Judge Apologizes For Unbelievable Comment, But No Punishment...

Friday, January 30, 2004




Judge apologizes for comments

SANFORD -- Circuit Judge Gene Stephenson on Thursday publicly apologized for insulting comments he made about a rape victim and removed himself from the case.

"The remarks were inappropriate. It's something I've never done before and won't do again," Stephenson said.

"I would just ask that she accept my apology. If she could find it in her heart to accept it, I'd appreciate it," the judge said

During proceedings in the rape case Monday before the prosecutor and defense attorney, Stephenson looked at a photograph of the battered victim and said, "Why would he want to rape her? She doesn't look like a day at the beach," according to a transcript reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel.

The victim was not in the courtroom at the time.

Stephenson, 70, said he didn't remember making the comment, but he acknowledged the transcript and said he thinks he probably did utter those words.

The victim, a 57-year-old woman, was not present for the apology. On Wednesday, she said she was shocked by the judge's remark.

On Thursday, the state attorney's office asked the judge to disqualify himself from the case.

Stephenson made the comment Monday shortly before Brian Huffman, 27, of Winter Park pleaded guilty to raping, kidnapping, beating and robbing the victim at about midnight New Year's Eve 2002.

Assistant State Attorney Stacey Salmons made no plea offer and wanted the case to go to trial.

Stephenson, though, offered the defendant 21 years in prison, followed by two years of house arrest and then 15 years probation if he pleaded guilty as charged.

Huffman did and confessed to the crime.
Copyright © 2004, Orlando Sentinel




MSNBC reported today that aside from recusing himself from the case, the Judge will receive no further attention regarding the remark. I agree witht he MSNBC reporter who dismissed those excusing Stephenson's mistake as a 'one-time error' by pointing out that judge's routinely treat 'one-time errors' of others with less sympathy. He should be fired, IMO.