Letter: Light sentence for child rapist 'unforgivable'

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November 5, 2009

Anonymous The Salem News Thu Nov 05, 2009, 12:13 AM EST

To the editor:

I am writing in response to Tuesday's story headlined, "Beverly man gets 21âÑ2 to 31âÑ2 years for child rape."

I would like to know how it is possible that Judge Timothy Feeley sentenced Shawn Finnegan to only 21âÑ2 to 31âÑ2 years of jail time and only three years of probation when Finnegan admitted guilt to repeatedly raping this young boy numerous times over the course of two years? This is totally unacceptable and unforgivable!

Would not his admittance of guilt to such unspeakable and premeditated crimes naturally warrant a maximum sentence for jail time and probation and automatically close the door on any negotiating for a reduced sentence?

I do not have any legal training nor personal connection to any of the people involved, but I would like your help in challenging this ruling. Please pursue this story with great diligence and keep it present in the paper.

There has been a great miscarriage of justice here for this little boy, and it is clearly evident that the punishment does not fit the crime!

Please enlist help in bringing this to the public's attention. We should all be alarmed and outraged at the lack of concern, care and protection for this young boy and his family demonstrated by this ruling. Even worse, Feeley has sent a clear message to sexual predators that they will not be harshly and fully punished for their crimes.

Because such a ridiculously light sentence was imposed, Feeley has failed to protect this young boy and every child. I take offense to this and would like some legal explanation on his sentencing. I would also like to know how we as a public can challenge this ruling for the sake of this boy and a safer community.

How can we get this sentencing evaluated?

A young child has been violated again with this ruling, and we should not just sit by and let it happen!

Lana Joy Balach

Beverly

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Letter: Light sentence for child rapist 'unforgivable'

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