A convicted child molester will be released from Missouri prison Friday, despite pleas from the people he molested.
Nelson Paul Thompson is set to be released on probation after completing four months of his 10-year sentence. In a plea deal reached last year, Thompson was sentenced to 10 years by the judge, who also approved the provision for probation following a 120-day rehabilitation program.
During the court proceedings on Thursday morning, the attorney representing the defendant presented the outcomes of the rehabilitation program. These results demonstrated the defendant’s progress in not engaging in further criminal activities. At the courthouse, Carigan and Amber, the two victims, also voiced their opinions on the matter.
“The judge kept saying that there was no risk, but standing here are two victims,” Carigan said.
Amber tearfully addressed the court on Thursday, expressing her dissatisfaction with the plea deal that had been offered to her molester. Amidst her sobs, she made it clear that she had never agreed to such an arrangement.
“The trial was hard enough,” Amber said. “It came with a lot of things. And then, the amount of safety we felt to be ripped away and to feel completely unjustified.”
Ahead of the hearing, the family and friends of the two victims initiated a petition urging the state not to release Thompson. The petition garnered over 1,500 signatures. Recognizing the petition, Judge Scott Hays acknowledged the presence of the group in the courtroom, comprising supporters of the two women. He made it clear that he would not be influenced by what he referred to as “mob rule,” emphasizing his commitment to upholding the letter of the law.
Hays openly expressed his disapproval of having him in his neighborhood or near his loved ones during the court proceedings. However, despite the judge acknowledging Hays’ concerns, he explained that he was unable to keep him incarcerated due to the terms of the plea agreement.
After serving his sentence, Thompson will be required to register as a sex offender. Both the prosecutor and the defense attorney declined to answer any questions from the press.