sorry for everything I've done," Turell told Judge Baugh.
When the judge asked what he had been doing to pay back his victims, Turell said that he had gotten a job at a local Burger King, which pays $9.50 per hour.
"Why can't you get a real job?" Judge Baugh asked, before telling the young man that he needs to get a "real job" to pay back his expenses.
Many have been taken aback at the judge's harsh words for the young man and wonder why he would say such a thing, knowing that many are struggling to find employment.
"Since the judge appears to be an expert on 'real jobs' maybe he can suggest some so all the minimum wage workers here in Billings can get some 'real jobs,'" Bruce Bochy posted on the Gazette's website.
"I have more respect for this young man working at Burger King than I do this Judge sitting on the bench. It truly does not matter where he works – if he is holding down a job, trying to mend his ways, more power to him. Judge Baugh needed to step down a long time ago and this is just a reminder of why he should," added Luci Wolfe Synek.
Judge Baugh is currently facing his own penalty for saying that a 14-year-old rape victim looked "older than her chronological age." He could be publicly censured and/or suspended for his remarks.