Update! “Bartow Bomb” student Kiera Wilmot will not face criminal charges

Update – The Wilmots will not need to be in court defending Kiera against felony charges, but the matter of her expulsion remains. Also, the fund being established by family attorney Larry Hardaway (still sketchy on details) is for Kiera’s “welfare and care,” not only legal fees. Kiera’s mother Marie is a single mother, and Kiera has a twin sister. Kiera and her sister will both be of college age next year.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/316768/250/Bartow-Bomb-student-will-not-face-criminal-charges

The statement from the State Attorney’s Office in dismissing the case:

http://www.wtsp.com/assetpool/documents/130515034006_Statement%205-15-2013.pdf

Good news.

Formerly titled “Don’t Forget: Kiera Wilmot Defense Fund”

I have come across as a hard ass on the Kiera Wilmot case, because I cite the law, see how the law is in at least 16 other states, and report other cases in Florida and elsewhere in which young men (all male as I have seen), as young as eleven and 12 years old are arrested and charged with felonies for setting off bottle bombs. Those who did it on school grounds are also expelled or banned from campus. I am unsure of the racial aspect in the Wilmot case, as I see it as a zero tolerance issue.

It doesn’t mean I believe what is happening to Kiera is fair, even if enforcing the rules or laws evenly is “fair”. I have expressed my support. With my wallet.

I received this message from Angelle Wolf regarding her crowdtilt campaign “Help Kiera with her legal bills – she was expelled and arrested for a felony after a harmless science mistake”

https://www.crowdtilt.com/campaigns/help-keira-with-her-legal-bills-she-was-expelled-and-charged-with-felony-after-a-harmless-science-mistake

Hello fellow Kiera supporters! I have a big update on our efforts to help Kiera with her legal defense against the unfair treatment by her school and local authorities. But first — I just wanted to say that I’ve been floored with your support and generosity for this campaign. We’ve raised almost $7,500 for Kiera’s cause… and we’re making a truly meaningful difference in this budding scientist’s young life!!

I’m happy to say that — with some help from the Crowdtilt team — we’ve contacted Kiera’s legal representation and figured out exactly how we’re going to disburse the funds to her. Her lawyer is Larry Hardaway, a public servant with a history of helping juveniles get back on their feet after unfortunate circumstances like this one. Kiera’s mom is a single parent with limited finances, but her attorney is already hard at work on Kiera’s full defense against the felony charges and the injustice done to her by the local school district. He’s fighting against any lasting record of this incident in her school records, as it would be terrible if this situation hindered her bright future academic prospects. I’m glad she’s in the right hands with her legal defense.

Her lawyer has helped establish a formal trust with a local bank in Florida, called the “Kiera Wilmot Defense Fund”, with Kiera’s mother as the trustee. It’s allocated specifically for Kiera’s legal defense and also for her welfare and care, as these circumstances have certainly left the family shocked. So we’ll be contributing our collected funds from this campaign directly to her trust, and you can be rest assured that the funds will be given directly to Kiera’s legal defense and general well-being.

I’ve also extended the campaign a few days, because we still have to push to hit our $20,000 goal! I know it’s ambitious, but the whole nation’s eyes are on Kiera and her predicament. You all have done amazing work getting the word out so far, but if you could just email/share/tweet to a few more friends and colleagues, I think we still have a chance of making an even more significant contribution to Kiera’s righteous fight. It’s the least we can do for her cause, and to set an amazing example for young women interested in science!!!

Thank you all so much for your love and support. 🙂

I have not found information for this official Kiera Wilmot Legal Defense Fund set up by the family’s attorney Larry Hardaway, I am waiting to hear from him – but for now, the crowdtilt funds will go directly to that fund. I have also read of other funds being collected in Kiera’s name, links can be found at the page below

http://blogs.agu.org/wildwildscience/2013/05/02/kiera-wilmot-you-are-my-hero/

The reason I am coming out in support of Kiera Wilmot is because I am seeing support quickly sputtering out, like her 15 days of fame are up. I gave last week via the crowdtilt campaign, and the giving has increased little since then. The newer campaigns, “Kiera Wilmot Scholarship & Defense Fund” at indiegogo and “Kiera Wilmot Scholarship Fund” at gofundme, have less than $200 each, despite raising money for 11 or 12 days at this writing.

That’s sad.

The school authorities in Kiera’s school district have their phones and e-mail system bogged down with support for Kiera. I believe the point has been made.

What Kiera’s family needs is money. That’s according to attorney Larry Hardaway, who says they can’t do all they want to do for her defense. I don’t expect support to come for free, especially since he has helped a number of other young people. Her mother is a single mother. Kiera and her twin sister (don’t forget she has one) are due for college next year.

Please make a donation.

I know I’ve asked if it’s fair that the many other young people who’ve been arrested, charged with felonies, or who’ve been kicked out of school do NOT have the positive news coverage or support Kiera Wilmot has received. Certainly no reports of donations.

It’s not fair. It’s also my right not to worry about them.

If you support Kiera Wilmot, please make a donation, for her.