SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman outside a fraternity house will be released from jail Friday after serving half a six-month sentence that critics denounced as too lenient.
Turner was sexually assaulting her when two graduate students passing by on bicycles confronted him, pinned him down as he tried to flee and called police.
Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky cited the "extraordinary circumstances" of Turner's youth, clean criminal record and other considerations in departing from the minimum sentence.
The judge followed the probation department's recommendation for a "moderate" jail sentence, saying prison would have a "severe impact" on Turner and he likely "will not be a danger to others."
Critics argue the sentence minimized sexual assault on college campuses and called attention to inequality in the courts.
The fact that Brock was an athlete at a private university should not be seen as an entitlement to leniency, but as an opportunity to send a message that sexual assault is against the law regardless of social class.
CNN anchor Ashleigh Banford read the entire 7,200-word statement on air and members of Congress took turns reading it aloud on the House floor.
Turner's father lamented that his son's life was ruined by "20 minutes of action" and his grandparents complained that "Brock is the only person being held accountable for the actions of other irresponsible adults."
The California Assembly voted 66-0 Monday to make a prison sentence mandatory for the same crime Turner committed.
A women's advocacy group has filed a formal misconduct complaint with the state agency that disciplines judges.
Ohio prison officials have agreed to take over monitoring Turner, and he is required to register as a sex offender with the county sheriff.
