A former high school teacher in Montana will only serve 30 days in jail, despite being convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl who later committed suicide.
The sentence was handed down on Monday by Judge G. Todd Baugh to Stacey Dean Rambold, 54, who admitted to having sexual relations with Cherice Morales, a then 14-year-old student.
Baugh reportedly sentenced Rambold to 15 years prison for nonconsensual sexual intercourse, but suspended all except 31 days. The judge then gave the former teacher credit for one day served, reducing his total jail sentence to just 30 days.
According to The Billings Gazette, the judge said 14-year-old Morales was "older than her chronological age" and Rambold's lawyer asked the judge to "consider how he's been punished to this point."
Stacey Rambold stands in the courtroom Monday after sentencing by Judge G. Todd Baugh. Rambold received 15 years in prison, with all but 31 days suspended, for sexual intercourse without consent. He will also get credit for one day already served. (Credit: Paul Ruhter / Gazette Staff)
After the sentence was announced, the victim's mother reportedly began screaming "You people suck!" before exiting the court room.
Rambold was accused of engaging in at least three sexual encounters in 2008 with then 14-year-old student Morales. In 2010 Morales committed suicide. Her mother testified that the sexual relationship with Rambold was a "huge factor" in Morales' suicide.
Judge G. Todd Baugh did not immediately return calls from TheBlaze on Tuesday seeking comment.
(H/T: The Billings Gazette)
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