Woman Gets 10 Years for Molesting Little Boy

(Bozeman, Montana) This case sickens me. A 19-year-old woman, Patricia Lynn Cook, pleaded guilty in Gallatin County District Court to molesting a 7-year-old boy in exchange for 10 years in the Montana State Women's Prison and 20 years probation. At a trial, Cook would have faced life in prison and, given the details of her crimes, I think a life sentence was certain.

From Bozemandailychronicle.com:

She told police on Aug. 11 she began touching the boy inappropriately six years ago when he was 8 months old, according to court records. The touching began while changing his diaper and progressed from there.

She continued touching the boy and felt "a little bit sexually aroused," according to court records. She said the molesting continued for several years.

She also said she had been sexually abused as a young child.

Cook punched the boy in the stomach, spanked him and slapped him to keep him from telling anyone.

Cook was arrested after telling police that she was homicidal and suicidal.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 7. Meanwhile, Cook is locked up in the Gallatin County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.