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“A New York man who pleaded guilty to rape and sexual abuse for assaulting four teenage girls during parties at his parents’ home will not face jail time after a judge Tuesday sentenced him to eight years probation.
Niagara County Court Judge Matthew J. Murphy III said he “agonized” over the case of 20-year-old Christopher Belter, who was accused of committing the crimes when he was 16 or 17. Belter pleaded guilty in 2019 to felony charges that included third-degree rape and attempted first-degree sexual abuse, as well as two misdemeanor charges of second-degree sexual abuse.
Although Belter faced a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, Murphy concluded that jail time for the man “would be inappropriate” in a ruling that shocked the courtroom.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/17/newyork-christopher-belter-rape-probation/
Am I the only one who interprets the comments the defendant made to the survivors of his depraved sexual assaults during this hearing as incredibly inappropriate? I think he was gloating and taunting them by using such graphic language/imagery:
“I hope each of you could close that wound I gashed,” he said. “I know, though, that a scar will remain that will serve as a reminder of the evil of that night.”
If you are as incensed as I am you can reach out to the DA’s office.
“The prosecutor has the power to appeal a judge's low sentencing (they can't appeal a "not guilty" verdict), and they absolutely should in this case. If this outrages you, pick up the phone and call the Niagara County, NY, District Attorneys' office. The number is tel
716) 439-7085, tel716) 286-4518 - tell them to appeal the sentence.
Niagara County > Departments > District Attorney”
Niagara County Court Judge Matthew J. Murphy III said he “agonized” over the case of 20-year-old Christopher Belter, who was accused of committing the crimes when he was 16 or 17. Belter pleaded guilty in 2019 to felony charges that included third-degree rape and attempted first-degree sexual abuse, as well as two misdemeanor charges of second-degree sexual abuse.
Although Belter faced a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, Murphy concluded that jail time for the man “would be inappropriate” in a ruling that shocked the courtroom.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/17/newyork-christopher-belter-rape-probation/
Am I the only one who interprets the comments the defendant made to the survivors of his depraved sexual assaults during this hearing as incredibly inappropriate? I think he was gloating and taunting them by using such graphic language/imagery:
“I hope each of you could close that wound I gashed,” he said. “I know, though, that a scar will remain that will serve as a reminder of the evil of that night.”
If you are as incensed as I am you can reach out to the DA’s office.
“The prosecutor has the power to appeal a judge's low sentencing (they can't appeal a "not guilty" verdict), and they absolutely should in this case. If this outrages you, pick up the phone and call the Niagara County, NY, District Attorneys' office. The number is tel
716) 439-7085, tel716) 286-4518 - tell them to appeal the sentence. Niagara County > Departments > District Attorney”
