Chattanooga: Man gets 25-year term in attempted kidnapping of girl

A Chattanooga man who tried to take a young girl from an East Brainerd Ace Hardware store in 2009 today was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of aggravated kidnapping and attempted rape of a child.

Jeremy Mizell, 37, has psychological problems and had been “huffing” gasoline for the past 19 years, according to a pre-sentencing report.

Defense attorney Brian O’Shaughnessy had argued that the damage from the huffing habit had caused his client’s mental problems and sought a 15-year term, the lightest possible sentence.

“Obviously, we can’t provide an excuse for his behavior,” Mr. O’Shaughnessy said.

The case was heard by Judge Don Poole in Hamilton County Criminal Court.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.