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No prison stay for 5-foot-1 child molester

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Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 12:10:55 am CDT

SIDNEY — A man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child has been given 10 years of probation by a judge who said the man was too small to survive prison.

District Judge Kristine Cecava of Cheyenne County sentenced Richard W. Thompson, 50, Tuesday on two counts of sexually assaulting a minor.

“What you have done is absolutely inexcusable,” she said.

His crimes deserved a long sentence, Cecava said, but she expressed concern that the 5-foot-1 Thompson would be especially imperiled by prison dangers.

“Can I make other children safe from you?” the judge said. “You are a sex offender, and you did it to a child.”

But, she said, “That doesn’t make you a hunter. You do not fit in that category.

“I’m going to try to put together some kind of order to keep you out of prison.”

He will be electronically monitored the first four months of his probation, and he was told to never be alone with someone under age 18 or date or live with a woman whose children were under 18. Cecava also ordered Thompson to get rid of his pornography.

He faces 30 days of jail each year of his probation unless he follows its conditions closely.

“I want control of you until I know you have integrated change into your life,” the judge told Thompson. “I truly hope that my bet on you being OK out in society is not misplaced.”

Information from: Sidney Sun-Telegraph, http://www.sidneysun.com


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Wake UP Lincoln wrote on May 25, 2006 12:34 am:
" I can`t believe what I`m reading ! 10yrs Probation for '2' counts of sexually assaulting a minor ? What is this world comming to ?? The man is 'to short for prison ' . I have heard it all now... "

 What a Joke wrote on May 25, 2006 1:57 am:
" As long as the sex offenders are safe that is all that matters. Who cares if the kids are safe. Welcome to Nebraska! Apparently there is no meaning to, "If you do the crime, you do the time". "

 Former C.O. wrote on May 25, 2006 2:08 am:
" To those concerned about sex offenders in the community: REMEMBER THE NAME OF THIS JUDGE! It is absolutely absurd that this judge would protect the rights of a sex offender (based on his size) before the rights of the unoffending/innocent general population. Within the Department of Corrections exists such a "sanctuary" called Protective Custody... If this judge were truly sensitive to protecting the rights of the general population, said judge would have sent this inmate to prison for at least 10 years with the counsel of "Protective Custody is designed to protect you from the General Population you managed to offend." A nice 'P.S.' would have been: May God Have Mercy On Your Soul. This piece of work would get what he deserves. "

 Lisa wrote on May 25, 2006 6:33 am:
" I am ashamed of the judicial system. No judge should let a molester go and "hope" the molester never hurts another child based on the molester's height. This is an outrage. I hope the people in Sidney riot! "

 Jane wrote on May 25, 2006 6:36 am:
" That's what protective custody is for, Judge. God help the children he will victimize over then next 10 years that he should have been in prison. How do these judges sleep at night? "

 clint wrote on May 25, 2006 7:10 am:
" this is the dumbest thing I have ever heard where did they find this idiot judge. probation because he might not survive prison because of his hieght. I can't even phantom how angry the parents of the victoms are as a parent I know I would be livid myself.. "

 PAT wrote on May 25, 2006 7:14 am:
" NICE!!! Soon there will be strength and endurance testing just to get into prison. I say send him to general population, and hopefully he'll get back some of what he gave to the children. "

 jon wrote on May 25, 2006 7:43 am:
" What sort of consulation did the victim get? Is this guy the judges cousin or something? "

 E wrote on May 25, 2006 7:45 am:
" Am I the only one who thinks this is b.s.? This guy knew that he could go to jail when he assaulted that child. His consequence is supposed to be jail time. Electronic monitoring for only the first 4 months? How about if we are going to be this lenient we make him wear that thing for 10 years. This is a disappointment. Any small person may get picked on in jail, under this reasoning all small people should not have to go to jail. I agree that he would get picked on especially since he is there for being a pedophile but, he knew that when he commited that heinous act. This is a joke, I think this guy will reoffend, hope he doesn't live in my neighborhood. "

 Jim wrote on May 25, 2006 7:55 am:
" Attention Pedophiles Under 5'2" Tall! Come to Nebraska, sexually assault our children, and escape jail time! Nebraska - The Good Life. "

 Bob wrote on May 25, 2006 7:56 am:
" I'm guessing the judge doesn't have kids of her own "

 AJ wrote on May 25, 2006 7:58 am:
" It's nice to see that we can count on judges to look out for the welfare of the criminals over that of the victims, future victims and the public. Sex offenders and sex offenses are out of control and it is judges like this one that put all of our children at risk. When did it become OK to let the bad guys escape thier punishment just because they might be too small to handle prison? If he committed a crime that is bad enough that he should go to prison (like SEXUALLY ASSAULTING a CHILD!!!) then too bad for him. This guy will hurt someone again and it will be this judge’s fault. I feel sorry for the residents and kids of Sidney. "

