Here's what we had:



1.  A 14-year old girl is raped by 18-year old self-confessed rapist. 

2.  Judge gives rapist only 45-day jail sentence after facing 20 years. 

3.  Judge defers rapist's 5-year probation - no need for him to get any help. 

4.  Judge orders rapist to do community service at rape crisis center. 

5.  Judge asks victim during trial, several times, if she cried during the rape. 

6.  Judge tells press, "She's not the victim she claims to be." -  not a virgin.  Now go back to #1 where it says, 'girl is raped'. 



Sir Young admitted he raped the girl and originally faced 20 years.  But last week, Dallas County District Judge Jeanine Howard, reduced the sentence to 45-days in jail, and 5 years probation (which was deferred).  As a result, Young will not have to undergo a sex offender evaluation, will not have to refrain from pornography, will not attend sex offender treatment, and will not be ordered to stay away from children - all of which are measures meant to prevent repeat rapes and assaults. 



"We all read it and we're like, wait a minute," Bobbie Villareal, executive director of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center told the Dallas Observer.  "It flies in the face of logic," Villareal told the local CBS station. " First of all, in that you would ask someone to do their community supervision for the population that has been directly affected by the exact crime.  That's like saying a pedophile should do their community supervision helping at a pre-school. "

"I did what I was supposed to do," said the victim. " I went to the law about this situation, she said.  The judge's probation sentence and the removal of the restrictions that says everything I went through was for nothing." " It would have been better for me not to say anything. "

Being a rape and sexual assault survivor, I am fortunate to now have a platform from which I can get stories like this out to the public.  I'm stunned by Judge Howard's behavior, in this day and age - and by a woman.  There are so many things wrong with her actions.  With enough media attention, perhaps she will have to answer to a judge, herself.  And for her sake, let's hope she doesn't get a judge like herself. 

If you've been or are being sexually abused, there is help.  Go online/call National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1.800.656.HOPE

*UPDATE: As of Friday night, Judge Jeanine Howard has recused herself from this case due to the public outrage and backlash.  It's been reassigned to state District Judge Carter Thompson. 



Friday, the district attorney’s office said it plans to file a motion asking Thompson to reconsider the conditions of Young’s probation.  The judge can say no or hold a hearing about the matter or change the probation conditions.