Jeni Lee Dinkel Guilty of Rape

(Covington, Kentucky) In April, 51-year-old Hollywood makeup artist Jeni Lee Dinkel was charged with rape and sodomy for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Catholic schoolboy.

Today, Dinkel pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in accordance with a plea deal negotiated with Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders. Because Dinkel has no criminal record and the fact that she's a girl, Sanders said he would recommend to Kenton Circuit Judge Gregory Bartlett that Dinkel be given probation when sentenced on July 2nd.

Other elements of the plea agreement include registration as a sex offender, agreeing not to write a book, movie, etc. about her sex with the boy, paying for counseling of the boy and getting tested for STDs. She will also not be allowed to go near Covington Catholic High School except to pick up or drop off her son.

At sentencing, Judge Bartlett has the option of giving Dinkel a penalty of one to five years in prison, if he so chooses. I suggest that the judge give Dinkel some time behind bars. Although harshness isn't called for in this case, I do think a reasonable stretch is appropriate. Probation alone, I believe, is unreasonable.

I also believe that Commonwealth Attorney Sanders should rethink his policy of treating females as more equal in the eyes of the law. If Sanders worked for me, I'd fire him.


[Update 07/02/07]

Dinkel deal rejected.


[Update 08/09/07]

Dinkel sentenced.


[Update 12/02/07]

Dinkel released from jail.


[Update 02/19/08]

Dinkel arrested for violating her probation.