Cowardly Cop Gets Off Easy
Cowardly Cop, Scott Curtis Trautner forced his young, 14 year old helpless victim into having sex with him. This former State trooper could have also reduced the emotional trauma for the victim and her family had he done the right thing by admitting his guilt and face the consequences of his ugly behavior. Instead, he thrust the victim into playing the events of that horrible night on the witness stand describing to a jury how she was forced into having sex with him.
The judge sentenced Scott Curtis Trautner, 41, of Woodbury, must serve 30 years of probation, perform 3,000 hours of community service, pay almost $8,000 in fines and restitution and register as a sex offender. But State sentencing guidelines call for a minimum of 12 years in prision. But because of the trooper's "special situation" the judge took that into account.
If Trautner violates probation, Washington County District Judge Thomas Armstrong ruled, he must serve 12 years in prison.
Of course the former trooper had nor prior criminal history and he deep act very "sorry for his actions in court, but that's still no excuse for a joke of a sentence, which is nothing more than a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned. This for a moment, what this young woman must live with for the rest of her life? Everytime she see's a police car she will no doubt flash back to the night Trooper Traunter victimized her.
Of course the former trooper had nor prior criminal history and he deep act very "sorry for his actions in court, but that's still no excuse for a joke of a sentence, which is nothing more than a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned. This for a moment, what this young woman must live with for the rest of her life? Everytime she see's a police car she will no doubt flash back to the night Trooper Traunter victimized her.
The judge also considered during his sentencing the fact that the former trooper could be a target in prision. Gee, what right's does anyone have after they commit a serious felony to have their personal safety considered in a sentencing hearing? The average person on the street surely would not receive the same consideration. So why extended it to someone who violated their oath of office?
Trautner was convicted in April of first-degree criminal sexual conduct after being charged with improperly touching and performing oral sex on the girl in December 2004.
According to the news wires--Trautner apologized to the girl in court Friday, Ivy said. But the prosecutor added that Trautner could have saved the girl the pain of the trial if he had pleaded guilty.
"You should have said you're sorry a long time ago," Ivy said.
In earlier court proceedings, Trautner told the judge he has had mental health issues after witnessing several suicides and having some harrowing experiences on the job. He was put on paid administrative leave in May 2005 and told authorities earlier this year that he had retired from the State Patrol in December and is on disability. So that would mean he will receive disability payments from the State until he files his retirement papers? Or does he receive disability for the rest of his life?
Trautner joined the patrol in 1985 and was promoted to lieutenant in June 2004. He received more than 35 commendations or awards during his service.
