By Sophia Kazmi
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 02/28/2011 10:57:48 AM PST
Updated: 02/28/2011 06:28:39 PM PST
STOCKTON -- A Tracy man, who will spend a minimum of 18 years and eight months in state prison for torturing a teenage boy, told the court Monday that he did not do it.
Anthony Waiters, 31, who was convicted in November, said he was dumbfounded when a jury found him guilty. He maintained his innocence before San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Terrence Van Oss pronounced his sentence Monday.
He told the court he has love and respect for "Mr. Kyle" and his family.
"I'm not a malevolent person," Waiters said.
A jury found Waiters guilty of torture, two counts of aggravated mayhem and six other charges for physically abusing Kyle Ramirez.
Kyle was 16 when he escaped Dec. 1, 2008, from the Tennis Lane home of Waiter's neighbors. Kyle ran to a nearby gym, begging for help. Emaciated, bloody and scarred, he wore nothing but boxer shorts and a chain around his ankle.
Van Oss, who said that this case is the most bizarre he has ever seen, sentenced Waiters to three life terms to be served concurrently for the torture and aggravated mayhem charges. Waiters received 11 years, eight months for the remaining charges, time that must be served before the life sentences kick in. Also, Waiters must serve seven years of the life sentences before he may be considered for parole.
Waiters is the last of four people arrested in the case to be sentenced. In December, his neighbors Kelly Lau and Michael Schumacher, and Kyle's former-guardian, Caren Ramirez, were each sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for their part in the abuse. more at link:
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