Rawls sentenced, granted HYTA status
CMU running back Thomas Rawls confers with his attorney, Thomas Hausmann, after Judge Mark Duthie delivers his sentence Tuesday in Isabella County Trial Court.
Central Michigan University running back Thomas Rawls was sentenced to probation and community service under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which allows first-time offenders to clear their record from the public after successfully completing the terms of probation.
"I'm grateful that it's over with and finished, I had great support not only from my attorney but also my family friends teammates and people around this campus," Rawls said. "It's finished. I'm moving forward from it."
Rawls pleaded guilty to one count of attempted larceny in a building, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $1,000 fine. In exchange, Rawls agreed to assist authorities by helping identify and testifying against others involved in the purse theft case.
Isabella County Judge Mark Duthie followed the plea agreement, sentencing Rawls to a 12-month probation period, 104 hours of community service to be completed in nine months and various fines and restitution costs.
According to Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Police, on April 8 Rawls and a friend used a credit card stolen from the purse of a 62-year-old Holly woman and purchased sub sandwiches and gasoline. The total purchase was $33.75.
Rawls testified that he moved the purse to the floor so his friend could steal it.
"I make mistakes and I made a bad decision," Rawls said. "I suffered the consequences and now the only thing I can do is move forward from it."
Attorney Tom Hausmann cited Rawls' cooperation with police after the incident as proof of his remorse. Rawls turned himself in to police soon after having knowledge of the warrant out for his arrest.
“When this incident happened, Mr. Rawls and the decision that he made, showed a great deal of immaturity,” Hausmann said. “Since that time, Mr. Rawls has shown a great level of maturity in regards to taking care of this matter.”
Rawls could be sentenced up to a month in jail if his he violates the terms of his probation. Duthie also allowed Rawls to leave the state for any CMU football-related activities.
“I want to apologize to the Central Michigan football team, the athletic director, coaches and also my teammates,” Rawls said. “I also want to apologize to the university as a whole, from the students and the teachers, and also to the city of Mount Pleasant.”
