During the sentencing of Sherrone Moore, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of just reading off legal jargon and moving on with life, Judge Simpson Cedric decided to add a little commentary, and not the boring kind either.
First, he called Moore out, not in a screaming, TV-drama way. More like that calm, disappointed tone your parents use when you know you messed up. The kind that somehow hurts more than yelling. You could almost hear the invisible “I expected better from you” hanging in the air.
But wait, it gets better. In the middle of all this, the judge took a moment to praise Moore’s wife. Yes, in the middle of a sentencing, because nothing says “life lesson” like getting roasted and complimented in the same breath.
At the sentencing, Judge Simpson directed much of his attention toward Moore’s wife, Kelli, and the role she played.
“There is a certain irony in a lot of this, and it’s a big one, in my opinion,” Simpson said. “The person, quite frankly, Mr. Moore, that is saving you from the full wrath of this court is the one you betrayed.”
Simpson said he didn’t know where Kelli found her strength, saying that as everything was happening, she never once lost her focus and didn’t doubt him.
The judge recalled listening to a call made after Moore was fired, in which Kelli didn’t know where her husband was, but still directed officers on how to find him.
“She said something that was remarkable: ‘Tell him I love him and to come home,’” Simpson said. “Incredible.”
Simpson added that during one of the calls, he could hear the couple’s children in the background.
“What she had to deal with was just an incredible burden,” he said. “She didn’t bat an eye.”
The Judge was all for Kelli Moore’s praises over her conduct in all of this scandal involving her husband and Paige Shiver.
“She was just pointing forward, leaning on her faith, and trying to find a way forward for her family, a way that was inclusive of you,” Simpson said.
“I think in life people sometimes take a lot for granted,” Simpson said. “You, sir, take her for granted.”
Speaking to his wife, the judge added, “I am amazed by you, Ms. Moore. I truly am. I don’t know where it comes from. I think in all honesty, given all the hurt and pain, if we had more people like you in the world, I may be out of a job — but I think this world would be a better place.”
In the end, Moore walked away with probation and a very public reminder to get his act together. Plus, his wife walked away with unexpected praise from the bench. Not a bad day, all things considered.
