“I Just Want a Little Justice” Judge Sentences Kidnapping Rapist to 50 Years in Prison
On Monday, Willie Harvey, 44, was convicted of kidnapping, robbery, fleeing police, grand theft, resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license.
According to the arrest report, in 2019, Harvey kidnapped the victim in Georgia and raped her before taking her to Florida in her vehicle.
While driving through Gainesville, Harvey and the victim stopped at a Circle K.
Harvey, who had been smoking narcotics during the incident, ordered the victim to enter the store and buy him Brillo pads. The victim entered the store and took the opportunity to call 911. This led Gainesville Police Department officers to conduct a vehicle chase on Harvey, which ended with him crashing.
The victim had never seen Harvey in her life prior to the kidnapping.
On April 6, 2025, Harvey requested a plea deal that would grant him an eight-year prison sentence, and it was accepted by Judge Denise Ferrero.
On April 14, 2025, Harvey asked Ferrero to revoke his plea deal, saying he didn’t intend to take an open plea. Some plea deals come with a prior sentencing agreement between the prosecutor and defense, while open pleas leave sentencing up to the judge’s discretion.
Harvey told Ferrero, "I want to plead no contest which means you have to stay within the guidelines… I want to put a cap on it… I do have a life outside these walls. I just want a little justice.”
Ferrero denied the motion.
Harvey asked Ferrero to revoke his plea deal once more on July 22, and she again denied the motion.
Ferrero later convicted Harvey on all his charges and sentenced him to 50 years in prison.
At 44 years of age, Harvey will likely die in prison.