 Curt wrote on May 25, 2006 8:12 am:
" A typical judge. Look out for the monster, forget the children. If she really wants to keep him out of prison and still control him, let him live with her and go with her everywhere she goes. When he molests some other child she can be held responsible. "

 Lincolnite wrote on May 25, 2006 8:19 am:
" So this man can walk the streets for preying upon and psychologically scarring vulnerable children? How about protecting the victims here and seeing that justice is served. After 4 months, I am willing to bet this guy will violate his probation, because it is less likely he'll get caught. Probation is a slap on the wrist. Was this guy in jail the entire time from his arrest to his sentencing. If so, he wasn't attacked then. The judge states herself that his crime was "absolutey inexcusable." In my opinion, so is this guy getting probation. The punishment should fit the crime. "

 Gary wrote on May 25, 2006 8:39 am:
" In the plethora of dumb excuses for not sending someone to rot in jail...this takes first prize. Excuse me...didn't this man target children? Who are much shorter and weaker than he is? These people cannot be rehabilitated...they are sick...prison is for punishment and this man deserves to be punished for his disgusting crimes. It would only be a fitting punishment if he received the same treatment in prison that he gave to his victims. Shame on you Ms. Cecava...you've only succeeded in making our legal system a joke...an have failed the citizens of your county miserably. If your betting that Thompson won't offend again, I'd like to know what your wager is...you should wager your job on it...and a whole lot more. "

 cam wrote on May 25, 2006 8:46 am:
" This is unbelievable! Were his victims "too small" to survive what he did to them - NO, so why the leniency towards him, sex offenders - especially child molestors - have received special treatment to "protect" them from regular prison populations. A treatment they don't deserve. "

 Michele wrote on May 25, 2006 8:56 am:
" Oh please. He needs to be locked up. He's going to find more victims if he's not in jail. What is wrong with this judge?? "

 Paco wrote on May 25, 2006 9:29 am:
" Well, it's about time we started being concerned about the welfare of the perpetrators!!! Hide,, kids, hide!!! "

 cc wrote on May 25, 2006 9:44 am:
" I can't believe i am hearing this! So our Children can not be safe around this man, and hard telling what he would do, but we care what "big buba" might do in prison...give me a break. This judge and others are the reason why we have to lock our kids upin school..of all places. "

 Dana Ciero wrote on May 25, 2006 10:00 am:
" I am sick to my stomach over this. Why is she coddling the criminal? Did the pervert consider his victim was a child, and not able to defend his/herself against this monster? I am so glad I do not live in your city. If I did, I would be be frantically looking for a way out. "

 maria wrote on May 25, 2006 10:02 am:
" No sex offender should be let off that easy. This is whats wrong with America. Sex Offenders can't be fixed and their victims will never be the same again either. Send this guy to prison. "

 barb wrote on May 25, 2006 10:02 am:
" Mr Thompson didn't seem to care what size or age of the child when he sexually assaulted them, why should any care what size he is to be put in jail. "

 Katie wrote on May 25, 2006 10:06 am:
" This is ridiculous. A man sexually assaults a child and doesn't have to go to prison because of his height? What message is that sending? The child was small too, but had no choice in the matter. He should have to sit in jail and feel what he has done to someone smaller than him. "

 L. Bray, Omaha Citizen wrote on May 25, 2006 10:15 am:
" I am appalled! This jerk gets probation because he's short and these kids have to figure out how to live the rest of their lives - it's ironic he doesn't get jail time because he's too short to survive yet these kids have to survive this ordeal and try to lead normal lives. Aren't child molesters and child predators the same evil person? Forget if he's a hunter or not, or fits into the category of one. He committed the crimes as a 5'1" man and should serve just as much time as a 6'1" man. No matter if the child approached him, he's an adult, somehow he preyed upon the victim - this loser needs to be in jail and let him figure out how to deal with the perils of prison, not the judge. I think Judge Cecava's ruling is seriously flawed and her concern for him severely missplaced. Shame on her for not realizing this 50-year old man did not just one day decide to commit this crime, he just got caught this time. "

 Nick W wrote on May 25, 2006 10:27 am:
" I'm glad this guy lives in Sydney and not Lincoln. So what if he can't survive in prison? I care more about our childrens saftey then this 50 year old child molester. Most likely he would end up in protective custody like all the other sex offenders. "

 DMP wrote on May 25, 2006 10:30 am:
" Being a resident of Sidney, I am ashamed of this Judge and her decision. How dare we stand for this lack of injustice? What is the average height of those in prison? And since when does a Judge render this type of sentence that is a total and complete disregard for the victim? This criminal deserves absolutely NO FREEDOM and I'm sick that our town is getting attention from this nonsense Judges decision. "

