Rapist’s Case Could ‘Clean Up’ Sentencing Rules

A prosecutor says the furor over the 30-day sentence given to a Montana teacher who raped a 14-year-old girl offers a chance to clean up holes in how the state sentences criminals.

Fifty-four-year-old Stacey Rambold was released from prison this week after fulfilling the term handed down by District Judge G. Todd Baugh, who commented that victim Cherice Moralez was "older than her chronological age."

Rambold's sentence is now under review by the state's high court.

Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said Friday he's hopeful justices will clarify sentencing statutes that are interpreted differently from case to case.

Twito added that prosecutors' earlier request that Rambold receive 20 years with 10 years suspended remains appropriate.

Moralez killed herself before the case went to trial.