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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Rapist’s case disgusting

I am a retired Spokane police detective and former child abuse investigator, and I am writing regarding child rapist William Gentry and Superior Court Judge Ellen Kalama Clark.

Tom Clouse’s article, “Rapist no longer needs to register” (Jan. 12) made me physically ill. Once again two public servants have dragged a rape victim through the mud. The victim of this egregious act was a mentally disabled 20-year-old with the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. Gentry was in a position of trust and took advantage of this child in a woman’s body. He raped her. He violated all tenets of human decency.

Gentry spent a minimal time incarcerated. He received no treatment in prison. He also registered as a sex offender upon his release. His registration as a sex offender served to warn citizens that they should take appropriate action if they lived near Gentry.

Gentry petitioned the court to take his name off the sex offenders’ list so he could “live peacefully and be able to travel occasionally with his wife.”

Cry me a river. Clark should be sanctioned, and Gentry should spend as much time with his crime as the victim will. A lifetime.

Terry Morehouse

Spokane

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