Probation denied

A court decision came out of LaPorte, Ind., Tuesday in a case regarding Kristopher Gliva, a 20-year-old man who broke into a little girl's bedroom, snatched her from her bed, dragged her through a window, took her out behind a shed and stripped her. He might or might not have molested her before the neighbor's dog scared him away. Though she was spared any more physical injury, Gliva told her he would be back for her. \nThe judge gave this monster the maximum sentence, 18 years in prison, minus four years suspended for probation. I would like to say that while the punishment fits the crime legally, the glaringly unfitting execution of justice here makes me sick to my stomach. As young as Gliva is, 14 years in prison is a veritable slap on the wrist when compared to the destruction he wreaked on the girl's life. She has to deal with the psychological damage from that night for as long as she lives. She has to fear her own bedroom, a place that should be a child's palace. She might have to relearn trust. How long will this experience affect her ability to maintain relationships and self-confidence? What nightmares will she forever be afflicted with? The courts seem to think 14 years is plenty of time for her to get over it. In 14 years, Gliva gets to start over. The monster will get to move on. When he gets out, will he follow through on his threat and come for her again? The victim, who could not be more blameless, will be burdened with her terror forever. \nThis unconscionable error in judgment calls for a major legislative amendment. It is time to put pressure on our lawmakers to make the perpetrators of horrific crimes truly suffer. We cannot stand for them to be coddled or allowed to start over. As a constituency, we are responsible for the victims. You have the power to petition the state assembly to give justice to the innocent. Ask your legislators to create punishments that fit horrific crimes. \nIt might be hard for you to find reason to merit your effort in changing this legal error. You most likely don't have children nor expect to in the near future. However, this is about more than just the protection of other people's kids. It's about standing up and saying that our culture has no place for those who don't respect the sanctity of innocence. Acts like sexually molesting children and physically abusing the elderly or mentally challenged should be non-negotiable crimes. No second chance, no probation. When people make the choice to do something so depraved, they voluntarily give up their right to live in society. They shouldn't get to start over because their victims will never get that luxury. Until lawmakers discover a way to restore her innocence, it is an insult to that little girl and all who have suffered to give Kristopher Gliva anything resembling freedom. Ever.