Billboard Attackers Can Have Records Cleared

Billboard attackers can have records cleared

Two University of Michigan students convicted of defacing a North Main Street billboard they viewed as sexist can have their criminal convictions wiped off their records if they successfully complete the terms of a deferred sentence.

Jennifer Akfirat and Mary Jane Emanoil, both 21, accepted the terms of the deferred sentence outlined last week by 15th District Court Judge George W. Alexander. The two were convicted by a jury May 23 of painting over a Canadian whiskey advertisement on the roof of a store on North Main Street at West Ann. It pictured a woman wearing a velvet dress and lying down.

Ronald D. Rinker, chief probation officer for the 15th District Court, said Akfirat and Emanoil could have their convictions expunged by Alexander if they pay $180 in court costs, put in 72 hours of community service and pay recommended restitution to the Central Advertising Company, the firm which put up the billboard.

“Of course if they are convicted of any other criminal act within the one-year probationary period they can be returned to court and sentenced immediately,” Rinker said. “If they satisfactorily complete the terms of their deferred sentence before the year is up the judge could consider closing the case."

Rinker noted the community service work must be for a non-profit, non-political Ann Arbor agency which has been approved by Alexander.

The judge said the amount of restitution to be paid Central Advertising will be determined after Rinker meets with officials from the sign company.

“There probably will be some allowance made for the actual value of the sign at the time of the defacing. We won’t know the exact amount until a value determination has been made,” Alexander said.