WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Crime Victims Hope Cashman Controversy Leads to Stiffer Sentences

Crime Victims Hope Cashman Controversy Leads to Stiffer Sentences

Essex Junction, Vermont - January 13, 2006

Judge Cashman has been getting a lot of attention following his sentence last week. But crime victims want people to remember the little girl Mark Hulett abused, and hope that attention to this case will mobilize support for laws that protect victims rights.

Keith Weiss has been paying close attention to the sentence Judge Ed Cashman gave to admitted child molester Mark Hulett. When Keith was four years old, he too was molested by someone he trusted.

"A lot of people are forgetting this little girl was molested for four years," said Weiss. "They're all focusing on the judge. It's going to be a rough life for this little girl. it does bother me to see people forget about her." Now Keith and his mom are pushing for tougher laws in Vermont - like Jessica's Law in some states - which mandates a minimum sentence. Vermont's legislation would mandate 25 years for sex offenders. Victims rights advocates hope the public outcry over Hulett's sentence will mobilize support for laws that protect victims rights. "This Jessica's Law will at least let the girl grow up before she has to deal with this man again," said Weiss.

Sue Russell of the Vermont Victim/Survivor of Crime Council says the state's laws don't do enough to make victims feel safe. But she is concerned mandatory minimums would mean some juries would not convict.

"I think there is concern in the victims community about Jessica's Law because it will result in victims having to go through more trials, less plea bargaining," said Russell.

Keith Weiss says regardless of what happens in the legislature, Hulett's crime will have one lasting legacy. "It's going to be a tremendous impact on this little girl. it was a tremendous impact on me," said Weiss.

Kate Duffy - Channel 3 News