 DL wrote on May 25, 2006 10:55 am:
" He gets a "get out of jail free" card because of his size?! That's incredible. I sure hope other offenders and would-be offenders are not taking notes that they can victimize others (especially children!) and be subject to lesser penalties than the average person - that's you or I - if they happen to have a smaller stature. That is certainly not JUSTICE FOR ALL. What message does this send the child victim? "

 FM wrote on May 25, 2006 10:56 am:
" Obviously it was not one of the Judge's children that was molested! The man will not be in anyone's control especially after 4 months! I say cut off his manhood! "

 Cory wrote on May 25, 2006 10:59 am:
" That is the most insane thing i have ever heard of. How about the child who was to small to defend itself. That guy should be put away for life. You can only monitor sick people like that when they are behind bars. I bet you he reoffends. Then its on the judge and she should have to spend time in prison along with him. And you call this justice what a joke. "

 Anonymous wrote on May 25, 2006 11:03 am:
" That is not right! It should not matter if he is 5 foot tall or 6 foot tall, he should be in jail. If his height is the reason he is not going to jail, then I have just lost all repsect for the justice system in this state. I understand that you worry that he may be beaten up in jail, but that is his own problem. He should have thought about that before he began assulting young children. What about the parents who have to worry about their children because this man is still out on the streets. Has anyone thought about that?? This judge is making a statement that says its okay for short people to break the law; we'll give them a break since they are short. They don't have to go to jail like everyone else who commits the same crime. "

 christine wrote on May 25, 2006 11:05 am:
" i just want to say that this judge should be ashamed of herself! what was she thinking? Did those children receive that kind of treatment? Did those kids deserve what happened to them? I think not! So what he gets treated badly in prison---does the Judge think the kids were treated well when they were getting molested? That guy deserves whatever happened to him. So now he's out so he get to another child! Thanks alot Judge for your caring for the children!Big deal 10 years of probation and he's on house arrest! I hope he's comfortable--- I for one would not him to be uncomfortable after all all he did was to take some child's well-being, secure, and trusting life and turned the poor thing's world upside down! Yeah nice going Judge!I can see why you are on the bench! "

 Terry Smith wrote on May 25, 2006 11:14 am:
" you have GOT to be kidding??? Now child molesters have height requirements before they can do hard time? What height does the child have to be, to be officially molested? I hope there are no abnormally tall 8 year olds out there!!! This is insane!!!!! "

 Disgusted wrote on May 25, 2006 11:14 am:
" Too bad the child in this case didn't get the same courtesy of being "too small" to survive Richard Thompson. I'm sickened by the lack of justice. "

 What a joke! wrote on May 25, 2006 11:20 am:
" Your kidding, right? A child rapist is allowed to roam the streets because he might get hurt in prison? Well now, we wouldn't want the sawed off pervert to be made uncomfortable. After all, his only crime was to violently end the childhood of someone he may meet on those very same streets. How about this, Judge Cecava; you sit in prison for him or do the really honorable thing and step down. "

 Take a deep breath wrote on May 25, 2006 11:51 am:
" You need to first look at all the facts in this case. Unfortunately the article didn't give specific facts about his offenses but we do know he was not found guilty of rape. He may not have even been charged with that offense. The judge even said that he wasn't a "hunter" , meaning he didn't go out and target children for this kind of activity. "Sexually assaulting a minor" could mean he had consensual sex with a 17 year old neighbor for example. Is this something that our society would be willing to say that his life is forfeit and we are willing to let him be killed in prison for? Let's get all the facts first please. "

 Dan wrote on May 25, 2006 11:53 am:
" To the judge does this mean that size matters? They both need to be setting in jail for that. The judge for just plan being stupid. This needs some national attention. "

 hidden wrote on May 25, 2006 11:56 am:
" I know nothing about the case.. but.. if his cases were with a 15 yr old that he had sex with, that wanted sex and didnt press charges.. to me that's different than sexually assulting an 8 year old. I dont know what the details were so I'll hold my opinion of the judge for now. "

 Jill wrote on May 25, 2006 11:57 am:
" you are joking!!! Because of his size your are not sending him to prision for child molestation. That is horrible. Why would someone even consider this!!! We should not be giving him the benefit of the doubt becuase he is small, and might be in danger in prison. That is too bad. What is going to happen when is does this again, a slap on the wrist. Shame on you!! What about the child, what are you doing to do for her!! "

 DT wrote on May 25, 2006 12:09 pm:
" What is wrong with the system? What aboout the innocent children? They were too small to be sexually assaulted. This is only a slap on the wrist for him! Who cares if he gets hurt in prison--he hurt an innocent child! Does anyone not care about that? This system is a joke! "

 Bonnie wrote on May 25, 2006 12:12 pm:
" The town of Sidney Nebraska will have to lock there doors at night. And keep there children under there watchful eye. So what he was 5 foot 1 inches tall. He is a sex offender, and that ankle braclet won't stop him from going after another child. Can we say he just got a slap on the hand, by his mommy? What is wrong with the judge? He can be in prison. "

