Stiles speaks: A glimpse into the mind of a pedophile
Updated: May 29, 2009 07:11 PM
www.kvbc.comChester Stiles will spend the rest of his life in prison for raping two young girls.
This case gained national attention when a videotape was found showing one of the assaults. But as News 3's Denise Rosch reports, it wasn't the sentencing that surprised many in the packed courtroom. Rather, it was what Stiles said to the judge.
"I sentence the defendant to life in prison."
It's a phrase Chester Stiles would hear a total of 21 times as Judge Jennifer Togliatti handed down the maximum sentence to a man who prosecutors call a "master manipulator." Stiles received 21 life sentences for the rape and molestation of two little girls - one of the attacks memorialized for all time on videotape.
Deputy District Attorney Mary Kay Holthus used words like "despicable," "worst of the worst," and "con man" while describing Stiles actions.
"He should spend every year, every month, every week, every hour of every day that this court can give him behind bars," says Holthus.
But instead of apologizing, the convicted pedophile delivered his own surprising statement, painting himself as the victim.
"So legislation dictates that a child's virtue is more important than life itself? A 12 minute videotape that shows no use of force, no drugs, no violence or brutality. There are no tears or threats, no blood. Indeed, a doctor could not find evidence of molestation and the child did not remember in any event. Yet I am to die in prison?"
For several minutes Stiles read from a prepared statement, telling the courtroom that the truth never came out and that he believes his punishment does not fit the crime.
"Weekly on the news I see murderers get 10-year sentences in town while I incur 21 life sentences for a non-violent act?"
These words did not sit well with the judge, who says it is rare to get this sort of glimpse into the mind of a pedophile.
"He has no remorse for the actions in this case, no acceptance of responsibility," says Judge Togliatti.
While some of his life sentences will run back-to-back and others will overlap, the bottom line is this: Chester Stiles will have to serve 140 years behind bars before he's even eligible for parole.
