Shomari Mcbride Court Story

Megan Donoghue

A 30-year-old Orlando man, who was charged on counts of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation in August of 2002, appeared at the Orange County Courthouse on April 12 to receive his final sentencing.
Shomari Mcbride, who lives at 1352 W. Kaley St. in Orlando, plead nolo contendere in February on the count of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, a first-degree felony.
Nolo contendere means to plea no contest, or standing mute. In Florida, a first-degree felony can lead to up to 30 years in prison.
The female victim showed up to the sentencing with her two guardians. She wrote on a piece of scrap paper what she would like Mcbride to know and gave it to her attorney to read aloud.
“I would like to let Mr. Shomari know that I have forgiven him for what he did to me and I hope and pray that time allows God to minister in his heart and protect children from now on,” said the victim’s attorney for the victim. “I also would like to ask for an apology.”
Due to the fact that Mcbride plead nolo contendere, he did not chose to apologed.
Judicial Officer Marc L. Lubet found Mcbride guilty and sentenced the defendant to two years in the Department of Corrections followed by 10 years on sex offender probation and designated him a sexual predator pursuant.
Mcbride requested the ability to still have contact with his children during his probation period.
“I have no problem with that but that will be up to your probation,” Lubet said. “I’m not objecting to it, but there are legal conditions that I have no authority over.”
The legal conditions are up to Mcbride’s sexual offender probation.
According to the Florida Statute, there are several conditions the defendant must abide by while serving sex offender probation. Some of which include a curfew, limits as to where they can live, participation in a sex offender treatment program and several more pertaining to crimes committed with victims under the age of 18.
Mcbride signed an agreement to the sex offender probation, which may change by the time he has to serve his probation time.
Mcbride’s public defender, Beth Bourdon, spoke after Mcbride was taken away in handcuffs.
“Shomari is lucky he received the sentencing that he did and he fully understands the importance of completing his sex offender probation.” Bourdon said. “He just hopes he will have the ability to keep contact with his kids.”
The victim didn’t request any counseling and will not be receiving restitution.
“All I wanted was an apology,” said the victim. “It’s been a long time and now I am just glad that it is over.”
The public can request information about sexual predators in their communities by contacting 1-888-FL-PREDATOR.