 Kitt Schilke wrote on May 25, 2006 12:15 pm:
" Boo Hiss on the judge. This man thought nothing of molesting children. He deserves prison for the maximum time that the law allows. Too bad if the inmates treat him like he treated the children. "

 cas wrote on May 25, 2006 12:19 pm:
" How tall was the child he molested. Do you think it is fair that the child he molested was stripped of his or her inocents. This child will have to live with this for the the rest of their life, it will effect every aspect of their lives. I think the judge who decided this sentence should be questioned. Maybe she is not fit to be a judge. She didn't even take the child into consideration. Who is the victim here, the child or the 5'1 child molester. You be the judge. "

 Hello? wrote on May 25, 2006 12:28 pm:
" Do you people even know the facts of the case or can't you see them from your high horse. Inform yourself before you damn others. "

 John wrote on May 25, 2006 12:29 pm:
" It is an absurd and ridiculous sentence. This guy deserves anything that may happen to him in prison. The judge should be removed from the bench and put in the cell next to his. "

 AJ! wrote on May 25, 2006 12:42 pm:
" Thank you Jim... What message does this sentence send to those that hurt children for pleasure? This judge clearly has no idea what she is doing. I sure hope that the citizens of Sidney and the nearby communities keep a close eye on their children. This man should not just be wearing a monitor, perhaps they should plant a GPS on him, and a big tattoo on his forehead that reads "I AM A SEXUAL PREDATOR OF CHILDREN". Better yet, put him in prison and let him pay for his crime. Why worry that he may be harmed in prison, he seemed to have no regard for the victim of his hideous crime. Why punish the citizens and not the criminal? "

 Lisa wrote on May 25, 2006 12:43 pm:
" Take a Deep Breath: you need to read the article again. The judge herself said "His crimes deserved a long sentence...“Can I make other children safe from you?” the judge said. “You are a sex offender, and you did it to a child.” Enough said. "

 Marv wrote on May 25, 2006 12:55 pm:
" I dont know what this judge could be thinking of NOBODY in there right mind would let this man off. THINK ITS TIME FOR ANOTHER IMPEACHMENT. "

 Jessica wrote on May 25, 2006 12:57 pm:
" No matter the facts of the case, whether it was with a defenseless child or a consenting teenager, the judge did say that he was too small to survive prison. That statement alone shows the absurdity of the situation. Why do perpetrators have so many rights? Why would I get in trouble for putting a sign in their front yard saying "a sex offender/child molester lives here. BEWARE!" It's ridiculous. They can take away someone's self confidence and trust in adults, or anyone, and THEY get protected? Come on. "

 Chris wrote on May 25, 2006 12:58 pm:
" regardless of the fact that the person might be in their teens, this is still a ridiculous sentencing. Saying a person is exempt from prison because of their size is disturbing. Maybe the judge should do some of the time also for considering this. I do not even live close to nebraska, and when I heard of this I was outraged. Regardless of age he still broke the law, and should serve time like rest of us would. Everyone in Nebraske should rise up and speak out against this incompetant judge. ANd to all the people trying to rationalize the situation, I just feel sorry for you. A crime is a crime, and trying to justify the sentencing makes me apalled to believe that our judicial system is still competent. This judge should lose her job. "

 xima wrote on May 25, 2006 12:59 pm:
" This judge is INSANE-she should be locked up, how can her concern ly with a child molestor? He is a hunter, he prey's on innocent children who are unable to defend themselves...PIG. "

 Jeff wrote on May 25, 2006 1:05 pm:
" He should have thought about prison before he went and molested a child. plain and simple you lose your rights when you break the law. "

 LeRoy wrote on May 25, 2006 1:08 pm:
" This molester will likely offend again(as most research shows), especailly knowing he won't serve time, so to the parents of this piece of garbages next victims remember the name Judge Kristine Cecava so you can file a civil lawsuit against her personally! what a joke! i dont know what's worse, the predators or the nimrods protecting them. "

 VivaLosVigilantes! wrote on May 25, 2006 1:08 pm:
" REMEMBER THIS STORY! Cecava's term expires Jan. 2009!! "

 Kathy Connolly wrote on May 25, 2006 1:10 pm:
" Shame, shame, shame on you Judge Cecava! Too short, now I've heard everything. How can you sleep at night knowng that you turned a sexual deviant - against children no less - back out on the streets. Yeah right....... he's going to throw away the pornography, yeah right........ he's going to stay away from women with children in the house. He's 50 years old and just go caught. How long will he be allowed to defile other innocent young children before he gets caught a second time to prove you wrong? Too short, in danger, maybe he should've thought about that before he diddled a kid. Shame on you!!!!! "

