posted December 6, 2004
A Marion County man must spend 10 months in federal custody for a crossburning incident two years ago.
Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar set the sentence for Johnny Pittman at the lower end of the range.
His attorney, Rita LaLumia, asked for leniency, saying Pittman was arrested after he became remorseful and went to the mixed race couple to apologize.
The government opposed any leniency, saying Pittman had first denied his involvement when questioned by the FBI. Later that day, he admitted he had done it.
Ms. LaLumia said it was done at a time when Pittman was struggling with drug and alcohol problems. She said he is "a different man" now.
Constance Lilly told Judge Edgar the incident had been traumatic for the family, saying three of their six children had seen the cross burning.
She said afterwards that Pittman should have gotten a longer sentence.
Mrs. Lilly is white and her husband, Edmond Lilly, is black. She said they are the only black family in the small community of Sequatchie.
She said people still come by and holler at the family or blow their horn, but she said it has died down. She said the couple enjoys full support from their church.
Mr. Lilly said when Pittman came to them, he suggested "that we team up together against the Mexicans."
Mrs. Lilly said, "He needs to pay for what he did - even if he did apologize."
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