The Short Defense
In OMAHA, Neb District Judge Kristine Cecava of Cheyenne County sentenced a convicted sex offender to 10 years probation instead of any prison time because he was short. Richard W. Thompson was convicted two counts of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, yet the judge felt that prison would be too harsh for him because he stood only 5’1”.
So I’m sitting here thinking this guy has earned his way to prison, but then I look at you and I look at your physical size. I look at your basic ability to cope with people and, quite frankly, I shake to think what might happen to you in prison because I don’t think you’ll do well in prison.
— Judge Cecava
Court transcript of the hearing
What makes things even worse – and yes, sadly things do get worse than releasing pedophilic rapist into society – Judge Cecava used to be part of the Nebraska Commission for the Protection of Children! The Author wonders how much protection this woman provided for Nebraska’s children with her penchant for releasing dangerous sexual predators into society. She’s obviously more concerned with the safety and comfort of child molesters than she ever was with the safety of children.
Given the proven rate of recidivism among pedophiles and other sexual predators, Judge Kristine Cecava should not only be removed from the bench and disbarred, but held legally accountable as an accessory before the fact for any future crimes committed by Mr. Thompson.
Tags: Courts | Injustice | Law | Legal System | Prejudice
July 27th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
“I don’t think you’ll do well in prison.” Are you kidding? Since when was our penal system supposed to be cushy?! Especially for those who prey upon the innocent and weak?
Disbar Cecava; she clearly lacks both wisdom and a commitment to justice.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:51 pm
In this I agree with you on all counts. This was a gross miscarriage of justice and Judge Cecava should definately be removed from the bench and disbarred.