 Common Sense wrote on May 25, 2006 1:16 pm:
" To "Take A Deep Breath": I understand the point you're trying to make..... but of course I think every here would say that what you're saying is a bunch of BS. He was convicted of sexually "assaulting" a minor. That means he had all intentions of getting what he wanted by force! He "threw" himself at the situation. Now, whether she, or he, was 17 yrs old or 17 weeks old, it's sexual assault, no exceptions. I don't know if you have children or not, but let's say you do. If your 17 yr old one day came home to tell you she/he had been "sexually assaulted" by a 50 yr old man, what are you going to tell him or her? "Hey, he thought you wanted it too; don't jump to conclusions sweetheart! By the way, give him a break; he's too short to do anything to you! This I know because the honorable judge told me so." Go hold hands with the judge and tell her "Job well done" when the next target of this pint sized molester is your loved one! God bless our children!!! "

 Sandie wrote on May 25, 2006 1:17 pm:
" THIS JUDGE NEEDS REMOVED, IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! As a woman, I am disgusted! I hope to god I see her email on O'reilly tonight!!! DEAR JUDGE, If you read this, I would like to know how you sleep at night. "

 AC wrote on May 25, 2006 1:20 pm:
" When is our court systems going to learn? A similar thing happened to me, but the offender actually got my address after he was out on probation. He start driving by my house. Who says this won't happen to the child? For those of you siding with the judge, you need to stop and think about what has been done to this child for the rest of his/her life. It will never be the same. Sometimes, prison is the only assurance that child will have about the offender. I don't care what size you are, you completed a crime, you can do the time!! "

 Chris wrote on May 25, 2006 1:22 pm:
" For all of you that are talking about the childs age, I am fairly confident it would be considered statutory rape if it was consentual. "

 Richard wrote on May 25, 2006 1:24 pm:
" So is Judge Cecava a Democrat? I know that judicial elections are non-partisan, but did she contribute to the Kerry campaign? Did she vote in the Democratic Primary? We need to make this a partisan issue! "

 Rich wrote on May 25, 2006 1:25 pm:
" nice job Judge JERK!! i guess everyone currently in prison 5'1" and under get to be free based on Judge JERK's logic. Hey Take a deep breath..take a hike. you sound like the lawyer trash that defends these kind of people. and Dan dont worry about national attention, this story made the Washington Post website. "

 In Reply wrote on May 25, 2006 1:31 pm:
" In reply to the comments from Take a Deep Breath - Even if Mr. Thompson did have consensual sex with a 17-year old girl this is still wrong. 17-year old girls are going through a stage in their lives where they do not think about and fully understand the consequeces of sex. That 50-year old man knew very well what he was doing and he knew it was wrong when he did it. He was thinking with one head only, and it wasn't the one on his shoulders. "

 Mara Fritts wrote on May 25, 2006 1:41 pm:
" I don't care how tall you are, you do the crime you do the time. He could not be trusted the first time and all you get is one chance with a child. He needs to be resentenced. This is a sad day for Sidney. "

 Dan wrote on May 25, 2006 1:45 pm:
" Send him to jail; let Bubba treat him the same way he treated the kid! "

 withheld wrote on May 25, 2006 1:46 pm:
" Maybe house arrest would have been better than just probation. "

 Mike wrote on May 25, 2006 1:49 pm:
" You ignorant people toss around the terms 'predator', 'molester', 'rapist', 'sex offender' - like they all mean the same thing. "Sex offenders can't be cured" is complete ignorance. You can be labeled a sex offender for urinating in public. Are those people incurable as well? I realize that was not the case here, but lazily and thoughtlessly interchanging these terms is not helpful. You can't throw every person who ever had a slight sexual indiscretion into one big 'sex offender' pot. You all need to read some REAL research on sex offenses, victims, and re-offense rates. You will be VERY surprised. I, for one, am glad that we have some reasonable and level-headed people on the bench instead of the suckers who eat up all this sex offender scare-tactic nonsense. "

 Michelle wrote on May 25, 2006 1:56 pm:
" Oh My God! This is sick! That woman should be ashamed of herself. She is protecting a child molester because he is shorter than average. What about those poor little kids who have to live with what that man did for the rest of their lives. And now, they know that there isn't justice for all, just the average sized. What a shame! And other sick perverts will see that Thompson got away with it so why wont they? Sorry if this offends anyone, but I am offended. As a mother of a 7 year old girl, I have a right to be outraged! Thompson deserves to be sodomized with a broom handle, or whatever it is the judge is afraid would happen to him! I expected better from a woman on the bench! Who is protecting our children? It isn't Judge Cecava! Also, "Dan" you are right and it is getting national attention, I am from Missouri. "

 ZJ wrote on May 25, 2006 1:57 pm:
" This man is 50 years old, and was found guilty of assualt. The odds that this is the first time this person has done this are very slim. He may not be a "hunter", but that doesn't mean he is not dangerous. Ask the person he assulted how he/she feels. Was the victim to small or to young? I don't think so! This man is an adult and should have to do the time for the crime he commited. "

