Dustin Diamond is an American actor best known for playing the character Samuel “Screech” Powers on the popular 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell. However, Diamond made headlines in 2015 when he was convicted of disorderly conduct and conveying and sentenced to 4 months in prison. This article will examine the crimes Diamond committed and the events leading up to his conviction and incarceration.
The Stabbing Incident
On Christmas Day 2014, Diamond was involved in a bar fight in Port Washington, Wisconsin that resulted in a stabbing. According to witnesses, Diamond had allegedly stabbed another man during an altercation at the Grand Avenue Saloon.
Diamond claimed he was defending his fiancée Amanda Schutz and acted in self-defense. He stated that a group of intoxicated men confronted them and one of them grabbed Schutz’s hair, prompting Diamond to brandish a pocket knife and stab the man in the armpit.
However, prosecutors argued that Diamond did not act in self-defense and instead instigated the fight. The stabbing victim and other witnesses disputed Diamond’s account of events.
Arrest and Charges
Diamond was arrested the next day on December 26, 2014 in his home in Port Washington on charges of recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and carrying a concealed weapon.
In January 2015, the reckless endangerment charge was dropped, but Diamond still faced up to 10 years in prison for the two remaining felonies.
However, in May 2015 Diamond accepted a plea deal and pled guilty to two misdemeanors – carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. The plea deal avoided a felony conviction and potential prison time.
Conviction and Sentencing
On June 25, 2015, Diamond was convicted of the two misdemeanor charges. A month later on July 15, 2015, a judge sentenced him to 120 days in jail, or 4 months.
Diamond was also fined $500 for each charge plus court costs, resulting in fines and fees totaling $1,543. He began serving his 4-month sentence immediately after the sentencing hearing.
Why the Prison Sentence?
Even though Diamond only pled guilty to misdemeanors, the judge opted to give him a 4-month jail sentence due to the circumstances of the crimes.
The concealed weapon charge was particularly concerning since it was a pocket knife used to stab someone. The disorderly conduct charge resulted from the altercation and fight that Diamond helped provoke.
Diamond’s actions endangered public safety, resulting in injury. The prison sentence served as punishment and a disincentive for Diamond against engaging in similar criminal behavior again.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 25, 2014 | Diamond involved in a bar fight and stabs a man with a pocket knife |
| December 26, 2014 | Diamond arrested and charged with multiple felonies |
| January 2015 | Reckless endangerment charge dropped |
| May 2015 | Diamond accepts plea deal for two misdemeanors |
| June 25, 2015 | Diamond convicted of two misdemeanors |
| July 15, 2015 | Diamond sentenced to 4 months in jail |
What did Dustin Diamond do?
Dustin Diamond was involved in a bar fight on December 25, 2014 where he stabbed a man with a pocket knife. He was arrested the next day and ultimately convicted of two misdemeanors – carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.
What was Dustin Diamond charged with initially?
Diamond was initially charged with felonies of recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and carrying a concealed weapon for the 2014 stabbing incident. The reckless endangerment charge was later dropped.
What was Dustin Diamond sentenced to?
Diamond was sentenced to 4 months in jail along with fines and fees totaling $1,543 for the two misdemeanor convictions of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.
Why did Dustin Diamond only get convicted of misdemeanors?
Diamond accepted a plea deal where he pled guilty to two misdemeanors, avoiding felony convictions and potential years in prison. The plea deal resulted in a lighter conviction.
How long was Dustin Diamond in prison?
Dustin Diamond served a 4-month jail sentence beginning immediately after his sentencing in July 2015 for his misdemeanor convictions related to the December 2014 stabbing incident.
Conclusion
In summary, Dustin Diamond served a 4-month prison sentence in 2015 for his involvement in a Wisconsin bar fight where he stabbed a man. Though initially charged with felonies, Diamond accepted a plea deal for two misdemeanors of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. The prison time served as punishment for endangering public safety through criminal actions. The incident tarnished Diamond’s reputation as a childhood star on Saved by the Bell. However, he has served his time and moved forward since being released.