Judge Complains of Light Sentence to Woman

(Danville, Pennsylvania) Last June, a 20-year-old Williamsport woman, Melissa Janine Mitch, was arrested and charged with statutory sexual assault and corruption of a minor for engaging in sex with a 14-year-old boy. Apparently, the hormone-charged boy was persistent so she "gave in" to him. Mitch was booked and released.

Today, it's reported that Judge Scott W. Naus sentenced Mitch to nine to 23 months in jail and then complained about his sentence.

From The Daily Item:

Melissa Mitch pleaded guilty to corruption of minors after she had sex with the boy while staying with him and his mother.

Judge Naus felt she was getting off with a lighter charge because she was a woman.

"I don't think this gives you enough time," he said. "It's atrocious that you're only charged with corruption. I'm going to give you every day because I don't think what's here is enough."

I don't know all the details. Maybe his hands were tied to a particular outcome. Presumably, the judge has the authority to impose a stiffer sentence. Nonetheless, it's unusual for a judge to complain about his own ruling while accusing the system of treating Mitch leniently because she's a woman.

Tip: Don Morgenstern