 Sharlicia of Alaska wrote on May 25, 2006 1:58 pm:
" The Judge herself must be smoking some heavy drugs, to think that because a man is consider of a small stature it gives him and get of jail free pass. There have been many teenagers convicted of drug charges and assault charges and were tried as adults, and were less than an average male height, but were still sentenced to prison terms and had to serve them. This to me is a slap in the face to our society, parents like myself are more and more concerned with the welfare of our children every day, and I wake to read this in the paper. It has become increasingly harder for families to recognize offenders, and when there is finally an offender who is convicted the Judge in charge of his punishment puts in back in society in hopes that he will recover. I think not. I am outraged at the handling of his sentence and the Judge should be removed, if she thinks he deserves this much leniancy. This man is 50 years old there could be hundreds of children who are adults now and were to affraid at the time to speak of things he may have done to them. Hopefully this will give them the outrage to come forward and attack the sentence. "

 Another CO wrote on May 25, 2006 2:12 pm:
" This makes me sick and the fact it is a female judge is all the worse. Sidney, wake up and get her off the bench. Your children will not be safe until this is done! I don't care that I don't know all the facts. A 50 year old man and any age minor is not truely consentual. It is maninulation and a cry from the vicim for someone to care. Where is our system headed with this type of sentence (if you can call it that). I am sick of seeing the child molesters getting less time them those convicted for driving while suspended or some weed. PC is an option in prison. Where was the victims PC. Maybe general population would show shorty what a child feels like to be raped! The judge should be serving the sentence with him for her terrible crime against society. I also think some National attention should be brought to this case. "

 DL - it's on MSN home page wrote on May 25, 2006 2:22 pm:
" This story is on MSN's home page today. I hope it gets some national attention, and a backlash to Judge Cecava. It is preposterous that someone's size should have any bearing on the sentence imposed. Does she seriously think punishment (and therefore laws) should be any different for people based on their size!? Should taller people be made to stay in prison longer, because they may be better able to "survive" it!! It is an incredibly studid idea. I hope the people of Sidney, and/or the national attention this garners forces her off the bench. "

 appalled wrote on May 25, 2006 2:40 pm:
" So how tall was the victim? Is that the most ridiculous comment or what? This judge must be short and feeling sorry for her other short friends. . . "

 Tiny wrote on May 25, 2006 2:43 pm:
" At 5 foot 1, that man is obviously not a threat to society. His small size guarantees quick and thourough rehabilitation within the first four months of probation. And the proof of that is stated clearly by the judge, at the end of the article: "I truly hope that my bet on you being OK out in society is not misplaced." "

 'Nuff Said wrote on May 25, 2006 2:43 pm:
" Unbelievable! I am not sure if this Judge is elected or appointed but if elected remember her the next time voting comes up! Height has nothing to do with prison time. Suppose this guy murdered someone--do you put him on probation because he is too short? How far does this go? "

 Amber wrote on May 25, 2006 2:59 pm:
" Are you kidding? Because he was not convicted of rape, he somehow rates? I don't care of he touched a small child, slept with a teenager or hunted for them. He is a sex offender, period. Let's think for a bit about the child (or children, as I don't have specifics) that was small in stature that he molested? Was that child imperiled? Where is Ms. Cecava's concern for that? In light of also ordering that Mr. Thompson discard his pornography, I am shocked and appalled that Ms. Cecava would not see him as a "hunter". It sickens me, as a citizen of the United States and a mother who protects her children, that a judge, wielding power, can choose a lenient sentence such as this. It makes me question the individuals we have appointed into positions of power in our court. I only hope that in my state, we do not put judges in power that would make such gross miscalculations on sentences. I am shocked and horrified that Ms. Cecava would make a "bet" on such an individual, especially a bet trading on the innocence of a child. It would be just punishmnent, in my opinon, to let Mr. Thompson suffer the consequences of his actions. If being imperiled by other inmates would be the outcome, then he should have thought of that before he imperiled a small child. Unbelievable! "

 Teresa B. wrote on May 25, 2006 3:16 pm:
" WOW! All you have to be is short to get away with raping children! Let me be the upteen millionth person to call this judge worse than useless. I think a NEW law needs to be written. Judges should be held liable for criminal acts that they aided and abetted by letting these scumbags go. Money paid to victims AND prison time to pay THEIR debt to society! Let's see how the judge gets by in prison. Here's a little FYI to the peeps on the bench, prison is SUPPOSED to suck! He's a little child rapist, good, hope he's REALLY REALLY unhappy about his new digs. "

 Paul wrote on May 25, 2006 3:20 pm:
" A child molester is a child molester. They just don't wake up one day and say I am not a child moelster anymore. Take a Deep Breath, you have no clue. He was found guilty therfore he is guilty and should be punished. It does not matter about age, when, where, or how, it happened. Criminals deserve to have no rights. He deserves everything he would get in general population. Speaking as a father this guy would not have a chance to hurt someone else. The judge should be run out of this state. Where is our Atty. General the head cop of the state. Mr. Brunning it is time to step in and do something. I feel for the victim's of this crime and their families who have to live with this nightmare the rest of their lives. "

