According to the court documents, the 20-year-old defendant, Christopher, pleaded guilty to ra-ing one young girl and se-ually abusing three others over the course of a year. But, unfortunately,, thanks to the judge’s sympathy, he won’t even set foot inside of a prison cell for any of his crimes. The victims of the defendant are tormented by the fact that their se-ual abuser will not be jailed for his actions. The defendant was formally charged with first-degree ra-e, third-degree ra-e, and se-ual abuse involving multiple minors when he was only 17 years old. The abuse occurred over the course of a year at his home. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree se* abuse, third-degree attempted abuse, and third-degree ra-e.
Per reports, Judge Murphy said in front of Belter and his victims that he agonized over whether or not to imprison the rapist. He then announced that Belter would receive no jail time and just eight years of probation for his crimes because jailing him wouldn’t be an appropriate sentence. Judge Murphy went on to say that he came to his decision based on the ra-ist’s age at the time of the crimes. The defendant was 16 or 17 when he ra-ed a teen girl and se-ually abused three others, whose ages ranged from 15 to 16 years.
“I agonized — I’m not ashamed to say that I actually prayed over what is the appropriate sentence in this case. because there was great pain. There was great harm — There were multiple crimes committed in the case,” Judge Murphy explained. “It seems to me that a sentence that involves incarceration or partial incarceration isn’t appropriate, so I am going to sentence you to probation.” Although the defendant is required to register as a se* offender, he received a sentence of two years interim probation which, if completed, will earn him Youthful Offender status. His probation restrictions include no contact with minors, living with his parents, employment or full-time student status, and no internet. “It’s going to be like a sword hanging over your head for the next eight years,” Judge Murphy remarked.
Christopher’s victims learned in court that he would receive no jail time. Understandably, they were stunned and disgusted with the judge’s decision. One of the victim’s attorneys attributed the merciful sentence to Christopher’s race and economic status. “I am deeply, deeply disappointed. I expected a different outcome today,” declared Cohen, attorney. “Justice was not done today. He is privileged. He comes from money. He is white. He was sentenced as an adult, appropriately — for an adult to get away with these crimes is unjust.”
