VILIFIED JUDGE EXTENDS TIME FOR MOLESTER

Mark Hulett, 34, of Williston, Vermont, confessed to repeatedly raping a girl over a four-year period, beginning when she was 7 years old.  Claiming he no longer believes in punishment, Judge Edward Cashman issued a 60-day sentence to Hulett and disagreed with prosecutors who thought Hulett deserved eight to 20 years in prison.  Cashman said he's more concerned now about rehabilitation and wants to make sure Hulett gets sex-offender treatment.  Under Department of Corrections classification, however, Hulett is considered a low-risk for re-offense, which means he doesn't qualify for in-prison treatment.  Cashman, therefore, issued a 60-day sentence and ordered Hulett to complete sex-treatment when he gets out or face a possible life sentence.  Cashman's short sentence for an admitted child molester triggered immediate public and political reaction with some lawmakers saying he should leave the bench.  Republican lawmakers had scheduled a press conference for January 6 to call for mandatory minimum sentences.

Cashman increased Hulett's sentence on January 26 to 3 to 10 years behind bars.  He said he did so because state officials agreed to provide sex offender treatment to Hulett in prison.  

(Burlington, Vermont)