 Ms. Cecava wrote on May 25, 2006 3:26 pm:
" If he victimizes another child are you willing to leave the bench? Or is your keester too precious to be put on the line? "

 NW Lincoln wrote on May 25, 2006 3:34 pm:
" This judge should rethink her punishment for this sex offender. By her doing this because of his size will make it so that other sex offender could get off so easy. And for his size that is such crap... You protect the offender but not the child. 10 Years probation. What a joke. So what the heck just because you tell him not to do something doesn't mean he is going to do it. Oh and I know that 30 days in jail for any violation is going to stop him. Ya Right! Nothin like 3 square meals a day. What a punishment. It should be a prison sentence. Maybe if he had that great prison experience he would change his mind for the next time he got that urge. And if him being small is a problem what about how small the child was that he offended. May her size should be considered and not how small he is. He was big enough to do such an act why should his size matter. He was old enough to know better so why give him a slap on the wrist. Him and any other sex offender that does such acts should get locked up and the key should be thrown away. I think the danger in prison is worth the safety of a child or children. "

 outraged! wrote on May 25, 2006 3:39 pm:
" Will someone please tell me where to write a letter to an editor in the county or town in which this sorry excuse for a judge presides? Is she elected or appointed. How do you get her off the bench? I thought this was truly a joke when I first saw it. "

 rodger wrote on May 25, 2006 3:42 pm:
" If he was taller and married the girl in Kansas, would he have gone to prison? "

 Donna Steinwachs wrote on May 25, 2006 3:48 pm:
" As a victim of childhood sexual abuse I was outraged when I read about this on Fox News.com. I live in Nashville and we recently had a man awaiting trial for sexually abusing children. He cut cut off his monitor a few days before his trial and disappeared and still hasnt been found.So we know how well those work. Why is it the criminals get all the consideration and the victims become victims once again My thoughts and prayers are with the abused and his/her family. You are not alone. We need "

 KB wrote on May 25, 2006 4:17 pm:
" This is terrible...no wonder our society is messed up. He obviously deserves to be in jail...he hurt others and is now putting others in danger by being in public...whereas if he were in jail, he'd be the one wondering what was next. It stinks for me to say this but at least he's not a serial killer, even though I think they rank the same. "

 Ashamed wrote on May 25, 2006 4:27 pm:
" This is just one more notch on my tree that the government is on a down-ward spiral. What is this judge thinking? Man or woman, no judge should ever let this kind of criminal get away with a slap on the wrist and let him go in good faith. I have a 1yr old son and I can't even begin to imagine what the victim's family is feeling. I have a pretty good idea but can't imagine the rage and/or frustration they must be feeling. When did it become ok to sexually assault anyone, much less a CHILD for crying out loud? Please, we need to do something about this judge. She obviously should not be in charge of anyone's punishment!! Where and how can I help?? "

 Do something about it! wrote on May 25, 2006 4:31 pm:
" He molested a child (or children). Enough said. Please I urge all of you, whether Republican or Democrat, to prevent these perverts from hurting more children. Please visit http://www.billoreilly.com/outragefunnels which will lead you to a site that makes it easy to get a letter direct to your governor about "Jessica's Law." The legislation is named after little Jessica Lunsford, who was just nine when her life was brutally ended by a sexual predator who had previously been convicted of sex crimes against a child. The crime forced Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida legislature to mandate stiff minimum sentences for child abusers, who had all too often been slapped on the wrist by lenient judges. "

 KR California wrote on May 25, 2006 4:34 pm:
" How can this happen? This judge needs to be removed from a position of power immediatly. A child molestor cannot be cured, he needs to be in prison for the rest of his natural life. "

 BB wrote on May 25, 2006 5:11 pm:
" As an advocate for children in the criminal courts for 12 years I find this judge appalling! Fit the pattern? She must have some expert feeding her bull! "

 Confused wrote on May 25, 2006 5:48 pm:
" I don't understand what is going on here!!! Since when does prison have a height limit to it!! So basicly you are saying that it is okay to go out and committ a serious crime and because of your height you won't get a prison term out of it?? "

 Michelle wrote on May 25, 2006 5:59 pm:
" This is isn't justice! This man is a predator irregardless of what the judge says. The victim is going to have to deal with what was done to them for the rest of their life. Richard Thompson is going to have to deal with some inconveniences for a couple of years. These kinds of joke penalties just add to pain that this victim and every other person who has been raped and assaulted experiences. Attorney General Jon Bruning says he's going to appeal the sentence. HOLD HIM TO IT! And get involved. This isn't the first time someone has been assaulted and unless we stand up against this type of violence, it won't be the last. Contact every politician, community leader, and media outlet to let them know that this sentence was wrong! "

