In a shocking turn of events, a former Rochester police officer, who confessed to sexually assaulting a minor, has been handed a sentence of just 10 weekends in jail.
This lenient punishment for such a heinous crime has sparked outrage among activists, who have labeled it as "the epitome of injustice."
Shawn Jordan, 40, confessed in March to the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in the summer of 2022. This is one of at least two alleged sexual offenses committed by Jordan during his tenure with the Rochester Police Department, according to The New York Post.
Kelly Wolford, assistant district attorney of Ontario County, expressed her dismay at the situation, stating, "This is an ultimate tragedy, because these parents trusted him." She continued, "Hes a police officer, and if we cant trust the police, then who can we trust? Its a very difficult situation Because this was a child who trusted somebody, and he was an adult who knew better."
Jordan had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree rape and forcible touching related to an incident that took place in his South Bristol home, a community in Ontario County. He was arrested a year later, six months after being charged in a separate case for allegedly exposing himself to another teenager in an online video chat.
The sentence, which includes 10 years of probation following the jail term, was part of a plea agreement. Prosecutors revealed that Jordan was eager to avoid jail time, fearing the violence often directed at child predators and police officers. The prosecution also aimed to spare the young victim the trauma of testifying.
Despite the victim's family's pleas for a prison sentence, the judge approved the plea deal. The victim's mother testified that Jordan had "ruined" her daughter's life and "doesn't deserve to be out on the street."
Activists have also criticized the plea deal. Kathryn Robb, the national director of the Children's Justice Campaign at the Enough Abuse organization, told The Guardian, "This sentence is the epitome of injustice and a dangerous nod to child sexual predators letting them know, No worries, we wont go too hard on you." She added, "This little girl will be imprisoned by her memories for life, while [the rapist] loses a mere 20 days of his liberty."
Jordan, who will now be registered as a sex offender, could still face prison time for his second sexual offense, which led to his suspension and eventual resignation from the Rochester Police Department. A court date for this case has not yet been scheduled, leaving the public to wonder if justice will be served in this disturbing case.
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