A Florida prosecutor said this week that he was trying to be "inspirational" when he sent out a Mother's Day message telling "crack hoes" to "tie your tubes."
In a May 11 Facebook message obtained by WKMG, Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Lewis wrote: "Happy Mother's Day to all the crack hoes out there. It' never too late to turn it around, tie your tubes, clean up your life and make difference to someone out there that deserves a better mother."
The station also noted that he had sent out a message two weeks earlier suggesting that Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor would be working at McDonald's if it were not for Affirmative Action.
"Reason enough why no country should ever engage in the practice of Affirmative Action again," the post, which included a photo of the justice, said. "This could be the result. Where would she be if she didn't hit the quota lottery? Here's a hint: 'Would you like to supersize that sir?'"
In another posting, Lewis commented on a 19-year-old suspect that was arrested for breaking into a home.
"They should have shot him in the head, anyone that invades another home in a violent manner should be executed on the spot," he opined in the message.
When WFTV caught up with Lewis on Wednesday, he defended his post about "crack hoes," but insisted that he was too busy to respond to additional questions.
"It's an inspirational message to do the right thing." Lewis said.
Criminal defense attorney Carlus Haynes told WFTV that the explanation was a "cop-out," and called on State Attorney Jeff Ashton to officially reprimand Lewis.
"I would think it would be impossible to at least continue in his position without being reprimanded by his employer," Haynes said.
"Maybe Jeff Ashton can tie his tubes and get him to speak appropriately," Judicial watchdog Dana Jackson of Justice for All Ministries added. "He's a public official and he needs to be reminded of that. He's paid with the tax dollars and he's paid to prosecute and keep the evil off the streets not to degrade mothers."
Ashton, however, told WFTV that he was not going to take any action against Lewis.
"I have been made aware of certain statements attributed to Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Lewis on social media," Ashton said in a statement. "I do not agree with the political sentiments expressed by him and I find some of the words he chose to be both offensive and dehumanizing. Political speech is protected by the first amendment of the United States Constitution and I do not police the private thoughts, views or expressions of those in my employ."