 Let her serve the short man's sentence! wrote on May 25, 2006 7:07 pm:
" Unreal! I bet the child was shorter than 5'1"! I would also wager had it been her child, she would tried to put the little short man in the same cell with the biggest, burliest inmate she could find. "

 TGS wrote on May 25, 2006 7:13 pm:
" This is unheard of!!! And I just don't understand where somebody actually thinks that this is justice!! He needs to be held responsible for his actions and just by giving him 10 yrs. of probation isn't teaching him anything!! It's just like slapping him on the wrist!! How do you honestly think that the victim or her family feels about her assaliant?? Now they are going to be constantly looking over their shoulders wondering if he might be lurking around their house!! This just makes me sick to my stomach every time that I think about what has just happened here in this very serios matter!! I hope like hell somebody appeals this sentence and gets justice served!!!! "

 what ever wrote on May 25, 2006 7:17 pm:
" thats pretty bad when a person does to a child he gets off with a slap on the hand because he is to short thats a bad excuse he needs to be punished like everyone else I hope nothing happens to another kid because he is to short for prison he sould of thought about that before he did the crime.so if he would murder someone he will not got to prison my opion is there is not difference he needs to be punished harder "

 Sad & confused wrote on May 25, 2006 9:08 pm:
" SHAMEFUL, SHAMEFUL, SHAMEFUL... I'm practically speechless. If height discrimination is our new reason to send these monsters back into society, we should build a prison for "vertically challenged" criminals. I wish I knew more about this case, but the words "sexual assaulted a child" seem to paint a painfully clear picture here. What is confusing is how we are seemingly so worried about the rights of this CONVICTED criminal, yet not so worried about the rights of his VICTIM.. or the rights of his potential future victims, who I am sure are much shorter than 5-foot-1.. should we worry about THEIR safety? Is anyone else thinking of what this could do to court cases in the future? Will height be part of the defense? Shame on us... "

 JM wrote on May 25, 2006 9:16 pm:
" The Judge said in the statement above : “What you have done is absolutely inexcusable,” she said. Now what did she mean by that? Should'nt the punishment fit the crime. As a Judge, is she taking it upon herself by changing the laws. "

 Roger wrote on May 25, 2006 10:18 pm:
" Thank you Judge Cecava for making Sidney proud once again! How do the parents of these children feel? IF anything I want the parents to know that the entire town is outraged with this decision a JUDGE. Is there no justice for the children of Sidney NE. SO what happens if someone over 5'1" harasses Richie? Will they go to jail or worse PRISON? Were the children he molested over 5'1"? NEBRASKA take a look at Wyoming's Gov. Dave Freudenthal's request for a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment for anyone who sexually assalts a child. WAKE UP - next time it may be your CHILD! "

 Myranda wrote on May 25, 2006 10:19 pm:
" I want to know what would make him a "hunter". I am sure no one walked up to him and said will you please assault me and make my day. PLEASE!!! This is the most hair raising thing I have ever read in my life. While I do not reside in Sidney anymore I am ashamed to be one to call it my home when something like this comes out. When we are going to learn that if we do not teach them a lesson the first time, it is going to happen a second. Being from Sidney I have a relatively good idea of who this man is and I have seen him walking the public streets of that town many times. How can Judge Cecava just repremand him and let him continue walking the streets with potential victims around every corner. As far as I am concerned he is a "hunter" and he should be taken off the streets and put behind bars for a long time. What has learned from this? "

 Deb wrote on May 25, 2006 10:24 pm:
" Did Johanns or Heineman appoint this judge? Whichever Governor is responsible for the appointment should have to answer how they could appoint such a liberal person. This 5'1" man is a predator and he will strike again. He is a pedophile that needs to be locked up! "

 HUTCH wrote on May 26, 2006 12:25 am:
" Since when did vertically challenged have to do with any sentence regardless of the crime. I'm betting that the victim/s were 5' or less and how will the rest of their lives be. I'm betting they will need more than 10 years to heal if ever.I've always thought that prison was not the place to go,so I was always to scared to commit any crimes so as to not go there. But I guess you don't have to be afraid if your vertically challenged and live in the area this judge presides.I would be ashamed of the message being sent with this sentence.Please open your eyes and realize what your doing with this sentence.NOT COOL AT ALL. "

 Yoda wrote on May 26, 2006 5:59 am:
" Size Matters Not! "

 jemini wrote on August 23, 2007 2:10 pm:
" There is a thing calle d"SHU" - special housing Unite. If he were in prison, the guards could keep him out of the general population, and protect him. Who in the world is going to protect CHILDREN??? Gee, he's small. So it's apparently ok for him to be a pedophile and assault children. You know, because he's just too widdle to be bad. Sick. The judge should be disbarred, and thrown out on the streets. "

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