Wealthy White New York Man Who Confessed To Raping Teens Sentenced To Probation, With Judge Saying Prison Would Be “Inappropriate”
Even though this is not a surprise as it’s standard “justice” for rich white men in America, it still feels so fucking insane. Via ABC7 Buffalo:
A former Lewiston man who pleaded guilty to rape and sex abuse in 2019 has been sentenced to eight years probation. Niagara County Judge Matthew Murphy sentenced Belter to eight years of probation and he must also register as a sex offender. He will face no jail time.
Judge Murphy decided prison time would be “inappropriate”.
“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.”
The judge is either severely mentally ill, or he was paid off and/or threatened by the rapist’s family.
“I am deeply, deeply disappointed. I expected a different outcome today,” declared Steve Cohen, attorney. “Justice was not done today.”
Cohen represents one of the victims and is outraged with the sentence. Cohen says there were “zero consequences” for violating his previous probation.
“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,” Cohen remarked. Cohen noted how difficult it was for his client to hear Belter will not go to jail.
“I believe she’s in the bathroom throwing up, right now, excuse me,” described Cohen before leaving the courthouse.
