WASHINGTON — A Prince William County veteran facing a year in jail for painting a picnic table at his apartment complex without permission is “overwhelmingly happy” after prosecutors declined to prosecute him.
Mickey Triplett, a Marine and retired corrections officer tells WTOP he “was optimistic and a little nervous and very prayerful” when he entered District Court Monday, facing a misdemeanor charge of destruction of property, which could have resulted in a year behind bars or a $2,500 fine.
In court, Prince William County prosecutors announced they were dropping the charge against the man who painted a weathered wooden picnic table white, to make it presentable for his granddaughter’s visit.
“I am so sorry, I am so deeply sorry that I took the initiative and did it without asking permission,” says Triplett.
Triplett’s attorney told him last week prosecutors would likely decide not to prosecute the former Marine who served from 1980 to 1988, and worked as a D.C. corrections officer for 22 years.
Still, Triplett was concerned that prosecutors would seek to try the case.
“The obligation of a prosecutor is not only to prosecute the guilty, but to protect the innocent,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert tells WTOP. “It’s a case I would not prosecute because it doesn’t belong in a criminal court, in my judgment.”
Ebert, who has sent more murderers to the death chamber than any prosecutor in the country, says he didn’t think Triplett’s was a prosecutable case.
“We would never have been able to prove criminal intent,” says Ebert. “At best it’s a squabble between two parties and something that doesn’t rise to a criminal level.”
Triplett, 53, moved out of Potomac Ridge Apartment shortly after the July incident.
Acknowledging he was scared at the notion of going to jail, Triplett is relieved the matter has been resolved, with the help of his pro bono attorney and the decision by prosecutors.
“I’m in total disbelief that something could go so quickly when the right people get on your side,” Triplett said.
