Former FSU football player could be first American sentenced to caning in 16 years

A former reserve tight end for Florida State may become the first American in 16 years to be caned in Singapore after he overstayed his visa, according to the Palm Beach Post. Kamari Charlton played for FSU from 1992-’96, and now owns a construction company in his native Bahamas. He was was arrested in Singapore on Sept. 1 for overstaying his 90-day social visit pass, his attorney said. From the Post:

Charlton was in Singapore while his wife received medical care for pregnancy complications, Ravi said. It was not clear why Charlton and his wife chose Singapore for medical treatment.

Staying in Singapore more than 90 days after the end of a visa is punishable with a maximum jail term of six months and at least three cane strokes.

The Attorney General’s office declined to comment on the case. A judge is to meet with lawyers from both sides in a pretrial conference Friday.

If found guilty, Charlton would be the first American citizen caned in Singapore since 1994, when teenager Michael Fay was punished for vandalism.

Charlton attempted to leave Singapore after having been there for 169 days.

Charlton was no stranger to trouble in Tallahassee while a member of the Seminoles. He was arrested in May 1994 on felony rape and simple assault charges. Charlton’s girlfriend accused him of grabbing her by the throat and raping her. He was suspended by then-coach Bobby Bowden and was dismissed from school for the entire 1994-95 season. Hee was also arrested for battery in Tallahassee in 1998, and served community service. From the Orlando Sentinel:

Charlton was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of battery. He was later acquitted of all charges and was reinstated to the team for the 1995-96 season.

Singapore has been strongly criticized by the U.S. and various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, for its caning punishment, in which the victim is strapped to a wooden A-frame and beaten on the buttocks with a wooden rattan.
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Ex-FSU football player faces caning in Singapore [The Palm Beach Post]