Moral panic over 5'1" molester

Prosecution Reduced Charges Against Short Sex Offender - No Prison Time Was Sought

It would appear there also are good reasons to question how the news media reported on the case. At this writing it seems obvious that no one reporting or commenting on the story, including StatePaper.com, did enough legwork to ascertain that the prosecution did not ask that Thompson be imprisoned. It also appears that no one asked Thompson’s attorney for any details of the government’s pre-sentence report on Thompson – especially for any details that might mitigate Cecava’s decision.

Glaser noted that a district judge considers a pre-sentence report prepared by the county government prior to meting out a penalty. That report can deal with a variety of issues including a criminal’s mental health and ability to function. A pre-sentence report is not open to inspection by the press or general public.