In an emotionally charged testimony before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, Stephen Federico voiced his anguish and frustration over the justice system's handling of repeat offenders. His 22-year-old daughter, Logan, was brutally murdered in her sleep in May at a friend's home in Columbia, South Carolina, by a man with a staggering criminal past.
"He should have been in jail for over 140 years for all of the crimes he committed," said Stephen Federico, highlighting the suspect's extensive criminal history.
The suspect, Alexander Devonte Dickey, 30, had been arrested 39 times and charged with 25 felonies over a decade, yet had served less than 600 days in jail. During the hearing in Washington, D.C., Federico lamented, "He should have been in jail for over 140 years for all of the crimes he committed."
The tragic incident underscores a systemic issue that has allowed individuals like Dickey to evade significant jail time despite lengthy criminal records. Federico's daughter's story is not an isolated one, echoing the case of Iryna Zarutska, who was also killed by a repeat offender. The hearing grew tense when Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC) mistakenly referred to a photo of Logan as Zarutska, igniting Federico's fury.
Driven by his grief, Federico is now championing "Logan's Law," a proposed federal mandate to enhance communication between counties, compel prosecutors to consider an offender's full criminal history, and close loopholes in the justice system. His initiative has won the support of Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) and others in Congress.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has also taken a strong stance, urging Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson to seek the death penalty against Dickey. However, Gipson has criticized the pressure as "reckless, irresponsible and unethical," citing the need for due diligence.
The case has further political implications, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) accusing Wilson of politicizing the situation. Mace has requested that federal prosecutors take over to ensure justice for Logan Federico, as reflected in her tweet condemning Wilson's public comments.
Federico's raw and unscripted testimony represents a turning point in the national conversation about criminal justice reform. His personal loss has become a catalyst for potential legislative change, shining a light on the delicate balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and the rights of victims and their families.
