A Douglas County judge on Tuesday ordered a convicted rapist to serve what equates to a lifetime prison sentence.
Randy D. Coffey, 50, was sentenced by Judge Robert Fairchild to 620 months, or more than 50 years in prison, on one of three counts of rape that Coffey was convicted of earlier this year.
Fairchild also issued sentences of 155 months each on two other rape convictions stemming from a trial in April. The judge said he was following state sentencing guidelines. He said Coffey's lengthy criminal history caused the sentences to be so long.
"Because of the length of the sentences, I see no reason to run them consecutively," Fairchild said.
Coffey will get credit for 564 days for time already spent in jail awaiting trial and sentencing after charges were filed more than two years ago. Fairchild denied motions filed by Coffey's attorney, Sarah Swain, for a new trial and to depart from sentencing guidelines and issue shorter sentences. Two of the rapes were committed against the same victim.
Swain submitted the results of a mental evaluation that Coffey underwent, which she said concluded that he did not have sexual predator tendencies. During the trial she argued that the sex with the two victims was consensual. The case can be appealed.
"I have nothing to say," Coffey told the judge when given the chance to speak before he was sentenced.
The two female victims were in court watching the sentencings but did not speak. A letter from one of the victims was given to Fairchild by Chief Deputy District Attorney Amy McGowan.
McGowan commended the strength of the victims for sticking with the charges through the delays and court hearings, noting that they were dispirited at times because the process took so long.
"I about lost them," she said.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
Interesting that your comment shows up with the article, but not on the discussions list. BTW, that was very petty comment, doc1.
vhawk (Veronica Mohr) says…
Lawrence has finally provided justice instead of the usual slap on the wrist.
Informed (anonymous) says…
"Lawrence has finally provided justice instead of the usual slap on the wrist."Perhaps because this wasn't in Paula Martin's courtroom.
smitty (anonymous) says…
Judges can be voted out. Go vote every time you can.LE(the obvious coproaches, ie: doc1) on these forums show their true colors(blue wall of silence=cover ups, disrespectful straw arguements, etc).Is it time for a revolution yet?Can I get an amen?
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
You're correct, Informed. Good Ol' Paula would've given him two weeks probation. She would blame the women for playing an active role in their own attacks.
pissedinlawrence (anonymous) says…
thank you!!!!!
fascinating_person (anonymous) says…
I don't understand what the Paula Martin case that I assume you're all referring to has to do with this one. There's a lack of information about the rapes in this article, but I do know that in the case Martin presided over, it was established that at the time, the victim did consent to sex. She was underage, and ultimately that led to the charges. That's a lot different than two WOMEN accusing one man of rape. Further, Martin followed sentencing guidelines - if on the light side - when initially sentencing the men.Disclaimer: Rape is never, ever OK, nor is it ever the fault of the victim.
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
In "the Paula Martin case" I THINK the victim was 13 years old. She "consented" to sex while intoxicated, and more than one male "had sex with" her. Genius.