A New York man was sentenced to eight years probation two years after he pleaded guilty to raping four girls at his house parties.
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The decision was made on Tuesday by Niagara County Judge Matthew J. Murphy III after he reportedly “agonized” over the case and claimed it was inappropriate to send 20-year-old Christopher Belter.” I’m not ashamed to say that I actually prayed over what is the appropriate sentence in this case because there was great pain,” he said. Belter pleaded guilty in 2019 for third-degree rape, attempted sexual abuse, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of four teenage girls between 2017 and 2018. One of the victims, identified as MM, said Belter will most likely commit the act again.
“I completely broke down. It was as if I was being victimized all over again. I don’t believe it for one second. He was saying whatever it takes for him to get his best outcome and it worked. … I will have to live with this for the rest of my life, knowing that he’s walking the streets and that another girl can be a victim of his any day now. It’s terrifying.” she said.
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Murphy didn’t further explain what a prison sentencing would be considered inappropriate and Belter is expected to register as a sex offender. He will return to court on December 2 for a hearing.
SOURCE: The Cut