Alabama judge sentences man to join military
The Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A judge sentenced a man to join the military for posting a provocative Facebook message about the mass killing at Virginia Tech, but the Army said it doesn't want him until he's off probation.
Originally charged with making a terrorist threat, 23-year-old Zachary Lambert of Montgomery pleaded guilty to a reduced, misdemeanor charge of harassing communications. Circuit Judge Tracey McCooey placed him on probation during a hearing Thursday and ordered him to perform community service, apologize to the community and join the military.
"Military is a good, good thing for you," the judge told Lambert.
Lambert said he thought he had a good chance of being accepted into the service. But Army Sgt. Michael Johnson, a recruiter in Montgomery, said Lambert can't enlist while he is on probation.
McCooey said Lambert's probation can be adjusted if it is an obstacle to joining the military, but she must see a "good faith effort" that he is trying to join.
Lambert was a student at Faulkner University in December when he posted a message on Facebook about breaking the record of the Virginia Tech shooter, who killed 32 people. Faulkner locked down its campus for 45 minutes after learning of the message.
Both sides said they were pleased with the sentence.
"I'd say it's an appropriate outcome," said Lambert's attorney, Bill Blanchard.
Deputy District Attorney Scott Green said McCooey's terms were appropriately strict. "This is a serious set of events, and it needs to be taken seriously," Green said.
To fulfill his 50 hours of community service Lambert must talk to schoolchildren about the consequences of what they say online. The judge said she would accompany him to the appearances.